1. Planning and Design

• Evaluate Space: Measure the parking lot’s total area (length and width) to calculate the number of parking spaces. Use a tape measure or laser tool for accuracy.
• Comply with Regulations: Research local zoning ordinances and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The ADA mandates a minimum number of accessible spaces based on total parking capacity—e.g., 1 accessible space per 25 standard spaces for lots with 1-25 spaces (ADA Standards for Accessible Design).
• Optimize Layout: Design an efficient layout that includes parking stalls, driving aisles, entry/exit points, and pedestrian pathways. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) recommends angled parking (e.g., 45° or 60°) for high-turnover areas like retail centers to improve traffic flow.

2. Parking Stall Dimensions

• Standard Spaces: Typically 9 feet wide by 18 feet long, as recommended by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) for most passenger vehicles (ULI Parking Standards).
• Compact Spaces: Often 8 feet wide by 16 feet long, ideal for smaller cars and space-constrained lots. Clearly label these as “Compact Only.”
• Accessible Spaces: Per the ADA, these must be at least 8 feet wide with a 5-foot-wide access aisle for car-accessible spaces, or an 8-foot-wide aisle for van-accessible spaces, plus 98 inches of vertical clearance for vans (ADA website).

3. Line Striping Techniques

• Paint Selection: Choose durable, reflective, traffic marking paint designed for asphalt or concrete.
• Application: Stripe lines at a consistent 4-inch width using a striping machine for precision, a standard upheld by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) (MUTCD Section 3A.05).
• Color Coding: Use white striping paint for standard lines, yellow striping paint for no-parking zones or crosswalks, and blue striping paint for accessible space markings, as per MUTCD guidelines.

4. Marking Accessible Spaces

• Paint the International Symbol of Accessibility (wheelchair icon) in white on a blue background within the stall, as required by ADA Section 502.6.
• Install signage at least 60 inches above the ground, displaying “Van Accessible” where applicable.
• Use blue parking blocks to reinforce accessibility and prevent encroachment.

5. Traffic Flow and Safety Features

• Directional Markings: Paint arrows, stop bars, and crosswalks per MUTCD standards to ensure clear traffic flow.
• Parking Blocks: Install parking blocks to prevent vehicles from rolling into walkways or adjacent spaces.
• Aisle Widths: Maintain 24 feet for two-way traffic aisles and 12-15 feet for one-way aisles, as suggested by the ITE Parking Generation Manual.
• Lighting: Ensure adequate illumination per the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) guidelines for parking facilities (e.g., 1-2 foot-candles).

6. Maintenance and Re-Striping

• Inspections: Check for faded lines, cracks, or peeling paint every 6-12 months, as recommended by the National Pavement Contractors Association (NPCA).
• Re-Striping Schedule: Plan re-striping every 18-24 months, or sooner in harsh climates, aligning with FHWA pavement marking durability estimates.
• Surface Prep: Power-wash the lot and repair potholes before re-striping to ensure paint adheres properly, per ASTM International standards.