Posted: Sept, 23, 2020 11:10AM ET • 3 min read

Parking facilities need to meet certain standards. And when property managers achieve these standards, they’re able to easily manage and maintain their parking operations while providing a safe setting for their visitors.

The list below outlines the necessary tools to manage your parking operation successfully:

Signage

Signage is a powerful tool in any parking facility, guiding vehicles and pedestrians safely to their destinations. Parking signage should feature:

Parking rates visible at the parking lot entry, exit, and all payment points
Clearly identified pay stations throughout the parking lot
Key facility information such as hours of operations, customer responsibilities and regulations
Clearly marked parking lot stalls (i.e. accessible, visitors, and client-designated stalls)
Height restrictions and all other prohibitions visible at point of entry, exit, and wherever necessary around the facility
Wayfinding strategically placed around the facility to help guide customers to their destinations

Lighting

Sufficient lighting makes for a safe parking facility. Lighting should:

Be positioned safely and appropriately to illuminate the facility and pathways for visitors
Be maintained by certified electricians
Ideally be LED for sustainable impacts on the environment

Safety

Mitigating risk in your parking facility is just as important as it is throughout the rest of your facilities. Parking lot safety includes:

Regular safety audits to ensure all aspects, including surface conditions, lighting, signage, traffic control and parking equipment maintenance, are frequently inspected and well-maintained
Vehicle pathways that meet the minimum dimensions of the bylaw standards
Designated vehicle and pedestrian pathways are clear of any possible obstructions
Clearly marked designated stalls that adhere to bylaws standards (i.e. disabled parking)
Emergency assistance stations
Surveillance, which connects your parking facility to a live central monitoring centre

Enforcement

Parking enforcement is the eyes and ears required for parking meter operations. Your parking enforcement services should:

Feature clear signage that displays enforcement and facility regulations, such as rates, hours, prohibited and designated parking spots, and consequences for non-compliance
Be scheduled regularly
Utilize cloud-based enforcement technology for real-time data and accuracy
Regularly train enforcement officers on existing bylaws, legislation, rates, and compliance procedures
Have an established appeal and adjudication handling process that addresses staff and system errors

On-site Parking Attendants

On-site parking attendants are also the eyes and ears of your parking operation. On-site parking attendants should:

Be trained on and knowledgeable about existing rules, regulations, rates, compliance procedures, and technology and equipment used at the facility
Use clear and diverse communication methods to be able to service all visitors
Wear professional uniforms to ensure they can be easily identified

Ongoing Maintenance

A well-maintained parking facility is key, and can include:

Regular parking equipment maintenance services, ensuring safe customer interactions
Sign maintenance to ensure regulations and safety measures are enforced
Clear parking space lines for visibility and to ensure maximum capacity
Seasonal snow removal and de-icing for obstruction-free walkways and parking stalls
Asphalt repair for safe parking and walking conditions
Regular cleaning and waste removal to maintain a clean and attractive facility
Landscaping services (for outdoor facilities) for positive impressions
Seasonal power washing and sweeping to remove debris build up
Lighting and surveillance electrical checks, updates, and replacements