Southern California Sign Blog

What Are the ADA Signage Rules for Parking and Drop-Off Areas in Los Angeles?

Posted by Julie Ramirez on Fri, Oct 24, 2014 @ 06:10 AM

ADA Compliance Signs for Parking Lots Los AngelesThe ADA sign rules for parking and drop off areas in Los Angeles can be quite confusing for the layperson to understand. The regulations are packed full of legalese that have lead many frustrated business owners to just give up on the whole idea of being ADA compliant. However, with the potential lawsuits and lost business, this can be a costly mistake. To help you understand the rules, we have put together this simple guide.

Marking Parking Spots

People with disabilities should be able to arrive at a building, approach it, and enter it just as easily as everyone else. There must be at least one route of travel that is accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. According to the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, some of the requirements for identifying accessible parking spaces are

  • A reflectorized sign must be used to mark each parking space reserved for people with disabilities. This sign must be posted on a permanent basis in a spot that is visible from or adjacent to each space or stall. The sign must consist of the International Symbol of Accessibility in white on a dark blue background. The sign must be at least 70 square inches and be placed at a minimum height of 80 inches.
  • ADA Signage Rules for Parking Lots Los AngelesAt the interior end of the parking space, signs identifying accessible parking space can be centered on a wall. Additional language or an additional sign that says “Minimum Fine $250” should be below the accessibility symbol.
  • Also below the symbol of accessibility, an additional signs that says “Van Accessible” should be added to van accessible parking spots. Once a vehicle is parked in a space, the sign should still be readable, so it should be placed accordingly.
  • At each entrance to off street parking facilities, a sign stating the following must be conspicuously placed: "Unauthorized vehicles parked in designated accessible spaces not displaying distinguishing placards or special license plates issued for persons with disabilities will be towed away at owner's expense. Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at____________ or by Telephoning_____________."

Drop-Off Area Signs

ADA Drop off area signs Los AngelesFor drop-off areas, the majority of regulations have to do with how much space is provided for loading and unloading. There are also specific regulations for ramps. The signage requirements are focused on helping those with disabilities find their way to accessible entrances. For example, all inaccessible entrances must have signs that indicate where the closest accessible entrance is.

All of the requirements for ADA signage are beyond what one can fit into a blog entry, but hopefully, this gives you an idea of what type of requirements there are. To ensure you get all of the right ADA signs, Los Angeles business owners should consult with a commercial signage company. They will have the experience needed to make certain you are up to code.

The Sign Studio works closely with a Certified Access Specialist (CASp), who can identify all that is needed to make your building ADA compliant. To learn more, contact us today.

 

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Topics: ADA Signs Los Angeles, ADA sign rules for parking lots Los Angeles, ADA rules for drop off areas Los Angeles