ADA Information

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 4:21 PM

Posted by: Lieslmcq Posts: 2,303

Eek! copying from a word document makes it all weird. Let's try this again:

In searching for information about ADA mandated parking, I found this information:

(5) (a) If parking spaces are provided for
self-parking by employees or visitors, or both,
then accessible spaces complying with 4.6
shall be provided in each such parking area in
conformance with the table below. Spaces
required by the table need not be provided in
the particular lot. They may be provided in a
different location if equivalent or greater
accessibility, in terms of distance from an
accessible entrance, cost and convenience is
ensured.
Required
Total Parking Minimum Number
in Lot 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 percent of total
1001 and over 20, plus 1 for each
100 over 1000
Except as provided in (b), access aisles adjacent
to accessible spaces shall be 60 in (1525
mm) wide minimum.
(b) One in every eight accessible spaces, but
not less than one, shall be served by an access
aisle 96 in (2440 mm) wide minimum and shall
be designated “van accessible” as required by
4.6.4. The vertical clearance at such spaces
shall comply with 4.6.5. All such spaces may
be grouped on one level of a parking structure.
EXCEPTION: Provision of all required parking
spaces in conformance with “Universal Parking
Design” (see appendix A4.6.3) is permitted.

My question is this: how do we find out, hopefully easily, how many spots are in a parking lot? I am asking because the mall I go to never has enough handicap parking and a valet once told me they had more than the mandated number. Yeah, um, no. Also, do the spaces have to be next to every entrance at a mall, or only a few? I couldn’t find that information. Anyone know?

Is there also a way to get a schematic of handicap parking spaces available?

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 5:58 PM

Posted by: diamonddog722 Posts: 28

Hello:

The law requires one space for every 25. Other than going into the mall's offices and asking them you have to count them. As an advocate I count the amount of isles then I factor in at least 50 spaces. For example: the mall by me has 150 isles with at least 50 spaces. So then you have to do the math. 150 x 2 = 300 spaces. These spaces have to be placed equally in front and the closes to the entrance ways. You have to be aware tho that some of the bigger stores own their share of the mall parking lots and then are required separately to provide. Most of the bigger stores own the building they are in and thus the parking lot by their buildings. I have been doing ADA law for years so if you have any questions just ask. diamonddog722@yahoo.com

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 5:59 PM

Posted by: DSB Posts: 767

The most easy way to find this information is to go to either on-line or what ever means is good for you to the planning dept of where ever you live. Building permits are issued and plans kept on file of any thing built. Many of the plan records from those permits now days are electonic. The best resource will always be the Building and land use depts and record drawings that were approved by permit to be built.

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 6:34 PM

Posted by: Lieslmcq Posts: 2,303

Diamonddog:

You rock! The mall I am thinking of is one that owns all of the spaces and stores, except perhaps for Neiman Marcus. Not entirely sure about that one. From what you have just told me, there is no way they have enough spaces. I would say there are 4 for every entrance, or every other entrance, and the mall itself is supposedly the largest in Texas. Hmmm. I think I will go around and count them sometime. But, what then? I'll write a letter, of course, to which they will respond with lots of legalese about how they are complying, I am mistaken, blah blah blah. File a complaint?

OK, here's another question: What about strip malls or malls where the stores are in the same parking lot but stand alone? Does each store have to have access? Surely someone has a website showing or telling of people who are not complying with the ADA? If not, someone needs to do that! Not that I am asking you about the website thing, just thinking with the keyboard.

Just one more: the 1 space for every 25 doesn't mean 25 per isle, right? 25 signifies the parking lot as a whole, I assume? In other words, if an isle has 24 spaces, they don't have to provide a spot. OK, that doesn't make sense at all. But you never know.

Thank you so much for your help and your offer to answer more questions.

Liesl

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 6:35 PM

Posted by: Lieslmcq Posts: 2,303

DSB: very cool! thanks for that information. Btw, I have your last PM open in another window. Getting there...

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 7:18 PM

Posted by: Nightengale Posts: 687

There was a website I saw last year with photos people sent in of accessible parking violations.

My favories were a giant chicken and a pile of dirt, both in accessible stalls. . . neither had a plackard displayed, needless to say.  Most were real cars though. . .

I lost the bookmark and my google-fu is failing me in trying to relocate it. Sources suggest it might have been www.caughtya.org but that link is now defunct.

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 7:40 PM

Posted by: DSB Posts: 767

One thing to keep in mind about the ADA and the law accessible is not the same is usable or convenient it can also be known as bad design. I go through it every day commting by train to work they meet the ADA and I even worked for the Architecture firm that won awards for the design of the station. But it is a pain in the you know what to use one car with a ramp and then the transit people have their rules about where you can sit usually a jump seat and no window. But one way at ground level accessable is not because it is usually blocked by train cars and one elevator all told I go almost 2 blocks out of my way over accessablity issues.

Posted on: Sat, Feb 23 2008 7:47 PM

Posted by: Lieslmcq Posts: 2,303

I bet you're thinking of Handicappedfraud.org. I think we need a website to show businesses that are non compliant. I would totally report them!