Required Signage & Penalty Markings: RCW 46.19.050 Compliance

The Statute: RCW 46.19.050 Explained

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is explicit. Section 46.19.050 dictates the physical requirements for marking accessible parking stalls. For property managers operating along Main Street or the growing commercial hubs near Slater Road and Exit 262, ignorance of this code is not a defense during a 2026 compliance audit.

The "Enforcement Gap":
We often see businesses in Ferndale, particularly in older lots near the Nooksack River and Pioneer Bridge, relying solely on pavement markings. However, pavement markings fade. Snow covers them. Dirt obscures them. The law requires a vertical sign because it remains visible regardless of ground conditions. If a vehicle parks in a "Blue Spot" that lacks a vertical sign, law enforcement cannot issue a ticket because the driver was not adequately warned of the penalty.

The R7-801: Anatomy of a Compliant Sign

Not all "Handicap Parking" signs are legal. Many hardware stores sell generic signs that say "Reserved Parking" but lack the state-mandated text. To be compliant in Whatcom County, your sign must be an **R7-801** (or equivalent) meeting the following criteria:

The 60-Inch Rule: Installation Standards

Having the right sign is only half the battle; mounting it correctly is the other.

Height Requirement:
Federal ADA guidelines and state best practices dictate that the bottom edge of the sign should be at least 60 inches (5 feet) above the ground.

Why 60 Inches?
In Ferndale, where heavy-duty pickup trucks and SUVs are common (especially at the hardware suppliers on Portal Way), a low-mounted sign is easily obscured by the hood of a parked vehicle. If a driver pulls in and their truck blocks the sign, the spot appears unmarked to the next driver looking for a space. The 60-inch height ensures visibility over the hood of a standard vehicle.

Van Accessible Plaques:
For spaces designated as "Van Accessible" (requiring the 96-inch wide access aisle), an additional "Van Accessible" plaque must be mounted below the main R7-801 sign. This is critical for wheelchair users with side-deploying ramps.

Ferndale Field Notes: Common Compliance Failures

As we audit lots from Haggen to Metallic Park, we see the same violations repeated:

The "Fence Mount" Error

Property owners often bolt signs to a chain-link fence at the back of the stall to save money on posts. Over time, these signs slide down, get bent, or are obscured by blackberry bushes (a notorious issue in Pacific Northwest vegetation). Signs must be permanently mounted on a dedicated post or rigid building surface at the head of the stall.

The "Hardware Store" Trap

Small business owners often buy generic signs online or at local hardware stores. These signs frequently lack the "State Disabled Parking Permit Required" text, rendering them legally toothless under RCW 46.19.050.

Blue Curb: Requirement or Decoration?

We are frequently asked: "Do I have to paint the curb blue?"

Technically, the ADA Standards for Accessible Design do not mandate blue curbs; they mandate the vertical sign and the access aisle. However, painting the curb blue is a universal visual cue that effectively deters unauthorized parking. In a busy lot like the Ferndale Public Library, that flash of blue paint signals "Do Not Park Here" to a driver before they even read the sign.

We recommend a comprehensive approach:

• 1. Vertical Signage: For legal compliance.
• 2. Pavement Markings: Blue box with white ISA symbol.
• 3. Blue Curb: For immediate visual recognition.