May 20, 2025

A parking lot should be accessible by everyone, including drivers with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has guidelines that specify how a parking lot can be made inclusive and how many accessible spots should be provided. There are multiple factors that make a parking space accessible, so it’s essential to use an experienced company for line striping in Philadelphia that understands the ADA.

How to Ensure ADA Compliance for Line Striping in Philadelphia Parking Facilities

Understanding ADA Requirements

Every parking lot in Philadelphia has a legal obligation to comply with the ADA guidelines. These cover every aspect of using a parking lot, including the requirements for line striping. Some of the factors a line striping company must consider include:

Correct Number of Spaces

The number of accessible spaces you must provide largely depends on the size of your parking lot. The bigger your parking lot, the more accessible spaces must be included. For example, if your parking lot has 26–50 spaces, you must include two accessible spaces. In addition, for every six accessible spaces, one must be suitable for vans.

Proper Dimensions

Accessible spaces must meet the ADA measurements to ensure there’s sufficient space for wheelchairs and other mobility aids to be used. Car spaces must be at least 8 feet wide and van spaces must be 11 feet wide. All accessible spaces should be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access. This is usually a blue square with a white wheelchair symbol painted over it.  

Access Aisles

There must be an access aisle adjacent to every space, which must also meet ADA-prescribed dimensions. The access aisles for cars and vans must be 5 feet and 8 feet respectively. This ensures that there is sufficient room for wheelchairs or other mobility aids to be used when entering or exiting the vehicle without endangering the individual.

Access aisles must be clearly marked, typically with hatching, to prevent other drivers from parking there. A single access aisle can be shared by a parking space on either side

Appropriate Surface

To be accessible, spaces should be on a firm and slip-resistant surface. They should also be level, with a slope of no more than 1:48 in all directions. This means that for every 48 inches, the ground must not rise by more than one inch.

When line striping, it’s important to consider whether the ground meets these requirements. This includes checking for any cracks or potholes in the surface that would render the space non-compliant.

The Importance of Using Professional Line Striping Services

Without professional training, it’s easy to inadvertently breach the regulations, especially if they have recently changed. A line striping company will be up-to-date with both ADA and Pennsylvania requirements, and will use industrial-grade paint to prevent the lines from prematurely fading. This ensures your parking lot will remain compliant until your next resurfacing.

We are committed to providing a high-quality service to all our customers throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. To get your free quote today, contact us at Powersurge Plus in Lansdale, PA.