ADA PARKING REQUIREMENTS.

ADA parking rules aren't optional — non-compliant stalls expose Nebraska businesses to complaints, fines and lawsuits. Here's a plain-English walk-through of what a lot needs, based on the federal 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. (This is general guidance, not legal advice — your city or state may add requirements, so always confirm the current rules for your specific property.)

How many accessible stalls do you need?

The minimum number of accessible (handicap) stalls depends on the total number of parking spaces in the lot (ADA Standards §208.2):

Total spaces in the lot	Accessible spaces required (minimum)
1–25	1
26–50	2
51–75	3
76–100	4
101–150	5
151–200	6
201–300	7
301–400	8
401–500	9
501–1,000	2% of total parking spaces
1,001 and over	20, plus 1 for each 100 (or fraction of 100) over 1,000

Count every space in the lot, not just the ones nearest the door. If you re-stripe or re-lay-out a lot, re-check this table — repainting an old layout that was wrong just repeats the mistake.

Van-accessible spaces

For every six accessible spaces — or fraction of six — at least one must be van-accessible (§208.2.4). A lot with 1 to 6 accessible spaces needs one van space; 7 to 12 needs two, and so on. Van spaces get an extra “van accessible” sign.

Stall and access-aisle dimensions

• Standard accessible stall: at least 96 inches (8 ft) wide, with an access aisle at least 60 inches (5 ft) wide.
• Van stall, option 1: at least 132 inches (11 ft) wide with a 60-inch access aisle.
• Van stall, option 2: at least 96 inches (8 ft) wide with a 96-inch (8 ft) access aisle.
• Length: the access aisle runs the full length of the stall it serves.
• Shared aisles: two accessible stalls may share one access aisle between them.
• Slope: no steeper than 1:48 (about 2%) in any direction, so the stall and aisle can't be on a noticeable grade.

Access aisles, signs & pavement markings

• Access aisle: the space beside the stall that gives a wheelchair or lift room to deploy. It has to be marked so people don't park in it — usually with hatched (diagonal) striping — and kept clear.
• Signs: the ADA requires a sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility at each accessible space, mounted at least 60 inches above the ground (measured to the bottom of the sign) so it stays visible when a vehicle is parked. Van spaces need the additional “van accessible” designation.
• Painted symbol: the federal standards require the symbol on the sign. Painting it on the pavement — typically white on a blue background — is the near-universal convention and is often required by local code, so check with your city. The standards don't dictate paint colors.
• Location: accessible spaces belong on the shortest accessible route to an accessible building entrance (§208.3).

Common ADA parking mistakes

• Too few accessible stalls after a lot is expanded or re-laid out
• Access aisles narrower than 60 inches, or hatching so faded it no longer reads as “don't park here”
• A painted symbol but no post-mounted sign (or a sign mounted too low)
• No van-accessible space, or a van space without the extra sign
• Accessible stalls or aisles on a slope, or far from the entrance
• Aisles blocked by cart corrals, planters or snow piles

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to paint the wheelchair symbol on the pavement?
The ADA Standards require it on the sign, not on the ground. Most cities and property owners still paint it, and many local codes require it. When in doubt, paint it.

Does the access aisle have to be striped?
It has to be marked in a way that discourages parking in it. Diagonal hatching is the standard way to do that.

Does the ADA require blue paint?
No specific pavement color is required by the federal standards. Blue with a white symbol is the widely recognized convention, and some state and local rules specify it.

How often should ADA stalls be re-painted?
Whenever the symbol or hatching fades — these are usually the first markings to wear because of the stop-and-turn traffic around them. See our guide on how often to re-stripe a parking lot.

Why compliance is worth getting right

Beyond avoiding penalties, proper ADA striping makes your business genuinely usable for every customer. We build accessible stalls to current standards — blue background, correct symbol, access-aisle hatching, and layout — as part of any striping or new-construction project in Lincoln, Omaha, and across Nebraska. Want to see the rules straight from the source? The U.S. Access Board also publishes a guide to the ADA Standards. For pricing, see what parking lot striping costs in Nebraska.