ADA Standards & Parking Block Design Guide

This guide provides an overview of common ADA parking requirements and practical considerations for accessible parking space layout, access aisles, and parking stop placement. It is intended for property managers, contractors, and facility teams planning new parking lots or restriping existing ones.

Accessible Parking Space Requirements

When a parking lot is newly constructed or restriped, accessible parking spaces must be provided in accordance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Existing parking facilities also have an ongoing obligation to remove barriers to access when it is readily achievable to do so.

Accessible Parking Spaces for Cars

• Minimum stall width: 96 inches (8 feet)
• Minimum access aisle width: 60 inches (5 feet)
• Access aisle must be marked and located adjacent to the accessible space
• Parking surface must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant
• Slope in all directions (stall and aisle): maximum 1:48

Van-Accessible Parking Spaces

• 132-inch-wide parking space with a 60-inch access aisle, or
• 96-inch-wide parking space with a 96-inch access aisle
• Minimum vertical clearance of 98 inches
• Additional signage identifying the space as “Van Accessible”

Required Number of Accessible Parking Spaces

The ADA specifies the minimum number of accessible parking spaces required based on the total number of parking spaces provided in a parking facility. At least one of every six accessible spaces must be van accessible.