11B-502.3 Access aisle

Note: This document or portion of document references a state or local code that is stricter than the 2010 ADA Standards requires.

11B-502.3 Access aisle.

Access aisles serving parking spaces shall comply with Section 11B-502.3. Access aisles shall adjoin an accessible route. Two parking spaces or one parking space and one electric vehicle charging space shall be permitted to share a common access aisle.

Advisory 11B-502.3 Access aisle. Accessible routes must connect parking spaces to accessible entrances. In parking facilities where the accessible route must cross vehicular traffic lanes, marked crossings enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Where possible, it is preferable that the accessible route not pass behind parked vehicles. ◼

A van and a car parking space are shown in plan view sharing an access aisle. The access aisle is shown to be 60 inches wide minimum and as long as the parking space. The entire length of the aisle area is to be marked.

A diagonal van and car parking space are shown in plan view sharing an access aisle. The access aisle is shown to be 60 inches wide and as long as the parking spaces it serves.

FIGURE 11B-502.3 PARKING SPACE ACCESS AISLE ‡‡

11B-502.3.1 Width.

Access aisles serving car and van parking spaces shall be 60 inches (1524 mm) wide minimum.

11B-502.3.2 Length.

Access aisles shall extend the full required length of the parking spaces they serve.

11B-502.3.3 Marking.

Access aisles shall be marked with a blue painted borderline around their perimeter. The area within the blue borderlines shall be marked with hatched lines a maximum of 36 inches (914 mm) on center in a color contrasting with that of the aisle surface, preferably blue or white. The words "NO PARKING" shall be painted on the surface within each access aisle in white letters a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) in height and located to be visible from the adjacent vehicular way. Access aisle markings may extend beyond the minimum required length.

[2010 ADA Standards] 502.3.3 Marking. Access aisles shall be marked so as to discourage parking in them.

Advisory 11B-502.3.3 Marking. The requirement that the hatching at the loading and unloading access aisle be a suitable contrasting color to the parking space is intended to ensure that the hatching is visually distinct from the background to which it is applied, and thus can be more easily seen. As hatching is generally recognized as a no-parking area, this difference in contrast assists drivers by providing a conspicuous visual deterrent to parking in the loading and unloading access aisle.

Asphalt is often the parking surface material used at accessible parking spaces. Asphalt is generally considered to be fairly dark in appearance. In order to provide a suitable contrasting color at the hatched area of the loading and unloading access aisle, a light color hatching should be used at locations where asphalt is the parking surface material. Although white paint is preferred (and traditionally the color most often used), its use is not mandatory under the California Building Code (CBC).

In order to provide a suitable contrast at the hatched area of the loading and unloading access aisle in locations where light concrete is used as the parking surface material (such as at concrete parking garages), a dark color hatching should be used. Although blue paint is preferred, its use is not mandatory under the California Building Code (CBC). ◼

[2010 ADA Standards] Advisory 502.3.3 Marking. The method and color of marking are not specified by these requirements but may be addressed by State or local laws or regulations. Because these requirements permit the van access aisle to be as wide as a parking space, it is important that the aisle be clearly marked.

The CBC marking requirements for accessible parking spaces and van accessible parking spaces are more extensive than those in 2010 ADA Standards.

Plan drawing of a perpendicular van and car accessible space with a shared access aisle in between the two spaces. The access aisle is shown with cross hatching and "NO PARKING". Each space is identified by a sign at the head end of the space and ISA on the surface of the space, near the entry end of the space.

(a) perpendicular parking

Plan drawing of a diagonal/angled van and car accessible space with a shared access aisle in between the two spaces. The access aisle is shown with cross hatching and "NO PARKING". Each space is identified by a sign at the head end of the space and ISA on the surface of the space, near the entry end of the space.

(b) angled parking

FIGURE 11B-502.3.3 ANGLED AND PERPENDICULAR PARKING IDENTIFICATION ‡‡

11B-502.3.4 Location.

Access aisles shall not overlap the vehicular way. Access aisles shall be permitted to be placed on either side of the parking space except for van parking spaces which shall have access aisles located on the passenger side of the parking spaces.

[2010 ADA Standards] 502.3.4 Location. Access aisles shall not overlap the vehicular way. Access aisles shall be permitted to be placed on either side of the parking space except for angled van parking spaces which shall have access aisles located on the passenger side of the parking spaces.

Advisory 11B-502.3.4 Location. Wheelchair lifts typically are installed on the passenger side of vans. Many drivers, especially those who operate vans, find it more difficult to back into parking spaces than to back out into comparatively unrestricted vehicular lanes. Where a van and car share an access aisle, the van space must be located with the access aisle on the passenger side of the van space. ◼

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2019 California Standards for Accessible Design Guide (effective January 1, 2020 with July 1, 2021 amendments)