Complete Step-by-Step Guide on How to Draw a Parking Lot With Precision and Ease

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Drawing a parking lot is an essential element in parking lot design. By incorporating this process into your designing, you can visualize parking space, access, and traffic flow. Sketching and drawing can help you in identifying and solving issues before they become problems. In this blog, we'll guide you on how to draw a parking lot. If you've always been curious about parking lot design but didn't know where to start, this blog is for you. Let's get started!

Why Is Planning Your Parking Lot Important?

The parking lot design and layout is an important process as it can establish the first impressions for visitors and tenants in a commercial building or apartment complex. This is due to the fact that the parking lot is one of the most important areas in a property, and if not well designed, it can lead to various problems for users.

Efficient Parking Lot Design

An essential factor in a parking lot design is to provide safe and efficient access in and out of the parking spaces. This can help in improving traffic flow and minimizing any potential hazards that may exist in an unorganized parking lot. A well-designed parking lot can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of a property and create a more positive experience for users.

Consequences of Poorly Designed Parking Lots

If a parking lot is poorly designed, it can lead to unnecessary stress, inconvenience, and problems for both tenants and visitors. This can result in a negative impression of the property and deter potential clients or tenants. It can also lead to significant costs in the long run as the parking lot may need to be redone to improve safety and efficiency.

Proper Planning and Design

By taking the time to properly plan and design a parking lot, property owners can avoid these issues and create a safe, functional, and compliant parking area that meets the needs of users. Proper planning and design can help in utilizing the available space effectively, providing organized parking stalls, and ensuring that the parking lot maintenance is manageable in the long term. Taking these factors into consideration can lead to a positive experience for users and help in improving the overall perception of the property.

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Complete Step-by-Step Guide on How to Draw a Parking Lot

1. Determine Your Goals

Start with why you’re building a parking lot. Do you want to accommodate overflow from events? Are you serving the residents of an apartment complex? Are you meeting future parking needs in a growing city center?

Once you’ve identified your why, it’s time to think about your who. Different drivers have different needs, and you need to anticipate and meet those needs. A shopping center parking lot may need devoted spaces and charging stations for electric vehicles. At a highway truck stop, you’ll need spots for drivers to store their 18-wheelers. Defining your objective and your audience early is essential because they’ll guide subsequent decisions you make.

2. Be Intentional With the Design

With clear goals to guide you, it’s time to shape the parking lot itself. As you map out your project, consider:

The size of the lot

The number of spaces. Make sure you account for local regulations and codes.

The size of the spaces

The angle of the parking spaces. In lots with high turnover you’ll need spaces angled at 45 to 60 degrees to ease ingress and egress. If you’ll primarily serve overnight parkers or employees, consider space-saving 90-degree angles.

Pavement thickness. If you need to accommodate 18-wheelers or electric vehicles, you may need thicker pavement to support their extra weight. The soil beneath your parking lot matters, too–if your pavement is thicker than the ground can support, it will need more regular maintenance and repair.

Number of handicapped spaces

Traffic signage in and around the parking lot

Location and number of concrete parking barriers

Location and number of ramps

Landscaping. There’s a reason “parking” starts with “park”— with smart use of trees, bushes, and other greenspace, your parking lot can offer respite. Landscaping also helps mitigate environmental impacts.

3. Implement Proper Safety Precautions

A sound business plan and thoughtful design won’t matter if customers don’t feel safe in your parking lot. Give your parkers peace of mind with a safety and security plan that includes:

Security cameras

Place cameras strategically to cover your entire parking lot and mitigate crime.

Powerful, comprehensive lighting

Use high-capacity lighting, and position your light sources to ensure maximum coverage. That will also improve safety by increasing visibility for drivers.

Access control

Studies show that open-access parking facilities have higher crime rates. An access-control system limits exposure to unauthorized users. It’s also an opportunity for integration with your parking management system, which can give you real-time data on operations and transactions.

On-site security

Hiring a security guard isn’t cheap. But if an emergency occurs, rapid, expert response is crucial.

4. Utilize Cutting-Edge Technology

Your parking operation is a system, and your parking lot is just one (very significant) part of it. But the success of the lot depends on the technologies you adopt on and around it. Your parking technology plan should include:

Mobile payment solution

Your parking customers expect the same seamless payment experience they get in a grocery story. Give it to them with a fast, secure, user-friendly payment solution.

Contactless payment solution

Make payment even simpler with a trusted, PCI-compliant contactless payment system.

Business intelligence solution

You’ll need to measure inventory, utilization, personnel, transactions, throughput, and revenue. Implement a comprehensive business intelligence solution that tracks all those metrics and gives you actionable reporting on them.

Parking pass solution

Tailor parking options for tenants and repeat customers with a flexible parking pass solution. Monthly passes and manual payments are relics; with a modern parking pass system, customers will get the smooth, custom experience they expect, and you’ll get the reporting and revenue you need.

5. Elicit Customer and Employee Feedback

Creating and implementing your new parking lot are essential steps–but they’re not the final ones. To meet ever-changing customer demands and organizational needs, continuously elicit and act on feedback from your users and employees.

There are many ways of doing this, from short customer surveys to regular employee conversations. Respond to feedback with incremental improvements, and you’ll create a competitive advantage. Over time, the energy you invest will reap new revenue.

Optimizing Parking Lot Design

Parqour is a software platform that simplifies parking operations and improves the customer experience. It offers real-time data, automated plate recognition, and contactless payments. We operate in more than 22 countries, 300+ parking areas, and have detected over 100M+ vehicles. Parqour offers a comprehensive end-to-end management platform to increase revenue, reduce operational costs and enhance transparency.

Say goodbye to piecing together different vendors and integrations. No need to spend huge capital on bulky hardware. Control all operations from one platform. Contactless parking and online payment methods make the parking experience easier for your customers too.

The end result:

Higher utilization and lower operating costs

99,6% license plate recognition rate

Online QR payment & 3rd party APIs (integrated with Parkmobile, SpotHero, Honk, PayByPhone)

Data analytics (real-time occupancy, revenue, utilization, parking trends)

Validation and permit management (free flow access for approved drivers)

24/7 remote control system

Hardware with zero upfront costs

Zoning and violation detection (control POD, VIP and nested zones), and much more!

Book a free demo to learn about how Parqour can shift your parking operation into top gear!

4 Key Components of a Parking Lot Layout

1. Overall Parking Lot Size

When designing a parking lot, it's crucial to think about its size and capacity. You want to make sure it's large enough to accommodate the average number of users without creating traffic congestion. Consider aspects like the number and types of vehicles expected to use the lot, and any municipal or industry requirements. These factors will influence the size and layout of your parking lot.

2. Clear and Controlled Flow

To ensure a smooth traffic flow in your parking lot, use clear signage and markings. Bright parking lines, usage signs, and navigational signage all help drivers understand where to park and how to navigate. Directional stenciling is another essential tool that informs drivers and pedestrians of the appropriate actions to take, such as indicating navigational directions or signaling pedestrian-only areas.

3. Ample Safety Planning

Safety is paramount in any parking lot design. To decrease accidents and liability issues, incorporate safety features like bollards to protect against property damage, wheel stops to prevent vehicles from rolling forward too much, speed bumps to maintain a safe driving speed, and well-spaced light poles for clear visibility. Properly installed curbs also contribute to safety by providing guidance and preventing trips or falls.

4. Parking Lot Space Accessibility

Your parking lot should be accessible to all users, including visitors with special needs. Ensure there are accessible parking spaces close to accessibility ramps and clearly marked. Travel markers, such as audible crosswalk signals and fixtures near crosswalks, help visually impaired individuals navigate the area safely.

Family features like roomy parking spaces for parents with young children and strollers enhance the user experience. Consider including eco-friendly areas with electric vehicle charging stations that are well lit and prominently labeled.

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How Do You Calculate the Dimensions for a Parking Lot?

Calculating the Number of Parking Spaces

To determine the number of parking spaces needed in a parking lot, you should first check the local land use codes for the specific area. This will help you identify the area limits per stall. The surface parking stores are typically restricted to an area of 300 – 500 square feet, which includes both the parking space itself and the drive aisles.

For odd-shaped or irregular sites, you may need to configure the parking lot in unique ways to maximize space utilization.

Designing the Layout

The layout of your parking lot will be influenced by the size of each parking stall. Generally, you can choose between the recommended public parking space dimensions of 9' x 18' or smaller sizes like 7.25' x 15.1'. The angles used in the design are also crucial, with driving aisles ranging from 11' to 23'. Common angles include 30⁰, 45⁰, 60⁰, and 90⁰. The goal is to create a layout that maximizes space while ensuring ease of access.

Calculating the Total Area Needed

To calculate the total area needed for the parking lot, you can multiply the required number of stalls by the estimated land area per stall. For example, a 200-space parking lot requiring 325 square feet per stall will need a paved area of 65,000 square feet or around 1.5 acres.

Consider Other Features

When designing a parking lot, remember to allocate space for trash cans. Choose sizes and locations that are easily accessible and convenient for users. It's essential to pick durable trash cans that can withstand various conditions.

What Are the Best Practices for Marking Parking Spaces?

Efficient Parking Space Marking Techniques

When marking your parking lot, the key is to eliminate confusion and optimize efficiency. To achieve this, it’s essential to ensure that each parking space is clearly marked and uniformly compliant with regulations.

Standard Dimensions for Parking Spaces

To ensure that your parking lot is compliant with state and city regulations, you need to adhere to standard dimensions for parking spaces.

A standard parking space should be at least 9 feet wide and 18 feet long.

For van-accessible parking spaces, the standard dimensions are 8 feet wide with a 20-foot-long access aisle.

For compact spaces, the standard dimensions are 8 feet wide by 16 feet long.

Uniformity and Compliance with Regulations

Compliance with regulations is essential to avoid fines and ensure the safety of your customers and employees. When marking your parking lot, there are two types of regulations to consider: state and city regulations and ADA regulations.

State and city regulations dictate factors such as parking space sizing, line color, and the number of parking spaces required based on your business's size. ADA regulations ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities. Compliance with ADA laws is crucial to avoid penalties and demonstrate genuine care for all visitors to your property.

Before hiring a pavement marking contractor, consider the following factors

Quality and type of paint

Different paints have varying durability, cost, and drying times, making it essential to choose the right one based on your needs and location.

Special markings

Discuss with your contractor if you require special markings, such as lanes for delivery vehicles or curbside pickup spots.

Additional items

Consider including safety bollards, car stops, and painted light pole bases in your parking lot design.

Use of reflectivity

Reflective tape or paint can enhance visibility, especially in areas with hurried or flustered visitors.

By paying attention to these aspects and working with a knowledgeable contractor, you can efficiently mark your parking lot to ensure compliance, safety, and a professional appearance.

What Are the Accessibility and Compliance Requirements for Parking Lots?

ADA compliance applies to nearly every aspect of owning a commercial property or managing a public business, including parking lot accessibility. While incorporating ADA-compliant features into parking lots may seem complex, it will allow your business to avoid government sanctions and costly fines that can result from noncompliance. When designating handicap-accessible parking spaces, there are five major factors to consider:

Number of Parking Spots

The ADA standards for accessible parking establish and require a certain total number of parking spots designated for handicapped persons, depending on the size of the parking lot. Parking lots with 1 to 25 spaces are required to have one designated handicap parking spot, and the required number of accessible parking spots increases by one for every 25 spots in a parking lot. Medical facilities have slightly different standards, as 20% of their parking lots must be handicap accessible.

Slope

Handicap accessible spaces must be level, and the slope cannot be greater than 2% in any direction. This is by far the most prevalent ADA compliance issue identified in modern parking lots and can result in a hefty fine.

Pavement Markings

Aisles adjacent to all accessible parking spaces must be clearly marked to indicate that they are not parking spaces, and diagonal lines should be used to designate access aisles.

Signage

The ADA also specifies that handicap parking spaces must be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) to make them easily identifiable. Handicap parking space signs must also be at least 60 inches off the ground to ensure they are not blocked by vehicles parked in front of them, and the size of the sign must be at least 12 by 18 inches. Only people who have a state-issued handicap parking permit can use the parking space.

Dimensions

Handicap parking spaces must be a minimum of 8 feet wide, with a minimum of five feet of aisle space close to them, and in a location that provides the most accessible route to the building’s entrance. If the parking space is intended to signify a van-accessible space, this must be clearly stated on the sign, and the parking space must be a minimum of 11 feet wide.

ADA Noncompliance Penalties

Following ADA regulations is one of the most critical things any business owner or commercial property manager can do to ensure the safety of their customers and the general public. Failure to comply with the ADA accessibility standards may result in major safety concerns, discrimination, and civil rights violations. Failure to comply with ADA regulations often has substantial and far-reaching implications.

For first-time offenders, noncompliance with ADA regulations may result in a fine of up to $75,000 under federal law. Any subsequent infractions and failure to comply with ADA standards may result in penalties of up to $150,000 and other severe fines and punishments, including the temporary shutdown of your business. Non-compliance with ADA regulations exposes your business to potentially costly lawsuits and other legal action.

What Should You Consider When Designing Aisles and Drive Lanes?

1. Width and Clearance

The aisles and drive lanes in a parking lot should be designed with specific widths to accommodate different types of vehicles. Wider aisles are suitable for trucks or buses, while narrower aisles work for standard cars. Clearance between parked vehicles and the aisle should be at least 2 feet to prevent collisions.

2. Turning Radii

Turning radii are crucial for vehicle navigation through aisles, especially for larger vehicles that require more space for turning. Design wider aisles at intersections or tight corners to facilitate safe and efficient vehicle movement.

3. One-Way vs. Two-Way Aisles

Choose between one-way or two-way aisles based on the parking lot's size and layout. One-way aisles simplify traffic flow and reduce congestion, while two-way aisles may be necessary for larger lots.

4. Angle of Parking Spaces

The angle at which parking spaces are arranged affects aisle width. For 90-degree angle parking, wider aisles are necessary, while narrower aisles suffice for 45-degree angle parking.

5. Pedestrian Safety

Ensure pedestrian safety by separating pedestrian walkways from vehicle aisles. Designate clear crosswalks and increase visibility for pedestrians to prevent accidents. Consider installing speed bumps or other traffic-calming measures to enhance safety.

6. Traffic Flow and Directionality

Plan the flow of traffic within the parking lot, considering entry and exit points and the circulation pattern. Utilize signage to indicate the direction of travel and any restrictions, such as one-way lanes or no entry points.

7. Grade and Drainage

Proper grading is essential to prevent water accumulation in aisles. Slope aisles slightly to facilitate drainage and install curbs or channels to direct water away from parked vehicles.

8. Emergency Access

Designate emergency access lanes wide enough for fire trucks or ambulances. These lanes should remain clear at all times to ensure prompt access in case of emergencies.

Shift Your Parking Operation into Top Gear with Parqour

Parqour is a software platform that simplifies parking operations and enhances the customer experience. Offering real-time data, automated plate recognition, and contactless payments, Parqour operates in over 22 countries with more than 300 parking areas and has detected over 100 million vehicles. Say goodbye to piecing together different vendors and integrations as Parqour offers a comprehensive end-to-end management platform to increase revenue, reduce operational costs, and enhance transparency.

Book a free demo to learn how Parqour can shift your parking operation into top gear!

How Can Curbs, Islands, and Landscaping Enhance Your Parking Lot?

Parking lot islands are an excellent way to break up the monotony of a large paved parking lot and add some greenery. It is essential to choose trees and plants carefully, as some are more suited for parking lots than others. Durable plants with deep roots, such as Daylilies and Virginia Sweetspire, are ideal for parking lot islands.

These plants not only add a pop of color but also can withstand the harsh conditions of a parking lot environment. Native plants are generally more suitable than non-native plants, and trees like Crape Myrtle, Chinese Elm, and Yaupon Holly are excellent choices for parking lot islands.

Alternative Curb Styles for Parking Lot Islands

Instead of the traditional curbing around parking lot islands or median strips, consider placing the curb on top of the pavement edge. Curbing can be made from treated wood, which is lighter than concrete, helping prevent pavement sag.

Building islands without curbs or with only shallow curbs can enhance tree health by allowing more roots to escape the island and grow beneath the pavement. While this design may create cracks in the pavement caused by roots, these cracks allow water to enter the soil beneath the pavement, promoting healthier tree growth.

How Does Traffic Flow Influence Parking Lot Design?

Space Efficiency: Maximizing Parking Lot Space

Efficient use of space is crucial when designing a parking lot. The layout must aim to optimize space without compromising drivers' safety and convenience. Consider factors like pavement thickness depending on the types of vehicles using the lot. For instance, buses and trucks require thicker pavement than cars. The durability of the pavement will depend on the soil quality beneath it.

When determining the angle of parking spaces, consider the lot's purpose.

For high-turnover lots like those at convenience stores, angles like 45 or 60 degrees work best.

For space-challenged lots, a 90-degree angle layout is ideal.

The size and number of parking spaces should also be considered, with the standard size usually being 9 by 19 for public lots. Sizes may vary depending on the lot's location and intended use.

To maximize space, it's advisable to have a rectangular-shaped lot rather than an irregular one. Place parking spaces along the perimeter, with two-way traffic lanes providing access to stalls on both sides. This layout ensures optimal space utilization.

Traffic Signage: Ensuring Safety for Drivers and Pedestrians

Another critical consideration when designing a parking lot layout is safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Installing proper traffic and parking signage is essential. Include signs like pedestrians crossing, stop and yield signs, reserved parking signs for the disabled, and speed limit markers. Clear and simple signage helps maintain the flow of traffic and prevents accidents.

The signage should be visible from a distance and strategically placed to allow ample time for drivers and pedestrians to respond to the instructions provided.

Painted Asphalt Markings: Facilitating Organized Traffic Flow

Parking lot striping helps organize traffic flow by clearly marking parking stalls. Safety markings should also indicate designated handicapped spaces, fire lanes, and access aisles. Using bright, durable lines for stalls, clear arrows for entrances/exits, and directional arrows aids in directing traffic flow. Opt for water-based paint that dries quickly and adheres well to asphalt and concrete.

Concrete Parking Barriers: Preventing Unauthorized Parking and Regulating Traffic Flow

To prevent unauthorized parking on sidewalks, restricted areas, or medians, consider installing concrete wheel stops. These barriers discourage risky maneuvers that could endanger lives, damage nearby property, or obstruct traffic flow. Concrete barriers also help regulate traffic during peak hours by structuring the parking lot efficiently. They can be placed along the lot's perimeter with appropriate ramps for added safety.

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Simplify Your Parking Operations and Improve Your Customer Experience with Parqour －Book A Free Demo Today

Parqour is a software platform that simplifies parking operations and enhances the customer experience. Our innovative solution offers a wide range of features and benefits designed to optimize parking operations and increase revenue. With real-time data, automated plate recognition, and contactless payments, Parqour is revolutionizing the way parking facilities are managed.

Real-Time Data and Automation

Parqour provides real-time data on parking occupancy, revenue, utilization, and parking trends. This data allows parking operators to make informed decisions and optimize their operations for maximum efficiency. By automating license plate recognition, Parqour ensures a 99.6% recognition rate, reducing the need for manual intervention and streamlining the parking process.

Contactless Payments and Online Payment Methods

In today's digital age, customers expect convenience and efficiency when it comes to making payments. Parqour offers online QR payments and integration with third-party APIs like Parkmobile, SpotHero, Honk, and PayByPhone. This flexibility allows customers to pay for their parking quickly and easily, improving their overall experience and driving customer satisfaction.

End-to-End Management Platform

Parqour offers a comprehensive end-to-end management platform that brings all parking operations under one roof. With Parqour, parking operators no longer need to rely on multiple vendors and integrations to manage their parking facility. This streamlined approach reduces operational complexity and costs, making it easier for operators to focus on delivering exceptional service to their customers.

Zero Upfront Costs and Remote Control

One of the key benefits of Parqour is its zero upfront costs for hardware. This eliminates the need for parking operators to invest in expensive hardware, making Parqour an accessible and cost-effective solution for facilities of all sizes. Parqour offers 24/7 remote control capabilities, allowing operators to manage their parking facility from anywhere, at any time.

Zoning and Violation Detection

Parqour simplifies zoning and violation detection by allowing operators to create and control different zones within their parking facility. This includes VIP zones, nested zones, and controlled points of entry, enabling operators to manage access and ensure compliance with parking regulations. By automating these processes, Parqour reduces the risk of human error and improves overall operational efficiency.

Book a Free Demo

If you're ready to take your parking operation to the next level, book a free demo with Parqour today. Our team will walk you through the platform and show you how Parqour can transform your parking facility into a top-performing asset. Say goodbye to manual processes and disjointed systems – with Parqour, you can drive higher utilization, lower operating costs, and an exceptional customer experience.