A well-designed parking lot layout maximizes space, improves traffic flow, reduces accidents, and ensures ADA compliance. Whether you’re striping a new lot or redesigning an existing one, understanding the fundamentals of parking lot layout design will help you make better decisions. AF&G LLC has designed and striped hundreds of parking lots across Arkansas — here’s what works.
Standard Parking Stall Dimensions
| Stall Angle | Stall Width | Stall Depth | Aisle Width | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90° (perpendicular) | 9 ft | 18 ft | 24 ft (two-way) | Maximum capacity |
| 60° (angled) | 9 ft | 19.8 ft | 18 ft (one-way) | Easy parking, good flow |
| 45° (angled) | 9 ft | 19.1 ft | 14 ft (one-way) | Narrow lots, quick turnover |
| Parallel | 8 ft | 22 ft | 12 ft (one-way) | Street-side, loading zones |
Choosing the Right Stall Angle
90° Perpendicular Parking
The most common layout for commercial lots. 90° stalls maximize the number of spaces per square foot. They work well with two-way drive aisles, allowing drivers to approach from either direction. Most retail centers, office buildings, and churches use 90° layouts.
60° Angled Parking
Angled stalls are easier to pull into and require narrower aisles (one-way). They’re ideal for convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, medical offices, and any property where ease of parking matters more than total capacity. Angled parking also naturally creates one-way traffic flow, reducing confusion and accidents.
45° Angled Parking
The narrowest drive aisle requirement makes 45° ideal for tight lots or properties converted from other uses. Common in downtown areas and adaptive reuse projects.
ADA Accessible Space Requirements
Federal ADA requirements specify minimum numbers of accessible spaces based on total lot capacity. Arkansas follows federal standards:
- 1-25 total spaces: 1 accessible space required
- 26-50 total spaces: 2 accessible spaces
- 51-75 total spaces: 3 accessible spaces
- 76-100 total spaces: 4 accessible spaces
- 101-150: 5 spaces | 151-200: 6 spaces
- 201-300: 7 spaces | 301-400: 8 spaces
At least 1 in every 6 accessible spaces must be van-accessible (8 ft space + 8 ft access aisle). Standard accessible spaces require an 8 ft space + 5 ft access aisle. All must connect to an accessible route to the building entrance.
Fire Lane and No-Parking Zone Markings
Arkansas fire code requires clearly marked fire lanes at all commercial properties. Fire lanes must be:
- Minimum 20 feet wide for fire truck access
- Marked with red curb paint or “NO PARKING – FIRE LANE” stencils
- Kept clear 24/7 — enforcement is by local fire marshal
- Visible from all approaches (reflective paint recommended)
Traffic Flow Best Practices
- Use directional arrows at every drive aisle entrance
- Paint STOP bars at intersections within the lot
- Mark pedestrian crosswalks connecting parking areas to building entrances
- Use “DO NOT ENTER” markings at exit-only points
- Consider speed bumps or speed limit markings for large lots
Common Layout Mistakes We Fix
- Stalls too narrow: 8 ft stalls cause door dings and complaints — 9 ft is standard
- No ADA access aisle: Accessible spaces need adjacent striped access aisles
- Missing van-accessible space: At least 1 in 6 accessible spaces must be van-accessible
- Fire lanes not marked: Common code violation that results in fines
- No directional markings: Causes confusion and fender-benders
Need a professional parking lot layout?
AF&G LLC provides free layout consultations and CAD designs for properties across Arkansas.
Call (501) 771-9929 or Request a Quote