Building a parking lot involves more than paving a large area and painting parking lines. Engineers are involved, and they typically consult the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other expert and government bodies for guidance and approvals.
The goal is to create a parking lot everyone can use comfortably and safely, and one that stands up to the elements with a durable design. As parking lot planning begins, here are some of the most important factors to get right:
Parking Layout
Even before the asphalt is laid, most construction companies have already fine-tuned their layout, from the exact location for loading zones and fire lanes to parking lot striping Cincinnati and other locations.
All parking lot layouts should include appropriate stall dimensions and widths with efficient turning paths. The preferred stall size and angle depend on the primary use. Retail, convenience stores, and grocery stops mostly use 45- to 60-degree angled stalls for straightforward parking in high-turnover lots, while employee lots, corporate offices, and overnight lots with low turnover typically use 90-degree right-angle stalls that require more time and care to enter and exit.
In addition to traditional parking, the design must also include pedestrian routes and accessible parking spaces. Accessible spaces differ from regular spaces by being at least 96 inches wide with an accessible aisle of at least 60 inches.
Pavement Design
Along with confirming the layout, the pavement design must also be confirmed. This involves ensuring the materials, base, and reinforcement can handle the expected traffic and vehicle types.
During this process, engineers and construction teams must weigh the pros and cons of asphalt versus concrete pavement, determine thickness based on geotechnical data, and ensure a thoroughly prepared base with aggregate and compaction. At this stage, they also consider jointing and reinforcement for concrete pavements.
Safety
Most construction businesses prioritize employee safety during projects, but it must also be a consideration of the project itself. During parking lot construction, promote safe use from the start of someone’s shopping journey to the end.
This means implementing or allowing for:
- Visibility at pedestrian crossings and intersections
- Adequate lighting
- Clear pavement markings
- Adequate signage
- Speed controls
Construction Quality
You likely want to gain a reputation as a business that does it right the first time. That’s why construction quality is critical when building a parking lot. Every durable parking lot starts with proper subgrade and aggregate compaction, followed by the right temperature and placement of materials, whether that’s asphalt or concrete.
Quality control testing is also important, along with proper concrete curing before the parking lot can be used.
Codes and Approvals
As a reputable construction business, you want to ensure that all aspects of parking lot construction comply with state and local laws and requirements. There are a number that must be considered, including:
- Local zoning and parking requirements
- Building requirements
- Fire code requirements
- ADA requirements
- Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, where applicable
- Stormwater and environmental permits
If you’re getting ready to design and build a new parking lot, don’t underestimate the importance of comprehensive planning. Everything from permits and materials to signage and dimensions matter in ensuring a safe and convenient parking experience for those who use the parking lot now and in the decades to come.