One of the most common assumptions about ADA compliance is:
“It looks fine.”
Unfortunately, ADA enforcement is not based on how something looks.
Many ADA violations exist in parking lots that appear acceptable at a glance. The reason is simple: visual inspections are not how compliance is determined.
ADA Compliance Is Measurement-Based
ADA standards rely on specific, objective measurements, including:
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Slopes and cross-slopes
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Widths and clearances
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Surface conditions
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Transitions between surfaces
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Visibility of markings
Inspectors and plaintiffs use:
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Digital levels
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Tape measures
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Straightedges
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Photographic documentation
If an area fails when measured, it is considered noncompliant — regardless of appearance.
Slopes Can Be Out of Compliance Without Visible Damage
One of the most common hidden violations involves slopes.
Accessible parking stalls and access aisles must remain within strict slope limits.
In California, slopes may not exceed 2% in any direction.
Over time, pavement can:
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Settle unevenly
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Compress under traffic
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Shift due to moisture or temperature changes
These changes are often not visible to the eye, but they are immediately detectable with proper tools.
Surface Transitions Are Easy to Overlook
Transitions between:
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Old and new pavement
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Asphalt and concrete
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Patches and surrounding areas
Can create small elevation differences.
To a visual inspection, these transitions may seem minor.
From an ADA standpoint, they can:
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Disrupt accessible routes
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Create trip hazards
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Trigger enforceable violations
Transitions are one of the most frequently missed risk areas.
Drainage Issues May Not Look Severe
Standing water does not always appear dramatic.
Shallow pooling, recurring damp areas, or slow drainage can indicate:
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Improper slopes
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Low spots
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Surface deformation
In accessible areas, even minor drainage problems can obstruct access and increase compliance risk.
Striping Can Fade Gradually
Striping issues often go unnoticed because fading happens slowly.
As markings lose visibility:
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Accessible stalls become unclear
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Access aisles lose definition
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Required contrast is reduced
Visually, the lot may still “look acceptable,” but enforceable requirements are no longer met.
Repairs Can Hide New Violations
Well-intentioned repairs often improve appearance while creating subtle compliance issues.
Examples include:
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Patches that slightly change slope
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Overlays that alter clearances
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Surface adjustments that create uneven transitions
Without post-repair measurement, these issues remain hidden until documented.
Why Visual Checks Are Still Common
Visual inspections persist because they are:
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Fast
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Familiar
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Inexpensive in the short term
However, they often miss:
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Early deviations
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Gradual movement
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Measurement-based failures
This creates a false sense of security.
Measurement Reveals Risk Early
ADA-focused evaluations use measurement to:
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Identify small deviations early
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Prevent compounded issues
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Reduce reactive corrections
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Lower legal exposure
Catching issues early allows for simpler, less disruptive solutions.
The Stop ADA Lawsuits Perspective
At Stop ADA Lawsuits, the emphasis is on understanding how compliance is evaluated.
Recognizing the limits of visual inspections helps property owners and managers:
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Avoid false assumptions
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Identify hidden risks
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Take informed, preventive action
Compliance should be verified — not assumed.
Stay Informed and Stay Ahead
If ADA compliance is assessed visually, important risks may be missed.
Understanding how compliance is actually measured is a key step in prevention.
👉 Explore more ADA compliance resources
to learn how measurements, maintenance, and repairs affect accessibility and enforcement.
Staying informed today helps prevent problems tomorrow.