A. Parking
Typical Issues
When parking is provided for voters, staff and volunteers, accessible parking must be provided for people with disabilities. Voters with disabilities who arrive by car need a parking space close to an accessible entrance. The accessible parking space has an adjacent access aisle that provides needed room for a person to open the car door fully and then stand with the aid of a walker, to transfer to a wheelchair, or to lower a wheelchair lift. The access aisle connects directly to an accessible route that leads to an accessible building entrance. In order to be usable, the access aisle must be relatively level, clear of gravel or mud, and the surface must be in good condition without wide cracks or broken pavement.
Van-accessible parking spaces serve both cars and vans. A wide access aisle is needed so a wheelchair lift may be lowered from the van onto the level surface.
An accessible route connects the access aisle of each accessible parking space with the accessible entrance to the polling place. When an accessible route crosses a curb, a curb ramp must be provided. If the accessible route connects the access aisle to the accessible entrance using the parking lot surface, a marked crosswalk should be provided on the vehicular route.
Parking Spaces Checklist
A1. If parking is available, count the total number of parking spaces provided for the polling place. Are the minimum number of accessible parking spaces provided, based on the total number of available parking spaces (see table below)?
Yes _____ No _____
| Total Spaces for Polling Place | Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces |
| 1-25 | 1 van-accessible space w/ min. 96 inch wide access aisle |
| 26-50 | 1 space w/ min. 60 inch wide access aisle + 1 van-accessible space |
| 51-75 | 2 spaces w/ min. 60 inch wide access aisle + 1 van-accessible space |
If more than 75, see the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, section 4.1.2, for the number of accessible parking spaces.
A2. Does each accessible parking space have its own, or share an adjacent access aisle that is least 60 inches (5 feet) wide? [ADA Stds 4.6.3]
Yes _____ No _____
A3. Is there at least one van-accessible parking space provided with an access aisle that is at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide or are universal parking spaces provided with a 132 inches (11feet) wide vehicle space and a 60 inch (5 feet) wide access aisle? [ADA Stds 4.1.2(5), A4.6]
Yes _____ No _____
A4. For van-accessible spaces, is there vertical clearance of at least 98 inches (8 feet - 2 inches) for the vehicle route to the parking space, the parking space, the access aisle and along the vehicle route to the exit? [ADA Stds 4.6.5] If No: Can the route be cleared by removing or raising low objects or can each van accessible parking space be relocated?
Yes _____ No _____
A5. Are all accessible parking spaces, including the access aisle, relatively level (1:50 or 2%) in all directions? [ADA Stds 4.6.3]
If No: Look for a nearby area that is relatively level which could serve as an accessible parking space with an accessible route to the accessible entrance to voting.
Yes _____ No _____
A6. Does each accessible parking space have a sign with the symbol of accessibility that is visible when a vehicle is parked in the space? [ADA Stds 4.6.4]
Yes _____ No _____
A7. If there is a curb between the access aisle and the accessible route to the building, is there a curb ramp that meets the following requirements: [ADA Stds 4.7]
a. Is the ramp surface at least 36” wide, excluding flared sides? [ADA Stds 4.7.3]
Yes _____ No _____
b. Is the slope (up or down the ramp) no more than 1:12? [ADA Stds 4.7.2] Note: 1:12 is one inch of vertical height for each 12 inches in length.
Yes _____ No _____
A8. Are the accessible parking spaces serving the voting area on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance? [ADA Stds 4.6.2]
Yes _____ No _____
A9. Does each access aisle connect to an accessible route from the parking area to the accessible building entrance? [ADA Stds 4.6.2]
Yes _____ No _____
Temporary Solutions for Election Day
Parking
Problem One:
Parking is available, but no accessible parking is provided or there are not enough accessible parking or van-accessible spaces.
Suggestion: Find a relatively level parking area near the accessible entrance and then designate the area for accessible parking spaces and adjacent access aisles. Use three parking spaces to make two accessible parking spaces with an access aisle. Traffic cones or other temporary elements may be used to mark the spaces and access aisles. Provide a sign designating each accessible parking space and make sure the access aisle of each space is connected to the accessible route to the accessible entrance.
Problem Two:
Accessible parking is provided, but it does not have a marked access aisle next to each accessible space.
Suggestion: Restripe the accessible parking spaces to provide an access aisle. As a temporary solution for election day, use traffic cones to mark off the access aisle and curb ramp area. The first accessible parking space provided should be a van accessible parking space with an access aisle that is at least 96 inches wide.
Problem Three:
Accessible parking spaces or access aisles are on a sloped surface.
Suggestion: Find a parking area that is close to the accessible entrance and more level. Provide accessible parking spaces and access aisles in that area. Make sure the accessible parking spaces connect to an accessible route to the entrance. Provide a sign designating each accessible parking space.
Problem Four:
No sign with the international symbol of accessibility is installed at each accessible parking space.
Suggestion: Provide a temporary sign in front of each accessible parking space.
Three standard parking spaces are converted into an accessible parking space with an access aisle. Cones mark the access aisle and a temporary curb ramp with edge protection connects to an accessible route to the polling place.
User Comments/Questions
Add Comment/Question