Creating parking spaces is a crucial part of urban and commercial planning. Local governments and businesses must consider parking to accommodate the public and customers who rely on their vehicles.
Without proper parking spaces, unauthorized parking will only increase the likelihood of road accidents. However, a parking space involves more than just allocating space for each vehicle. Additionally, a standard space must be allocated for each vehicle, taking into account several key factors to meet the standard space allocation requirements.
Standard Parking Space Dimensions
One of the simplest parking space plans without the need for extra measurements is to follow the standard fitting size that could accommodate most vehicle types.
A standard parking size is 8.5 feet wide and 18 feet long - more than enough to accommodate cars of any size from compact cars to small pick-up trucks. Trucks with extra-long beds exceed this standard, but are not commonly used for daily driving in urban areas. The standard parking width of 8.5 feet is sufficient for most vehicles. However, it is important to consider that doors might be longer than usual and could bump into other parked vehicles. This is why some parking spaces exceed the standard size by adding an extra foot or two to accommodate this need.
ADA Parking Space Considerations
In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act has specific provisions that require those with standard parking space to reserve a space for individuals with disabilities. Under ADA, the standard parking space for individuals with disabilities should be 5 feet wider - this should efficiently accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs or have other needs. The parking space should also have a vertical clearance of 98 inches for van access. There is also a required number of spaces allocated for individuals with disabilities based on the number of parking spaces created.
Aisle Width For Better Parking
A standard parking space is useless if it's inaccessible due to a narrow aisle. There must be sufficient road width to allow vehicles to pass through safely. This width should also enable vehicles to turn and park effectively, minimizing the risk of colliding with other vehicles. A standard aisle width for parking spaces is 12 feet for one-way traffic and 24 feet for two-way traffic.
One of the most efficient parking space plans that follows the standard recommendation for safe parking is to create angled parking with a one-way 12-foot aisle width. A vehicle can easily park because the driver doesn't have to turn sharply, and backing is also relatively simpler. Vehicles parked at an angle will also require less lot space
Standard Parking Space Dimensions Tailored To Popular Vehicle Categories:
Compact Cars (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic):
- Width: 8-8.5 feet
- Length: 16-18 feet
- Height Clearance: 5-6 feet
Sedans (e.g., Toyota Camry, Honda Accord):
- Width: 8.5-9 feet
- Length: 18-20 feet
- Height Clearance: 5.5-6.5 feet
SUVs (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer):
- Width: 9-10 feet
- Length: 18-22 feet
- Height Clearance: 6.5-7.5 feet
Pickup Trucks (e.g., Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado):
- Width: 9-10 feet
- Length: 20-24 feet
- Height Clearance: 6.5-8 feet
Vans (e.g., Honda Odyssey, Ford Transit):
- Width: 9-10 feet
- Length: 20-24 feet
- Height Clearance: 7-9 feet
Commercial Trucks (e.g., Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680):
- Width: 10-12 feet
- Length: 30-40 feet
- Height Clearance: 8-14 feet
Following The Standard For Safer Parking
Following the standard is more than just complying with what is required by the law. It's important to note that proper parking spaces provide better protection and accommodation for drivers and their passengers. Smart and efficient planning should be implemented to accommodate more vehicles without compromising safety.
