Parking Stall Width Requirements
Question:
There are two striping scenarios permitted; both of which are required to be a total of 16 feet in width: #1 an 8 feet wide stall with HCP emblem painted; plus an additional 8 foot wide area striped per requirements; #2 11 foot wide stall with HCP emblem painted; plus an additional 5 feet wide striped per requirements. Can a vehicle with HCP plate/placard park anywhere within the 16 feet? For example, if the 8x8 stall is used, can part of the vehicle be on the striped area to allow the HCP person to enter/exit the vehicle? Since conversation vans, some SUV’s and trucks are wider than some cars, the 8 foot wide emblem noted portion of the HCP parking stall is sometimes not wide enough to contain the entire vehicle.
Answer:
Unfortunately, under Illinois law, parking is not allowed in the access aisle of a parking space. “It shall be prohibited to park any motor vehicle in a designated access aisle adjacent to any parking place specifically reserved for persons with disabilities, by the posting of an official sign as designated under Section 11‑301, for motor vehicles displaying such registration plates.” 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.3. Under this law, law enforcement officers may ticket any vehicle parked in the access aisle whether or not the vehicle is displaying disability plates or a placard. SeeLaw Enforcement Quick Reference Guide to the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities at http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/vsd687.pdf.
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design (“ADAAG”), which are part of the ADA Title III regulations, set the accessibility guidelines for individuals with disabilities at places of public accommodation. Under ADAAG, the parking space width is measured from the center line of the stripe on one side to the center line of the stripe on the other. See http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/about/FAQ.htm#pplz4.
While not helpful for existing parking lots without accessible parking, the ADAAG specifically addresses your above-stated concern about parking stall width for vans and other large vehicles during new construction or alterations of public accommodations. Under Section 4.1.2, one in every eight required accessible spaces, but not less than one, must be served by an access aisle 96 in (2440 mm) wide minimum and must be designated "van accessible." See exception for spaces in conformance with "Universal Parking Design" below. Typically, an accessible parking spaces required under ADAAG must be at least 96 in (2440 mm or 8 feet) wide with an adjacent 60 in (1525 mm) access aisle. See ADAAG 4.6.3 and A4.6.3. This van accessible parking access aisle makes it just wide enough to maneuver and exit from a side mounted lift.
An alternative to the provision of a percentage of spaces with a wide aisle, and the associated need to include additional signage, is the use of what has been called the "universal" parking space design. Under this design, all accessible spaces are 132 in (3350 mm) wide with a 60 in (1525 mm) access aisle. One advantage to this design is that no additional signage is needed because all spaces can accommodate a van with a side-mounted lift or ramp. Also, there is no competition between cars and vans for spaces since all spaces can accommodate either. Furthermore, the wider space permits vehicles to park to one side or the other within the 132 in (3350 mm) space to allow persons to exit and enter the vehicle on either the driver or passenger side, although, in some cases, this would require exiting or entering without a marked access aisle. See http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.6. See also identical provisions in Illinois Accessibility Code at http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights/iac/Illinois_Accessibility_Code_Text.pdf.