Guidance on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Analysis and Commenta ry o n the 2010 ADAStandards parking facilities provide separate pedestrian A commenter asked whether automobiles routes. Section 502.3 of the 2010 Standards other than vans may park in van accessible provides the flexibility necessary to permit parking spaces. The 2010 Standards do not designers and others to determine the most prohibit automobiles other than vans from appropriate location of the accessible route using van accessible parking spaces. The to the accessible entrances. If all pedestrians Department does not distinguish between using the parking facility are expected to vehicles that are actual “vans” versus other share the vehicular lanes, then the ADA vehicles such as trucks, station wagons, sport permits covered entities to use the vehicular utility vehicles, etc. since many vehicles other lanes as part of the accessible route. The than vans may be used by individuals with advisory note in section 502.3 of the 2010 disabilities to transport mobility devices. Standards, however, calls attention to the fact that this practice, while permitted, is not Commenters’ opinions were divided on this ideal. Accessible parking spaces must be point. Facility operators and others asked located on the shortest accessible route of for a reduction in the number of required travel to an accessible entrance. Accessible accessible parking spaces, especially the parking spaces and the required accessible number of van accessible parking spaces, route should be located where individuals because they claimed these spaces often with disabilities do not have to cross vehicular are not used. Individuals with disabilities, lanes or pass behind parked vehicles to however, requested an increase in the have access to an accessible entrance. scoping requirements for these parking If it is necessary to cross a vehicular lane spaces. because, for example, local fire engine access requirements prohibit parking The Department is aware that a strong immediately adjacent to a building, then a difference of opinion exists between those marked crossing running perpendicular to who use such spaces and those who must the vehicular route should be included as provide or maintain them. Therefore, the part of the accessible route to an accessible Department did not increase the total number entrance. of accessible spaces required. The only change was to increase the proportion of Van Accessible Parking Spaces. The spaces that must be accessible to vans and 1991 Standards, at sections 4.1.2 (5) other vehicles equipped to transport mobility (b), 4.6.3, 4.6.4, and 4.6.5, require one devices. in every eight accessible parking spaces to be van accessible. Section 208.2.4 of Direct Access Entrances from Parking the 2010 Standards requires one in every Structures. Where levels in a parking six accessible parking spaces to be van garage have direct connections for accessible. pedestrians to another facility, the 1991 88 - Guidance on the 2010 Standards: Titles II and III Department of Justice