Design Rules🅿 Parking & Site

Parking Ramp Width — One-Way and Two-Way

Minimum width of car parking ramps
See also📖 NBC 2016🔗 NBC 2016🧮 RCC Design📒 Handbook Topic
3.0 / 5.5
m
(one-way / two-way)
3.0 / 5.5mone-way / two-way clear widthPARKING RAMP
Primary value3.0 / 5.5 m ((one-way / two-way))
Applies toAll vehicular ramps to basements / podium / upper levels
ExceptionsOne-way (single car at a time)3.0 m min
Two-way (two cars passing)5.5 m min
Curved ramps (centreline radius ≥ 5.5 m)Add 0.5 m to width
Additional width for curved rampsIncrease width by 0.75 m
Maximum slope (straight ramp)1 in 8
Maximum slope (curved ramp)1 in 12
Transition landings at top/bottom4.5 m long landing with max slope 1 in 20 (as per Clause 7.12.5.2)
Measured asClear width of the ramp slab between curbs / walls.
SourceNBC 2016Part 3, Clause 7.12.5.1
✓ Verified
Why this matters

Insufficient ramp width can cause significant traffic bottlenecks at entry/exit points, especially during peak hours in commercial and high-density residential buildings. A compliant two-way ramp allows for simultaneous entry and exit, preventing queues from spilling onto public roads and ensuring smoother traffic flow within the premises.

Typical practice

While single-lane 3.0 m ramps are common for low-traffic residential buildings, most commercial and mixed-use projects opt for a two-way 6.0 m ramp. These are often physically divided by a median or marked with a centreline to guide drivers and improve safety.

← All Thumbrules