In 1990 the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, was created to ensure access to places that are open to the general public for people who face disabilities. ADA compliance is crucial to ensure equal access is provided for people with disabilities and to avoid potential lawsuits. The ADA covers everything inside and outside of most places of business, but this guide will focus on Minnesota's State ADA compliance requirements for parking lots (city and county requirements may differ).
| Total Spaces | Required Number of Accessible Spaces |
| 1 to 25 | 1 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 |
| 51 to 75 | 3 |
| 76 to 100 | 4 |
| 101 to 150 | 5 |
| 151 to 200 | 6 |
| 201 to 300 | 7 |
| 301 to 400 | 8 |
| 401 to 500 | 9 |
| 501 to 1000 | 2% of total spaces |
| 1000+ | 20 spaces plus 1 for each 100 over 1000 |
How many accessible parking spaces do I need?
Accessibility to buildings starts in the parking lot. In order to be compliant, the parking lot will need to have a minimum number of accessible spaces. Refer to this simple table to determine the number of accessible spaces required. Also, at least one space in every six accessible spots must be a van accessible parking stall, and additional spaces may be required for certain types of buildings, like residential or healthcare facilities.
What makes a parking space accessible? 
When looking at parking accessibility, there are four main areas to be aware of:
- Dimensions
- Signage
- Pavement Markings
- Pavement Slope
Dimensions
Accessible parking spaces must be a minimum of eight feet wide with an adjacent aisle also measuring eight feet wide. Two spaces can share the same aisle access. For a space to be considered van accessible, it must also have a minimum vertical clearance of 98 inches.
Signage 
Accessible parking spaces must be identified with a sign showing the international symbol of accessibility. The minimum sign dimensions are 12 inches by 18 inches. The sign must also contain a notice that violators can face a fine of up to $200. The height requirements for these signs has changed recently, and many accessible parking stalls are no longer compliant. The bottom of the sign must be between 60 and 66 inches above the pavement and be centered in the parking space.
Additionally, in Minnesota, the accessible aisle must have a sign that says “No Parking” or “No Parking” must be painted on the pavement within the accessible aisle.
Pavement Markings
Accessible parking stalls are not required to have the international symbol for accessibility marked directly on the pavement, but this is a common practice, and it is strongly recommended. The access aisles next to accessible parking stalls must be hash marked to indicate it is not a parking stall.
Pavement Slope
Accessible parking spaces and aisles must have no more than a two percent slope in any direction. This means there can only be one inch of vertical change for every 50 inches of horizontal change. This is one of the most common ADA compliance issues that is found in parking lots.
When do I need to make changes to be compliant?
A change only needs to occur if you are planning to improve your parking lot. Parking areas that are sealcoated, resurfaced, or reconfigured in any way should be updated to meet ADA compliance for dimensions, signage, and pavement markings. The pavement slope should be updated if resurfacing or reconstruction of the parking lot takes place.
What if I am still unsure?
Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is not an official ADA inspector, but an informal ADA compliance check of the parking areas is included as part of our comprehensive pavement assessments. This check covers the areas of compliance mentioned above and provides a report indicating areas that may need updating. If there are ADA compliance questions regarding areas other than parking lots, we have industry connections to help with any situation.
Bituminous Roadways Can Be Your Preferred Pavement Partner
If you’re in need of an asphalt paving contractor who will work with you and become your preferred paving partner contact Bituminous Roadways. With more than 70 years in the industry, we provide dependable service and the highest level of quality asphalt paving in the Twin Cities metro area. Call us today at 651-686-7001 or request a consultation.
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