ADA-Compliant Striping: What Every Michigan Business Owner Needs to Know

If you own or manage a commercial property, your parking lot says a lot about your business—before anyone even walks through the door. And if it's missing the right number of clearly marked, accessible spaces? That’s more than just a bad look—it’s a compliance issue that can cost you big.

If your lot is missing accessible parking spaces or if those faded blue lines have seen better days, it’s not just an eyesore—it could be a lawsuit waiting to happen.Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

So What Exactly Is ADA-Compliant Striping?

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, and it sets the standard for accessible parking nationwide. In Michigan, those rules are enforced locally, and the state adheres to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

That means your parking lot must have:

• Clearly marked ADA spaces

• Proper signage (mounted at the correct height)

• Van-accessible spaces with wider access aisles

• Correct slope/grade (for wheelchair access)

How Many ADA Spaces Do You Need in Michigan?

Here's the breakdown. It’s not a guessing game—it’s based on the total number of parking spots you have:

• 1–25 spaces: You need 1 accessible space

• 26–50 spaces: You need 2

• 51–75 spaces: You need 3

• 76–100 spaces: You need 4

• 101–150 spaces: You need 5

• 151–200 spaces: You need 6

• 201–300 spaces: 7 accessible spaces

• 301–400 spaces: 8 accessible spaces

• 401–500 spaces: 9 accessible spaces

• 501–1000 spaces: 2% of total spaces must be accessible

• 1001+ spaces: 20 accessible spaces plus 1 for every 100 over 1000

For every 6 standard ADA spaces, 1 must be van-accessible.

Let’s say you run a business with 75 spots. You’re required to have 3 accessible spaces, and at least one of them needs to be van-accessible—that means extra width and proper signage.

Why It Matters for Your Business

• It’s the law. Fines for non-compliance can go up to $75,000 for a first offense. Ouch.

• It shows respect. Your customers notice when you’ve made accessibility a priority.

• It boosts your reputation. Businesses that invest in inclusive design are often viewed more favorably.

Time to Make It Right?

At Metro Markings, we make ADA compliance simple. From layout design to proper signage and striping, we’ve helped businesses across Metro Detroit get compliant—and stay that way.

We use high-contrast paint, precise measurements, and top-tier equipment to make sure your lot isn’t just legally compliant—it’s also clean, sharp, and professional.

Need help figuring out your numbers? Want a free audit of your current lot layout?

Let’s chat.