ADAAG Manual

Scoping [4.1.2(5)]

Accessible spaces are required for visitor and employee lots according to the number provided in each lot. On sites with multiple lots, this number is still calculated lot-by-lot, even where accessible spaces required for one lot are located in another. Standard spaces must have an access aisle at least 5 feet wide, while those that provide van access must have an access aisle at least 8 feet wide.

Van Spaces

Vans with lifts are popular among people who use wheelchairs because they can eliminate the need to transfer from mobility aids. At least one of every eight accessible spaces must be van-accessible. Their use however is not restricted to vans only. The number of van spaces is based on the total number of accessible spaces provided in a lot. Recommendation: Where accessible spaces are dispersed within a lot, consider providing van access at each location. Since spaces can share an aisle, two van spaces can be provided instead of one without any space impact.

Leased/ Assigned Parking

Lots with assigned or leased spaces are not exempt from the requirement for accessible parking. Use of accessible spaces by people without disabilities may be possible so long as access is not denied to people with disabilities as needed.

Alterations

In alterations, the minimum number is based on the total number of spaces altered or added to a lot. Recommendation: Where a lot is not fully altered, it is recommended that the minimum number of spaces required in new construction for the entire lot be provided where the scope of work provides this opportunity. Normal maintenance is not considered an alteration unless the usability of lots or spaces is affected. For example, where a lot is resurfaced or its plan reconfigured, accessible spaces are required. Maintenance not affecting the usability of spaces, such as repainting existing striping or repairing potholes, does not trigger compliance. Full compliance is required unless it is technically infeasible, such as when providing the required number of accessible spaces will reduce the total below the number required by a local zoning or land use code. In this case, the number of accessible spaces that can be provided is required. (Many zoning boards are willing to grant limited waivers on the total number of required spaces for this purpose.)

Medical Care and Other Services for Persons with Mobility Impairments

Greater access is required at outpatient facilities (10%) and those that specialize in serving people with mobility impairments (20%) since the need for accessible parking is usually greater at these types of facilities. This is intended to apply to visitor or patient parking. Recommendation: If a lot serves more than one facility or portions of a facility not subject to this higher scoping, a local zoning code or other method can be used to determine the number of spaces that "belong" to each one, usually by square footage, occupant load, and occupancy type. For example, if a lot generally serves a hospital with an outpatient unit, the 10% requirement can be applied to the number of spaces determined for the outpatient unit and the basic scoping of the table applied to the remainder.

Outpatient Facilities

The term "outpatient facility" is not defined in ADAAG but is intended to cover facilities or units that provide regular and continuing medical treatment without an overnight stay which are located in "medical care facilities" (i.e., where the period of stay may exceed 24 hours and persons may need assistance in responding to an emergency). Examples include a hospital's clinic or ambulatory care center. Doctors' offices, independent clinics, or other facilities not located in "medical care facilities" (as defined in ADAAG) are not considered outpatient facilities.

Facilities Specializing in Services for Persons with Mobility Impairments

The 20% scoping applies to facilities or units that specialize in providing services to people with "mobility impairments,” which may include:

* conditions requiring the use or assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or powered mobility aid

* arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic conditions that severely limit one's ability to walk

* respiratory diseases and other conditions which may require the use of portable oxygen

* cardiac conditions that impose significant functional limitations

Examples include spinal cord injury treatment centers, prosthetic and orthotic retail establishments, and vocational rehabilitation centers for persons with mobility impairments. This provision does not apply to facilities that provide but do not specialize in these services, such as general rehabilitative counseling or physical therapy centers. In determining whether a facility is subject to this requirement, both the nature of the services or treatment provided and the population served should be considered.

Valet Parking

Where only valet parking is provided, an accessible passenger loading zone is required. Recommendation: Provision of accessible parking spaces, though not required, is strongly encouraged. Parking attendants may not be able to operate vehicles that are specially adapted for drivers with disabilities, such as full hand control operation and removed driver seats. Also, valet service may not be available during all hours of building operation or may be discontinued. Where valet service is optional or intermittent, accessible spaces should be provided in addition to the accessible passenger loading zones.