Are your sure that the handicapped accessible parking spaces and signage at your business are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires public accommodations to provide goods and services to people with disabilities on an equal basis as the rest of the general public, and includes specific requirements related to handicapped parking.
Along with accessible and inclusive restroom signage, one of the most important components of ADA compliance for building owners includes handicapped parking spaces and signage. The Act specifies the required minimum size of parking spaces, and percent of total spaces that must be accessible, and the signage that is required to identify those spaces.
What You Need To Know
Here are the basics of what you need to know to meet federal and California regulations on handicapped-accessible parking spaces:
- The international symbol of accessibility (the wheelchair pictogram on a blue background) must be posted on all accessible parking spaces.
- New or replaced signs should clearly state: “Minimum Fine $250.”
- Van-accessible parking spaces must have the necessary additional “Van Accessible” text below the accessibility symbol.
- Signs must be placed at an appropriate height, at least 60” above the pavement, so that they do not get obscured by any parked vehicles or other obstructions.
- ADA Handicapped parking signs must be viewable from the driver’s seat of all vehicles, and must be located in view of parking spaces.
- An additional sign is to be posted at each entrance to an off-street parking facility or adjacent to the parking space stating, “Unauthorized vehicles parked in designated accessible spaces not displaying distinguishing placards or special license plates issued for persons with disabilities will be towed away at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at _____________ or by telephoning _____________.” This sign should be a minimum of 17 by 22 inches in size with a minimum lettering size of 1 inch in height.
Beyond Just Compliance
Beyond obeying the basic rules for compliance, Handicapped parking signs can also benefit from good design and high-quality fabrication. The size and shape of the sign and the finish of the posts are just a few of the factors that ensure that the signs are in keeping with the quality of the building and grounds.
At Starfish Signs & Graphics, we have significant expertise in the area of ADA sign compliance. Our experienced staff is willing to answer any questions about your business’s compliance with ADA signage regulations. Our sign designers will work with you to design and customize signs for your commercial properties and Home Owners’ Associations.
Give us a call today, and let us help you ensure that your parking areas are compliant and welcoming to all customers, employees and guests. Click this link to schedule a consultation with an experienced sign designer.