If you own or manage a parking lot in the greater Cincinnati area, it’s crucial to make sure your property meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Noncompliant lots risk fines, legal action, and a poor public image. This checkup will help you understand what’s needed for ADA compliance in Cincinnati, including key state and local considerations that go beyond the federal standards.
Understanding ADA Requirements
The ADA sets nationwide standards for accessible design, ensuring equal access for people with disabilities. For parking lots, this means providing a specific number of accessible spaces based on total parking capacity, maintaining appropriate dimensions, signage, and routes to building entrances.
Here are the basics every Cincinnati parking lot should have:
• Accessible parking spaces: At least one accessible space for every 25 standard spaces, with larger lots requiring additional spaces.
• Van-accessible spaces: At least one of every six accessible spaces must be van-accessible, with an 8-foot-wide access aisle.
• Proper signage: Each accessible space should display the International Symbol of Accessibility and, for van spaces, the “Van Accessible” designation.
• Smooth, slip-resistant surfaces: Pavement must be level and free from cracks or uneven transitions that could impede mobility devices.
• Marked access aisles and routes: Clearly striped aisles and routes leading from accessible parking to building entrances are required.
For reference, see the U.S. Department of Justice’s official ADA standards at https://archive.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm.
Ohio and Cincinnati-Specific Considerations
While the ADA sets federal standards, Ohio enforces these rules through its Building Code and the Ohio Revised Code §3781.111, which govern accessibility in construction and maintenance projects. Cincinnati follows these state rules but may add local enforcement requirements depending on the type of property.
For commercial or multi-unit residential lots, city inspectors may verify compliance during building permit reviews or renovations. Ensuring compliance before paving, sealing, or restriping saves time and avoids potential rework or fines.
You can review Ohio’s accessibility standards in detail via the Ohio Building Code Accessibility Section.
When to Schedule an ADA Checkup
If your lot hasn’t been resurfaced or restriped in several years, or if you’ve recently modified your property layout, now is the time to schedule an ADA compliance review. Cracks, faded striping, or worn signage can make a lot noncompliant without owners realizing it.
An ADA compliance checkup should include:
• A full inspection of parking space layout and signage
• Measurement of slope and surface condition
• Verification of accessible routes from parking to entrances
• Review of striping, curb ramps, and pavement markings
• Confirmation that current signage meets ADA height and visibility rules
Partner with a Local Expert
ADA standards can be complex, especially when combined with local rules. That’s where professional paving contractors like Klekamp come in. With decades of experience serving the greater Cincinnati area, we understand both federal and local accessibility standards. We can assess your property, reconfigure layouts, and provide long-term maintenance that keeps your lot compliant and looking its best.
Stay Proactive and Compliant
Regular maintenance and periodic ADA checkups help prevent expensive corrections later. By partnering with a local expert and keeping up with evolving standards, you’ll protect your business and create a safer, more inclusive environment for every visitor.
Ready to achieve ADA-compliance? The team at Klekamp & Company is ready to help. We offer free audits, estimates, a full suite of paving, patching, sealcoating, concrete repair, drainage work, and line striping. Call us today at (513) 960-5764 or request a free estimate to get started.