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DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

When designing your project, there are several design elements for you to consider. The following design elements should be considered general guidelines, but are not limiting factors. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine what works best for your specific project.

Drainage
Drainage is the most critical design element that must be planned for on all paving projects. Standing water on your pavement or water that gets under your pavement can cause the pavement to fail prematurely. As a rule of thumb, we recommend a minimum slope of 1.5% (approximately equivalent to 1" of slope for every 6' of distance the water must travel). Ideally, a slope of 2% (approximately equivalent to 1" of slope for every 4' of distance the water must travel) will provide the best results. We highly recommend that you consult with us before finalizing your drainage plan - our experience in this area is unmatched.

Widths
Single Car Driveways
A single car driveway should be at least 10' wide. Ideally, it is best to utilize a width of 12' to ensure that you can get out of your car without stepping off of the paved surface. Smaller widths of 8' or 9' can be used, but are not practical.
Two Car Driveways
A two car driveway should be a minimum of 18' wide. Ideally 20' - 24' is often used to allow for easier parking side-by-side, and reduces the risk of doors swinging into other vehicles.
Side Entry Garage
If you have a side entry garage, you need to design your driveway to allow enough room to maneuver in and out of your garage. If possible, you should attempt to have a minimum of 30'. However, ideally you should have 35' or more.
Parking Stall
Most parking spaces in commercial parking lots are 9' wide. However, a 10' width is ideal as it allows more room to maneuver. This has become even more important as the size of vehicles has grown.
Parking Lot
If you are designing a parking lot with parking on either side and a travel lane down the middle, the parking lot should be a minimum of 60' wide. This allows for 18' deep parking stalls on each side and a 24' wide travel lane down the center.

Length
Driveways
Driveways should allow at least 20' of length for each vehicle. This will allow for room to walk between vehicles and the garage. This is also a consideration when a double width driveway narrows down to a lane - the driveway should not narrow for at least 20'.
Parking Lots
A typical commercial parking lot stall measures 18' in length. You must also think of your striping and how many parking spots(handicapped or regular) you will need in the end.

Turnarounds
Turnarounds vary and can change according to preference and what they will be used for. As additional parking areas, the 1 and 2 car driveway widths should be considered. The turnaround should be placed about 20' (or more) away from garage if possible. This allows the vehicle to back into the area easily if parked in front of the garage. It also allows a vehicle that is parked in the garage to get all the way out of the garage before having to turn to back into the turnaround. When deciding on a turnaround, factors such as zoning requirements, aesthetics, cost and function should all be taken into account.

Lanes
Lanes should be 11' - 12' in width if possible. This makes it easier to stay on the pavement when driving. If there are turns or curves the lane should widen as needed to accommodate the turning ability of larger vehicles such as delivery trucks. A width of 14' is not a practical width as it is too narrow for two vehicles to pass side-by-side. If you wish for two vehicles to be able to pass side-by-side, then you must make the lane 18' wide.


Serving East Central Indiana for the past 50 years including Shelby, Rush, Hancock, Marion, Johnson,
Bartholomew, Decatur, Franklin, Union, Fayette, Wayne, Henry, and Madison County.

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