What is the standard parking space dimensions? The exact dimensions of the parking space will vary based on regional regulations and elements like accessibility, parking lot traffic, and angle to the curb.
In North America, the standard parking space dimensions range between 8.5 to 9 feet wide by 18 feet long.
Considering all of your options when designing a space is a wise move if you’re looking to optimize the parking spot in a variety of ways that benefit you and your community.
Let’s look at the typical sizes of parking spaces and how you can design yours for the best performance in case you’re designing one or more.
Table of Contents
What is the Standard Parking Space Dimensions?
That is a wise query! We are constantly concerned with the size of our car, but what about when it comes time to park it? How big should a parking space be, in fact?
5 m x 2.30 m: standard parking space size
A perpendicular (side-by-side) parking space should be at least 5 meters long and 2.30 meters wide.
There are also a variety of standard sizes for “angle” parking spaces (depending on the angle of the spaces) or for parallel parking spaces. The standard size is also 5 m by 2.30 m for the latter scenario (in which cars are parked side-by-side)., except when there is a wall: on the driver’s side, the space must be 5 m x 2.50 m; on the passenger’s side, the space may be just 5 m x 2 m.
Please be aware that these parking space sizes may vary in underground parking facilities depending on the configuration and age of the construction.
Read More: What Is Controlled Zone Parking?
What About Height Dimensions?
The parking facilities’ various heights are duly noted at the entrances.
It is better not to play with the limits thinking that “I can get through”: unpleasant surprises are expensive: in addition to the damage caused to your vehicle, you will also be liable for any damage to the parking facility.
Additional Parking Space Design Considerations
More attributes of parking spaces that we frequently overlook include permeability and durability. This is due to the fact that they are directly related to the building materials used to construct a parking lot, with asphalt being the most common material.
Asphalt has a predetermined level of durability and a minimum level of upkeep needed to keep it in excellent condition. Additionally, it is completely impermeable, so managing stormwater requires a separate drainage system.
Although there are permeable versions of both asphalt and concrete, they are expensive, easily clogged, and require a lot of maintenance. Concrete is the same way.
Final Words on Standard Parking Space Dimensions
The dimensions of a typical parking space in the U.S. is approximately between 8.5 to 9 feet wide by 18 feet long.
The size of a typical parallel parking space ranges from 20 to 30 feet. to 24 ft. deep, with a traditional 7.5 to 9 ft. width. When designing their lots, parking lots must take into account additional factors.
When designing one, there are numerous factors that should be taken into account, some of which may affect the size of a particular parking space. If you want to learn more about parking, read our posts below:
