Parking Lot Maintenance Overview
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Building Code, commercial properties must provide designated accessible parking spaces that meet specific dimensional, location, and marking requirements.
Number of accessible spaces required: the Ontario Building Code specifies minimum accessible parking ratios. For a 50-space lot, at least 2 accessible spaces are required; for 100 spaces, 4; ratios increase with lot size. Consult the current Building Code for your specific parking count.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Dimensional requirements: accessible parking spaces in Ontario must be at least 3,700mm wide (compared to standard 2,700-2,900mm). Spaces must be served by an accessible aisle (at least 1,500mm wide) to allow wheelchair deployment from vehicles.
Surface requirements: accessible spaces and access aisles must be level (maximum 1:50 or 2% slope in any direction), firm, stable, and slip-resistant. No gaps, surface discontinuities, or ponding water.
Commercial Parking Solutions
Marking requirements: accessible spaces must display the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) on a sign and on the pavement surface. Signs must be mounted at a height of 1,500-2,100mm above grade to be visible when a vehicle is parked in the space.
Location requirements: accessible spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the accessible building entrance. Spaces cannot require users to cross active traffic lanes to reach the entrance.
Annual inspection: accessible parking provisions should be inspected annually. Faded or damaged markings, damaged signs, and surface deterioration compromise compliance and may create liability.
D&D Commercial Services provides accessible parking line marking, sign installation, and compliance review for commercial properties in Ontario.