Designing a parking lot may appear simple, but effective parking lot design requires a detailed understanding of traffic flow, accessibility, grading, and stormwater management. At McClure, we go beyond paint and pavement to design parking areas that are safe, smart, and seamlessly integrated into the overall site development.

Whether you’re planning for a commercial property, municipal facility, school, or industrial site, a well-designed parking lot enhances the experience for drivers and pedestrians while supporting the long-term functionality of the entire site.

Why Parking Lot Design Matters

A thoughtfully engineered parking lot can do more than hold vehicles—it can improve site safety, reduce congestion, minimize environmental impact, and lower future maintenance costs. Poorly planned lots, on the other hand, can result in traffic delays, safety hazards, drainage problems, and non-compliance with accessibility regulations.

At McClure, our engineers take a comprehensive approach to every parking lot project, combining function, regulation, and innovation to ensure your space works as intended.

Key Considerations in Parking Lot Design

We address several important factors in every design:

Space Utilization

Maximizing parking capacity without compromising safety or maneuverability is essential. Our team evaluates the best layout for your property based on use, vehicle types, and local code requirements.

Strategies include:

• Angle or diagonal parking to improve access and traffic flow
• Compact stalls for space efficiency
• Stacked or multi-level configurations when space is limited

Traffic Flow

Clear, logical vehicle circulation helps reduce congestion and enhances user experience. We design with flow in mind:

• One-way traffic lanes to simplify movement and reduce confusion
• Directional signage and pavement markings
• Pedestrian pathways that keep foot traffic safe and separated from vehicles

Safety and Security

We incorporate features that promote a safe environment for all users:

• Adequate lighting for visibility and safety at night
• Speed control measures like bumps and signage
• Surveillance camera coordination for enhanced site monitoring

Accessibility and Compliance

McClure ensures full compliance with ADA and local accessibility standards. This includes:

• Properly sized and located accessible parking stalls
• Barrier-free routes to building entrances
• Clear striping and signage for designated areas

Our Engineering Process

As a full-service civil engineering firm, McClure provides end-to-end support for your parking lot project. Our services include:

• Site analysis and layout planning
• Grading and drainage design
• Pavement and material recommendations
• Stormwater and erosion control planning
• Construction documents and permitting assistance

Whether the parking lot is part of a larger development or a standalone improvement, we tailor the design to your project goals, site constraints, and long-term maintenance expectations.

Where We Make An Impact

Our engineers know that a parking lot is often the first and last impression people have of a site. That’s why we approach every design with a focus on safety, efficiency, compliance, and long-term performance.

From standalone lots to integrated mixed-use developments, McClure delivers parking solutions that work—today and well into the future.