What Are the Standard Parking Space Dimensions?

Like most maintenance projects, repairing the lines on your parking lot will be less expensive if completed by you. In fact, taking a little time to do the work yourself can save you and your facility as much as 90% per linear foot versus what a contractor would have charged. Unlike other asphalt maintenance jobs such as crack filling and sealcoating, however, line striping properly requires adherence to highly specific measurements mandated by various governing bodies. 

These specifications will vary depending on the particular location of your property, with states and cities enacting their own requirements, so it’s important to consult your local codes before beginning a line striping project. There are still guidelines that hold true in many locations, however, and serve as helpful benchmarks of where to start.

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In North America, the standard parking space dimensions range between 8.5 to 9 feet wide by 18 feet long. Parking lot aisles will have a space between rows ranging between 14 to 24 feet, depending on whether they’re a one-way or a two-way aisle. Additionally, most parking spaces will have an angle between 30º, 45º, 60º and 90º relative to the curb.

Related: What to Consider When You Paint Parking Lot Areas

One-Way vs. Two-Way
Naturally, two-way aisles require wider dimensions for the safe navigation of vehicles in opposite directions. Most two-way aisles are therefore no narrower than 20 feet. One-way lanes, on the other hand, have more flexibility to be thinner—though might still require wider dimensions, depending on the other important factor below.

Angle
The angle at which a parking space meets the curb or median is one of the chief factors determining how wide the aisle between rows must be. The majority of parking spaces will be positioned at 30º, 45º, 60º and 90º relative to the curb or median. The wider the angle, the wider the aisle should be, as vehicles will need more room to safely enter and exit a spot. As such, one-way aisles of parking lots with spaces positioned at a 90º angle to the curb are frequently the same width as those of two-way aisles. 

But overall, accessible parking space dimensions can vary depending on local regulations and factors such as parking lot traffic, the angle relative to the curb, and accessibility features, such as having a handicapped area.

Handicap Accessibility:

To remain compliant with government regulations, parking lots must include a certain amount of handicap-accessible spaces with the proper signage and placement. The dimensions must also follow particular specifications separate from the standard measurements. 

To account for wheelchairs and other equipment, handicap parking spaces will typically need to be a minimum of 14 feet wide. Depending on the accommodation of handicap-accessible vans, the length of a space might also need to be increased.  Learn more about the dimensions of ADA-regulated handicap parking spaces.

Related: ADA Handicap Parking Requirements & Cheatsheet

But why is finding standard parking space dimensions important?

Simply put, if you are repairing, maintaining, or doing painting or line-striping work on parking lots, you need the correct dimensions for you to know how much material you need for the job.

This is especially useful for property owners and managers who want to do their own parking lot maintenance instead of hiring a contractor.

No matter the dimensions, parking spaces must be painted with precision. To do so properly, property owners and managers need the right equipment and supplies. Asphalt Kingdom has the tools you need to get the job done right. Sign up for our free property manager's email guide on asphalt maintenance.

Have your own maintenance company and want to earn more money by getting into line striping? The opportunity is there!

Learn more about line striping with our free Line Striping email guide. If you also want a more in-depth guide to line striping and other asphalt maintenance services, then visit the Asphalt Kingdom Build Your Own Business Blueprint and sign up. It's 100% FREE, and you can refer to it again and again as go through the journey of running your asphalt maintenance business.