Everything You Need to Know About Accessible Signage for Your Parking Facility in 2025
Updated November 26th, 2024, 2023 9:56AM ET • 6 min read
Accessible parking signage is crucial for individuals with disabilities to navigate Canadian parking facilities safely and effectively. It’s not just a matter of convenience; it’s a legal obligation. By understanding and complying with the rules and regulations concerning accessible signage, parking facility operators can create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Below is everything you need to know about accessible signage for your parking facility in 2025.
The Regulatory Landscape
Accessible parking in Canada falls under the jurisdiction of The Accessible Canada Act (Bill C-81). Additionally, individual provinces and cities have accessibility acts, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Ontario and the British Columbia Accessibility Act (Bill M 219) in British Columbia. Each region may have specific requirements and guidelines, so it is essential to research and ensure compliance with local regulations to make your parking facility barrier-free.
Before determining the number of accessible signs to be installed at your parking facility, several criteria must be considered:
Parking Facility Type: Whether you manage an on-street or off-street operation can influence the regulations governing the number of required accessible signs. Under the AODA, a standard parking space with a minimum width of 7.8 Ft needs to display the International Symbol of Accessibility sign. A parking space with a minimum width of 11Ft must provide additional signage identifying the space as “van accessible.”
Size of the Parking Facility: The size of your facility dictates the allocation of parking spaces for accessibility, which affects the number of required accessible parking signs.
Number of Accessible Parking Spots: The number of accessible signs needed depends on the number of accessible parking spots at your facility. For example, the Accessibility Design Guidelines of the City of Toronto state that if two accessible parking spaces are adjacent, one accessible parking sign must be displayed in the area.
Best Practices for Accessible Signage:
To ensure compliance and enhance accessibility, below are best practices parking facility owners and managers must follow when it comes to accessible signage:
Prominently Use the International Symbol of Accessibility: All accessible parking spaces should feature the International Symbol of Accessibility. This universally recognized icon indicates reserved spaces for individuals with disabilities. This symbol, often referred to as the "wheelchair symbol," includes an image of a person in a wheelchair on a blue background. This symbol must be used on all accessible parking signs to communicate clearly and consistently.
Increase Sign Size for Visibility: Enhancing the visibility of accessible permit parking signs ensures that individuals can easily locate and identify these spaces. While local regulations typically specify the minimum size requirements for these signs, using signs larger than the minimum requirements is often advisable. For instance, the Highway Traffic Act may mandate signs at least 300 mm wide by 450 mm high. However, using larger signs, when possible, can be highly beneficial, as they are more noticeable and easier to read. Larger signs help ensure parking spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities are readily identifiable, even from a distance.
Ensure Optimal Sign Placement: The placement of accessible parking signs is essential for their effectiveness. The signs should be mounted at an optimal height to ensure they are both visible and usable. To achieve this:
The center of the accessible permit parking sign should be positioned between 5 to 6.5 feet from the ground. This placement allows for easy readability from various angles and distances.
It is essential to avoid placing post-mounted signs with their lowest edge below 7 feet in areas where pedestrians walk. Signs that hang too low can pose overhead hazards, potentially leading to accidents or obstructions for taller individuals or those using mobility aids.
By adhering to these best practices for accessible signage, parking facility operators not only comply with legal requirements but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. These signs ensure that individuals with disabilities can confidently navigate your facility and contribute to a welcoming environment for all.
References
Accessible parking. ADA National Network. (2023, November 16). https://adata.org/factsheet/parking
A guide to ADA compliance in Canada. ADA Solutions - Tactile Warning Surfaces. (2023, October 17). https://adatile.com/a-guide-to-ada-compliance-in-canada/
City of toronto accessibility design guidelines. City of Toronto. (n.d.). https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/8fcf-accessibility_design_guidelines.pdf
Highway Traffic Act R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 581 ACCESSIBLE PARKING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. Ontario.ca. (2018, November 19). https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900581
Signage for Accessible Parking. GTAA Illustrated Technical Guide to the Design of Public Spaces. (n.d.). https://gaates.org/DOPS/section_2_6_4.php#:~:text=Requirements%20for%20the%20Design%20of%20Accessible%20Parking%20Signage&text=Each%20accessible%20parking%20space%20must,under%20the%20Highway%20Traffic%20Act.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heath Tse
Manager, Signs & Graphics Production
Heath manages a team of in-house digital print shop specialists at Precise ParkLink who provide end-to-end services for the design and coordination of graphics, signage, and wayfinding packages for parking facilities across Canada. Heath joined Precise ParkLink in 2011 after completing Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a double major concentration in New Media Studies and Studio from the University of Toronto. Heath has been demonstrating his adaptability since an early age, arriving in Canada from Hong Kong as a teen and quickly learning to adjust.
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