Accessible Routes, Site Access, and Parking
Core concepts
An accessible route connects site arrival points, accessible parking, entrances, and all accessible elements and spaces. Components include walking surfaces, doors, ramps, curb ramps, and elevators. Know clear width (generally 36 in minimum, with passing spaces where the route is less than 60 in), running slope (max 1:20 for walking surfaces; steeper is a ramp), cross slope (max 1:48), changes in level (up to 1/4 in vertical; up to 1/2 in beveled), and head room (80 in).
For parking, know the ratios of accessible spaces to total spaces, the required number of van-accessible spaces, stall width (96 in car, 132 in van), access aisle width (60 in minimum), signage with the International Symbol of Access and "van accessible," and the maximum slope of parking surfaces (1:48 in any direction). Access aisles must connect to the accessible route and may not be obstructed.
Traps in questions
- Confusing running slope with cross slope; a level parking space can still fail on cross slope.
- Forgetting that access aisles count toward the route but not toward stall width.
- Missing that one in every six accessible spaces (and at least one) must be van accessible.
- Overlooking exterior route requirements: curb ramps, detectable warnings at vehicular ways, and level landings at doors.
Worked example
A lot has 120 total spaces. Accessible spaces required: 5 (4 plus one per 100 over 100). Van-accessible required: at least 1 (one in six). Rule of thumb: round up ratios, place spaces on the shortest accessible route to the entrance, and verify cross slope with a digital level rather than eyeballing.
Study tip
Sketch a lot and label stall, aisle, signage, and route connection. Parking questions reward systematic checking of each element.