When it comes to constructing a parking lot for your business, there is a lot to consider. After all, the better your design, the easier it will be for both staff and customers to use the lot. The availability of parking spaces and whether there is a charge to use the parking lot can affect your business, particularly if you are in retail. With that in mind then, below are just a few tips on what you should and should not do when it comes to parking lot construction.
Do identify the purpose of the parking lot. For example, if your parking lot is primarily for the use of customers and staff, you need to make sure that it has ample spaces with enough room for the user.
Do make sure that you adhere to local, state, and federal requirements. There are different requirements in terms of the number of spaces you need to provide, depending on the type of business you have. Furthermore, you must make sure that you are adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)in terms of the number of accessible spaces you are looking to provide. You must also make sure that your parking lot is signposted appropriately.
Do think about traffic flow. Some parking lots have a one-way system with different entrance and exit pointswhile others will utilize a two-way system with the entrance and exit points adjacent to each other. The flow of your parking lot will typically be determined by the size of the lot and the expected traffic.
Do choose the appropriate paving material. According to the experts at Parking Lot Pros, most owners go for either concrete or asphalt paving, with each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Concrete is a better choice for parking lots that will accommodate heavy vehicles, but asphalt is quicker to install and costs less upfront.
Do use the correct striping colors. Depending on which state your business is in, you will find that there are specific requirements when it comes to striping colors. You will need to use different colors for accessible spaces as well as pedestrian zones and loading/unloading bays.
Do make sure your parking lot has sufficient drainage. Drainage is particularly important when it comes to parking lots. Not only can pooling water damage the surface of the parking lot, but it can also become a safety issue for users of the parking lot.
Do not forget to check the coding requirements in terms of the number of spaces you need. When it comes to accessible spaces, there are set requirements as per the ADA, but your state may have further requirements that must also be adhered to. As well as the number of accessible spaces you must provide, there are specific conditions in relation to the size of these spaces as well as the access aisles between the spaces.
Do not neglect safety in your parking lot. It is important that you provide adequate lighting in the carpark, particularly if it will be used by patrons in the hours of darkness. You must also ensure sufficient drainage as mentioned above, and make sure that emergency responders have quick access.
Conclusion
Construction of a parking lot requires careful consideration to ensure that coding requirements are met. It is important to think about the purpose of the parking lot and implement features to ensure it is safe for all who use it. You will also need to make sure that the parking lot is accessible and has a sufficient number of spaces for disabled persons.
