Car Parking

Safe and secure parking facility for the vehicles is a fundamental right of all visitors. Most of the hotels are unable to provide sufficient parking space for their guests.

Planning of parking totally depends on the availability of the space, size, configuration and contours of a site.

There are various types of parking, like

1. On grade parking
2. Above grade parking
3. Below grade parking
4. Composite parking
5. On grade parking:- This is the most common and least expensive car parking, totally dependent on the availability of space and its configuration. Low cost of land always supports the on-grade parking. This requires a lot of maintenance in respect of property management.

Parking lots deteriorate with the passage of time. Cracks and break of surface are common problems, if unnoticeable may become serious defects. Preventive maintenance program to be ensured. General precautions to be taken are:-

• Use of salt to melt snow or ice on a concrete surface
• Avoid spillage of oil/kerosene or other liquids on asphalt surfaces.

Inspection of the area to be done twice a year. Maintenance record to be maintained.

1. Above grade parking:- This is a free-standing parking deck of two or more levels. This type provides maximum efficiency in terms of area, structure, and circulation. This is least expensive after on-grade parking.
2. Below grade parking:- This is commonly known as underground parking. This is more expensive because of the structure and mechanical systems required to construct it. The best method of protecting a dry floodproofed garage from floodwaters is to design garage entry to the above BFE (Base Flood Elevation).
3. Composite parking:- This is basically integrated above and below-grade parking types with the building above the structure. It requires special ventilation and sprinkler systems and more elaborate facade.

Zoning Laws:- The car parking area must be covered with certain zoning laws as per statutory requirement. A requirement of the parking space is as per thumb rule is 1000 sq. ft. to park 03 cars in the suburban area and 10% lesser space in the urban area (i.e. 900 sq. ft.)

Parking space standards:-  i) Standard off-street (for standard vehicles) :- Minimum width- 9 ft., Minimum length- 18 ft, except for parallel stalls.

8. ii) Compact off-street (for compact vehicles) :- Minimum width- 8.5 ft., Minimum length- 16 ft.. Maximum of 10% of the total parking area for this type of parking can be kept.

iii) Long term off-street:- Minimum width- 8.5 ft., Minimum length- 18 feet. This is meant for long-time parking for employees for a minimum of 04 hours or more.

Ramps:-

• Protected ramps shall not be constructed with slopes exceeding 12.5% gradient.
• Unprotected ramps shall not be constructed with slopes exceeding 10% gradient.
• Ramp slopes exceeding 10% shall have transition area of not less than 15 ft. in length at the top and bottom of the ramp and the slope of the transition ramp shall be approximately 1.5 times of the main portions of the ramp.
• Single lane entrance shall not be less than 15 ft. wide at the street.

Design:- Openings etc. to be designed in accordance with National Building Code.

Lighting:-

• Interior light levels shall be at an average equal to or greater than 5 ft. candles to enhance security and safety.
• Lighting for rooftop parking to be placed in the parapet or interior of the parking area. Lighting shall not to reflect or shine on adjacent properties.