American Pavement Solutions is your comprehensive solution for all commercial and industrial pavement requirements. With a history spanning over 45 years, our expertise in satisfying our clients’ needs is unmatched, serving as a testament to our dedication and quality of work. Located in the heart of Green Bay, WI, we are deeply embedded in the local community, providing unparalleled service to large and small businesses throughout the Greater Green Bay area.

Our commitment extends beyond just meeting expectations; we aim to forge lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring that every project we undertake in the Green Bay region and beyond is executed with the utmost precision and excellence. Whether your project is near the iconic Lambeau Field, along the bustling streets of downtown Green Bay, or within the thriving industrial parks surrounding the city, American Pavement Solutions is your dependable partner, ready to bring your pavement vision to life with our team of experienced professionals.

Retail:

• Maximizing curb appeal involves more than just keeping the façade of your business looking good. A smooth, visually appealing parking lot is a crucial component that attracts customers and encourages them to visit your store. It’s the first impression that many of your customers will get of your business; as such, it’s an opportunity to start the customer experience off on the right foot. Not only does a well-maintained parking area signal to customers that you value their safety and convenience, but it also sets a professional tone for their visit. Investing in regular maintenance, such as filling cracks, repainting faded lines, and ensuring adequate lighting, validates your commitment to providing a positive, welcoming environment right from the start.
• We enhance safety by providing a slip-resistant surface, significantly reducing the risk of accidents for customers and employees. This measure ensures a safer environment and demonstrates our commitment to the well-being and security of all individuals who visit or work at our premises.

ADA Compliance for Retail Parking Lots

A Guide to ADA Compliance for Retail Parking Lots

Ensuring that retail parking lots are accessible for all customers, including those with disabilities, is not just good practice—it’s a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Proper compliance ensures safety, avoids potential legal issues, and creates a welcoming environment for customers. This guide outlines key ADA parking requirements and practical steps for retail businesses to ensure compliance.

1. What is ADA-Compliant Parking?

ADA-compliant parking ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to retail establishments. This involves providing parking spaces with specific features like increased width, clear signage, and accessible routes from parking areas to store entrances. Both standard and van-accessible spaces are required, each with its own dimensions and accessibility guidelines.

2. How Many Accessible Parking Spaces Are Required?

The number of accessible parking spaces depends on the total parking capacity of the lot. The ADA mandates the following minimums:

• 1 accessible space per 25 spaces for lots with 1-25 total spaces.
• At least 1 van-accessible space is required for every 6 accessible spaces.
• As parking lots grow, the required number of accessible spaces increases. For example, lots with over 500 spaces must have at least 2% of the total spaces accessible​on ADA.gov.

3. What Are the Requirements for Accessible Spaces?

Accessible parking spaces must meet these specifications:

• Standard Accessible Spaces: 8 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle.
• Van-Accessible Spaces: 11 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle or 8 feet wide with an adjacent 8-foot access aisle.
• Vertical Clearance: Van-accessible spaces must have a vertical clearance of at least 98 inches to accommodate vehicles with lifts or ramps.

Both spaces must be marked with the international symbol of accessibility and include appropriate signage indicating if they are van-accessible.

4. Location and Placement Guidelines

Accessible spaces should be placed as close as possible to accessible entrances. If the lot serves multiple entrances, parking spaces must be distributed to provide convenient access to each entry point. The path from accessible parking to the building entrance must be free of barriers and comply with ADA standards for slopes and surfaces​

ADA Archive.

5. Maintaining Compliance When Restriping or Modifying Lots

When parking lots are resurfaced or restriped, the ADA requires businesses to update their accessible parking spaces to meet the latest standards. This type of upgrade is considered “readily achievable,” meaning it is a relatively simple and cost-effective improvement.

6. Additional Considerations for Retailers

• Snow and Debris Removal: Accessible spaces and routes must be kept clear to ensure they remain usable throughout the year.
• Temporary Events or Construction: If parking spaces are temporarily blocked, businesses must provide equivalent alternative accessible parking.
• Staff Training: Employees should understand the importance of accessible parking and ensure customers with disabilities are accommodated.

7. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with ADA parking requirements can result in fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Regular inspections and prompt corrections to issues (like faded paint or missing signs) can help retailers avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

8. Conclusion

ADA compliance in retail parking lots ensures all customers can access your business safely and comfortably. By following ADA requirements for the number, placement, and design of accessible spaces, retailers comply with federal law and create a more inclusive shopping experience.

For detailed requirements and further guidance, visit the ADA’s official page on parking​

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