When maintaining your parking lot and ensuring it is safe for all your facility’s visitors, it is crucial to be aware of parking lot code and compliance. One violation could be the difference between a safe parking lot and a lawsuit. Curcio Enterprises discusses the basics of city parking lot code enforcement and compliance along with the high costs associated with violations.

Reinforcing Safety

Being compliant with California law is crucial when designing, maintaining, and updating your parking lot. Minor and major accidents can occur in parking lots, putting a facility’s finances and reputation at risk. You should not expose pedestrians and drivers to harm due to your own negligence. Paying attention to safety is key anytime you could affect another person’s life.

ADA Violations

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was designed to protect individuals who are disabled from discrimination. Parking lot facilities are required to implement accessible designs on their premises to accommodate the needs of these individuals. This includes having proper signage with correct pictorial symbols that are easily visible to all who enter your parking lot.

The costs for avoiding ADA compliance are steep, as the facility would be violating the law. Essel Environmental reveals, “An entitled disabled individual is entitled to a minimum amount of damages of $1,000 or $4,000, depending on the violation.” These costs also incorporate the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which is an important piece of legislation for California properties to be mindful of when ensuring compliance. It covers more topics than disability, but the act can also apply to facilities who do not have reasonable accommodations for individuals who are disabled.

Maintaining Compliance

It can be difficult to stay up-to-date on California law, as it dynamically changes to accommodate all people. It is crucial to know the law or partner with someone who does to confirm you are always following the most recent laws and codes. Becoming susceptible to state or federal penalties and violations can cost your facility more money. Compliance is more than an investment in your facility. It is a form of protection for other people and your facility’s parking lot.

Steep Costs

When you ignore compliance, you not only overlook the safety of those who are on your premises, but also the costs associated with disregarding the violations. When violations are found on your facility’s parking lot, an inspector will issue an Order to Comply. If the violation has been corrected, then the inspector will close the case. If it has not, then a city attorney will pursue a case where you will be responsible for criminal charges and any attorney fees. Avoid these costs by working with professionals who know and understand the law. Also, be sure to work with a licensed and insured business when making any changes or performing maintenance on your parking lot to steer clear of incurring more costs.

Is your parking lot up to code? Contact Curcio Enterprises, Inc. to keep your facility running smoothly, looking its best, and up to city standards. We pride ourselves on prompt service and customer satisfaction.