ADA Build - Van Access Disabled Parking Usability

Back-in Van Accessible Disabled Parking Spots

There are several problems with van accessible disabled parking scoping that present "usability" problems to the disabled driver.

One problem is back-in van accessible parking spots.

II. Problem -- Back-in Van Parking Design.

The 1994 ADAAG and the 1998 Uniform Building Code define a van accessible parking spot as a front-in spot with an 8 ft. access aisle on the passenger side.

The 1998 and 2004 ANSI A117.1 code defines a van accessible parking spot as one with an 8 ft. access aisle on either side. In fact the sample illustration shows a back-in spot. I am sure non-disabled Engineers assumed backing in was just as good as pulling front-in - and that might seem logical. However no one looked at the "usability" of backing in. A side-lift van has a wheel chair lift mounted in the further back passenger side door. Usually the control switches are mounted on the right rear quarter panel or sometimes in the rear taillight lens.

The problem here is that frequently the parking layout is such that the rear switches are not accessible to the driver in a wheel chair when backed in. They frequently are blocked by vegetation or curbs or both. Another problem is that for a disabled driver backing in can be more difficult than pulling in. Yet another problem is that a disabled driver may be unable to open the front passengers doors so will put packages and other items in the way back doors. This makes it easier for a person in a wheel chair to pick up or drop off the items at the lower level of the rear floor. Again, backing in blocks wheel chair access to the back door since the disabled parking sign will block opening the door not to mention frequent vegetation.

Photo collection of Back-in Van Accessible Parking

502.3.4 Location. Access aisles shall not overlap the vehicular way. Access aisles shall be permitted to be placed on either side of the parking space except for angled van parking spaces which shall have access aisles located on the passenger side of the parking spaces.

Advisory 502.3.4 Location. Wheelchair lifts typically are installed on the passenger side of vans. Many drivers, especially those who operate vans, find it more difficult to back into parking spaces than to back out into comparatively unrestricted vehicular lanes. For this reason, where a van and car share an access aisle, consider locating the van space so that the access aisle is on the passenger side of the van space.