Parking design is a balance between the number of spaces, ease of movement and safety. The space dimensions, parking angle and aisle width determine all three together: a narrow space raises the count on paper but goes unused in reality, a narrow aisle causes scrapes and accidents, and an angle unsuited to the plot's shape wastes valuable space. This guide compares the parking types, explains where the approved dimensions come from, how the design is verified in the traffic study, and common mistakes, especially in basement parking.
Parking Types
| Type | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Perpendicular (90°) | The most spaces in the area | Needs a wider aisle, and allows two-way traffic |
| Angled (45° to 60°) | Easier entry and exit, and a narrower aisle | Usually one-way, and fewer spaces |
| Parallel | Suitable for streets and narrow spaces | Less efficient and harder to park |
How to Choose the Angle
- Plot shape: wide plots suit perpendicular parking, narrow ones may suit angled.
- Type of use: fast-turnover parking such as restaurants benefits from easy entry and exit. Read: Parking requirements by activity.
- Traffic direction: angled parking imposes one-way traffic in the aisle.
- Required number: if the number is critical, perpendicular usually achieves more capacity.
The Reference
Approved dimensions come from parking design manuals and the municipality's requirements; the Riyadh Municipality, for example, refers to the parking design manual within its building permit requirements. Use the dimensions in force for your city, and do not rely on sizes copied from other projects.
Verification in the Traffic Study
The procedural guide requires drawings showing parking locations with design dimensions, and vehicle movement plans within the parking using AutoTurn. This reveals tight turns and spaces that are not actually usable. Read: Why traffic studies are rejected.
Common Mistakes
- Basement columns obstructing door opening or turning.
- Steep or narrow ramps.
- Spaces at the ends of dead-end aisles.
- Neglecting the pedestrian route within the parking.
- Accessible spaces without a side aisle. Read: Accessible parking.
- The parking entrance conflicting with the stacking lane on the street. Read: Access requirements.
Basement Parking
A basement adds challenges: the layout of structural columns, ramps, ventilation, lighting and fire systems. So parking design is coordinated with structural and mechanical design early. See our HVAC and ventilation design service and read: Clashes between structural, architectural and MEP drawings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which angle is best?
It depends on the shape of the space and traffic direction; perpendicular for capacity, angled for ease of movement.
Is AutoTurn required?
The procedural guide mentions it for showing vehicle movement within parking in traffic studies.
Can parking types be mixed on one site?
Yes, if traffic directions are clearly planned.
Do truck parking dimensions differ?
Yes; they need larger dimensions and turning paths. Read: Loading dock design.
When should I design the parking?
With the preliminary architectural design, because parking affects the building's position, columns and entrances.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that designs parking with the dimensions and angles approved for your city, verifies vehicle movement with AutoTurn, and coordinates basement parking with structural and mechanical design. See our parking design service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.