Striping
ADA Parking Lot Striping: Dimensions & Paint Specs
Cojo
March 19, 2026
9 min read
ADA parking compliance starts with striping. The dimensions, colors, markings, and layout of accessible parking spaces are defined by federal ADA standards and enforced in Oregon through both federal law and ORS 447.233. A space that is the wrong width, uses the wrong colors, or has improperly marked access aisles is not compliant — regardless of whether a sign is posted.
This guide focuses specifically on ADA parking lot striping — the physical paint-on-pavement requirements that contractors and property owners must get right. For the broader compliance framework including space counts, slope requirements, and Oregon state law, see our guide to ADA parking requirements Oregon.
Every ADA-compliant accessible parking space must meet these minimum dimensional requirements:
| Dimension | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Space width | 8 feet (96 inches) minimum |
| Access aisle width | 5 feet (60 inches) minimum |
| Space length | 18 to 20 feet (standard parking depth) |
| Total width (space + aisle) | 13 feet minimum |
Van accessible spaces accommodate wheelchair lifts and ramps, requiring wider access aisles:
| Configuration | Space Width | Access Aisle Width | Total Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option A | 8 feet | 8 feet | 16 feet |
| Option B | 11 feet | 5 feet | 16 feet |
Two adjacent accessible spaces can share a single access aisle between them. This is a common layout strategy that saves pavement width:
The shared aisle must be positioned so it is accessible from both spaces. Striping must clearly indicate the aisle belongs to both spaces — diagonal hatching runs the full length between the two stall lines.
ADA itself does not mandate specific paint colors — it specifies dimensions, slopes, and signage. However, established industry standards and Oregon practice have created a de facto color code that property owners should follow:
The hatching pattern communicates "do not park here" to drivers. The visual distinction between the parking space and the hatched aisle must be immediately clear.
The wheelchair symbol must be painted on the pavement surface of each accessible space:
A solid blue border line around the access aisle is standard practice. This 4-inch-wide border, combined with interior diagonal hatching, creates the unmistakable "no parking" visual that keeps vehicles out of the access aisle.
Proper placement is as important as proper dimensions. ADA spaces that are correctly striped but poorly located still fail compliance.
Accessible spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance they serve. In practice, this means:
The access aisle must connect directly to an accessible route (sidewalk, curb ramp, or pathway) that leads to the building entrance. The accessible route must be:
Where accessible spaces are adjacent to a curb, a curb ramp must connect the access aisle to the sidewalk. The curb ramp:
For new layouts or major re-stripes, these strategies maximize compliance and efficiency:
Strategy 1: Group accessible spaces together near the entrance This is the most common approach. Place all accessible spaces in a cluster closest to the main entrance, with shared access aisles between them and a single accessible route to the door.
Strategy 2: Distribute spaces across multiple entrances For properties with multiple building entrances (shopping centers, medical complexes), distribute accessible spaces proportionally. Each group of spaces needs its own accessible route to the nearest entrance.
Strategy 3: End-of-row placement Placing accessible spaces at the end of parking rows provides natural access aisle space without consuming an adjacent standard stall. The access aisle extends into what would otherwise be aisle or drive lane space.
These mistakes generate the most compliance failures during inspections and ADA compliance audits:
The most frequent error. A standard access aisle must be at least 60 inches (5 feet). Van accessible aisles must be at least 96 inches (8 feet). Measurements are taken from the inside edges of the boundary lines. If the lines themselves are 4 inches wide, the clear pavement between lines must still meet the minimum.
An access aisle marked only with boundary lines but no interior hatching is non-compliant. The hatching is what communicates "no parking" to drivers. Without it, vehicles routinely park in the aisle, blocking wheelchair access.
A perfectly striped access aisle that dead-ends at a curb with no ramp fails compliance. The aisle must provide a continuous path to the building entrance.
The International Symbol of Accessibility must be painted on the pavement surface. A sign alone is not sufficient — both pavement markings and vertical signage are required. The symbol must be at least 36 inches x 36 inches.
At least one in every six accessible spaces must be van accessible, and it must be identified as such on both the sign and the pavement. A space with correct van-accessible dimensions but no "VAN ACCESSIBLE" marking is technically non-compliant.
ADA markings that were compliant when first painted but have faded to the point of being difficult to read are non-compliant. Oregon's ORS 447.233 specifically requires property owners to maintain markings in visible, legible condition.
ADA markings need maximum durability because they must remain clearly visible at all times. Material recommendations:
| Material | Lifespan | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based traffic paint | 12 - 18 months | Budget-conscious re-stripes with frequent maintenance |
| Thermoplastic | 3 - 5 years | ISA symbols, access aisle hatching, stall lines |
| Epoxy paint | 2 - 3 years | High-traffic lots where durability matters |
| Pre-formed thermoplastic (ISA stencils) | 4 - 7 years | Best option for the wheelchair symbol — maintains detail and color |
ADA striping costs more per space than standard parking stall striping due to the additional markings required:
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Accessible stall lines (per space) | $50 - $100 |
| Access aisle with diagonal hatching | $100 - $250 |
| ISA pavement symbol (paint) | $75 - $150 |
| ISA pavement symbol (thermoplastic) | $150 - $300 |
| "VAN ACCESSIBLE" text (paint) | $50 - $100 |
| Vertical sign with post (installed) | $200 - $500 |
| Curb ramp (if needed) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
ADA parking lot striping is a precise discipline with specific dimensional, color, and layout requirements. Close enough is not compliant. The combination of federal ADA enforcement through civil lawsuits and Oregon state enforcement through ORS 447.233 means property owners face consequences from both directions when markings fall short.
The good news is that ADA striping done right is straightforward and affordable relative to the liability it prevents. Work with a contractor who understands the standards and measures twice before painting once.
Cojo provides ADA-compliant parking lot striping for commercial properties across Oregon, including dimensional verification, proper ISA symbol placement, and access aisle marking. Contact Cojo for a free compliance assessment, or learn more about our striping services.
Current ADA parking lot striping requirements for Oregon in 2026. Space counts, dimensions, access aisles, signage, and marking specifications for full compliance.
ADA van-accessible parking space requirements in Oregon: aisle widths, vertical clearance, signage, and striping specs for full compliance. Get a free striping quote.
ADA van-accessible parking striping — stall and access-aisle widths, vertical clearance, signage, and Oregon rules under ORS 447.233. Get a free quote.
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