DSA IR 11B-7 REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES (with revisions issued through Jan. 2011)

Purpose: The purpose of this Interpretation of Regulations (IR) is to clarify requirements for accessible parking.

Background: On October 10, 2007 the Governor of California approved Assembly Bill (A.B.) 1531 (2007). A.B. 1531 does the following:

• Amends the requirements for signage and striping at accessible parking spaces,

• Directs that the initial regulations to implement these provisions shall be adopted as emergency regulations,

• Provides that the adoption of these regulations shall be considered by the Department of General Services (DGS) to be an emergency necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare.

On May 21, 2008 the California Building Standards Commission approved amended regulations proposed by DGS implementing A.B. 1531. The amended regulations became effective July 1, 2008 and on January 1, 2009 were published in the 2007 California Building Code, Sections 1129B.3 and 1129B.4, and Figures 11B-18A, 11B-18B and 11B-18C.

Scope: The amended regulations apply to all new construction projects and alterations to existing buildings and facilities covered by California Building Code, Chapter 11B. Construction documents submitted to DSA for review and approval on or after July 1, 2008 must indicate compliance with the amended regulations.

1. Signage Requirements: The amended regulations indicate that the signage at accessible parking spaces shall include “Minimum Fine $250” below the International Symbol of Accessibility as either an additional sign or additional language. This fine posting requirement is in addition to other signage regulations contained in the California Building Code for accessible parking spaces.

2. Striping Requirements: The revised regulations indicate that the accessible parking space striping shall be as follows:

• The border (perimeter) of the loading and unloading access aisle shall be painted blue.

• The hatching within the loading and unloading access aisle shall be painted a suitable contrasting color to the parking space at 3’-0” maximum on center. Blue or white paint is preferred.

The amended regulations for the border and hatching at the loading and unloading access aisle are in addition to other requirements indicated in the California Building Code for accessible parking spaces. 

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 noparking area, this difference in contrast assists drivers in providing a conspicuous visual deterrent to parking in the loading and unloading access aisle.

3. Acceptable Designs: 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 must 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 CBC.

In order to provide a suitable contrast at the hatching 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 must be used. Although blue paint is preferred, its use is not mandatory under the CBC