Make sure your parking lot is following ADA ramp requirements.
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) details several requirements for new commercial building projects to make these public spaces accessible to users with wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. One of these requirements is an ADA-compliant ramp.
Without ramps, your premise might be inaccessible to or create hazards for people with disabilities. Potential hazards include the risk of tripping if using a walker or falling out of the wheelchair or scooter.
So, is your parking lot compliant?
This guide should help you determine if your parking lot, as currently designed, meets the ADA ramp requirements.
An Overview
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) is a far-reaching federal law enacted in 1990 to guarantee equal opportunity for people with disabilities. The law especially targets equality in employment, public services, public accommodations, and telecommunications, among other areas.
ADA ramp requirements are captured under Title III (Public Accommodations) of the ADA Act. This section, known as the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, sets minimum accessibility standards for building alterations and new construction projects.
ADA parking lot ramps are identified as one of the features necessary to boost building accessibility for disabled persons.
Who Needs ADA Ramps?
ADA ramp requirements apply to public accommodation and commercial facilities where there are accessible routes with a change in height greater than ½ an inch and those with a slope steeper than 5%.
Specifics of the ADA Ramp Requirements for Parking Lots
To ensure ADA compliance, parking lot ramps must be designed with four key factors in mind (dimensions, landings, handrails, and edge protection).
Dimensions (slope, width, rise)
ADA-compliant parking lot ramps have a running rise-to-length slope of 1:12. The cross slope must be no more than 1:48. Additionally, all the ramps must have a minimum width of 36 inches between the handrails and maximum run (length) of 30 inches.
Landing requirements
Landings are mandatory at the top and bottom of each ramp. The landings must be level, at least as wide as the ramp, and have a minimum length of 60 inches. Landings must also not have a change in level exceeding 1:48. Where there are intermediate landings between runs, a 60 x 60 (length by width) clear must be maintained at the point where the run changes from linear.
Handrail requirements
ADA compliance also requires that any handicap ramp that rises more than six inches, or with a horizontal projection greater than 72 inches, be equipped with solid handrails on both sides. The handrails must run the entire length of the ramp and be continuous between ramp runs for switchback and L-shaped ramps. They must also extend at least one foot beyond the length of the ramp, at both ends.
Edge protection
Finally, where necessary, edge protection might be needed along ramp runs and landings to keep wheelchair casters and crutch tips on the surface. Such protection can be provided using barriers, curbs, or extended surfaces.
Penalties for Noncompliance
If an individual with a disability believes that the lack of ADA compliance is discriminatory towards them, they can personally bring a lawsuit under Title III of the ADA Act to obtain court orders to stop the discrimination.
Alternatively, they may file a complaint with the Attorney General, who can then file a suit in the public’s interest. Title III lawsuits filed by the Attorney General may attract penalties not exceeding $100,000.
Become ADA Compliant with ACPLM
ACPLM is an asphalt repair company, specializing in ADA ramp and parking lot compliance, asphalt paving, asphalt repair, pavement repair, sealcoating, and concrete repair services. Contact us today to learn more about Title III ADA ramp requirements or for ADA ramp installation in Tampa, Florida.
