ADA Build-it-Right, Inc
Disabled Parking Specifications in Detail

There are two types of specifications for Disabled Parking Spaces.

In all cases of a single parking spot the access isle is on the passenger side of the vehicle. In double parking spots the access isle is shared between the two spots being on the passenger side of the left spot and on the drivers side on the right spot. It is not recommended to have a single parking spot with the access isle on the drivers side. (It is OKin ADAAG but not recommended for Van Accessible spots)
There are specifications for parallel and perpendictular disabled parking spots. There is no researched specification for diagonal disabled parking spots -- it is assumed that the dimensions of the perpendictular parking spot are also use for diagonal spots.

Here are some example pictures of disabled parking spots - NOTE: Not all examples meet code - included to illustrate problems.

View test case pictures for this specification.

OK, I am really lazy -- tell me the critical dimensions for disabled parking spots.

Now lets dig into the actual specifications starting with the ADAAG specifications:

(References to ANSI A117.1 are included as (ANSI A117.1-502.3) . The 2000 International Building Code has no dimensions (just scoping information) and references A117.1 for techincal specifications.)
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From the ADAAG:

"4.6.3* Parking Spaces. Accessible parking spaces shall be at least 96 in (2440 mm) wide. (ANSI A117.1-502.2) Parking access aisles shall be part of an accessible route to the building or facility entrance and shall comply with 4.3. Two accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle (see Fig. 9). Parked vehicle overhangs shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible route. (ANSI A117.1-502.2) Parking spaces and access aisles shall be level with surface slopes not exceeding 1:50 (2%) in all directions. (ANSI A117.1-502.4 specifices 1:48).

Note: Oregon codes require larger parking spots -- the width of the parking spot is 9 ft. not 8 ft., the width of a van access aisle is 8 ft. (same), and the width of the smaller access aisle is 6 ft. not 5 ft. From ORS 447.233

(c) Accessible parking spaces shall be at least nine feet wide and shall have an adjacent access aisle that is at least six feet wide.
(d) The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the parking space except that two adjacent accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle.

4.6.4* Signage. Accessible parking spaces shall be designated as reserved by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility (see 4.30.7). ( ANSI A117.1-502.6 )

4.30.7(1) Facilities and elements required to be identified as accessible by 4.1 shall use the international symbol of accessibility. The symbol shall be displayed as shown in Fig. 43(a) and (b).

Spaces complying with 4.1.2(5)(b) shall have an additional sign "Van-Accessible" mounted below the symbol of accessibility. Such signs shall be located so they cannot be obscured by a vehicle parked in the space. ( ANSI A117.1-502.6 specifies 60" high minimum height measured to the bottom of the sign).

4.6.5* Vertical Clearance. Provide minimum vertical clearance of 114 in (2895 mm) (ANSI A117.1-503.5) at accessible passenger loading zones and along at least one vehicle access route to such areas from site entrance(s) and exit(s). At parking spaces complying with 4.1.2(5)(b), provide minimum vertical clearance of 98 in (2490 mm) (ANSI A117.1-502.5) at the parking space and along at least one vehicle access route to such spaces from site entrance(s) and exit(s).

4.1.2(5)(a) ..... Except as provided in (b), access aisles adjacent to accessible spaces shall be 60 in (1525 mm) wide minimum. (ANSI A117.1-502.3.1)

4.1.2(5)(b) One in every eight accessible spaces, but NOT LESS THAN ONE, shall be served by an access aisle 96 in (2440 mm) (ANSI A117.1-502.3.1) wide minimum and shall be designated "van accessible" as required by 4.6.4. The vertical clearance at such spaces shall comply with 4.6.5. ......

EXCEPTION: Provision of all required parking spaces in conformance with "Universal Parking Design" (see appendix A4.6.3) is permitted. "
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From ADAAG Manual: Provides more detail and figures on parking.
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From ADAAG Appendix: Provides more detail on parking.