Respect the Space - MD Accessibility Code Accessible Parking Space Compliance

Reserved Parking $250 Fine - Respect the Space Sign

The County launched the  Respect the Space Campaign initiative to help ensure that signage for disability parking spaces in Montgomery County complies with the State of Maryland's Accessibility Code adopted under the Public Safety Code. The campaign has highlighted the problem of people who have not been issued a disability placard/plate parking in disability parking spaces, even for a few minutes; the unlawful use of a placard/plate issued to someone else which prevents their use by those who are legally certified to use them, and to educate parking lot managers on the importance of not blocking access to disability spaces during their winter snow removal efforts.

Parking lot owners and companies that stripe parking lots in Maryland must comply with the Maryland Accessibility Code adopted under 12-202 of the Public Safety Code. ADA-compliant information is provided on the County’s Department of General Services ADA Accessible Parking page at:  www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dgs-ada/ AccessibleParking.html.















Multi-family residential parking lots and commercial parking lots must conform to specific legal standards for providing and erecting signs for disability spaces.

  • There must be a visible sign to identify each accessible space.
  • Free-standing signs must be mounted at least 7 feet above the ground with a symbol of accessibility, and include a supplemental sign indicating, “Maximum Fine $250.”
  • A sign mounted flush to a building or wall must be at least 6 feet but no more than 10 feet above the ground.
  • The sign must have the international wheelchair symbol of accessibility and the words, “Reserved Parking”.
  • Van accessible spaces are to be identified with a supplemental “Van Accessible” sign and are accompanied with a supplemental “No Parking in Access Aisle” sign mounted either on the same post with an arrow or at the front of the access aisle. 
Members of the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, the Commission on Veterans Affairs and other volunteers will be actively monitoring and assessing whether disability signage within the County is meeting the required legal standards.

Potential violations recorded by volunteers will be reviewed by the Commission on People with Disabilities and by the County Office of Human Rights. Managers of parking lots determined not in compliance will receive notification from the Office of Human Rights. The notice will advise what exactly is not according to the specifications and the legal obligation to bring signage into compliance. 

Respect the Space Press Conference

Respect the Space Press Conference (YouTube)

County Executive Isiah Leggett along with Commissioner Trish Gallalee sends a message for Holiday Safety to residents County Report This Week, Episode 345, December 2, 2016.



 
Respect the Space / Disability Parking Postcard
Respect the Space / Disability Parking Postcard

Information regarding parking illegally in disability parking spaces.

 
Accessible parking spaces
Respect the Space Public Service Announcement (YouTube)

Public Service announcement released in December 2011.

Respect the Space - Checklist for MD Accessibility Code Accessible Park Space Compliance (PDF) or Online Survey
Volunteers are encouraged to submit photos along with the survey. 

Tab 2

Tab 3

Tab 4


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