Hello, I went to a facility on 6/25/2014 at around 6pm for my job. When I arrived in the parking lot there was a sign that directed the residents of the facility to the right of the parking lot and residents are mostly handicap. It is an independent living home. I was told that they did not have to provide parking close to the building for visitors who are handicap. This is in Columbus, OH. I spoke with their transportation manager on the phone and he was very rude and stated that the residents pay to live there and that they deserve the handicap spots. Are they allowed to do this? If you have any questions please let me know otherwise I appreciate your time and to look forward to your answer.

July 8, 2014 by Brad Gaskins

— Amber S. – Rockbridge, OH

ANSWER: While there is no prohibition of separating parking areas for employees/visitors/residences and accessible parking spaces must be determined by the total number of spaces within each lot, the standards still require that the accessible parking spaces be on the shortest accessible route. While there are other factors that could come into play in this situation it is in my opinion, based upon the information provided, that the facility does have to provide accessible parking spaces “close to the building for visitors who are handicap” based upon the requirement that the accessible parking spaces must be on the shortest accessible route.