Restripe, re-layout or new layout
Most striping jobs fall into three groups. Restriping repaints the existing layout over faded lines. A re-layout changes stall sizes, angles, traffic flow or accessible-space locations. A new layout is drawn for fresh pavement or after an overlay removes the old marks. Re-layouts and new layouts are when accessible-parking details deserve the most attention.
What gets marked
A typical commercial lot can include:
- Parking stalls and stall lines
- Accessible spaces, access aisles and the International Symbol of Accessibility
- Directional arrows, stop bars and crosswalks
- Fire lanes and no-parking zones, where required
- Loading zones and curb markings
ADA parking lot striping requirements — the basics
Under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the number of accessible spaces required scales with the total number of spaces in the lot, and at least one of every six accessible spaces must be van-accessible. Every accessible space needs an adjacent access aisle that is marked so people do not park in it; the aisle connects to an accessible route.
Van-accessible spaces need room for a side lift: commonly either a wider space with a standard-width aisle, or a standard space with a wider aisle. Accessible spaces and aisles must be nearly level, and the spaces serving a building should be located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance. Accessible spaces are identified with signs showing the International Symbol of Accessibility, with van spaces additionally marked 'van accessible', mounted so they are not hidden by a parked vehicle.
Important: state and local codes and the building official govern the final requirements for your site, and some jurisdictions add rules beyond the federal standard. We lay out striping to the plan or requirements you provide and flag questions we see, but this page is general information, not legal advice, and striping alone does not guarantee a site is compliant.
Planning a re-layout
A re-layout is a good time to rethink how the lot actually works. Owners often change stall angles to improve traffic flow, adjust stall widths for larger vehicles, add or relocate accessible spaces closer to a remodeled entrance, define delivery and pickup zones, or add crosswalks where pedestrians already cross. Bring the site plan if you have one, along with any requirements from your landlord, insurer, fire marshal or building official. Old markings that conflict with a new layout need to be removed or covered so drivers are not left guessing which lines are current.
If the lot is being sealcoated or resurfaced, plan the layout before that work so the new lines can go down as soon as the surface is ready.
Paint, timing and restripe cycles
Striping needs a clean, dry surface and suitable temperatures. After sealcoating, the coating must cure before lines go down. Line paint wears with traffic, plowing and sun; high-traffic lanes and crosswalks fade first. Many owners restripe whenever they sealcoat and touch up high-wear markings in between.
What drives striping cost
Cost depends on the linear footage of lines, the number of stencils and symbols, whether a new layout must be measured and laid out, accessible-space changes, and phasing around open hours. Every number depends on scope, thickness, access and season, so we price from a site review rather than a formula.
