As a business owner, you know that parking is a crucial aspect of your commercial property. It is often the first point of contact for customers and can impact their overall experience. However, developing a commercial parking lot is a complex task, especially when it comes to creating user-friendly parking lot designs that complies with municipal regulations. In this article, we will discuss the importance of commercial parking lot designs and how they can enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Why Are Commercial Parking Lot Designs Important?
Commercial parking solutions refer to the various strategies and technologies used to manage and maintain a commercial parking lot. These solutions are essential for businesses of all sizes, as they can impact the overall success of a business.
Efficient Use of Space
One of the main benefits of commercial parking solutions is the efficient use of space. It is important to understand how customers will interact with your business and understand what pain points may exist for your customers (i.e. lack of parking, narrow turning radius or 90-degree parking stalls). High maintenance parking lots (i.e. vegetation that requires regular watering and pruning) will also impact your bottom line and the higher costs will often be passed to the customer. With the right parking lot design strategies and technologies, you can maximize the number of parking spots available, ensuring that your customers have a place to park when they visit your business.
This is especially important for businesses located in busy areas, where parking is limited. By utilizing commercial parking solutions, you can make the most out of your parking lot and accommodate more customers.
Parking Lot located Downtown, Edmonton
Improved Customer Experience
A well-managed and maintained parking lot can enhance the overall customer experience. Customers appreciate a hassle-free parking experience, and by implementing commercial parking solutions, you can provide just that.
From well-lit parking lots to proper drainage and efficient traffic flow, these solutions can make a significant impact on how customers perceive your business. The parking lot is often the first point of physical interaction with a business. If customers have a positive experience finding a parking spot, they are more likely to enter your business with a positive attitude. A well-maintained, organized lot can suggest that your business operates with the same level of care and attention to detail. A positive experience can also lead to repeat business, faster turnover and increased sales.
Cost Savings
Commercial parking solutions can also lead to cost savings for businesses. For example, solar parking lots utilize solar panels to generate electricity, reducing the need for traditional lighting and lowering energy costs.
Additionally, efficient traffic flow and flexible parking space utilization can also save businesses money over the long term. By avoiding congestion and maximizing flex space, businesses can avoid costly parking lot expansions or renovations.
Commercial Parking Lot Design Elements
There are various types of commercial parking design elements available, each with its own benefits and advantages. The most common design elements include:
Parking Lot Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for the safety and security of a commercial parking lot. If your parking lot lights are not functioning properly, it can lead to accidents and potential liability issues. By regularly repairing and maintaining your parking lot lights, you can ensure the safety of your customers and employees.
Parking Lot Striping
Parking lot striping involves painting clear and visible lines to designate parking spaces and traffic flow. This is essential for efficient space utilization and traffic flow, as well as ensuring compliance with regulations.
Parking Space Dimensions
The size of parking spaces is crucial for accommodating different types of vehicles. Standard spaces are typically 9 feet wide by 18 feet long, but larger spaces may be needed for trucks or SUVs. Consideration should also be given to compact car spaces and motorcycle parking, which can optimize space usage. Proper dimensions not only prevent vehicle damage but also improve the efficiency of space utilization.
Drainage
When water collects on the surface of your asphalt, it not only creates problems for cars and pedestrians but also can actually damage your asphalt surface. The parking lot design should factor in proper drainage systems to increase the longevity of your parking lot. The slope, curbing and drain design will all promote proper drainage.
Solar Parking Lots
While less common, solar parking lots utilize solar panels to generate electricity, providing a sustainable and cost-effective lighting solution for commercial parking lots. These lots can also include electric vehicle charging stations, further promoting sustainability, and attracting environmentally conscious customers.
Accessibility
Ensuring accessibility for all customers is not only a legal requirement but also good business practice. Designate handicapped spaces close to the entrance and ensure the paths are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, having curb cuts and ramps at strategic locations can significantly improve accessibility for those with mobility challenges. Accessible parking demonstrates inclusivity and can enhance your business reputation.
Parking Lot Maintenance
Regular maintenance of a commercial parking lot is crucial for its longevity and efficiency. This can include repairing potholes, resurfacing, and other damages, as well as regular cleaning, snow removal, applying salt or gravel and debris removal. Frost heaving is often unavoidable in our Alberta climate and must be factored into the overall maintenance costs. Furthermore, planting low maintenance native vegetation will help reduce overall maintenance costs and help keep an appealing aesthetic.
How Can Commercial Parking Designs Enhance Efficiency and Customer Experience?
Now that we have discussed the importance and types of commercial parking solutions, let's explore how they can enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Efficient Traffic Flow
By utilizing parking lot striping and proper signage, commercial parking solutions can organize traffic flow in a parking lot. This can reduce congestion and wait times, making it easier for customers to find parking and enter and exit the lot. Wide parking turning radiuses and thick asphalt for oversized vehicles will allow for efficient deliveries of goods. Clearly marked entry and exit points reduce bottlenecks and improve access. Strategically placed entry and exit signage will prevent traffic jams and ensures a smooth transition from road to parking lot. Additionally, offering safe walking paths that are separate from vehicle lanes protects pedestrians and guides them to your business entrance. These pathways should be clearly market and well-lit to ensure safety and visibility.
Flexibility
Flexible parking spaces or shared parking with other businesses in the vicinity helps manage cost and parking overflow. Depending on the nature of your business, companies have created online booking systems in which employees have to book their parking spot while at work. Not only does this maximize parking usage, but your business will also have a better understanding of how people commute to work. The City of Edmonton has also been working towards promoting pedestrian friendly communities that reduce local residents’ dependence on vehicles to access local grocery stores, restaurants and coffee shops. You will need to consider the model of your business and how parking will reflect that model. Many businesses such as Save On Foods and Superstore have a dedicated parking spaces for customers who order online and pick up.
Improved Safety and Security
Proper lighting and regular maintenance can enhance the safety and security of a commercial parking lot. This can help prevent liability issues, as well as deter criminal activity.
Landscaping
Aesthetics play a role in customer perception. Landscaping can soften the appearance of a parking lot and provide shade, creating a more inviting atmosphere. Trees and shrubs also help define parking areas and guide traffic, adding to the overall organization of the space.
Sustainability
As mentioned earlier, solar parking lots are a sustainable and cost-effective solution for commercial parking lots. By utilizing solar panels, durable materials and proper drainage, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and attract environmentally conscious customers.
Enhanced Customer Experience
A well-maintained and efficient parking lot can enhance the overall customer experience. Customers will appreciate a hassle-free parking experience by implementing a user-friendly parking lots design. User friendly parking lots remove your customer pain points and keep them returning to your establishment.
Parking Lot located Downtown, Edmonton
Commercial Parking Lot Design Solutions Near You
Commercial parking design solutions are essential for businesses of all sizes. They can enhance efficiency and customer experience, as well as lead to cost savings long term. By utilizing the right strategies and technologies, businesses can make the most out of their parking lots and provide a positive experience for their customers.
If you need commercial parking solutions, be sure to reach out to Bolson Engineering and Environmental Services. With the right civil engineering team in place, you can provide a positive parking experience for your customers.
