Automated car parking systems are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas as a solution to space limitations and parking challenges. However, the integration of these sophisticated systems into buildings and cityscapes requires careful consideration of various building and zoning codes. For professionals involved in the design, construction, or operation of these facilities, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. This article delves into the key code considerations for automatic car parking systems, ensuring seamless project execution and compliance. While the intricate Coding For Automatic Car Parking Systems ensures their functionality, the physical infrastructure must adhere to a different set of rules and standards.
Currently, a significant challenge in the automated parking industry is the absence of a unified national building code specifically tailored to these systems. Instead, project approvals and permitting are managed at the local level. This means that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in each municipality dictates the specific requirements based on the parking system’s type and scale. The review process often draws parallels to that of steel buildings and S-2 occupancies, which are categorized as low-hazard storage facilities. Therefore, the first and most critical step for any project planner is to consult directly with the local AHJ to ascertain the precise regulatory framework. Each city or town establishes its own unique set of guidelines encompassing occupancy type, building code stipulations, planning mandates, and fire protection protocols.
While the International Building Code (IBC) and other widely adopted codes touch upon general aspects of automated and mechanical parking, their broad scope often struggles to accommodate the diverse range of system types available today. Many municipalities adopt a practical approach, classifying two-level systems that elevate only a single vehicle between primary supports as equipment, thus potentially simplifying the regulatory pathway. However, more complex systems capable of supporting two or more vehicles undergo more rigorous seismic review, often being categorized as nonbuilding structures from a structural engineering perspective.
The development of industry-specific standards is underway to address this gap. The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI), recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is taking a leading role in creating a national standard for mechanical car stackers. This standard is envisioned to be similar in rigor to the ANSI/ALI ALCTV, “Standard for Automotive Lifts – Safety Requirements for Construction, Testing, and Validation,” which sets benchmarks for automotive lift safety and performance. In the interim, high-density parking systems are expected to comply with the IBC, relevant local building codes, and standards from organizations like the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and ASTM International, as applicable to the specific project and its location.
Beyond building codes, zoning and planning codes play a crucial role in determining where and how automated parking systems can be implemented. These codes govern the permissible locations for such systems and often impose specific conditions related to visual screening, noise mitigation, and proximity to noise-sensitive areas like residential zones or hospitals. Some AHJs may even restrict the use of automated parking systems to particular types of applications or land uses. Furthermore, zoning codes frequently dictate the required dimensions and types of parking stalls for different land uses. These stall size requirements are essential considerations when defining the vehicle envelope for a project, ensuring the system can accommodate the intended vehicles. Designers must consult local AHJs to obtain detailed parking lot design criteria and understand any potential limitations. It’s worth noting that high-density parking systems can sometimes be classified as tandem parking, which may be restricted or disallowed by an AHJ for certain types of developments.
The concept of the vehicle envelope is fundamental to the design and successful operation of automated parking systems. The vehicle envelope defines the three-dimensional space that the parking system is engineered to accommodate, essentially outlining the maximum dimensions of vehicles that can be safely and effectively parked within the system. For instance, a vehicle envelope designed for van-sized vehicles might be specified as 9 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 8 feet 2 inches tall. To provide concrete examples, the City of Los Angeles has established vehicle envelope standards for high-density parking systems, defining a standard-sized vehicle envelope as 8 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 7 feet tall, and a compact-sized vehicle envelope as 7 feet wide, 15 feet long, and 6 feet tall.
Architects and designers must carefully balance both the physical footprint of the parking system and its volumetric capacity when determining the optimal number of standard and compact parking spaces for a project. As with other aspects of regulation, vehicle envelope requirements can vary between municipalities. It is therefore best practice for architects to develop a comprehensive parking program early in the design phase. This proactive approach is critical because the chosen parking system and its vehicle envelope requirements can significantly influence the overall floor-to-floor height of the building or parking structure, impacting overall design and cost.
In conclusion, navigating the building and zoning codes for automatic car parking systems demands diligent research and close collaboration with local authorities. While national standards are evolving, adherence to local AHJ guidelines, IBC, and industry best practices is paramount. Understanding vehicle envelope requirements and integrating them into the early design phase is essential for efficient and compliant project development. As coding for automatic car parking systems becomes more sophisticated, the regulatory framework will continue to adapt to ensure safety, functionality, and seamless integration within the urban landscape. For further in-depth learning on high-density parking systems and related continuing education credits, resources are available through organizations like The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
