Parking Lot Compliance by County: What Columbia Businesses Should Know
Your Parking Lot Could Be a Liability — or an Asset
In South Carolina, property owners are responsible for ensuring parking lots meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and local county codes. Failing to comply doesn’t just risk fines — it can also expose your business to lawsuits and limit customer accessibility.
At Straight Ahead Sealing & Striping, we work with business owners in Richland, Lexington, and Kershaw Counties to bring parking lots up to code safely, efficiently, and affordably.
What the Law Actually Requires
1. Accessible Parking Space Dimensions (ADA §502.2)
Each accessible parking space must be at least 96 inches (8 ft) wide.
Access aisles must be 60 inches (5 ft) wide for cars and 96 inches (8 ft) for vans.
Two spaces can share one aisle if properly marked.
2. Van-Accessible Spaces (ADA §502.3)
At least one in every six accessible spaces must be van-accessible.
Vertical clearance must be 98 inches minimum (for both the space and the route to it).
3. Signage Requirements (ADA §502.6 & South Carolina Code §10-5-260)
Each accessible space must have a “Reserved Parking” sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA).
Van spaces must include the words “Van Accessible.”
In South Carolina, signs must be mounted at least 60 inches above ground level to remain visible when vehicles are parked.
4. Paint Color & Marking Standards (Richland & Lexington County Guidelines)
Accessible spaces must be marked in blue with a contrasting white ISA symbol.
Fire lanes must be striped in red with “FIRE LANE — NO PARKING” stenciled every 50 feet.
Standard parking stalls are typically 9 ft wide with 4-inch white or yellow striping.
Local Enforcement Examples
Richland County Building Codes enforce ADA parking standards on all commercial developments and re-striping projects.
Lexington County Ordinance 14-12 requires all newly paved lots to pass inspection before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
City of Columbia Municipal Code §17-32 specifies that deteriorated or obscured markings must be repainted to remain visible at all times.
If you manage a plaza, apartment complex, or church lot, these same rules apply.
Why Compliance is Good Business
Avoid fines: ADA violations can cost up to $75,000 for a first offense.
Improve accessibility: Customers notice and appreciate safe, clear parking.
Lower insurance risk: Clear markings reduce slip-and-fall and vehicle claim exposure.
Our Compliance Process
Site Audit – We measure, photograph, and document your current layout.
Design Plan – We create a compliant layout with ADA spacing and county color codes.
Execution – We use high-durability traffic paint and ADA-approved stencils.
Learn more about our parking lot striping services.
Don’t wait for a citation — stay compliant and professional.
Schedule a free ADA and county compliance inspection with Straight Ahead Sealing & Striping.
