How Tall Are Parking Garages?

Parking garages are ultimately designed based on several specific factors, including location, building size, functional layout, and federal/state/local codes. However, there are a few typical design standards detailed below.

Average Parking Space Sizes In A Parking Garage

The sizes of the parking spaces will be mandated by local zoning or land development ordinances. The size of these spaces will be based on typical use.

Typically, the lower the turnover, or the more urban the location is, the smaller the spaces will be. Meanwhile, garages in areas that are less urban will usually feature larger spaces. Of course, variances or design waivers are often sought for these dimensions when the conditions justify the design.

General Parking Garage Footprint Dimensions

The minimum dimensions for garage footprints need to consist of two structural bays. Two 60-foot clear parking modules with 2-way traffic and 90-degree parking results in a width of 123 feet. This number includes the applicable structural members.

When adding more parking spaces, the overall width of the garage increases in increments of the established structural bay or parking module. Generally speaking, the minimum length of the garage will consist of the ramp plus the turning bays which are located at each end of the garage.

A garage featuring 2-way traffic will usually contain 180 feet of ramp, 2 end bays at 28 feet, and 2 spandrel widths measuring 1 foot.

Variations of these typical layouts will be based on both site constraints and project requirements. For instance, when the site is not big enough for the average ramp length, both structural bays will need ramps that meet at an intermediate landing. This will accommodate the overhead height requirements.