According to the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the number of handicapped parking spaces that retail establishments, recreational centers, educational institutions, and other public spaces are required to have will depend on the total number of parking spaces in their parking facilities.
This chart based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design should serve as a guide.
| Total Number of Parking Spaces In A Parking Facility | Minimum Number of Accessible Parking Spaces Required |
| 1-25 | 1 |
| 26-50 | 2 |
| 51-75 | 3 |
| 76-100 | 4 |
| 101-150 | 5 |
| 151-200 | 6 |
| 201-300 | 7 |
| 301-400 | 8 |
| 401-500 | 9 |
| 501-1,000 | 2 percent of the total |
| Above 1,000 | 20, plus 1 for each 100, or a fraction thereof, over 1,000 |
There are two types of accessible parking spaces: car accessible parking spaces and van accessible parking spaces. These differ mainly in terms of dimensions. Accessible car parking spaces must be at least 96 inches wide and situated next to an access aisle that is at least 60 inches wide. Accessible van parking spaces on the other hand must be at least 132 inches wide and adjacent to an access aisle that is at least 60 inches wide, or at least 96 inches wide and adjacent to an access aisle that is at least 96 inches wide. Two accessible parking spaces are allowed to share a common access aisle.
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design mandates that for every six (or fraction of six) accessible parking spaces required, at least one of those parking spaces must be a van accessible parking space. If a parking facility is required to have only one accessible parking space, then it should be a van accessible parking space.
The American Disabilities Act mandates that accessible parking spaces must be marked with the International Symbol of Access (the figure in a wheelchair). Above all, the parking lot should be safe to use. Quality asphalt paving is essential to enhance its durability.
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