Parking spaces are an essential component of urban infrastructure, yet many property owners and developers are unclear about the parking spaces dimensions and regulations that govern them. Whether planning a residential complex or commercial establishment or simply curious about the rules, understanding these standards is crucial for compliance and efficient space utilisation.
Parking space regulations by the Government of India
The Development Code by the Government of India provides comprehensive guidelines for parking lot dimensions. These regulations are typically incorporated into local building bylaws and development plans to ensure consistency in implementation.
The car parking space dimensions are specified in Equivalent Car Spaces (ECS) per 100 sq m. of floor area. Different zones and activities have various sizes of parking spaces. These are:
Residential Areas
- Group Housing, Plotted Housing (plots above 250 sq.m.), and mixed-use: 0.50 - 1.50 ECS per 100 sq m.
Commercial Areas
- Wholesale Trade and Freight Complex (including parking for loading and unloading): 1.50 - 2.50 ECS per 100 sq m.
- City centre, district centre, hotel, cinema and others: 1.00 - 2.00 ECS per 100 sq m.
- Community centre, local shopping centre, convenience shopping centre: 0.50 - 1.50 ECS per 100 sq m.
Public and Semi-Public Facilities
- Nursing homes, hospitals (other than government), social, cultural and other institutions, government and semi-government offices: 0.50 - 1.50 ECS per 100 sq m.
- Schools, colleges, universities and government hospitals: 0.25 - 0.75 ECS per 100 sq m.
Industrial Areas
- Light and service industries, flatted group industries, and extensive industries: 0.50 - 1.00 ECS per 100 sq m.
Standard Dimensions for Parallel Parking
Parallel parking spots are generally built to handle cars parked alongside edges or walls.
The normal measurements for parallel parking usually include the following:
- Length: 22 feet (6.7 meters) to fit most sedan-sized cars
- Width:5 feet (2.6 meters) from the curb
- Maneuvering space: Additional room at the ends of a row of parallel parking spots is often suggested for easy entry and exit
For places with high shift rates, such as business zones, slightly bigger measurements may be suggested to allow faster parking moves and reduce traffic jams.
Standard parking space size
According to the Development Code, the normal car parking size is clearly defined. For the availability of car parking spots, the measurements change based on the type of parking:
- Open parking:0 sq m. per similar car space
- Ground floor covered parking:0 sq m. per similar car space
- Basement parking:0 sq m. per similar car space
These measurements ensure adequate room not just for the car itself but also for safe movement when entering and leaving the parking place. The larger area required for basement parking accounts for the structural elements like pillars and the need for proper ventilation systems.
FAQs
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Can basement areas used for parking be excluded from FAR calculations?
The Development Code clearly states that basement areas used for parking and services should not be counted in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations.
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Are there any special provisions for motels and hotels regarding parking?
Yes, for motels, parking space should be provided on a minimum scale of 1.67 ECS per 100 sq m. of floor area, including provisions made in the basement. For hotels, basements up to the building envelope to the maximum extent of the plot area are allowed and excluded from FAR if used for parking and services.
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What are the regulations for parking in hill towns?
The Development Code acknowledges that hill towns have special considerations. While specific parking dimensions remain the same, other development parameters like FAR and ground coverage are often reduced for hill areas compared to plains.
Conclusion
Understanding car parking space size is essential for proper urban planning and development. The regulations outlined provide a framework that balances the need for adequate parking with efficient land use. While understanding parking space dimensions is crucial for urban planning, protecting your vehicle with the right insurance is equally important. Car insurance online offers ease and reasonable rates, allowing you to compare plans from multiple sources. Third party car insurance, the minimum legal requirement in India, offers important coverage against losses to others' vehicles or property. For complete protection, invest in full coverage, which protects against theft, natural disasters, and accidental damage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.