General Medical Office Parking Ratios
Medical offices have higher parking needs than general office uses due to patient volume and turnover
- Standard requirement: 4 to 6 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area
- Ratios vary by jurisdiction and intensity of service (e.g., specialists vs. general practice)
- High-demand practices like dental, physical therapy, or pain clinics may require more spaces
- On-site parking must accommodate staff, patients, and visitors with peak overlap in mind
Outpatient Clinic and Ambulatory Surgical Center Parking
Facilities offering same-day surgery or urgent care must meet stricter parking standards
- Typically 5 to 7 spaces per 1,000 square feet due to higher patient turnover
- Recovery and waiting areas increase the need for short-term and drop-off space
- Separate delivery and ambulance access must not interfere with patient parking
- Some codes require oversized stalls or designated patient transport zones
ADA-Compliant Accessible Parking Requirements
ADA standards mandate a minimum number of accessible spaces based on total parking provided
- 1 accessible space per 25 total spaces up to 100, then scaled proportionally
- 1 of every 6 accessible spaces must be van-accessible with a wider aisle
- All accessible spaces must be located nearest the building entrance
- Proper signage, striping, slope, and curb cuts are required for full compliance
Site-Specific Flexibility and Shared Parking Options
Some jurisdictions allow modified ratios based on shared use or parking demand studies
- Clinics within mixed-use or TOD zones may qualify for reduced parking minimums
- Shared lots with adjacent retail, residential, or office uses can offset peak demands
- Parking demand studies can justify lower ratios for specialty or low-intensity clinics
- Structured parking or valet systems may be allowed in constrained urban sites
