36 CFR Parts 1190 and 1191 ADA and ABA Accessibility Guidelines - Preamble (Discussion of Comments and Changes)

Comment. Requirements for access aisles in section 502.3 address width, length, marking, and location. Two spaces are permitted to share an access aisle. The proposed rule, consistent with the original ADAAG, allowed access aisles to be provided on either side of the parking space. Many commenters urged the Board to revisit this issue, particularly with respect to van parking. The lift provided on vans is typically located on the passenger side. It is important, especially where front-in only parking is provided, that the access aisle be located on the passenger side of van spaces.

Response. The Board has included a requirement that where angled spaces are provided, the access aisle must be located on the passenger side of van spaces (502.3.4). Otherwise, this provision permits access aisles to be located on either side of the space since drivers can pull in or back into spaces as needed.

To harmonize the guidelines with the ANSI A117.1‒2003 standard, the Board has added clarification that access aisles are not permitted to overlap vehicular ways (502.3.4).