Key Differences: Car vs Van Accessible Parking

Understanding the 15 Key Differences Between Car and Van Accessible Parking Spaces: A Comprehensive Guide

Ensuring that your parking lot is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is not just a legal obligation but also a crucial step toward creating an inclusive environment for all individuals. One of the key elements of ADA compliance is the proper designation and maintenance of accessible parking spaces. However, it's important to recognize that not all accessible parking spaces are created equal. Specifically, there are distinct differences between car-accessible and van-accessible parking spaces, each designed to meet the unique needs of different vehicles and their occupants. Understanding these differences is essential for property managers and business owners who want to ensure their facilities are both compliant and accessible to everyone.

The Basics of Accessible Parking Spaces

Accessible parking spaces are designated spots that allow individuals with disabilities to park close to a building entrance, ensuring easy access to the facility. These spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access (commonly known as the wheelchair symbol) and are required to have specific dimensions and features to accommodate vehicles used by people with disabilities.

The ADA mandates that parking facilities include a certain number of accessible spaces based on the total number of parking spaces available. Importantly, the law also requires that a portion of these accessible spaces be designated as van-accessible. This distinction is critical because vans, particularly those equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps, require additional space to operate safely and effectively.

Key Differences Between Car and Van Accessible Spaces

Understanding the nuances between car-accessible and van-accessible parking spaces is crucial for proper ADA compliance. Here’s a detailed look at the key differences:

1. Parking Space Width:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Minimum width of 96 inches.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Minimum width of 96 inches, but typically paired with a wider access aisle for side-entry ramps.

2. Access Aisle Width:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Requires a minimum access aisle width of 60 inches.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Requires a larger access aisle, at least 96 inches wide, to accommodate side-entry lifts and ramps.

3. Vertical Clearance:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: No specific vertical clearance requirement, but must be on a level surface.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Requires a minimum vertical clearance of 98 inches to accommodate the height of vans with roof-mounted wheelchair lifts.

4. Signage Requirements:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Must display the International Symbol of Access on a sign mounted at least 60 inches above the ground.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Must have the standard accessibility sign plus an additional sign indicating "Van Accessible," mounted at least 84 inches above the ground to ensure visibility over a parked van.

5. Access Aisle Location:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: The access aisle can be located on either side of the parking space.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: The access aisle is typically located on the passenger side of the van to accommodate side-entry ramps and lifts.

6. Slope Requirements:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: The parking space and access aisle must have a maximum slope of 1:48 in all directions.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: The same slope requirement applies, but the larger area required for the access aisle may demand more careful grading to meet this standard.

7. Number of Required Spaces:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: The total number of accessible spaces required is determined by the size of the parking facility, but only a portion need to be van-accessible.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: At least one in every eight accessible spaces must be van-accessible. In parking facilities with fewer than eight accessible spaces, at least one must be van-accessible.

8. Placement Near Accessible Entrances:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Should be located on the shortest accessible route to the nearest accessible entrance.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Must also be located on the shortest accessible route but with consideration for providing enough space for van maneuvering and access.

9. Surface Material and Marking:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Requires clear, durable striping that defines the parking space and access aisle.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Striping must be similarly clear and durable, with additional marking requirements for the wider access aisle.

10. Shared Access Aisles:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Two car-accessible spaces can share a single 60-inch-wide access aisle.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Two van-accessible spaces can share a single 96-inch-wide access aisle, or a van space may share an aisle with a car-accessible space, depending on layout.

11. Location Relative to Curb Ramps:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Must be located so that the access aisle connects directly to an accessible route, often near curb ramps.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Must also connect directly to an accessible route, but the curb ramps and paths must be designed to accommodate the larger vehicle and wider access aisle.

12. Special Considerations for Sloped Sites:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Must be placed on a level site or one with minimal slope.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Placement on sloped sites requires careful planning to ensure the vertical clearance and level access aisle are maintained.

13. Surface Quality:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Surface must be smooth, stable, and slip-resistant.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Same requirement, but with additional emphasis on maintaining the quality of the larger access aisle.

14. Pavement Markings for Access Aisle:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Access aisle must be clearly marked, often with hatch lines, to discourage parking in the aisle.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: The wider access aisle must also be clearly marked, typically with hatch lines and sometimes with additional signage.

15. Proximity to Building Entrances:

- Car-Accessible Spaces: Should be as close as possible to the accessible entrance, with a direct path.

- Van-Accessible Spaces: Needs the same proximity but also requires a route that can accommodate the larger vehicle and ramp needs.

Why These Differences Matter

The specific requirements for van-accessible spaces are not arbitrary; they address the unique needs of individuals who rely on vans for transportation. Vans equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps require more space both on the sides and above the vehicle to operate safely. Without these accommodations, a person using a wheelchair may not be able to enter or exit their vehicle, effectively rendering the accessible space unusable.

By ensuring that your parking lot includes the correct number of van-accessible spaces, properly marked and maintained, you not only comply with ADA regulations but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. This commitment is increasingly important in today’s world, where accessibility is recognized as a fundamental right and a key component of good business practice.

Implementing and Maintaining Accessible Spaces

If you're responsible for managing a parking facility, it's crucial to regularly review and update your accessible parking spaces to ensure they meet all current standards. This includes not only the striping and signage but also the overall condition of the spaces and access aisles. Over time, weather and wear can erode striping, fade signs, and create uneven surfaces, all of which can compromise the accessibility of your parking lot.

Working with a professional striping company can help ensure that your parking lot remains compliant and accessible. Professionals can accurately measure and mark spaces according to the latest ADA guidelines, ensuring that all requirements for both car and van-accessible spaces are met.

Conclusion

Understanding and implementing the differences between car and van-accessible parking spaces is essential for any property manager or business owner. By doing so, you not only fulfill legal requirements but also create a more inclusive environment that serves all members of your community. Regularly reviewing and maintaining these spaces with the help of experienced professionals will ensure that your parking lot remains accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

We are happy to answer any of your striping questions. As a leading painting contractor serving DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality results. Contact us today for a free estimate and see how we can enhance your parking areas.

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