Commercial Parking Accessibility Audit: Meeting AODA Requirements

AODA accessibility requirements for commercial parking are specific and enforced. Here's how to audit your property.

Parking Lot Maintenance Overview

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires commercial property owners to provide and maintain accessible parking, pathways, and entrance facilities. Non-compliance carries progressive fines.

Accessible parking stall count requirements are based on total parking supply. The required number scales with total stall count. Verify your accessible stall count against current requirements — regulations have changed over time.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Accessible stall dimensions must be maintained: 2.4 metres minimum width with a 1.5 metre access aisle. The access aisle is where wheelchair lifts deploy — it must be kept clear and on level grade.

Surfacing matters. AODA requires accessible spaces to be on a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. Cracked asphalt, loose gravel, or deteriorated pavement in accessible spaces creates compliance failure.

Commercial Parking Solutions

Signage and markings must be maintained. Accessible symbols on both the pavement and an above-grade sign (1.5-2.4 metres height) are required. Faded symbols or missing signs constitute non-compliance.

Path of travel from accessible parking to the building entrance must be maintained. This includes the accessible route crossing drive aisles, walkways to the entrance, and the entrance itself.

Annual accessibility audits — using your municipality's AODA checklist — identify gaps and document your compliance effort. This documentation is your defence in the event of a complaint or inspection.

Devon Moore, Operations Lead Co-Founder & Operations Lead — D&D Commercial Services

Devon Moore is the co-founder and Operations Lead at D&D Commercial Services, delivering professional commercial property maintenance across Waterloo Region.