Striping
ADA Van-Accessible Parking Requirements in Oregon
Cojo
March 21, 2026
6 min read
Standard accessible parking spaces accommodate most vehicles used by people with disabilities. Van-accessible spaces address a specific, critical need — the space required to deploy a wheelchair lift or ramp from the side of a van. Without adequate clearance, a person who uses a wheelchair and relies on a van-mounted lift physically cannot exit their vehicle.
This is not a convenience issue — it is a fundamental access issue. A parking lot that has standard accessible spaces but lacks properly configured van-accessible spaces effectively excludes wheelchair users who travel by van. Federal ADA law and Oregon state code both require van-accessible spaces as a specific subset of accessible parking.
ADA requires that at least one in every six accessible parking spaces (or fraction thereof) be van-accessible.
| Total Accessible Spaces Required | Minimum Van-Accessible |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2-6 | 1 |
| 7-12 | 2 |
| 13-18 | 3 |
| 19-24 | 4 |
The critical difference between a standard accessible space and a van-accessible space is the access aisle width. ADA provides two acceptable configurations.
This configuration provides the full 8-foot access aisle needed for most van side-lift deployments.
This configuration shifts the extra width into the parking space rather than the aisle. It can work for rear-loading vans but is less accommodating for side-lift deployments.
Van-accessible spaces and the vehicle route to them must have a minimum vertical clearance of 98 inches (8 feet 2 inches). This accommodates full-size vans with raised roofs. This requirement is particularly relevant for parking garages and covered parking where structural elements may limit headroom.
The 98-inch clearance applies to the space itself, the access aisle, and the entire route from the lot entrance to the van-accessible space. A lot that meets all other requirements but has a 7-foot clearance on the entrance drive does not provide usable van-accessible parking.
Van-accessible spaces use the same boundary line treatment as standard accessible spaces — clearly painted white or blue lines delineating the space boundaries.
The access aisle is the most critical marking element for van-accessible spaces. The wider 96-inch aisle must be clearly marked with diagonal crosshatch lines — typically blue or white paint at 30 to 45-degree angles with 12 to 36-inch spacing. The crosshatch pattern must fill the entire aisle area, clearly communicating to other drivers that this is not a parking space.
The crosshatch serves a dual purpose: it prevents other vehicles from parking in the space that a van user needs for lift deployment, and it provides a clear, level surface for wheelchair users transitioning between their vehicle and the accessible route.
The International Symbol of Accessibility must be painted on the pavement within the van-accessible space, following the same specifications as standard accessible spaces — minimum 36 inches in dimension, centered, and clearly visible.
Van-accessible spaces must be identified with a "VAN ACCESSIBLE" designation. This can appear as painted text on the pavement within the space, on the vertical accessible parking sign, or both. Best practice is to include it in both locations for maximum visibility.
The pavement marking should use letters at least 6 to 8 inches in height, positioned below the wheelchair symbol where it is visible to approaching drivers.
The vertical sign for a van-accessible space includes the standard International Symbol of Accessibility, "VAN ACCESSIBLE" text, Oregon-required fine amount, and mounting at a minimum height of 60 inches from the ground to the bottom of the sign.
Van-accessible spaces should be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance. When choosing between two possible locations of equal distance, select the location with the most level terrain and the most direct route free of cross-traffic.
The access aisle must connect to a curb ramp or flush transition leading to the accessible route. If the accessible route is elevated (on a sidewalk), a curb ramp must be present at the access aisle location — the wheelchair user cannot negotiate a standard curb from the access aisle.
For lots serving multiple building entrances, distribute van-accessible spaces among the entrances rather than grouping them all at one location. See our striping regulations in Oregon guide for complete placement rules.
Access aisle too narrow. The most common error. A 60-inch aisle with a standard 96-inch space does not meet van-accessible requirements. The aisle must be 96 inches wide unless the space itself is 132 inches wide.
No vertical clearance verification. Property owners add van-accessible markings to spaces under covered areas without verifying 98-inch clearance. Trees, awnings, canopies, and structural overhangs can all reduce clearance below the requirement.
Aisle on the wrong side. The access aisle must be on the passenger side of the van space to accommodate most van lift configurations. When spaces are shared between a van-accessible space and a standard accessible space, the aisle can serve both, but it must be adjacent to the van space.
Missing "VAN ACCESSIBLE" designation. A van-accessible space without the "VAN ACCESSIBLE" marking looks identical to a standard accessible space. Without the designation, a driver may not recognize the wider aisle accommodation.
Blocked access route. Shopping carts, bicycle racks, trash containers, and seasonal merchandise displays placed in or near the access aisle block the accessible route and create a violation even when the markings are correct.
Van-accessible space striping costs $175 to $400 per space, slightly more than standard accessible space striping ($150 to $375) due to the larger access aisle area requiring more crosshatch marking. Signage adds $100 to $250 per space. See our parking lot striping cost in Oregon guide for context.
When coordinating with other lot work, include van-accessible spaces in your sealcoating and striping package for a comprehensive approach.
Van-accessible space compliance requires precise dimensions, correct aisle configuration, proper markings, and appropriate signage. Cojo provides ADA-compliant striping services with precise measurements and full specification adherence across Oregon. Read our complete striping guide for more information.
Contact Cojo for a free ADA compliance assessment.
ADA parking lot striping guide: stall dimensions, access aisle widths, paint colors, and van-accessible specs for Oregon lots. See the full layout rules.
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 striping — stall and access-aisle widths, vertical clearance, signage, and Oregon rules under ORS 447.233. Get a free quote.
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