What Are the Primary Considerations For A Striping Parking Lot Layout?

Developing a stellar parking lot layout is easier said than done. While we encounter parking lots every day, few realize the intricacies of parking lot design and how it can impact everything from safety to traffic efficiency. If you're looking to create a Fort Wayne striping layout that benefits your business, here are a few of the most important considerations to make.

Are There Parking Lot Layout Code Requirements to Consider?

Before you start any striping parking lot layout project, you must familiarize yourself with all applicable federal, state, and local codes. Here's where having help from experienced parking lot striping contractors comes in handy. Seasoned contractors are familiar with code requirements, and they can help you navigate all regulations while obtaining the necessary permits to complete your project.

Codes can vary, but most municipalities have strict rules governing parking lot layouts. They typically cover parking stall dimensions and additional safety features, such as fire lanes, pedestrian crossing zones, etc. You must also comply with federal regulations. For example, all parking lots must be ADA-compliant, including accessible parking stalls with appropriate markings. Familiarize yourself with all requirements to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

What Impact Does the Orientation of Parking Stalls Have on Overall Parking Lot Design?

When striping parking lots, contractors can orient spaces in many different ways. The most common are parallel, perpendicular, and angled. There are benefits to all three, and what's right for your property will depend on the amount of space you have available and the goals you want to achieve. Parking lot striping contractors can even incorporate multiple orientations to maximize space.

The position of parking stalls impacts more than just the overall look of your Fort Wayne striping layout. They can also affect the driving experience and traffic efficiency. For example, drivers typically prefer angled spots because they are easier to navigate. Angled spaces can also present opportunities to establish one-way travel lanes. However, orientation also affects space optimization.

Work with your parking lot striping contractors to determine the positioning that aligns with your property's shape and size, while considering the impact on space optimization and the visitor experience.

Do I Need to Consider Travel Aisles When Creating a Parking Lot Layout?

We already touched on the impact that orientation has on traffic flow when striping parking lots. But it's important to consider how drivers and pedestrians will navigate your parking lot. Do you want to have one-way traffic lanes or two-way aisles? This decision is significant because it can impact overall safety and efficiency.

Two-way lanes can be beneficial in many applications. However, not all parking lot layouts work with them. Sometimes, two-way lanes create more confusion and congestion, turning your parking lot into a chaotic mess. One-way traffic aisles can be a better alternative to some parking lot layouts, as they create a defined path that drivers must follow when entering or leaving the lot. However, they can also take up more space.

Consider the position of your stalls, the turning radius required to move in and out of every spot, and how much space you can afford to dedicate to travel aisles. Work with contractors experienced in striping parking lot layout designs to determine what works best for your property and needs.

How Can Parking Lot Striping Contractors Improve Safety and Accessibility?

Finally, you can't afford to forget about overall safety and accessibility when striping parking lots. Safety should be a top priority, and you must ensure your lot is accessible and fully compliant with ADA standards.

When developing a striping parking lot layout, consider both the safety of drivers and pedestrians. Think about how people will move through your property and what potential hazards they may encounter. Parking lot design professionals can include many features that significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. These include marked pedestrian pathways, wider travel aisles, multiple access points to your building, curbed sidewalks, and more. These features make a difference, improving safety while reducing your liability risks.

You don't have to create your Fort Wayne striping layout alone. At Asphalt Authority, we take great pride in helping our clients get and maintain eye-catching pavement markings that directly benefit their bottom line. We're familiar with all vital considerations, best practices, and applicable codes. Our team is ready to apply their expertise to help you get a final parking lot layout that's safe, accessible, and efficient. In addition to striping parking lot layout designs, Asphalt Authority offers a range of services, including new paving, repairs, sealcoating, resurfacing, traffic signage, ADA compliance, warehouse markings, and more.

Let's discuss the details of your project. Contact Asphalt Authority at (260) 450-4976, email info@asphalt-authority.com, or submit your information through our online form to request a free quote.