Guide to the ADA Standards, Chapter 5: Parking
U.S. Access Board · checked 2026-10-04
The app uses the figures and rules named on that page. It does not replace the page.
accessibility · official figure · reviewed 2026-10-04
Count the ADA Minimum for Accessible Parking
Each parking lot or garage has its own accessible-space minimum. At least one of every six accessible spaces must be a van space.
What this guide helps you do
Apply the Access Board parking table and the one-of-six van-space rule.
The figure that changes the result
Add the lots together and the minimum is wrong. Count each facility by itself.
Reading the scoping table for a large lot takes about 15 minutes. Peak-hour demand tools do not answer this minimum.
Who this is for
A person checking one parking facility against the ADA Standards scoping table.
Steps
Step 1
Count spaces in one lot or garage. Do not add a second lot yet.
Step 2
Read the minimum accessible spaces for that total.
Step 3
Make at least one of every six accessible spaces a van space. Round up.
Step 4
Compare the minimum with the spaces that exist.
Step 5
Repeat for the next facility.
Worked example
A facility with 200 spaces needs 6 accessible spaces, including 1 van space. A facility with 201 spaces needs 7, including 2 van spaces. A facility with 501 spaces needs 11, because 2% of 501 rounds up.
6 accessible spaces are required, including 1 van space.
- Spaces in this facility: 200.
- Accessible spaces required: 6 (5 standard + 1 van).
- Accessible spaces entered: 4. Shortfall: 2.
- Van spaces entered: 1. Van shortfall: 0.
The count uses the Access Board guide to ADA Standards section 208. Van spaces are at least 1 of every 6 accessible spaces, or fraction of 6.
Where this goes wrong
Valet parking does not remove the requirement. Bus and truck spaces have a narrow exception that this tool does not apply. The tool does not measure the route to the door.
What the source says
Limits
Medical facilities and certain residential facilities have extra rules. This tool uses the general table.
Restriping can be an alteration. The tool does not decide that legal question.
State codes can require more spaces.
This tool gives general information. It is not legal advice. Laws differ by state and change. Check the result with a licensed attorney or a legal aid office before you act.
Use the current instruction from the agency named above. This guide is a planning aid, not an official decision.
Free companion app
Apply the Access Board parking table and the one-of-six van-space rule.
Open Apply the ADA Parking Table
Your entries stay on this device. We do not receive them.
This guide uses short, direct instructions as an ASD-STE100-style writing target. It is not a formal certification.