Understanding ADA Parking Requirements in South Carolina

Ensuring your parking lot meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about providing equal access to all visitors. Here’s what South Carolina property owners need to know about ADA parking compliance.

How Many Accessible Spaces Do You Need?

The required number of accessible parking spaces depends on your total parking capacity:

| Total Spaces | Required Accessible Spaces |
|————–|—————————|
| 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 |
| 501-1000 | 2% of total |
| 1001+ | 20, plus 1 for each 100 over 1000 |

Van-Accessible Spaces

At least one of every six accessible spaces (or fraction thereof) must be van-accessible. Van-accessible spaces have wider access aisles to accommodate wheelchair lifts.

Size Requirements

Standard Accessible Spaces

• Width: 8 feet minimum
• Access Aisle: 5 feet minimum
• Length: 18 feet minimum (20 feet recommended)

Van-Accessible Spaces

• Width: 8 feet minimum (11 feet preferred)
• Access Aisle: 8 feet minimum (when space is 8 feet wide)
• Vertical Clearance: 98 inches minimum for van route

Access Aisle Requirements

Access aisles must:

• Be marked with diagonal stripes
• Connect directly to an accessible route
• Be level (no more than 1:48 slope in any direction)
• Be adjacent to the accessible space

Location Requirements

Accessible spaces must be:

• Located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance
• On the same level as the accessible entrance when possible
• No more than 200 feet from the entrance (in general)

Marking and Signage

Pavement Markings

• International Symbol of Accessibility painted in the space
• “NO PARKING” or diagonal lines in access aisles
• Blue paint recommended (not required but standard)

Signage

• Mounted 60 inches minimum from ground to bottom of sign
• Include International Symbol of Accessibility
• Van spaces must be designated “VAN ACCESSIBLE”
• Include state-mandated fine amount for violations

South Carolina Specific Requirements

In South Carolina:

• Fines for illegal parking in accessible spaces range from $100 to $500
• Property owners can be held liable for non-compliant spaces
• State law requires enforcement of ADA parking regulations

Common Compliance Mistakes

1. Not enough van-accessible spaces – Remember the 1:6 ratio
2. Incorrect access aisle widths – Van spaces need 8-foot aisles
3. Missing or incorrect signage – Signs must meet height requirements
4. Faded markings – Regular maintenance is essential
5. Blocked access aisles – Must remain clear at all times

Getting Your Lot Compliant

If your parking lot isn’t ADA compliant, Lowcountry Line Striping can help. We specialize in:

• ADA compliance assessments
• Accessible space layout and striping
• Proper marking of access aisles
• Coordination with sign installation

Schedule Your ADA Assessment

Don’t risk fines or lawsuits. Contact us for a free ADA compliance review of your parking lot.

Call (854) 855-7002 for your free assessment.

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This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. For specific compliance questions, consult with an ADA specialist or attorney.