Texas ADA Parking Lot Compliance Checklist: What You Need to Know

Mar 8

Ensuring your parking lot is ADA-compliant isn't just a legal requirement—it's also a critical part of making your property safe, accessible, and welcoming to everyone. Whether you're a business owner, property manager, or developer in Texas, following ADA guidelines is essential to avoid fines and provide equal access to all visitors.

In this post, we’ll break down a Texas ADA Parking Lot Compliance Checklist to help you stay compliant and confident.

1. Proper Number of Accessible Parking Spaces

Texas ADA guidelines require a certain number of accessible parking spaces based on the total number of parking spaces in your lot:

1 accessible space for every 25 total spaces, up to 100
At least 1 van-accessible space for every 6 accessible spaces
Additional requirements apply for medical facilities and hospitals

Tip: Always round up. If your lot has 51 spaces, you need 3 accessible spaces, not 2.

2. Van-Accessible Parking Requirements

Van-accessible spots require more room to allow for wheelchair lifts and ramps. These must include:

96 inches wide minimum
An adjacent access aisle at least 60 inches wide
Clear signage marked “Van Accessible”
Positioned so vehicles can pull in forward or backward safely

3. Access Aisles and Striping

All accessible parking spots must have striped access aisles to allow room for mobility devices to move safely. Requirements include:

Minimum 60" wide for standard vehicles
Minimum 96" wide for van-accessible spaces
Contrasting color paint (typically blue and white)
No obstructions or slopes over 1:48

4. ADA-Compliant Signage

Each accessible parking space must have a visible sign mounted at least 60 inches above the ground:

Features the International Symbol of Accessibility
Van-accessible signs must indicate “Van Accessible”
Signs must be permanently mounted and not easily removed or obstructed

5. Safe Path of Travel

From the parking space to the building entrance, there must be a continuous, accessible route:

No steps or curbs unless ramps are provided
Firm, stable, and slip-resistant surfaces
A minimum width of 36 inches
Proper slope and cross-slope compliance

6. Clear and Visible Striping

Striping must be high contrast and clearly marked, including:

Boundary lines of accessible stalls and access aisles
Directional arrows when necessary
Fire lane striping for emergency access

Routine restriping may be needed to keep markings clear and compliant.

ADA Compliance Is the Law — and We Can Help

Non-compliance can lead to costly fines, lawsuits, and accessibility issues. At North Texas Line Striping, we specialize in making your parking lot 100% ADA-compliant across Tarrant, Parker, Hood, Johnson, and surrounding counties.

We offer: