9 Timeless Parking Lot Dimensions Layout Principles

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A well-designed parking lot can make a world of difference when it comes to the functionality of your property. Not only does a carefully thought-out parking lot design provide ease and convenience for everyone using your property, but it can also help prevent accidents and ensure that your property is compliant with local laws; a design that makes the best use of the available space and helps to keep pedestrians and vehicles safe. In this article, we're going to cover the basics of parking lot layout design to help ensure your parking lot is safe, functional, and compliant with local laws.

What Is the Best Layout for a Parking Lot?

When deciding on a parking lot layout, several key factors come into play. The primary considerations are:

Space available

Volume of traffic the lot is expected to accommodate

Type of vehicles that will use the lot

The desired ease of navigation and efficiency

Rectangular Layout with 90-Degree Parking Spaces

The most efficient layout, especially for residential parking lots. It allows for the maximum number of parking spaces in the available space. Proper marking of individual spaces is essential for assigned parking.

Pros

Offers the maximum number of spaces

Ideal for residential parking lots

Provides an efficient use of available space

Cons

Can be challenging to navigate

Not always suitable for high-traffic areas

Angled Parking Spaces (45-60 Degrees)

Commonly used in commercial or retail parking lots. Angled spaces allow for easier ingress and egress, improving traffic flow. Often used in conjunction with one-way aisles to further enhance circulation.

Pros

Easier to navigate than perpendicular parking

Improves traffic flow

Ideal for commercial or retail parking lots

Cons

Takes up more space per vehicle.

Not as space-efficient as other layouts.

Parallel Parking

Less common but can be used in certain situations, such as on-street parking. Requires less space per vehicle but reduces the overall number of spaces.

Pros

Requires less space per vehicle

Ideal for situations where space is limited

Cons

Reduces the overall number of available parking spaces

Can be challenging to park in for some drivers

Mixed-Use Layouts

Parking lots serving both residential and commercial or retail uses may incorporate a combination of the above layouts. This allows for efficient use of space and accommodates the different needs of the users.

Pros

Provides flexibility to accommodate various types of users

Efficient use of available space

Ideal for mixed-use developments

Cons

Can be complex to implement

May require clear signage and markings to avoid confusion

9 Timeless Parking Lot Dimensions Layout Principles

1. Maximizing parking spaces

It's crucial to focus on fitting in as many parking spaces as possible within the available area. The efficiency of parking design is influenced by the particular geometry of each development.

2. Aisles and Rows Orientation

To optimize the number of parking spots, align aisles and rows parallel to the long side of the site. This arrangement helps in maximizing the number of spots that can be accommodated.

3. Parking Spot Orientation

Situate parking spots on each side of an aisle for efficient traffic flow and ease of access.

4. Aisle Width

The size of aisles depends on whether they are one-way or two-way. For two-way aisles, a typical width of 24 feet is recommended. The dimensions for parking spots are usually 9x18 feet.

5. Avoiding Dead-End Areas

Designing parking lots without dead-end areas is a smart move. Always allow for two-way driving through parking aisles to prevent congestion when vehicles enter and exit parking spots.

6. Consideration for Dead-End Areas

Although it is advisable to avoid dead-end areas, sometimes they are necessary to maximize parking spaces, especially in complex layouts.

7. Rectangular Layout

Opt for a rectangular parking lot design to facilitate the most efficient parking layout and to make the best use of available space.

8. Traffic Flow and Pedestrian Safety

To ensure better movement and safety, establish a design that considers the flow of traffic and pedestrians.

9. Integration with Development

Ensure that your parking lot or structure complements your overall development visually and functionally, without causing any hindrance.

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4 Steps to Efficient Parking Lot Design

1. Lot Measurements

Knowing your exact parking lot measurements is very important. You may wish to start with a satellite image from Google Maps then draw in each boundary line. Some property legal descriptions include dimensions. Surveys will also typically include all of these measurements.

Alternatively, take a measuring tape with you to site to precisely measure the available space. Keep in mind that a lot may have required setbacks from the property line. Further, there may be limits for the locations and widths of the entry and exit laneways for ingress and egress to the parking area.

Once you have your lot dimensions, you may want to start with grid paper or a basic software program (see below suggestions) to set up your canvas!

2. Parking Space Dimensions & Parking Lot Layout

How many spaces you can fit in your parking layout depends in part on the dimension of each space. (Though, as we’ll discuss, there are many other elements you’ll need to include in your layout — parking spaces are just one.) Typically public parking spaces are 9’ x 18’ with tiny spaces as small as 7.25’ x 15.1’. Depending on the angles in which vehicles park, aisles for driving may be 11’ to 23’.

Here is a super helpful resource to help you visualize the parking space layout options. You may also find suggested layouts for corners or other traffic patterns in your parking lot design. Keep in mind to consult your local zoning and planning authorities to learn about all of the rules that apply to your area.

3. Prepare a Preliminary Parking Layout

And now for the fun part! Use a software program to test lot configurations. If this seems a bit daunting, there are many architects and parking consultants who specialize in parking lot layout.

For those who wish to DIY their lot layout, here are our parking lot design software recommendations.

RoomSketcher

Roomsketcher.com is free software for up to 5 projects. While intended for interior design layouts, it’s a quick, low-cost option that can be used for a basic parking lot layout. And because RoomSketcher is cloud-based, there is no need to download.

Using the software to layout your parking lot design is intuitive. Create a new project, then edit. Click on “1. Walls” and use the Divider or Wall options for the layout. Dimensions are shown as you extend the lines. You may create each parking stall to your desired dimensions. We really like how easily we can quickly create and visualize the parking lot layout!

ConceptDraw

ConceptDraw.com offers Site Plan software for parking lot layout and is free for 21 days. There are more robust options, including adding barrier gates, bollards, bike racks, lamp posts, trees and more.

Transoft

For the more advanced, Transoft is an award-winning software for engineers, architects and land developers.

This software utilizes ParkCAD to design multiple parking sites in minutes and includes stall counts, set area dimensions, object editing and powerful reporting. ParkCAD will run combinations of row layouts, rotations and positions to create the optimal space yield based on the parameters input by the users. Once all of the iterations have been generated, it’s easy to review and select the best option.

4. Calculate Your Potential ROI

After you’ve completed the parking space layout AND added your parking revenue system laneways, let’s start looking at how much revenue your parking lot can generate! For some of you, this is actually the fun part!

Start with our Parking Revenue Calculator. There are two calculators: basic & advanced. The Basic option incorporates 3 values: daily parkers, average parking price and days per year. 150 parkers paying $5 for 365 a year is $273,750 in revenue!

Calculating Parking Revenue for Different User Groups

If you have monthly parkers plus different transient groups (i.e. day parkers, evening event parkers, weekend parkers, etc.) you may fill in those values to calculate what you believe to be your parking revenue.

Compare the parking system price to your potential revenue to determine your ROI as well as how long it will take you to pay off the system.

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How Do Parking Lot Dimensions Affect Traffic Flow?

Traffic Movement

The layout of a parking lot directly influences how vehicles move through the area. For instance, angled parking spaces generally allow for easier driving and parking maneuvers compared to perpendicular parking, particularly in lots where traffic is one-way. This can lead to smoother traffic flow and less congestion.

Efficient layouts reduce the likelihood of accidents by providing clear paths for vehicles and pedestrians. Good layouts have well-defined driving lanes and pedestrian crossings, which help in maintaining orderly movement.

Impact of Dimensions on Traffic Flow: Finding the Right Balance

Space Width and Aisle Dimensions

If the parking spaces and aisles are too narrow, it can make maneuvering difficult, leading to slower traffic movement and potential bottlenecks. Conversely, overly wide spaces may reduce the total number of parking spots but can facilitate quicker and safer movement.

Entrance/Exit Placement

The positioning of entrances and exits affects how traffic disperses into and out of a parking lot. Multiple entry and exit points can help distribute traffic more evenly, whereas limited access points might create congestion.

Optimizing Traffic Flow Through Intelligent Design Choices: The Key to Harmony

Tailored Layouts

Choose a layout that best suits the type of users and vehicles. For example, a retail shopping center might benefit from a simpler layout with wider aisles to accommodate higher traffic volumes, whereas a residential complex might use compact spaces.

Signage and Markings

Effective use of signs and pavement markings can guide drivers more clearly, improving traffic flow. Indicating directional flows, parking spot assignments, and speed limits can all contribute to more efficient navigation.

Technology Integration

Implementing smart technologies like electronic displays to show available spots or sensors to monitor traffic can enhance the efficiency of parking lot usage.

Revolutionizing Parking Management with Parqour

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 cost 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!

How to Optimize Parking Lot Layout for Efficiency and Safety

Optimize the circulation and signage

To maximize parking space within given dimensions, it's crucial to focus on optimizing the circulation and signage in the parking lot. This includes designing the layout to minimize the number of turns, intersections, and crossings, and to ensure clear guidance for drivers and pedestrians.

Utilizing one-way or two-way aisles, parallel or perpendicular aisles, speed bumps or humps, arrows or markings, signs or symbols, and effective lighting or colors can all play a significant role in enhancing circulation and signage.

Incorporate landscaping and stormwater management

Incorporating landscaping and stormwater management features in the parking lot can help enhance the aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability of the facility. By utilizing native plants, permeable pavements, bioswales, rain gardens, and green spaces, you can provide shade, beauty, noise reduction, air quality improvement, water quality protection, and runoff reduction. These features not only improve the overall look of the parking area but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Implement safety and security measures

Safety and security are paramount in any parking lot design. To maintain a secure environment and ensure the safety of individuals and property, installing surveillance cameras, adequate lighting, fencing, gates, locks, alarms, intercoms, and emergency phones can significantly reduce risks of theft, vandalism, fire, accidents, injuries, or assaults. Implementing these measures will create a safe and secure parking environment for all users.

Evaluate and monitor performance

After implementing the optimized parking lot layout strategies, it's essential to evaluate and monitor the performance of the facility continuously. Measuring indicators such as occupancy rate, turnover rate, average parking time, accident rate, injury rate, complaint rate, and feedback rate can provide valuable insights into the efficiency, safety, and satisfaction levels of the parking lot.

Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs should also be conducted to ensure the functionality and durability of the parking lot while gathering feedback from users and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.

What Are the ADA Compliance Requirements for Parking Lot Dimensions Layout?

Accessible Parking Location

Accessible parking should be located at the shortest acceptable route to the building entrance.

The number of accessible spaces required is based on the total number of parking spaces available

Access aisles can be shared between two spaces, with specific requirements for van-accessible parking spaces.

Dimensions of Accessible Parking Spaces

Van-accessible spaces must be 8 feet wide, with an adjacent 8-foot access aisle, totaling 16 feet.

Car-accessible spaces must be a minimum of 8 feet wide, with a 5-foot access aisle, totaling 13 feet.

Access aisles must extend the full length of the parking space.

Surface Requirements

Parking surfaces within accessible spaces and access aisles must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant, with no changes in level.

Acceptable slopes are up to 1:48, with multiple spaces requiring slope verification.

Access to Building

Access aisles should ideally connect directly to a standard curb ramp leading onto the sidewalk or building entrance.

Access routes should avoid leading behind vehicles, but if necessary, should be marked with contrasting paint.

Signage and Markings

Each accessible parking space should be marked with appropriate signage, including the international symbol of accessibility.

A van-accessible parking space requires a specific sign, and signs should be placed 5 feet above the surface of the parking space.

Some areas are exempt from these requirements, such as spaces for buses, trucks, law enforcement vehicles, and vehicle impounds.

Other Considerations

Patient and visitor parking at hospital outpatient facilities have specific accessibility requirements.

The international symbol of accessibility is only required on the sign, but many states mandate it to be painted within the parking space.

Parking spaces should be designed to prevent cars protruding into accessible routes, possibly using parking stoppers.

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

Parqour is a revolutionary software platform that is transforming how parking operations are managed and experienced. With Parqour, parking operators have access to a comprehensive end-to-end management platform that streamlines operations, increases revenue, reduces costs, and enhances transparency. One of the standout features of Parqour is its real-time data capabilities, which provide parking operators with valuable insights into occupancy, revenue, utilization, and parking trends.

Automated License Plate Recognition: The Key to Seamless Parking Management

Parqour boasts a remarkable 99.6% license plate recognition rate, which significantly reduces the need for manual intervention in parking operations. This feature not only speeds up the parking process for customers but also helps operators keep a close eye on activity within their parking facilities.

Contactless Parking and Online Payments: A Game-Changer for Modern Parking

With Parqour, parking operators can say goodbye to cash transactions and clunky payment systems. The platform supports online QR payments, making it extremely convenient for customers to pay for parking. This contactless payment method not only enhances the overall parking experience but also reduces the risk of fraud and theft associated with physical payment methods.

Data Analytics: Unlocking Insights to Drive Growth

The data analytics capabilities of Parqour provide parking operators with real-time insights into occupancy, revenue, and utilization. By leveraging this data, operators can make informed decisions to optimize their parking operations, increase revenue, and improve the overall customer experience.

Validation and Permit Management: Streamlining Access Control

Parqour offers a validation and permit management feature that allows operators to create free-flow access for approved drivers. This feature simplifies access control, reduces administrative burden, and enhances the overall efficiency of parking operations.

24/7 Remote Control System: Ensuring Operational Continuity

With Parqour, parking operators have access to a 24/7 remote control system that allows them to monitor and manage their parking facilities from anywhere. This feature ensures operational continuity, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.

Hardware with Zero Upfront Costs: Minimizing Capital Expenditure

One of the key advantages of Parqour is its hardware with zero upfront costs. This means that operators can adopt the platform without incurring significant capital expenditure, making it an attractive option for parking operators looking to modernize their operations.

Zoning and Violation Detection: Enhancing Control and Compliance

Parqour offers zoning and violation detection features that enable operators to control parking zones and detect violations effectively. This feature helps operators ensure compliance with parking regulations, maintain order within their facilities, and enhance the overall parking experience for customers.

Book a free demo to experience the power of Parqour in action!