What Are the ADA Accessible Parking Guidelines in Houston?

December 23, 20240

Designing a new parking lot or revamping the design of an existing one is a great way to modernize your business while boosting its curb appeal and creating a great customer experience. However, parking lot striping isn’t as simple as applying rudimentary lines. You must also ensure full parking lot compliance to meet all codes and ADA requirements. But what ADA accessible parking guidelines do you need to follow in Houston?

What Are ADA Accessible Parking Guidelines?

ADA compliant parking refers to a set of features every property needs to ensure full accessibility to those with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that prevents discrimination by requiring accommodations in various aspects of public life. How does that impact parking lot striping?

Public lots must have specific features that cater to those with disabilities, ensuring that your business is fully accessible to all. These include dedicated handicap spots with ADA compliant striping and signage.

How Many ADA Texas Accessible Parking Spots Does My Property Need?

How many ADA compliant parking spots your property needs depends on your lot’s maximum capacity. Here’s a quick breakdown of the minimum number of spots required.

  • Parking Lots with 1-100 Total Spaces: One ADA compliant parking spot for every 25 standard spaces
  • Parking Lots with 101-200 Total Spaces: A minimum of four handicap spots plus one for every 50 standard spaces over 101
  • Parking Lots with 201-500 Total Spaces: A minimum of seven handicap spots plus one for every 100 standard spaces over 201.
  • Parking Lots with 501-1,000 Total Spaces: Two percent of the total spaces must be ADA Texas accessible parking spots
  • Parking Lots with Over 1,001 Total Spaces: A minimum of 20 handicap spots plus one for each 100 standard spots over 1,000.

Additionally, Texas requires that one of every six handicap spots be van-accessible.

Do ADA Accessible Parking Guidelines Say Anything About Size, Location or Pathways?

ADA Texas accessible parking guidelines don’t stop with the number of handicapped spots. Every spot also requires clear parking lot striping and signage installed 60 inches above the pavement surface. Furthermore, your ADA compliant striping must create spaces with distinct dimensions. Handicap spots must be at least 96 inches wide. Spaces in parking structures or those with shade covers must have a vertical clearance of 114 inches.

Spots also need accompanying access aisles, which two spots can share. These aisles must be 60 inches wide, and aisles tied to van-accessible spots must be 96 inches wide.

To maintain parking lot compliance, dedicated handicap spots must also have a slope of no more than two percent in any direction, include slip-resistant striping and be in a location that offers the shortest accessible route to the building’s entrance.

What About Red Line Striping?

In addition to handicap spots with proper striping and signage, your property may also need red line striping. Red line striping indicates areas where patrons cannot park their vehicles. They mark fire lanes and strict no-parking zones, ensuring emergency responders have unblocked access to buildings.

How Do I Ensure My Property Has Full Parking Lot Compliance?

Navigating ADA accessible parking guidelines can be challenging. The best investment is professional striping service from an experienced contractor familiar with all applicable federal, state and local codes. They can help you develop a parking lot design that meets your needs while ensuring full compliance. Expert guidance can help you avoid compliance issues, penalties and lawsuits.

When you need ADA compliant striping, Pelagic Paving is here to help. We’re well-versed in all applicable codes throughout Houston and the surrounding communities. We apply our expertise to help clients like you comply with the law while improving accessibility. Our goal is to provide honest and reliable service our customers can trust, and we work hard to deliver great results no matter how complex your needs might seem. In addition to ADA compliant striping, you can trust us for new asphalt paving, sealcoating, repairs, crack sealing, parking lot maintenance, concrete repairs and more.

Call Pelagic Paving today at (346)200-9537 for a free quote. You can also email us at Info@pelagicpaving.com or use our online form below.