Accessible Parking Requirements & Stall Dimensions (ADA)
Accessible parking requirements under the ADA Standards — number of accessible stalls by lot size, stall and access aisle dimensions, and van-accessible stalls as typical minimums to verify.
Accessible Parking Requirements & Stall Dimensions (ADA)
Direct answer
Typical ADA requirements for the number of accessible parking stalls by lot size, plus stall, access-aisle, and van-accessible dimensions.
Key facts
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible stalls (1–25 spaces) | 1 minimum | scales with lot size |
| Van-accessible ratio | 1 in every 6 accessible | at least 1 always |
| Car stall + aisle | 8' stall + 5' aisle | access aisle ≥60" |
| Van stall + aisle | 11' stall + 5' aisle | or 8' stall + 8' aisle |
Two questions: how many, and how big
Accessible parking design answers two things — the number of accessible stalls required for the lot (scoping), and the dimensions of each stall and its access aisle (technical). Both come from the ADA Standards, mirrored in IBC Chapter 11.
How many accessible spaces
| Total spaces in lot | Min. accessible spaces |
|---|---|
| 1–25 | 1 |
| 26–50 | 2 |
| 51–75 | 3 |
| 76–100 | 4 |
| 101–150 | 5 |
| 151–200 | 6 |
| 201–300 | 7 |
| 501–1,000 | 2% of total |
| 1,001+ | 20 + 1 per 100 over 1,000 |
Of the accessible spaces, at least 1 of every 6 (rounded up) must be van-accessible — and there is always at least one van space.
Stall and access-aisle dimensions
| Element | Typical minimum |
|---|---|
| Car-accessible stall | 8' wide |
| Van-accessible stall | 11' wide (or 8' + 8' aisle) |
| Access aisle | 5' (60") min; 8' for the 8'-stall van option |
| Aisle slope | ≤1:48 all directions |
| Van vertical clearance | ~98" along route + at space |
| Stall length | per standard lot layout |
Two stalls may share a single access aisle between them.
Location and route
- Place accessible spaces on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance served.
- Disperse spaces when parking serves multiple accessible entrances.
- The access aisle must connect to an accessible route and cannot be crossed by a drive lane.
Verify before you rely on it
The scoping table, van ratio, and dimensions here are typical ADA minimums. Some occupancies (medical, rehabilitation) require higher percentages, and state or local codes may be stricter. Confirm every figure against the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and the AHJ-adopted edition of IBC Chapter 11.
Frequently asked questions
How many accessible parking spaces are required?
The ADA scoping table sets a minimum by total lot size: 1 accessible space for lots of 1–25, 2 for 26–50, 3 for 51–75, 4 for 76–100, and so on up the table, then roughly 2% of total spaces for very large lots (with specific step points). Of the accessible spaces provided, at least 1 in every 6 (rounded up) must be van-accessible, and there must always be at least one van space. Certain uses like hospital outpatient and rehab facilities carry higher percentages — verify against the ADA Standards.
What size is an accessible parking stall?
A car-accessible stall is typically 8 feet wide with an adjacent access aisle at least 5 feet (60 inches) wide. A van-accessible stall is either 11 feet wide with a 5-foot access aisle, or 8 feet wide with an 8-foot access aisle. Two accessible stalls may share one access aisle. The aisle must be marked, level (max 1:48 slope in all directions), and connect to an accessible route to the entrance — it cannot be crossed by a traffic lane.
Where must accessible stalls be located?
Accessible spaces must be on the shortest accessible route to the accessible building entrance they serve. When parking serves multiple entrances, the accessible spaces should be dispersed among the nearest accessible entrances. Van spaces need adequate vertical clearance (typically 98 inches) along the vehicle route to the space, at the space, and along the exit route. Confirm dispersion and clearance rules in the ADA Standards and the adopted code.
Related
- ADA Restroom Dimensions & Clearances (Typical Minimums)
- Egress & Corridor Widths + Occupant Load (IBC)
- Minimum Ceiling Height Requirements (IBC & IRC)
Source & method: Typical minimums from the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (§208 scoping, §502 technical) and IBC Chapter 11. The AHJ-adopted code edition and the ADA Standards are authoritative; values shown are typical minimums to verify.