What are the Standard Parking Dimensions and Handicapped Parking Spaces? How many Parking Spaces your Development needs?
When it comes to parking spaces and handicapped accessibility in the state of Tennessee, there are specific guidelines and regulations that must be followed. These guidelines ensure that parking spaces are of adequate size and are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Let’s take a closer look at the city standards for parking dimensions and handicapped parking spaces in Tennessee.
Parking Space Dimensions
According to Tennessee’s guidelines, a standard parking space should be 9 feet wide by 18 feet long. However, it’s important to note that specific requirements for parking space dimensions may vary depending on the local government. For example, some cities may require wider or longer parking spaces in certain areas.
Number of Parking-lot requirements:
Specific Local standards are designed to meet the minimal, necessary off-street parking requirements for residential, institutional, office, commercial and industrial land uses within all zoning districts.As for example, for Residential Use, Single-family dwellings require 2 spaces for every dwelling unit. 3 spaces for units with 4 or more bedrooms. For Commercial use, general offices require 4 spaces /1000sq. ft of the floor area.
Handicapped Parking Spaces
Handicapped parking spaces are required by law to be accessible and available for individuals with disabilities. In Tennessee, the minimum size for a handicapped parking space is 8 feet wide by 20 feet long, which allows for additional room for individuals with disabilities to maneuver their vehicles. Additionally, a 5-foot-wide access aisle must be provided next to each handicapped parking space to ensure that individuals can enter and exit their vehicles safely.
The access aisle must be marked with diagonal stripes to indicate that it is a no parking area, and must be connected to an accessible route leading to the building entrance. It’s also important to note that handicapped parking spaces should be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance, with a clear and level path of travel from the parking area to the building entrance.
Number of Handicapped Parking Spaces
The number of handicapped parking spaces required in a parking lot or garage is determined by the total number of parking spaces provided. According to Tennessee Department of Transportation and ADA guidelines, a minimum of one handicapped parking space is required for every 25 parking spaces. At least one of these accessible spaces must be van accessible, and for every additional 100 accessible spaces in the lot or garage, an additional van accessible space is required.
Additional Considerations for Handicapped Parking Spaces
In addition to the size and location requirements for handicapped parking spaces, there are additional considerations that must be taken into account. For example, the slope of the access aisle and path of travel must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible routes. The access aisle should also be level and free from any obstacles that may obstruct the path of travel for individuals with disabilities.
Furthermore, the van accessible parking space should be located in a way that allows for the deployment of a ramp or lift on the side of the vehicle. The space must also be marked with an additional sign that identifies it as van accessible, and the access aisle must be at least 8 feet wide to accommodate the wider door of a van.
Enforcement of Parking Space Regulations
It’s important to note that the regulations for parking space dimensions and handicapped parking spaces are not optional. These requirements are enforced by local and state government agencies, and failure to comply can result in fines and penalties. Additionally, businesses and property owners who fail to provide adequate parking spaces for individuals with disabilities may be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur as a result of inadequate parking facilities. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses and property owners to adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety and accessibility of their parking areas.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s important to follow TDOT, ADA and City standards for number of necessary parking lots , dimensions and handicapped parking spaces to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to parking areas. These guidelines help to ensure that parking spaces are of adequate size and are accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, it’s important to note that specific requirements for parking spaces may vary depending on the local government, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local government or a qualified professional to ensure that your parking spaces meet all necessary standards and requirements.
