Design Rules🅿 Parking & Site

Small Car Parking Bay — Minimum Size

Minimum bay size for small cars (compact)
See also📖 NBC 2016🔗 NBC 2016🧮 RCC Design📒 Handbook Topic
2.0 × 4.5
m
2.0 m4.5 mSMALL CAR BAY — PLAN
Primary value2.0 × 4.5 m
Applies toCompact car parking · Off-street parking in tight urban plots
ExceptionsEquivalent Car Space (ECS) factor0.8 ECS / bay
Standard car bay (for comparison)2.5 m × 5.0 m
Parking for persons with disability3.6 m × 5.0 m (minimum bay width, per Clause 13.10.1)
Local Municipal Bye-lawsMay specify different dimensions or percentages for small car parking. Always verify against the local Development Control Regulations (DCR).
Measured asClear bay dimensions excluding columns and aisle. Width × depth.
SourceNBC 2016Part 3, Table 7.1, Note 3
✓ Verified
Why this matters

Providing smaller bays for up to 25% of the total car requirement allows for a more efficient parking layout, especially in tight urban plots where space is at a premium. This helps developers meet mandatory parking norms prescribed by local authorities while optimizing the use of basement floor area.

Typical practice

These smaller bays are designated for up to 25% of the total capacity, as permitted by NBC 2016. They are clearly marked and often grouped together to optimize the structural grid and aisle widths.

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