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Guide to Standard Parking Space Dimensions

The first thing that we need to know is that an average car size is around six feet. However, there are also different car models where some of them are larger, like SUVs. Because of that, it’s hard to define the universal parking space dimensions for a car.

Therefore, when you are building parking spaces, you need to consider a lot of factors. In this article, we’ll talk about standard parking dimensions so you can easily construct the ideal one for your car. In the section below, we’ll explain what is important when it comes to parking space dimensions. So, let’s start!

What You Need To Know About Parking Space Dimensions

Standard Parking Space

This is the average parking space dimensions for a car

Did you know that an average parking space in the United States comes with dimensions of 7.5 to 9 feet (width) and 10 to 20 feet (length). The main reason for these dimensions is that they allow the driver to park safely in and out. An oversized parking space will reduce the number of cars that can be parked in that area.

Truck and Trailer Parking Spaces

Average parking space dimensions for a truck

Trucks and trailers are much larger compared to an average car. Because of that, their parking spaces are constructed with much larger dimensions than for a car. The average parking space for a truck and trailer is around 15 feet (width) and 30 to 40 feet (length).

Handicapped and Accessible Parking Spaces

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the standard parking space dimensions for handicappeds should be around 8 feet (wide) for standard vehicles. When it comes to van-accessible spaces, their parking dimensions need to be at least 11 feet wide. Also, there should be an accessible aisle, that needs to be around 5 feet wide.

Things To Know About Parking Patterns

Things that also need to be considered aside from the standard parking dimensions sizes are parking patterns. Understanding this you’ll be able to design a much better layout for your parking area. In the section below, we’ll present you the most common parking patterns:

Parallel Parking

Parallel parking spaces can be found on a lot of streets in almost every city, but they can also be used as parking lots. This type of parking pattern allows vehicles to be arranged in a line, where the car faces another car’s back bumper.

Perpendicular Parking

Perpendicular parking allows cars to be parked side by side, where they are perpendicular to a wall, a curb, or an aisle. This type of parking pattern allows to fit more cars, and it is used in a parking lot. This type of parking space can also be found in major cities worldwide.

Angle Parking

Angle parking can be considered the same thing as perpendicular parking. But there is one difference, and that’s the vehicle position. They are arranged at an angle. The advantage of this parking pattern is that it allows much faster and easier parking. Another benefit is that this method creates more parking spaces. This is also a very popular parking method.

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Other Parking Factors to Consider

One-Way vs Two-Way

Usually, when the parking lot’s aisles are two-way, the dimensions of a parking space need to be wider so the vehicles can safely pass in the opposite directions. Because of that, the two-way aisle needs to be around 20 feet wide. If the aisles are one-way, then we can have a little bit narrow aisle. In that case, the parking space will require wider dimensions which depends on other factors.

Parking Space Angle

Another important thing that we must take into account is the angle of the parking space and the curb. By using this measurement, we’ll have a much better understanding of how wide the aisles between the rows need to be. Most parking spaces are designed at different angles such as 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° angle.

Keep in mind that the aisle needs to be wider if we have a higher angle. That way, the cars can enter and exit the parking space much safer and easier. Therefore, when we have parking spaces with one-way aisles that are positioned at a 90° angle, we’ll have the same width as a two-way aisle.

Entry and Exit Spacing

Another important thing to keep in mind is the proper entrance and exit parking space. This is vital, especially if you want to prevent back-ups of traffic. If we don’t apply enough spacing, it can lead to unsafe maneuvers, clogged intersections, or even rear-end accidents.

Another important thing that impacts the safe distance is if the parking lot requires right-turn lanes. For that reason, driveways are usually designed to have space around 300 to 600 feet away from the intersections.

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Handicapped Accessibility

All parking lots must meet strict government regulations, especially when it comes to handicap-accessible spaces. As we have previously mentioned above, parking spaces that are designed for handicapped or disabled persons need to be at least 8 feet wide when it comes to standard vehicles. When it comes to van-accessible spaces, they need to be around 11 feet wide. This is because it needs to have a space for wheelchairs and other needed equipment.

Which Parking Space Is Better: Asphalt or Concrete?

The parking space can be made of asphalt or concrete. Each of these materials offers its benefits. However, asphalt is a better option if you live in an area where temperatures go below zero, and where it rains a lot. If you have a low budget on your hands, then asphalt is a better choice because it is cost-effective. On the other hand, concrete is preferred if you live in a country that has a warm climate. However, the concrete is a little bit more expensive compared to asphalt.

How Wide is a Parking Space?

Although we talked about how parking space comes with standard dimensions, that is not always the case. This is because some factors can influence the size and dimensions of a parking space. However, the size or width of a parking space in most cases vary, and this depends on several factors. For instance, there is no defined size for a parking space.

However, for people that have an average car, the standard dimensions that are 7.5 to 9 feet (width) and 10 to 20 feet (length) are more than enough to park your car. When it comes to larger vehicles, such as trucks and trailers, then you’ll need more space. On the other hand, if the parking space is angled, this will require even more space.

Final Thoughts

Parking spaces exist in every major and minor place in the world, and for that reason, it is good to know what their standard dimensions are. If you have decided to make a parking lot in front of your house, I hope you have learned something useful and that you will be able to apply it. If you have any additional questions feel free to contact us.

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