Accessible parking ensures everyone can reach your property safely while helping you avoid costly violations or lawsuits. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and state-level requirements, explain the regulations that are specific to each state, and show how ACI Asphalt can help keep your lot compliant all year long.
Why ADA Compliance Matters
Maintaining an ADA-compliant parking lot is about more than checking a legal box. It means:
• Meeting the federal ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• Complying with additional state codes in Minnesota and Wisconsin
• Making your property more inclusive and customer-friendly
• Avoiding fines, lawsuits, and public complaints
Even well-maintained lots can fall out of compliance over time due to snow, potholes, re-striping, or slope changes (all common in the Upper Midwest).
Federal ADA Parking Requirements
The ADA sets the national baseline for parking accessibility. Every lot open to the public must include:
• Accessible parking spaces: The number required depends on total spaces.
• Van-accessible spaces: At least 1 in every 6 accessible spaces must be van-accessible, with 98 inches of vertical clearance.
• Dimensions: Each accessible space must be at least 96 inches wide with an adjacent 60-inch access aisle
• Signage: Every accessible space requires the International Symbol of Accessibility sign, mounted at least 60 inches above the ground.
• Surface slope: Surfaces and aisles must be level — no steeper than 1:48 (2.08%)
Minnesota ADA & Accessibility Rules
Minnesota’s Accessibility Code Summary and related laws require stricter standards in some cases.
• Access aisles must be at least 8 feet wide (older 5-foot aisles are no longer acceptable when re-striping or reconstructing).
• Signage must comply with Minnesota Statute § 169.346, which mandates a blue-and-white symbol and fine notice (up to $200).
• Van spaces must include clear 98-inch vertical clearance from drive path to entrance.
Wisconsin ADA & Accessibility Rules
Wisconsin also has specific statutory requirements for accessible parking spaces and signage.
• Minimum number of accessible spaces: Defined under Wisconsin Statute § 346.503.
• Space width: Reserved spaces must be at least 12 feet wide.
• Signage: Must meet Wisconsin Trans 200.07 (“Reserved Parking” wording, blue/white symbol, size ≥ 12×18 inches).
• Snow and ice: Accessible spaces must be kept clear under § 346.503(2e).
• Local codes: Cities such as Madison have their own accessibility rules for stall dimensions and signage height.
ADA Compliance Checklist for Upper Midwest Parking Lots
1. Count total stalls and calculate required accessible and van-accessible spaces.
2. Measure stall and aisle widths (MN: 8-foot aisles; WI: 12-foot stalls).
3. Check slope (must not exceed 1:48 in any direction).
4. Inspect signage (ensure correct wording, mounting height, and color).
5. Verify van clearance (at least 98 inches).
6. Review snow removal plan (accessible stalls must remain clear year-round).
7. Re-stripe when necessary (maintain bright, high-contrast markings).
8. Document all improvements for recordkeeping and audits.
Partnering with ACI Asphalt for ADA Compliance
At ACI Asphalt, we help parking lot owners across Minnesota and Wisconsin achieve and maintain full ADA compliance through:
• Professional re-striping and layout design
• Paving and grading for proper slopes and drainage
• Signage installation meeting state and local standards
• Annual ADA audits and compliance checks
• Snow and ice management to keep accessible routes clear
Our team understands both federal ADA regulations and state-specific accessibility codes, ensuring your lot meets every requirement.
If it’s been a while since your last accessibility review, now’s the perfect time for a parking lot ADA checkup. Contact ACI Asphalt today to schedule your inspection and keep your property safe, accessible, and compliant, all year long.