Is your parking lot still legal?
- Grant Schmidt
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
This is a question most property owners don’t think about until it becomes a problem.
Parking lots don’t usually fall out of compliance overnight. It happens slowly. Paint fades. Layouts change. Repairs get done. Striping doesn’t always get updated. Before long, what used to be compliant… isn’t anymore.
If it’s been a few years since your lot was restriped or reviewed, there’s a good chance it may not be as compliant as you think.
Why Parking Lot Compliance Actually Matters
Parking lot compliance isn’t just paperwork. It affects real people and real risk.
Non-compliant lots can lead to:
ADA complaints or lawsuits
Failed inspections
Issues with insurance claims
Liability if someone gets injured
Most violations aren’t intentional. They happen because maintenance gets pushed back or no one realizes the standards have changed.
The Most Common Issues We See
ADA Parking Spaces That Have Faded or Disappeared
This is the most common problem by far.
Over time:
Blue paint fades
Wheelchair symbols wear off
Access aisles aren’t obvious anymore
Even if the space used to be compliant, faded or unclear markings can be treated as non-compliant.
Incorrect Number of ADA Spaces
Parking lots often change without anyone revisiting the ADA layout.
If parking was added, removed, or reconfigured at any point, the number of required accessible spaces may no longer be correct. We see this a lot after expansions, resurfacing, or partial restripes.
Under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the number of required accessible parking spaces depends on the total number of standard parking spots in your lot:
Total Parking Spaces | Minimum Accessible Spaces Required |
1 – 25 | 1 accessible space |
26 – 50 | 2 accessible spaces |
51 – 75 | 3 accessible spaces |
76 – 100 | 4 accessible spaces |
101 – 150 | 5 accessible spaces |
151 – 200 | 6 accessible spaces |
201 – 300 | 7 accessible spaces |
301 – 400 | 8 accessible spaces |
401 – 500 | 9 accessible spaces |
501 – 1000 | 2% of total parking spaces |
1001+ | 20 + 1 per 100 spaces over 1000 |
Access Aisles That Don’t Meet Requirements
Access aisles need to be clearly marked and properly sized.
Common issues include:
Aisles that are too narrow
Striping that’s no longer visible
Slopes or drainage changes after asphalt work
These problems usually go unnoticed until someone points them out.
Missing or Improper Signage
Paint alone usually isn’t enough.
Most ADA spaces require proper upright signage with specific placement and height. If signs are missing, damaged, or incorrect, the lot may still be out of compliance—even if the paint looks fine.
Fire Lanes and Safety Markings That Are Hard to See
Fire lanes, crosswalks, loading zones, and directional arrows matter too.
When these markings fade or disappear, it creates confusion and safety issues. It can also attract attention from inspectors or fire authorities.
How Often Should Compliance Be Checked?
There’s no single rule, but we usually recommend reviewing compliance:
When striping starts to fade
After sealcoating or asphalt repairs
Anytime the parking layout changes
Every few years, even if nothing obvious has changed
Compliance isn’t “set it and forget it.” Paint wears out, even if the asphalt doesn’t.
Can Faded Paint Really Cause Legal Issues?
Yes.
Even if your parking lot was compliant when it was originally striped, faded or unclear markings can still create issues. Enforcement is based on what’s visible and usable now—not what the lot looked like years ago.
That’s why restriping is often about more than appearance. It’s about reducing risk.
What We Usually Recommend
If you’re unsure about your parking lot’s compliance, the best move is a professional evaluation.
Sometimes the fix is simple—fresh striping or updated signage. Other times, layouts need to be adjusted to meet current standards. Either way, it’s better to know before it becomes a problem.
At Midwest Striping & Surfaces, we help property owners and managers identify compliance issues and fix them without overcomplicating the process.
Get a Straight Answer
Every parking lot is different.
If you manage a property in Omaha or the surrounding area and want to know whether your lot is still legal and compliant, we’re happy to take a look and give you an honest answer—no pressure, no guessing.
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