Accessible parking compliance isn't just a legal requirement — it's an important part of making your commercial property welcoming to all customers. Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Ontario Building Code (OBC) set out specific requirements for parking lots. This guide explains what you need to know.
Under Ontario's AODA, commercial parking lots must include accessible stalls at least 2.4 metres wide with a 1.5-metre access aisle. Van-accessible stalls must be 3.4 metres wide. Each stall requires the International Symbol of Accessibility painted on the surface and a compliant sign at the stall head. Non-compliance fines reach $100,000 per day for Ontario organizations.
How Many Accessible Spaces Are Required?
The Ontario Building Code specifies the minimum number of accessible parking spaces based on total lot size:
- •1–12 total spaces: 1 accessible space
- •13–100 total spaces: 1 accessible space per 25 (or part thereof)
- •101–200 total spaces: 4 + 1 per 50 above 100
- •201+ total spaces: 6 + 1 per 100 above 200
- •Of the required accessible spaces, at least 1 in every 8 must be van-accessible
Stall Dimensions
Standard accessible stalls must be at least 2.4 metres wide. Van-accessible stalls must be at least 3.4 metres wide (or a standard 2.4m stall with a shared 1.5m access aisle). The access aisle — marked with diagonal hash lines — must be at least 1.5 metres wide and is typically shared between two accessible stalls.
Required Markings and Signage
- •International Symbol of Access (ISA) painted on the stall surface
- •Diagonal hash markings for the access aisle
- •Signage posted at a height visible from a vehicle (typically 1.5m–2.1m)
- •Clear path of travel from the stall to the building entrance
- •Curb cuts or ramps where elevation changes exist
What Does Non-Compliance Cost?
Under the AODA, organizations can face fines of up to $100,000 per day for non-compliance. Beyond fines, inadequate accessible parking can result in complaints to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, negative publicity, and — most importantly — creates real barriers for customers and employees with disabilities.
Common Compliance Gaps We See
- •Faded or missing ISA symbols
- •Access aisles too narrow or not marked at all
- •No van-accessible stall in lots that require one
- •Signage missing or mounted at incorrect height
- •Accessible stalls blocked by snow storage in winter
Our AODA Marking Service
We stay current on Ontario's accessibility standards and ensure all markings meet both provincial and municipal requirements. Whether you're bringing an existing lot into compliance or marking a new development, we provide expert layout, precise painting, and documentation of the work completed. Contact us for a free compliance review.
Free AODA Compliance Review
We assess your lot against current Ontario AODA requirements at no charge.
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Serving Ontario commercial properties from Oshawa to London along the 401 corridor.
