HANDICAPPED PARKING REGULATIONS

Combining the More Stringent Regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board

All parking lots for customers or visitors (with the exception of valet parking), should have accessible spaces for vehicles with proper identification. Parking lots for employees (built or altered as of 1/26/92) must also have accessible spaces. If an employee with a disability needs such accommodation in an older parking lot, s/he should request it of the employer.

Parking Space Size: Accessible spaces should be at least 8 feet wide, with level access aisles not less than 5 feet wide. Two accessible spaces may share a common aisle.

Location: These spaces should be in a level location providing the shortest safe, accessible route of travel to an accessible entrance. With more than one accessible entrance, the spaces should be located near each accessible entrance, the space should be located near each accessible entrance. Sidewalks at such spaces should have curb cuts at each access aisle, so a person is not required to enter the stream of traffic to get to a sidewalk.

Parking Space Number:

Total Spaces              Required Accessible Spaces

1-14 (ADA only)             1 space

15-25                                 1 space

26-40                                 2 spaces

41-75                                 3 spaces

76-100                               4 spaces

101-150                             5 spaces

151-200                             6 spaces

201-300                             7 spaces

301-400                             8 spaces

401-500                             9 spaces

501-1000                           2% of total

Outpatient Medical Facilities: 10% of the total spaces should be accessible.

Facilities specializing in treatment or services for people with mobility impairment: 20% of the total spaces should be accessible.

Van Parking: One in eight handicapped spaces (minimum one) should be a “van accessible” space, 8 feet wide with an access aisle 8 feet wide allowing a van to operate a lift. Or all spaces may be “universal” spaces 11 feet wide with a 5 foot access aisle.

Signs: There should be a permanent sign at each space showing the accessibility symbol, like on the sign above. Van accessible spaces should have an additional sign below it saying “VAN ACCESSIBLE”. Signs should be at a height between 5 feet and 8 feet to the top of the sign.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT, CALL YOUR LOCAL COMMISSION ON DISABILITY OR THE MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE ON DISABILITY (617) 727-7440 OR (800) 322-2020 V/TTY

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