Section 502.1/Accessible Parking Spaces
ADA 502 covers accessible parking dimensions, access aisles, van-accessible requirements, signage, and surface slope.
Accessible parking spaces must be at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide with an adjacent access aisle of at least 60 inches (5 feet). Van- accessible spaces require an access aisle of at least 96 inches (8 feet), or the space itself must be 132 inches (11 feet) wide with a 60-inch aisle. The number of accessible spaces is based on the total parking count: 1 space for 1-25 total, 2 for 26-50, and increasing per Table 208.2. At least one of every six accessible spaces must be van-accessible. Spaces must be on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance. Signage with the International Symbol of Accessibility must be mounted 60 inches minimum above the ground.
Why this section exists
Accessible parking spaces provide the extra width needed for wheelchair lifts, ramp deployment, and side-transfer from a vehicle. Without the access aisle, a wheelchair user cannot open the vehicle door fully and deploy the lift or transfer board. Van-accessible spaces with the wider aisle accommodate full-size wheelchair vans with side-mounted lifts. The shortest-route requirement ensures people with disabilities do not have to travel farther than necessary from parking to the entrance.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers check the site plan for the number of accessible spaces based on the total parking count. They verify space and aisle dimensions. They check that van-accessible spaces meet the wider aisle requirement (or wider space). They trace the accessible route from the spaces to the building entrance and verify it is the shortest route. They check that the surface slope does not exceed 1:48 (2%) in all directions. They verify signage locations.