Parking lot compliance, according to the regulations set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is more important now than ever before. Not only is lack of compliant ADA parking designations or truncated warning domes, for example, considered a liability which may result in personal injury, but it is also in direct violation of the law.
It is a common misconception that all buildings older than 1990 are “grandfathered,” and do not have to comply with the federal requirements of the ADA. This is not true. In fact, all building owners are mandated (as of March 15, 2012) to comply with Title III of the ADA, which specifically requires the removal of any and all barriers to entry in order to guarantee that persons with disabilities are provided accommodations and access equal to the general public into commercial facilities and areas of public accommodation. Building owners, facility managers, and even landlords can be jointly liable for violations including not adhering to “path of travel” standards, incorrectly constructing curb ramps, and excessive slope in ADA parking spaces.
What can you do? Don’t get caught on a “slippery slope” when it comes to your parking lots. If you own or manage properties that fit into either category—public accommodation or commercial facility—you are responsible for ensuring that your parking lots comply with the ADA regulations.
Download a free copy of our white paper entitled Is Your Parking Lot Legal – 7 Things You May Have Missed. This paper will help you understand the requirements of the law as it pertains specifically to parking lots and it will guide you in assessing your parking structures to ensure proper compliance.
Terry Smith is the Chief Operating Officer at Rose Paving and a seasoned expert in the paving industry. With decades of hands-on experience, he leads operations with a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
