Accessible Parking Technical Note
with emphases on Van Accessible Parking
Introduction:
Accessible parking is surprisingly complex to implement given the simple specifications for parking stalls. Parking is complex because of overlapping jurisdictions - Federal, State and local municipalities.
While most accessibility specifications concern the specification and it's scoping. But in this case, knowing how accessible parking is used helps to assure a complete solution to provide equal access under the ADA.
The US Access Board provides guidelines for the specification and scoping of accessible parking. The States are responsible for disabled parking permits and privileges. The permits, enforcement of permits, penalties, and in some cases the actual specifications of the parking stalls (sometimes exceeding the ADAAG) are defined in the state statures. Local municipalities may have the authority to override even their states statures on disabled parking - such as charging for disabled parking.
Disabled parking permits are reciprocal between states but the privileges vary among states and local municipalities. It is impossible to communicate these differences to out of town or out of state permit holders.
Parking Space Specifications:
There are two kinds of accessible parking spaces distinguished by the width of the access aisle, van accessible and non-van accessible.
1. A van accessible space has an 8 ft. parking space and an 8 ft. access aisle. The minimum vertical clearance is 98 inches to accommodate a raised roof van which provides head clearance for the person in a wheel chair.
2. A non-van accessible space has an 8 ft. parking space and a 5 ft. access aisle.
The access aisle may be on either side of the parking space, but it is highly recommended that the access aisle on a van accessible stall be located on the passenger side - or right hand side of the parking space. Backing in can be quite difficult for a disabled driver with a modified van. Van accessible parking spaces on public right of ways should always have the access aisle on the passenger site since backing in would block traffic on both lanes. Diagonal van accessible spaces shall have access aisles located on the passenger side (ANSA A117.1 503.4.1).
The parking space and access aisle taken as a single unit must have a maximum slope of 1 in. in 48 in. run) and curb ramps shall not be in the access aisle. For some people this slope makes transferring between a seat and a wheel chair difficult. The access aisle shall be at the same level as the parking spaces they serve.
The two types of parking are not optional choices but clearly spelled out in the scoping for parking spaces. The text is the ruling code - not the drawings. Some states require larger dimensions for parking spaces. The scoping (number of accessible parking spaces required) is best determined by a professional since there are a number of variables including the type of facility.
If a building or facility requires only one accessible parking space it must be a van accessible parking space with the wider 8ft. access aisle. The best practice would be to provide 2 parking spaces exceeding code so the 8 ft. access aisle can be shared by the optional second space.
If more than two spots in a row are required the van accessible spot does not need to be located closest to the accessible route - the best practice is to put the van accessible spots furthest away in the row. This increases the probability of the van accessible spots are available for a side lift van rather than being taken up by a person with limited walking distance ability. People with limited walking ability will always take the parking space closest to the building entrance. Van accessible parking spaces are not restricted to lift equipped vans only.
What is a Van?
The definition of a "van" is important to everyone providing and using accessible parking space.
A "van" IS NOT a mini-van, SUV, pickup, panel truck, full size passenger van, a small bus, or passenger cars. (Most of these can be modified to be a "van")
A "van" (or "side-lift van") is a specially modified vehicle designed for transporting a person in a manual or powered wheel chair. The modification is a passenger side or rear mounted platform lift or ramp. The lifts are never mounted on the driver's side. (Note: I hope this is accurate).
If a building or facility requires only one accessible parking spot it must be a van accessible parking spot with the wider 8ft. access aisle. If more than two spots in a row are required the van accessible spot does not need to be located closest to the accessible route - the best practice is to put the van accessible spots furthest away in the row. This increases the probability of the van accessible spots are available for a side lift van rather than being taken up by a person with limited walking distance ability. People with limited walking ability will always take the parking spot closest to the building entrance. Van accessible parking stalls are not restricted to side lift vans only.
Using a Van Accessible Parking Stall:
It is important that there must be enough space for the lift or ramp to be lowered to the ground and include space for the wheel chair to leave the platform. Eight feet (8 Ft.) is the customary space required, more is helpful since wheeled mobility devices vary greatly in length.
An important distinction is whether the wheel chair van person is driving alone (solo) or is being transported as a passenger with an assistant driver. A solo user MUST have a van accessible stall to exit and reenter the van with no exceptions! Solo equipped vans usually cannot be driven by another person because there is no driver's seat or it has special driving controls. If the 8 Ft. side clearance is not maintained the driver is trapped outside their van. Frequently the access aisle is blocked by grocery carts, bicycles, or motorcycles.
US Access Board BULLETIN #6: PARKING August 2003
Other Parking issues facing solo van users.
Alternate van accessible spaces and rear door access.
diagonal van access
parking tickets and hand bills on windshield
Dealing with remote automated parking structures
don't open driver's door.
Back in parking
Back in diagonal parking - like Vancouver.
Access to rear doors of van.
Drive-up Banking - Pneumatic Tube Canisters too heavy, need the slid out teller drawers.
Drive-in Restaurants
Long term parking on street - Like 4 hours in a 2 hour zone. (not over 6 hours).
There are three main issues:
How a disabled driver uses a van accessible parking spot.
Other disabled permit holders perspective on disabled parking spots.
Access asile location - drivers side or passengers side.
Profile of several Solo Van Drivers:
Driver 1: full size ford van with switches right rear quarter panel.
Unable to even open either drivers door or passengers door. can open rear doors and the side doors are eletrical operated with the side wheel chair lift. Transfers into a swivel power seat base. cannot get a parking ticket from the windshield let alone flyers.
Driver 2:
Driver 3:
It is important to consider how van accessible parking spots are used -- the Usability of the specifications.