As a Rhode Island business owner, you’re responsible for making sure your property is accessible to everyone — and that includes your parking lot. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to meet specific guidelines for accessible parking spaces.
Failing to comply can result in fines, lawsuits, and lost business. The good news? ADA compliance doesn’t have to be complicated — especially when you work with a paving contractor who understands the rules.
At J. Perry Paving, we help businesses across Rhode Island meet ADA standards safely,
Why ADA Compliance Matters
- Legal Requirement: The ADA is a federal law that mandates accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
- Avoid Lawsuits: Non-compliance can result in legal action, penalties, or forced renovations.
- Customer Service: Making your property accessible sends a message of inclusion and professionalism.
ADA Parking Lot Requirements (Overview)
The exact requirements depend on the size of your lot, but here are the core standards your contractor should understand and implement:
1. Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
| Total Parking Spaces | Required ADA Spaces |
| 1–25 | 1 |
| 26–50 | 2 |
| 51–75 | 3 |
| 76–100 | 4 |
At least one space must be van-accessible.
2. Dimensions
- Standard space: 8 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle
- Van-accessible space: 8 feet wide with an 8-foot access aisle
Access aisles must be marked with diagonal striping and cannot be shared between two spaces.
3. Location and Slope
- ADA spaces must be closest to accessible entrances
- Surface must be stable, slip-resistant, and no more than 2% slope
→ We ensure proper drainage and slope planning during all commercial paving projects (Link to: The Role of Drainage in Commercial Paving Projects)
4. Signage
- Every accessible space must have clear signage with the international symbol of accessibility
- Van spaces must also include “Van Accessible” text
ADA Compliance During Paving Projects
At J. Perry Paving, we incorporate ADA compliance into the design, paving, and striping process for every commercial job. Here’s how:
- We determine the required number and size of spaces
- We grade surfaces to meet slope requirements
- We install permanent, regulation-compliant signage
- We paint correct striping and access aisles with durable materials
- We ensure the layout aligns with all federal and state codes
When to Re-Evaluate ADA Compliance
You should reassess your lot if:
- You’re repaving, restriping, or expanding your lot
- You’ve had customer complaints or a failed inspection
- Your striping has faded or signs are missing
- You’ve changed the layout of your building or entrances
Regular maintenance is also key to staying compliant over time.
→ See our asphalt maintenance tips for businesses (Link to: Commercial Asphalt Maintenance Tips for Rhode Island Businesses)
Why Businesses Trust J. Perry Paving
We’ve been helping Rhode Island businesses meet ADA requirements for over 20 years. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest codes and ensures your parking lot is safe, accessible, and fully compliant.
- Full-service paving and striping
- ADA-compliant layout planning
- Durable markings and signage
- Local knowledge of state and municipal codes
- Licensed, insured, and experienced crew
→ Learn more about our paving team
Final Thoughts
ADA compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about doing the right thing for your customers and your business. A properly designed parking lot helps everyone feel welcome and makes your property safer, more functional, and more professional.
Need to upgrade or restripe your parking lot?
Contact J. Perry Paving for an ADA compliance inspection or free estimate.