We open with a clear goal: help owners and managers determine the correct number of accessible stalls for any facility in our state. We tie federal rules and local building code into a single, practical approach you can use today.

We explain why proper counts matter: following requirements reduces legal risk, speeds approvals, and improves accessibility for visitors and staff. Our checklist shows how to total stalls, apply minimums, and round up when fractions occur.

We use the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design as the baseline and note how state enforcement adds signage and penalty details. We preview special cases like healthcare facilities and the one-in-six van-accessible rule that can change the final number.

Throughout, we keep steps short and practical. Read on to get a simple workflow for planning, layout, compliant signs, and documentation you can adopt for any public building or lot.

Why ADA parking space count North Carolina matters right now

Getting the right number of accessible stalls up front saves time, money, and headaches during permitting. Local building ordinances adopt Chapter 11 of the NC Building Code, so enforcement is handled at the municipal level.

Violations—like using reserved stalls without a placard or blocking curb ramps—can lead to fines from $100 to $250. After March 15, 2012, restriping or resurfacing a lot is treated as an alteration and must meet the 2010 Standards.

This affects a wide range of facilities: medical centers, retail, hotels, government services, and campus buildings. We show how correct counts and clear signage cut dispute risk and boost visitor satisfaction.

Consistent maintenance keeps markings visible and enforceable. Sites with multiple lots or shared garages must plan counts for each facility and place accessible spots near the entrances they serve.

Our workflow aligns design, construction, and operations so teams avoid rework, pass inspections, and keep occupancy approvals on schedule. Visible compliance also helps brand reputation in high-traffic venues.

What laws apply in North Carolina: ADA, NC Building Code, and local ordinances

Compliance starts by knowing which federal standards and the state code apply to your project. Federal law bars discrimination by governments and by private places of public accommodation. The 2010 ADA Standards set scoping and technical rules that guide accessible parking counts, locations, dimensions, and signage.

Who must follow federal rules

Title II covers state and local governments and their programs and services. Title III covers public accommodations and commercial facilities like hotels, restaurants, retail, stadiums, and golf courses.

2010 Standards and the alteration trigger

The 2010 standards give the scoping tables and technical specs we use for layout and signs. Any alteration—such as re-striping or resurfacing after March 15, 2012—must meet these standards.

State code and local enforcement

The North Carolina Persons with Disabilities Protection Act offers parallel protections. Chapter 11 of the NC Building Code provides minimum accessibility rules many localities adopt as ordinances.

We recommend early coordination with local building officials to confirm any local amendments and to streamline permitting. Later sections show how to turn these rules into simple calculations and site plans to keep construction and operations consistent over time.

Scope: Which facilities and parking areas must comply

To scope compliance, we identify every lot, garage, and off-site facility that serves a building or program. That list tells us the number and type of accessible parking required and where those stalls must be placed.

Public accommodations and commercial facilities

Covered facilities include hotels, restaurants, theaters, stadiums, retail stores, professional offices, gas stations, museums, parks, private schools, day care centers, gymnasiums, homeless shelters, and golf courses.

Retail centers, medical offices, hotels, and stadiums must provide accessible stalls at their lots and garages that serve visitors and staff.

State and local government programs and services

Title II entities—state agencies, counties, and municipalities—must provide accessible parking for programs and services they offer. Each separate facility that serves a building is counted and planned for compliance.

Private clubs and religious entities are excluded from public accommodation rules under federal definitions. Locations with multiple entrances may need even distribution so the shortest accessible route leads from the stall to the entrance it serves.

We recommend early coordination among owners, property managers, and designers to confirm scope and address special medical cases that can require higher percentages of accessible stalls.

How to calculate the minimum number of accessible parking spaces

Begin with a simple total of all marked and unmarked stalls in each lot. The total number drives how many accessible stalls we must provide under the scoping table.

Count total parking spaces in each facility

We count every stall serving a building, including existing accessible stalls. Record the total number for each facility separately before applying the table.

Apply the minimums and round fractions up

Use the thresholds: 1 for 1–25; 2 for 26–50; 3 for 51–75; 4 for 76–100; 5 for 101–150; 6 for 151–200; 7 for 201–300; 8 for 301–400; 9 for 401–500; and for 501–1000 use 20 then add one per 100 or fraction. When a calculation yields a fraction, always round up to the next whole number.

Multiple facilities and van-accessible rule

If several facilities serve the same building, calculate per facility and then place accessible stalls near the entrances they serve. For every six, or fraction of six, at least one must be van-accessible. We document totals and our calculations for permitting and inspections.

Van-accessible spaces: the one-in-six rule explained

Providing the right number of van-accessible stalls ensures vans can load and unload safely and with dignity. We explain the rule, where to put the stalls, and the clearance and signage that make them practical.

Meeting the one-in-six test

For every six, or fraction of six, accessible parking spaces at least one must be van-accessible. A fraction means rounding up, so 1–6 needs 1, 7–12 needs 2, and so on.

The van count is a subset of the total accessible parking spaces and must be included in the spaces provided. Record the number accessible and the parking spaces required per lot in your permit documents.

Allocating van stalls across lots

When separate facilities serve the same building, plan van stalls to serve the nearest accessible entrances. Place them by ramps and curb cuts and consider covered locations when feasible.

Van stalls must show “Van-Accessible” on vertical signs and allow 98 inches of vertical clearance in the aisle and at the space. We document allocation by lot to avoid inspection delays and rework.

Special cases: hospitals, rehab, and outpatient physical therapy facilities

In healthcare settings we apply higher accessibility percentages to reflect patient needs and clinical services.

Hospital outpatient facilities must provide accessible parking spaces equal to 10% of patient and visitor stalls. Rehab centers and outpatient physical therapy facilities must provide 20% for patient/visitor areas. These percentages apply to patient/visitor stalls only, not staff-only areas, unless staff lots also serve patients.

After we calculate the percentage, we still apply the one-in-six van rule to the resulting total. If a calculation yields a fraction, we round up to the next whole number so the minimum number accessible meets the requirement.

We recommend early coordination with healthcare planners to separate staff from patient counts across garages and surface lots. Signage and wayfinding should direct patients and caregivers to the nearest accessible entrance and nearest accessible stalls.

Document assumptions for inspectors, plan extra accessible stalls near clinics and therapy suites, and review counts periodically when departments change. Noncompliance in these facilities can delay certifications and approvals.

Laying out accessible parking on site for shortest accessible routes

We plan accessible areas so every user reaches the building by the shortest, safest route. Good layout reduces travel distance and lowers exposure to vehicle traffic.

Placing spaces nearest accessible entrances

Place accessible parking close to the entrance the facility serves. Align aisles with curb ramps, crosswalks, and continuous accessible paths so wheel users avoid diagonal crossings.

Evenly distributing spaces when there are multiple entrances

When a site has multiple entrances, spread accessible spaces to serve each one. This keeps the number of required accessible stalls balanced across buildings and reduces walking distance for visitors.

We favor same-grade locations and routes without steps or steep slopes. Keep routes clear of landscaping, storage, and obstructions so they stay usable year-round.

Minimize conflict points by choosing low-traffic areas and provide good sightlines and lighting. Clear markings, aligned access aisles, and visible signage improve safety day and night.

Preview dimensions and striping details in the next section to confirm that layout, aisle alignment, and routing meet technical requirements.

Dimensions that meet ADA and NC requirements

Accurate dimensions streamline field layout and prevent costly rework later. We use clear size rules for car and van stalls, access aisles, vertical clearance, and signage to make layouts easy to inspect and maintain.

Car and van widths and allowable alternatives

Car stalls must be at least 96 inches wide with a 60‑inch access aisle. Van stalls are 132 inches wide with a 60‑inch aisle.

Alternatively, a van stall may be 96 inches wide paired with a 96‑inch access aisle. Confirm dimensions on site to allow for wheel stops and columns.

Access aisles: width, length, and sharing

Access aisles must run the full length of the adjacent stall and can be shared by two adjacent spaces when laid out correctly. Make aisles visually distinct with contrasting striping and cross‑hatching to keep them clear.

Vertical clearance and slope considerations

Provide 98 inches of vertical clearance where needed for vans and the route to the building. Check site grades so aisles and routes do not have slopes that impede mobility.

Signs must show the International Symbol of Accessibility. Van stalls require “Van‑Accessible” text and signs mounted at least 60 inches above grade. Under state rules, include “Maximum Penalty $250.”

Signage that passes inspection and is enforceable in NC

Good signage reduces confusion and makes enforcement straightforward for officers and inspectors. Clear signs help users find accessible parking quickly and help facilities meet inspection requirements.

International Symbol and “Van‑Accessible” text

Every sign must show the International Symbol of Accessibility. Signs for van stalls must also include the words “Van‑Accessible” so enforcement officers can tell them apart at a glance.

Mounting height and the “Maximum Penalty $250” language

Mount the bottom of signs at least 60 inches above grade so they remain visible over vehicles. Under state law, include “Maximum Penalty $250” to make the sign enforceable; failure to include it risks fines from $100–$250.

Use durable, reflective materials and place signs so they align with access aisles without blocking routes. Standardize specs across properties, document installations, and pair signs with pavement stencils to create redundant, legible cues that support fair enforcement and a respectful user experience.

Marking, striping, and maintenance to stay compliant over time

Striping that lasts and routes kept clear make facilities safer and easier to manage. Durable markings and well‑mounted signs help users find accessible stalls and protect access aisles from misuse.

Use high‑quality traffic paint with glass beads and follow vendor cure times so markings resist weather and heavy use. Templates and stencils ensure consistent symbols and legends that match state requirements.

Keep aisles and routes free of snow, leaves, equipment, and debris. Regular inspections let us refresh faded markings and replace damaged signs before they fail an inspection.

Remember: restriping or resurfacing after March 15, 2012, triggers current standards, so confirm the number and layout before repainting. Coordinate with local inspectors to align with municipal permit rules.

Maintain a simple log of dates, materials, photos, and any changes to counts or layouts. Communicate rules to tenants and staff so aisles and routes are not blocked during daily operations.

Budget for annual upkeep. Well‑maintained markings and signs improve safety, reduce complaints, and help facilities avoid citations or operational delays.

When re-striping triggers the 2010 ADA standards

When a lot is resurfaced or repainted, it can trigger the 2010 standards and require updated work. We treat repainting or resurfacing as an alteration that qualifies because it changes the site’s usable features.

A safe harbor protects features built before March 15, 2012 if they met earlier rules. But any alteration after that date must meet the 2010 requirements. That includes routine re-striping tied to construction or lot repairs.

Plan re-striping so counts, van ratios, and layout meet current rules. Audit signs for height, wording, and condition while crews are on site. Confirm vertical clearance and aisle widths in garages that serve van-accessible stalls.

Document before/after plans, the number of accessible spaces by facility, and a sign schedule for inspectors. Coordinate concrete, asphalt, and signage crews to complete full compliance in one mobilization.

Use the trigger as a chance to fix locations that impede the shortest accessible route. Tell tenants and customers about temporary closures and safe alternate routes so work runs smoothly and avoids repeat visits.

Common mistakes that lead to violations and fines

Simple errors in layout and signage lead to fines more often than complex design flaws. We find the same problems at many sites, and they are usually easy to fix.

Obstructed curb ramps and curb cuts

Blocked curb ramps or curb cuts are frequent violations. When ramps are obstructed, users cannot reach sidewalks or building entrances. That creates immediate safety and access issues and draws citations.

Improper signs or missing penalty language

Signs that lack the required “Maximum Penalty $250” wording are often ruled nonconforming under state law. Low mounting heights, faded legends, or nonstandard symbols also make enforcement harder.

• Illegally parked vehicles without placards draw fines from $100 to $250 and trigger enforcement actions.
• Misapplied one‑in‑six rules reduce required van spaces and can fail inspections.
• Spaces placed far from the nearest entrance break shortest-route requirements after site changes.
• Access aisles used for loading or blocked by carts violate access rules and endanger users.
• Faded striping, wrong colors, or poor mounting height on signs make facilities look noncompliant.

We recommend regular audits, staff training, and clear documentation of corrective actions so facilities stay ahead of inspections and minimize fines.

Enforcement and penalties in North Carolina

Citations, permit holds, and public complaints drive how enforcement unfolds across municipalities. Local law enforcement and building officials may issue tickets or stop work when rules are violated. We track who acts and how to respond.

The state penalizes unlawful acts such as parking in accessible stalls without credentials, obstructing curb ramps, and using nonconforming signs. Fines range from $100 to $250 for these offenses, and municipalities can withhold permits or approvals for noncompliant facilities.

For citations to be enforceable, signs must include “Maximum Penalty $250” and be mounted at least 60 inches above grade. Proper wording and height matter more than you might expect; nonconforming signs often void enforcement actions.

Public complaints often trigger focused inspections or enforcement sweeps. We recommend keeping clear as-built plans, photos, and sign schedules so we can prove compliance quickly when officials ask.

Proactive communication with authorities before re‑striping or sign upgrades reduces delays. Regular internal checks tied to maintenance schedules cut risk, protect visitors, and keep our building entries accessible and safe.

Reasonable accommodations: assigned parking for employees and tenants

We must consider requests for assigned access when an employee or tenant cannot use general-use parking because of a disability. Title I requires employers with 15 or more staff to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so causes undue hardship. In housing, the Fair Housing Act similarly supports assigned locations when needed for full enjoyment of the unit.

We can modify first-come, first-served rules to reserve a spot or allow a closer location for an individual. Such adjustments often solve a daily barrier with minimal disruption to others. Keep routes from the spot to the building clear so the accommodation is truly usable and safe.

When a third party owns or manages the lot, responsibility is shared. Employers and property owners should coordinate with lot operators to implement assigned solutions and document agreements. Clear signage and written notices help protect the designated spaces and reduce disputes.

We recommend a simple workflow: log requests, evaluate feasibility and undue hardship, map the proposed spot to an accessible route, issue written decisions, and review periodically. Respectful, timely engagement builds trust and supports long-term compliance with services for individuals with disabilities.

Contracting compliance work: signage, striping, and inspections

Before crews arrive, we map requirements and confirm scopes so contractors know exactly what to deliver. Many municipalities require newly constructed lots to be striped to standards before an operating permit is issued.

We recommend engaging experienced NC contractors like IWC Sealcoating who handle counts verification, layout plans, stenciling, and sign installation. Contractors should order compliant signs with “Van-Accessible” and “Maximum Penalty $250” language and confirm mounting heights.

Coordinating with qualified contractors in North Carolina

Define the scope clearly: verify totals, produce layout drawings, stripe stall lines, install signs, and resolve a final punchlist. Ask for mock-ups in tight garages before full production to avoid rework.

Align contractor schedules with inspection dates to speed approvals and occupancy. Require as-built drawings and photos to document compliant installation for future inspections and maintenance.

Include maintenance specs and warranties in the contract so markings and features last. A final quality review against the scoping table and NC sign language closes the job and confirms the required number of compliant spaces.

Step-by-step: our how-to workflow for ADA parking compliance

We walk teams through a simple, repeatable workflow that turns rules into on-site deliverables. Follow these steps to verify totals, lay out stalls, and finish with durable markings and inspectable documentation.

Measure, calculate, and plan the counts

We measure each lot and record the total number of stalls per facility. Use the scoping table to determine the minimum required number accessible and round up on fractions. Apply the one-in-six van rule to set van stall totals.

Design access aisles and routes

We place stalls on the shortest accessible route and distribute them when multiple entrances exist. Car stalls are 96 inches wide with 60‑inch access aisles. Van stalls are 132 inches with 60‑inch aisles or 96/96 where paired. Verify 98‑inch vertical clearance where needed.

Install signs and stripe to spec

We install compliant signs with the ISA, “Van‑Accessible” text for van stalls, mount them at least 60 inches high, and include “Maximum Penalty $250.” Stripe durable, high‑contrast markings and align aisles to curb ramps.

Document, maintain, and prepare for enforcement

We compile a compliance packet: totals, layout diagrams, sign schedules, photos, and a maintenance plan. Schedule periodic inspections and train on-site teams to keep aisles and routes clear so the number of accessible stalls remains enforceable.

Your next steps to achieve confident compliance today

Take a quick field walk to verify totals, mark final locations, and avoid last-minute corrections that delay approvals.

We calculate the required accessible spaces using the scoping table and the one-in-six van rule, then round up so the minimum number accessible is met. Confirm each accessible parking stall sits on the shortest accessible route to the building or area it serves.

Order compliant signs now that include the ISA, the words “Van-Accessible,” and “Maximum Penalty $250” mounted at 60 inches. Many municipalities require compliant striping before issuing operating permits, and enforcement fines range from $100 to $250 for violations.

Checklist to start today:
– Verify totals and van allocations.
– Walk the site and lock in locations.
– Schedule striping and sign installation together.
– Create a maintenance calendar and document counts, plans, and photos.
– Coordinate with local officials and engage qualified contractors to install correct dimensions and durable features.