Looking to make your space more accessible to everyone? Meeting ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements is not only the right thing to do but also the law. Where do you start? This guide explores three practical and effective ways to make your commercial property accessible with ADA upgrades. Read on to discover how you can make your property in the greater San Jose and San Francisco Bay areas inclusive and welcoming to all.
Assess Your Property’s Accessibility Needs
Evaluating your commercial property’s accessibility needs lets you determine the ADA upgrades you must meet. To begin, conduct a walkthrough of your property with an accessibility requirements checklist in mind. Identify barriers or obstacles preventing people with disabilities from accessing your property, such as narrow doorways, steep ramps, or inaccessible restrooms.
During your assessment, pay attention to your property’s layout, fixtures, and furniture placement. Are there clear pathways for wheelchair users to navigate through the building? Are there any hazards, such as sharp corners or uneven surfaces, that could pose a risk to individuals with mobility impairments?
Once you complete your assessment, prioritize the necessary upgrades based on the severity of each barrier. Use your findings to create an action plan for making the required changes to meet ADA compliance.
Offer Accessible Parking Areas
As a commercial property manager, you want to provide designated parking spaces to make your building accessible to everyone and meet ADA requirements. When designing your accessible parking area, consider the location, size, and number of spaces. Accessible parking spaces should be close to your property’s entrance and marked with signs that meet ADA guidelines.
The size of your accessible parking spaces is also critical. They should be at least 8 feet wide with a minimum 5-foot access aisle on one side. The access aisle provides enough room for a person using a wheelchair or other mobility device to enter and exit their vehicle safely.
Consider the number of accessible parking spaces required for your property. The ADA guidelines specify that you must provide a minimum number of accessible parking spaces based on the total number of parking spots available on your property.
Create Signage for Your Property’s Accessibility Features
Signs help visitors navigate your property and find the features they need to access your business or facility. As you create your signage, follow ADA guidelines. Signs should be clear, easy to read, and placed in visible areas for everyone to see. You can make the fonts large enough, use highly contrasting colors, and mount the sign where it’s visible to people of all heights.
Signs you may add to your property’s accessibility features include signs indicating accessible parking spaces, accessible entrances, restrooms, elevators, and emergency exits. You should place these signs in prominent locations for everyone to access and understand them easily.
Engage Reliable Commercial Asphalt and Paving Professionals
You must consider ADA upgrades to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone visiting your commercial property. These changes are a critical investment, and it’s best to work with a reliable service provider for the best outcome. At Asphalt Surfacing, we work with an expert team to meet and exceed your expectations. Are you ready for an upgrade project? Get in touch today!
