Confirm the governing plan and requirements
Accessibility requirements depend on the facility, project type, applicable law, and local review. Begin with the approved civil or site plan and identify the designer or authority who will answer questions. This checklist supports construction planning; it is not a substitute for project-specific design or legal advice.
The U.S. Access Board explains that accessible parking counts are calculated for each parking facility and that spaces must connect to an accessible route. State and local requirements can add details, so confirm them before marking the layout.
Checklist
- Approved layout and applicable accessibility standard identified
- Required total and van-accessible space count confirmed
- Spaces dispersed near the accessible entrances they serve where required
- Local permitting or inspection requirements confirmed
Review dimensions, slopes, and clearances together
Under the ADA Standards, parking spaces and access aisles have defined dimensions, and access aisles must be nearly level with slopes no steeper than 1:48. Van routes also have vertical-clearance requirements. Use the current standard and project plan for exact dimensions rather than relying on an old field sketch.
Check the proposed elevations at the stall, access aisle, curb transition, and connecting route before asphalt placement. Drainage still matters, but the finished accessible area must stay within the applicable slope limits.
Checklist
- Space and access-aisle widths shown on the layout
- Finished slopes verified in both directions
- Curb ramps and transitions kept outside the access aisle where required
- Van-space vertical clearance checked along the vehicle route
Trace the complete accessible route
Follow the route from the parking space and access aisle to the accessible entrance. Look for curbs, steps, excessive cross slopes, drain inlets, wheel stops, signposts, vehicle overhang, or other elements that could interrupt the required clear route.
During phased work, the owner and contractor should address how an accessible route will be maintained or restored. A temporary change should not be improvised after the regular route has already been blocked.
Inspect before final acceptance
After paving and marking, verify the constructed layout against the approved documents. Record measurements or inspection results required by the contract, correct incomplete markings or signs, and confirm the route is unobstructed before closeout.
When a field condition conflicts with the plan, refer it to the responsible design professional or authority. A paving contractor should not redesign a regulated layout without authorization.