Project Inputs
Build one or more land-use components and customize assumptions.
Land Uses
Demand Adjustments
Parking Supply
Allocation Allowances
Scenario Comparison
Compare demand under lower, expected, higher, future-growth, transit-oriented, and shared-parking cases.
| Scenario | Demand | Supply | Surplus / Deficit | Utilization |
|---|
Demand by Land Use
Results
- Visitor spaces
- 0
- Employee spaces
- 0
- Reserved spaces
- 0
- Accessible estimate
- 0
- Supply / demand ratio
- 0
Understanding Parking Demand
Parking demand measures the number of spaces people are likely to use at a property during a selected period. It differs from parking supply, which is the number of spaces physically available. Good planning compares both values before deciding whether a project needs additional parking. A demand estimate can start with a standard rate tied to floor area, dwelling units, seats, employees, rooms, beds, or students. The result becomes more useful when local travel behavior and operating conditions are considered.
Formula Used
The basic formula is development size multiplied by a parking demand rate. Rates based on floor area are usually expressed as spaces per one thousand square feet. The tool then applies occupancy, vehicle ownership, vehicle occupancy, mobility reductions, seasonal effects, growth assumptions, and a contingency margin. Shared parking can reduce total requirements when different land uses peak at different times. Transit access, walking, cycling, carpooling, ride-sharing, and remote work may also lower demand where those choices are realistically available.
How to Use This Tool
Add every important land use within the project. Enter its size, unit, parking rate, and any component-specific adjustment. Next, review the global reduction factors and parking supply. Use conservative values when information is uncertain. The scenario table shows how demand changes under alternative assumptions. A deficit indicates estimated demand exceeds available supply. A surplus indicates supply exceeds estimated demand. Neither result automatically proves a project has too much or too little parking. Local regulations can require minimums, maximums, accessible spaces, loading areas, bicycle facilities, electric vehicle spaces, or special event provisions.
Interpreting the Results
Use the expected scenario as the primary operational estimate. Compare high-demand and future-growth cases for resilience. Review the transit-oriented and shared-parking cases when strong mobility programs or complementary land uses exist. Export the calculation as CSV for spreadsheet analysis or PDF for project records. Document the assumptions used, especially custom rates and reductions. A parking study for a major development may still require field observations, local survey data, professional transportation analysis, and approval from the relevant authority.
Example Parking Demand Reference Rates
| Land Use | Example Rate | Typical Basis | Common Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 1.50 spaces | Per dwelling unit | Evening |
| Office | 3.00 spaces | Per 1,000 sq ft | Weekday daytime |
| Retail | 4.00 spaces | Per 1,000 sq ft | Weekend / afternoon |
| Restaurant | 10.00 spaces | Per 1,000 sq ft | Meal periods |
| Hotel | 1.10 spaces | Per room | Evening |
| Event Venue | 0.33 spaces | Per seat | Event period |
These rates are illustrative planning inputs, not legal standards. Replace them with local ordinance, observed, or professionally derived values where available.