What Are the ADA Accessible Parking Guidelines in Atlanta?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a land federal civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination across many facets of public life. It’s an expansive law, but one of the most important sections of the ADA is Title III. Title III sets several requirements and guidelines to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to places of public accommodation. In this guide, you’ll learn about the ADA accessible parking guidelines you must follow to ensure your parking lot remains ADA compliant and fully accessible to all.

What Do ADA Accessible Parking Guidelines Say About Parking Spot Size?

Georgia accessibility codes require that every public parking lot has handicap spots. These accessible parking spaces must have clear markings, stripes and signage for easy identification. Standards parking lot codes state that these spots also need an access lane.

To meet parking requirements, each handicap spot must be at least 96 inches wide. Accessible spots must also have an access lane at least 60 inches wide. Two spots can share an access lane, but all accessible parking spaces must have at least one access lane on either side.

Parking requirements also govern the availability of van-accessible spaces. Two options are available: van-access spots can be 135 inches wide with a 60-inch access lane or 96 inches wide with a 96-inch access lane. Both comply with Georgia accessibility codes.

How Many Spots Do I Need to Dedicate to Handicap Parking in Atlanta?

The number of spaces devoted to handicap parking in Atlanta depends on your parking lot’s total size and capacity. Here’s a quick breakdown according to standards parking lot codes:

• 1 to 25 total spaces: 1 handicap spot
• 26 to 50 total spaces: 2 handicap spots
• 51 to 75 total spaces: 3 handicap spots
• 76 to 100 total spaces: 4 handicap spots
• 101 to 150 total spaces: 5 handicap spots
• 151 to 200 total spaces: 6 handicap spots
• 201 to 300 total spaces: 7 handicap spots
• 301 to 400 total spaces: 8 handicap spots
• 401 to 500 total spaces: 9 handicap spots
• 501 to 1,000 total spaces: 2 percent of total spots must handicap accessible
• 1,001 or more total spaces: At least 20 handicap spots plus 1 for every 100 over 1,001.

In addition to those minimums, at least one out of every six handicap spots must be van-accessible to comply with standards parking lot codes.

Where Should Handicap Parking Be According to ADA Accessible Parking Guidelines?

The Georgia accessibility standards state that the handicap parking in Atlanta must be as close as possible to the building’s entrance. The location must provide the shortest accessible route to the entrance. Property owners and contractors must often design a dedicated path with accessible curb ramps and clear striping.

What If I Ignore Georgia Accessibility Standards?

Parking requirements exist for a reason. They ensure that places of public accommodation are accessible to all. Failure to comply with Georgia accessibility standards can lead to steep penalties, reputational damage and potential legal trouble.

Violating ADA parking requirements can result in a penalty of as much as $75,000 for your first violation. Subsequent violations can incur a maximum penalty of $150,000. However, that amount can pale in comparison to legal risks. Class action lawsuits and liability issues can cause your business much more. Providing accessible parking spaces is paramount and ensures anyone can visit your property.

Need help navigating Georgia accessibility codes? The Surface Masters is ready to meet your needs. We’re an award-winning company that proudly serves clients in and around Atlanta. We’re well-versed in ADA parking requirements and will work closely with you to ensure your property meets the mark. Our team is eager to make your parking lot truly inclusive and accessible.

The Surface Masters is available to meet all your paving needs. We offer new asphalt paving, milling and reclamation, repairs, sealcoating, resurfacing, pavement markings and more. Get your free quote today by calling The Surface Masters at (770)250-6392, emailing Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com or using our online form.