Is Your Parking Lot ADA Compliant?

When you own and operate your own business, you need to consider everything from safety to ADA compliance and inclusivity for your customers.  By neglecting these considerations, you not only limit your customer base, but you also may face legal ramifications in the process.  As experts in asphalt paving in Sacramento, CA, we have helped many businesses ensure that their parking lots and walkways meet all the recommendations to be ADA compliant.  These are a few features that you need in order to meet ADA compliance.

You Have the Right Number of Handicapped Spaces

Every parking lot needs to have a certain number of handicapped parking spaces depending on the size of their lot.  If you have less than 25 spaces, you need to make sure that at least one of them is handicapped accessible.  For parking lots with between 26-100 parking spaces, you need to have at least two.  It is important to familiarize yourself with the laws written by the Americans with Disability Act to abide by these laws.

You Have Proper Signage

In addition to actually having the parking spaces set aside for your handicapped guests, you also need to have the proper signage that make these features clear to all customers.  These signs should be at least five feet off the ground so that all motorists can see them from up-close and afar.  Many parking lots will also paint blue striping around these spaces, and they will even provide space on the side of the parking spaces that are designated for wheelchair ramps or other vehicle unloading features.

You Have Handicapped-Accessible Ramps and Sidewalks

If your business is on an upper-level or requires guests to walk up any stairs to come into your doors, you also need to have an accompanying ADA compliant ramp for your handicapped customers.  Make sure that the incline of this ramp meets the outlined rules by the ADA, as it will be difficult for those with disabilities or wheelchairs to climb up a steep ramp.

You Keep Surfaces Safe and Smooth

By performing routine maintenance, you can prevent cracks or potholes from developing in your sidewalks, parking lot, and other walkways.  Potholes and cracks pose hazards for those with canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices.  This can result in injury, or it can even result in your liability for an injury.  Be sure that you regularly maintain your surfaces to prevent issues with potholes, water collection, debris, and other issues that can pose hazards for your disabled customers.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your parking lot is ADA compliant, which will protect you from any liabilities and show your customers that you care about all their needs.  To make any changes or updates to your parking lot, contact our professionals in asphalt paving in Sacramento, CA to hear more about our services today.