DSA IR 11B-9: Accessibility Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic Systems at School Sites

6.2 PV Systems at Existing Parking Facilities

6.2A – Parking Fully Covered - The PV system covers all of the standard parking, accessible parking, or code compliant location for accessible parking.

1. Existing facility has accessible parking - No additional access compliance work required.

2. Existing facility does not have accessible parking – If the elements listed in 6.1 above are not fully accessible, the scope of the project must include upgrades to bring them into compliance with the current standards.

6.2B – Standard Parking Covered, Accessible Parking Not Covered - The proposed PV system covers all existing standard parking spaces, however existing accessible parking or the code compliant location for accessible parking is not shaded or covered by the PV system. The following approaches for providing access compliance are acceptable:

1. Existing facility has accessible parking - Construct a shade structure over all existing accessible parking.

2. Existing facility does not have accessible parking – Provide accessible parking in accordance with the CBC and construct a shade structure over the new accessible parking spaces.

3. Option - Applicants have the option to construct the required number of covered accessible parking spaces beneath the PV system elevated components. These parking spaces shall comply with the shortest route requirements of 11B-208.3.1. If the existing uncovered accessible parking is closer to the facilty [sic] entrance than the new covered accessible parking, it should remain in service to provide users a choice between proximity to an entrance and shade.

6.2C – Standard Parking Partially Covered, Accessible Parking Fully Covered - The proposed PV system covers a portion of the total parking. The covered portion includes the existing accessible parking or a code compliant location for accessible parking.

1. Existing facility has accessible parking – PV system covers the existing accessible spaces. As the accessible parking is provided with the additional amenity of weather protection (shade or cover) no new accessible spaces are required in the uncovered portion of the parking facility.

2. Existing facility does not have accessible parking – Provide the required number of accessible parking spaces beneath the PV system elevated components, based on the total number of both covered and uncovered parking spaces. Similar to a. above, no new accessible spaces are required in the uncovered portion of the parking facility.