How Many Accessible Spaces You Need
The number is based on the total spaces in each parking facility, following Table 208.2 of the 2010 ADA Standards. If a site has more than one lot, each lot is counted on its own.
| Total spaces in the lot | Accessible spaces required |
|---|---|
| 1 to 25 | 1 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 |
| 51 to 75 | 3 |
| 76 to 100 | 4 |
| 101 to 150 | 5 |
| 151 to 200 | 6 |
| 201 to 300 | 7 |
| 301 to 400 | 8 |
| 401 to 500 | 9 |
| 501 to 1,000 | 2% of total |
| 1,001 and over | 20, plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000 |
Van accessible: at least 1 of every 6 accessible spaces (or fraction of 6) must be van accessible. So a lot that needs just one accessible space needs that one to be a van space.
Stall & Aisle Sizes in Washington
Washington's building code (WAC 51-50-1101) sets its own sizes, and they're stricter than the federal minimum for vans:
- Accessible stalls (car and van): at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide.
- Access aisle next to a car space: at least 60 inches (5 feet) wide.
- Access aisle next to a van space: at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide.
- Aisle marking: access aisles must be marked so people don't park in them. That's what the crosshatch striping is for.
Worth checking on your lot: a van space with a 5-foot aisle doesn't meet Washington's 8-foot requirement, even if it's been striped that way for years.
Required Signs
- Every accessible space needs a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Access, white on a blue background. Paint on the ground alone isn't enough.
- The bottom of the sign must be at least 60 inches above the ground, so it can be seen over a parked car.
- Van spaces must be marked "van accessible."
- Washington also requires a vertical "no parking" sign at the head of each access aisle next to an accessible space.
- Signs may also show the fine for parking there illegally. It's allowed, but not required.
Where Accessible Spaces Go
- Accessible spaces must be on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance.
- Spaces and aisles must be nearly level: no slope steeper than 1:48 (about 2%) in any direction. If the only spot near the entrance is sloped, that's a layout problem to solve before painting.
Who Is Responsible
In Washington, it's the person who owns or controls the property. Under RCW 46.61.581, failing to put up and maintain the required signs, or letting accessible spaces get blocked, is a class 2 civil infraction for each space. Keeping stalls bright and signs in place is the simplest way to stay on the right side of it.
Fire Lane Marking
Fire lanes are set by the local fire code official, and each city or fire district has its own marking details. Vancouver's rules (VMC 16.04.150) are a good example of what's typical in the area:
- Red curbs are used in commercial developments where an owner is responsible for keeping the paint maintained.
- White block letters, at least 3.5 inches tall, reading "No Parking Fire Lane" on the vertical face of the curb.
- Lettering about every 20 feet, and at every change in direction.
- Fire lane signs (red on reflective white, MUTCD R7-107 style) at 75-foot intervals along commercial and multifamily fire access routes.
- For new construction, the city won't issue a certificate of occupancy until the fire lane markings are installed and inspected.
Battle Ground, Camas, Longview, Kelso and other cities may have different details. Your local fire marshal has the final say, and we'll stripe to whatever your jurisdiction requires.
Not Sure Your Lot Is Up to Code?
We offer a free ADA check. We'll look over your accessible stalls, aisles, symbols and signs, and your fire lane markings, and tell you what needs attention. If it needs work, we can re-stripe, stencil and install signs in one visit, after hours if you need the lot open.
Common Questions
How many accessible parking spaces does my lot need?
It depends on the total number of spaces in each parking facility. A lot with 1 to 25 spaces needs 1, 26 to 50 needs 2, 51 to 75 needs 3, and 76 to 100 needs 4. At least 1 of every 6 accessible spaces must be van accessible.
How wide does an accessible parking space need to be in Washington?
Washington requires car and van accessible spaces to be at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide. The access aisle next to a car space must be at least 60 inches wide, and the aisle next to a van space must be at least 96 inches wide.
What signs does an accessible parking space need in Washington?
Each accessible space needs a vertical sign with the International Symbol of Access, white on a blue background, with the bottom of the sign at least 60 inches above the ground. Van spaces must say "van accessible," and Washington also requires a vertical "no parking" sign at the head of each access aisle.
Who is responsible for keeping accessible parking signs up in Washington?
The person who owns or controls the property. Under RCW 46.61.581, failing to put up and maintain the required signs, or letting the spaces get blocked, is a class 2 civil infraction for each space.
How do fire lanes have to be marked?
It depends on the city or fire district. In Vancouver, for example, fire lane curbs in commercial developments are painted red with white block letters reading "No Parking Fire Lane," at least 3.5 inches tall, about every 20 feet and at changes in direction. Check with your local fire marshal for the exact rule in your area.
Sources (checked October 2026)
- U.S. Access Board: Guide to the ADA Standards, Chapter 5 (Parking)
- 2010 ADA Standards, Section 208.2 (Minimum Number)
- WAC 51-50-1101 (Washington accessibility amendments)
- RCW 46.61.581 (Parking spaces for persons with disabilities)
- Vancouver Municipal Code 16.04.150 (Fire apparatus access roads)
This guide is general information to help property owners understand the rules. It isn't legal advice, and codes change. For a specific property, check with your local building department or fire marshal.