ADA-Compliant Striping: How to Keep Your Parking Lot Accessible and Legal

Ensuring your parking lot is ADA-compliant isn’t just about following the law—it’s about making your business welcoming and safe for everyone. ADA-compliant striping ensures individuals with disabilities can access your building easily and safely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what ADA-compliant striping involves, how to lay out accessible spaces properly, and how to stay ahead of code changes in Phoenix and beyond.

What Is ADA-Compliant Striping?

ADA-compliant striping refers to the pavement markings, signage, and layout elements required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessible parking spaces. These rules apply to nearly every commercial, public, or multi-family property with a parking lot.

A compliant layout helps people with mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers safely enter and exit their vehicles while moving toward your building on a clear, accessible route.

How Many Accessible Parking Spaces Are Required?

The number of required accessible parking spaces depends on the total number of parking stalls in your lot. Here’s a breakdown:

Note: At least one of every six accessible spaces must be van-accessible.

What Makes a Parking Space ADA-Compliant?

It’s not just about painting a blue square on the ground. ADA compliance involves several required elements:

• Width:

  • Standard accessible space: 8 feet wide

  • Van-accessible space: 8–11 feet wide

  • Access aisle: 5 feet for cars, 8 feet for vans

• Access Aisles:

  • Must be directly next to the space

  • Must be marked with diagonal striping to prevent parking

  • Must lead to an accessible path to the entrance

• Signage:

  • All accessible spaces must have signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility

  • Signs must be mounted at least 60 inches above ground level

  • Van-accessible signs must also state “Van Accessible”

• Surface Slope:

  • Maximum slope allowed is 1:48 in any direction

  • The surface must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant

Bonus: Placing accessible spaces on the shortest accessible route to the entrance is not only recommended—it’s required under ADA.

Common ADA Striping Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, it’s easy to miss important compliance details. Some of the most common ADA striping mistakes include:

• Access aisles that are too narrow or missing entirely

• Signs that are too low or not visible from a parked vehicle

• Van-accessible spaces that don’t meet width or clearance requirements

• Sloped surfaces that exceed the 1:48 gradient

• Faded or missing markings that confuse drivers and inspectors

• Inaccessible routes leading from parking to the building entrance

Note: A single non-compliant feature can trigger costly fines, lawsuits, or forced corrections—especially after an inspection or public complaint.

Why ADA Compliance Matters Beyond the Law

While ADA compliance is legally required, it also reflects how much you care about your visitors.

• It shows respect and inclusiveness for people with disabilities

• It helps customers and tenants feel safe and considered

• It reduces your exposure to legal risk

• It boosts the professional appearance of your business

Accessible parking is a key piece of your property’s overall functionality. A well-striped, compliant lot reflects a well-managed facility.

How Often Should You Update Your ADA Striping?

You should review and potentially refresh your ADA striping every 1–3 years, or when:

• Paint has faded or worn away

• Your layout is being repaved or sealcoated

• ADA regulations have changed

• You’ve received a complaint or violation notice

• Your building use or traffic volume has changed

Bonus: Proactive restriping ensures you’re always inspection-ready and avoids scrambling after citations or lawsuits.

ADA-Compliant Striping in Phoenix

At Phoenix Striping, we specialize in ADA-compliant layouts and markings for businesses, medical facilities, apartment complexes, schools, and shopping centers throughout the Valley.

Our services include:

• ADA layout planning and consultation

• Van-accessible space design

• Access aisle striping and hatching

• Signage installation (standard and van-accessible)

• Slope assessments and layout adjustments

• Durable, reflective paints and materials that withstand Arizona heat

We stay on top of federal ADA requirements as well as city-specific ordinances—so you don’t have to.

Final Thoughts

ADA-compliant striping isn’t optional—it’s essential. It protects your business legally, improves safety for everyone, and shows that you value accessibility.

If you’re not sure whether your parking lot is compliant, or you’re ready to bring your layout up to code, Phoenix Striping is here to help.

Reach out today for a free ADA compliance assessment or quote.