Does the ADA require clearing snow from accessible parking spaces?
Yes, in effect. The ADA rule at 28 CFR 36.211 requires businesses open to the public to keep accessible features, including accessible parking spaces, access aisles, curb ramps and the route to the entrance, in operable working condition.
The rule allows isolated or temporary interruptions for maintenance or repairs. Piling plowed snow into accessible spaces or leaving the accessible route blocked after the storm is not that.
Name accessible spaces, aisles and ramps as their own item in the snow contract, and mark them on the site plan as places snow is never piled. Public entities have a parallel obligation under Title II. This is general information, not legal advice.
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More on slip-and-fall, liability & insurance
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From JRW Services LLC, commercial snow and ice management across Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Warren counties, NJ. All answers
Need this handled at your property?
Call (973) 459-0074 or send the form, and we will walk the site and put it in writing before the first storm.
