The Importance of a well designed parking lot layout.
If your business has a parking lot, then you know how important it is to have a well-designed layout. A new parking lot layout is important because it helps communicate information to customers or visitors about where to park. A new layout should also maximize the use of all available space to provide as much parking as possible. Appropriate markings should also be considered during this process, such as handicap parking, directional arrows, crosswalks, fire lanes, and no parking zones. Custom solutions are also available, such as EV parking, numbered or lettered parking spaces.
COMMUNICATES INFORMATION
IMPROVES TRAFIC FLOW
MAXIMIZES PARKING CAPACITY
IMPROVES SAFETY
REDUCES LIABILITY
COMPLIANCE WITH CODES
Why you need a new parking lot layout
There are many reasons why you might need a new parking lot layout. The most common time a new layout is required would be for new construction facilities, but that is not the only time a new layout can be applied. Perhaps your business has expanded and you need to accommodate more vehicles by expanding the parking area, you may be required to add more ADA Handicap parking if you increase the size of your parking lot. Or maybe you're simply not happy with the way your current layout looks or functions. For asphalt parking lots it is possible to create a new layout after fresh seal coating has been applied over the existing markings.
Whatever the case may be, a new parking lot layout can make a world of difference for your business. Here are just a few reasons why. A new layout can help communicate information to customers or visitors about where to park. This is especially important if you have a large, complex or shared parking lot. Proper signage and markings can help direct traffic flow and reduce congestion. A new layout can also help maximize the use of all available space to provide as much parking as possible. This is important if you want to make the most efficient use of your space and provide customers with ample parking options. When properly designed and constructed, parking areas can be attractive, safe, and above all easily and efficiently accessible.
Parking row orientation.
There are three common parking angles used for rows of parking stalls. The ninety degree (90°) angle produces the greatest car capacity. This type of parking is more suited for all-day parking stalls, such as employee parking. It is generally not preferred for parking lots with heavy in and out traffic like fast food restaurants or banks because it has the highest difficulty for entering and and exiting parking stalls. Sixty degrees (60°) is the most common angled parking style because it allows reasonable traffic lane widths and is easier for visitors to enter and back out. This is typically seen at fast food restaurants. In tight places, the forty-five degree (45°) stall is sometimes preferred. The slight change in angle permits the use of narrower aisles. Individual parking stalls should be a minimum of nine feet wide by nineteen feet long (9' x 19'). However, special sections with slightly smaller stalls may be designated for compact cars to better utilize the area, this stalls will often be placed in parking garages.
Required markings.
Proper markings and stencils are important to consider during the process - not just for the sake of aesthetics, but also to help communicate information to customers or visitors about where to park. Most people are aware that handicap parking spaces must be designated by certain markings. In addition to requiring specific dimensions, handicap parking spaces must also have access aisles that are at least five feet wide regardless of whether your state or municipality has adopted the latest version of the ADA Standards. Directional arrows and crosswalks aren't just for major intersections - they can also be used in parking lots to help direct traffic flow and keep pedestrians safe. Well-placed arrows can help limit the risk of vehicular accidents by guiding drivers where they need to go, while clearly marked crosswalks give pedestrians a safe zone to walk in without having to worry about getting hit by a car.
Fire lanes and no parking zones are another crucial type of marking that needs to be taken into consideration when striping a parking lot. Fire lanes are required by law in many states, and failing to properly mark them can result in fines from the fire marshal. Likewise, no parking zones need to be clearly marked to ensure that vehicles are not parked in areas where they could create an obstruction or safety hazard. In addition to the more standard types of parking lot markings, we also offer custom solutions for businesses with specific needs. For example, we can provide EV (electric vehicle) charging station markings, as well as numbered or lettered spaces for easy identification. We also offer stencils for logos or other company branding elements that can be placed in strategic locations around the perimeter of the parking lot. If you're not sure what kind of markings would work best for your business, feel free to contact us - we'll be happy to provide you with a customized solution.
How to optimize traffic flow.
The layout and design of the parking lot is what directs the flow of traffic into, around and out of and the parking lot. A well designed layout ensures that vehicles can maneuver the lot safely and effectively. Planning for adequate space ensures vehicles have plenty of room to park, back out of stalls and drive through the parking lot. When possible entrances and exits should be designed to serve as a continuation of the traffic driving aisles. It is important to avoid sharp turns whenever possible while planning a new layout design. Additionally, it's beneficial to clearly mark the direction of traffic flow to reduce confusion. Angled parking stalls generally offer only one direction for traffic to flow, so directional arrows are often painted at the entrance and exit of each parking aisle to help guide traffic the correct way. Stop bars and stop signs are also important for helping traffic flow efficiently. They should be marked at the end of traffic aisles that flow into the entrance or exit lanes.
NEW LAYOUT
Parking Lot Striping Professionals.
When you need parking lot restriping, we make the process hassle-free and convenient. Let our experts recommend the appropriate time to restripe your lot. We can apply striping after business hours if that fits your schedule best. We understand that you have a business to run, and our goal is to not impede your normal business operating hours.
We want your business! Contact our office at 574-850-8813, or submit our online form to obtain an estimate. We look forward to helping you.