ADA Compliance FAQ's

FAQ's

ADA Compliance

The importance of meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements in California for your parking lot can’t be overstated. Depending on your specific location, cities, counties, and the state of California can fine building owners who don’t have ADA-compliant parking lots. Likewise, if your parking lot doesn’t meet ADA requirements and someone gets hurt, you highly increase your chances of being sued over the injury.

If you don’t know whether your parking lot meets these requirements, Linemark Striping & Sealcoating offers a free audit to ensure your spaces meet current ADA and California building codes.

What is ADA Compliance?

People with disabilities are guaranteed equal opportunities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, which prohibits discrimination and works to guarantee the rights of disabled individuals. In the ADA, property owners are barred from discriminating against individuals who have disabilities. Businesses aren’t in compliance if they don’t provide equal access to a primary function area. If this sounds somewhat familiar, it’s because the ADA is modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Americans with Disabilities Act applies specifically to three situations:

• Government agencies at all levels, including local, county, state, and federal

• Organizations or businesses that serve the general public

• A company or organization that employs 15 or more people

Does California Have Additional Requirements Above the Federal Guidelines?

Absolutely – the federal guidelines are merely the minimum requirements, and California has a number of additional requirements in its California Building Standards Code.

Who is Required to Meet Parking Lot ADA Regulations?

In order to comply with the ADA, even businesses that don’t directly serve the public must construct or alter facilities in a way that meets accessible design standards. Some of these standards include removing barriers in existing buildings when possible and providing auxiliary aids and services as needed.

All private companies, nonprofits, and charities that serve the public or employ 15 or more employees are also subject to the ADA.

When Should I Restripe?

Faded Lines: The most obvious sign is the visual fading of parking lines. If they are barely visible or hard to discern, it's time to repaint

Parking Issues: If you notice haphazard parking or frequent minor collisions, this indicates that the lines are no longer providing adequate guidance for drivers. This disorganization can lead to damage and safety hazards. Failure to maintain visible lines can result in legal liabilities if the markings do not meet ADA standards

Liability Concerns: Neglecting to repaint faded lines can expose property owners to potential legal claims. If an accident occurs due to unclear markings, the property owner may be held liable for damages. This concern emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and timely repainting of parking lot lines

Compliance Needs: Ensure that handicapped parking spaces are clearly marked to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If these markings are faded, restriping is necessary to maintain compliance

General Wear and Tear: Regular maintenance, including restriping, is crucial to prolonging the life of the asphalt and maintaining a professional appearance. If the lot shows signs of wear, it may be time to refresh the stripes

Recommendations for Repainting

• Frequency: It is generally advised to repaint parking lot lines every 1 to 3 years, depending on traffic volume and environmental conditions. High-traffic areas may require more frequent maintenance.

• Signs for Repainting: Look for signs such as significantly faded lines, difficulty in reading markings, or complaints from users about confusion in navigating the lot. If these issues arise, it may be time to schedule a repainting

By keeping an eye on these factors, you can maintain a safe and visually appealing parking lot that reflects well on your property.