Industrial real estate expert Larry Kahn explains the facts about parking spaces at commercial properties.
A parking space is commonly found within a parking lot or a parking structure. Of course, it can also be found along a city street as well as many other places that are designated for the primary purpose of parking vehicles. Each space is usually marked with three lines, one on the right, the other on the left and another line at the top. White paint is commonly used to mark these lines. Parking spaces may be arranged with an angle, perpendicularly or parallel.
Different Sizes of Parking Spaces
The average size of a parking space is 320 square feet. However, there are also other sizes available, one of the most common of which is 270 square feet. These sizes include the landscaping or end of aisle areas, the circulation areas and the parking space. For perpendicular or angled parking spaces, the length is commonly 16 feet to 18 feet. Meanwhile, the standard width is 7.9 feet to 9 feet.
For parallel parking spaces, the standard width is 7.9 feet while the standard length is 20 feet. They are usually marked 6.9 feet to 7.9 feet. Inclusive of the entry and exit maneuvering, the standard length ranges from 22 feet to 26 feet.
Why Different Colors
In the United States, details about curb markings are specified in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Some local highway agencies use special colors for such purposes. The main reason behind this is to supplement the standard signs for the overall improvement of parking regulation.
For passenger drop off or pickup, the usual color is white. For loading, the assigned color is yellow. For disabled individuals using proper vehicle identification, the appropriate color is blue. For emergency vehicles, the red curb means no parking, no standing and no stopping. To indicate a no parking zone, the curb is commonly marked yellow.
Have a commercial real estate question? Call Franklin Street’sLaurence Kahn at 407.458.5419 or email [emailprotected]
