General Questions
Automated Parking Costs
Structural Questions
Accessibility and Security
Codes and Fire
Patron Enter and Exit
What is Automated Parking?
What is the experience like?
What benefits are there to using an Automated Parking system?
How long does it take to retrieve a car?
How reliable is an Automated Parking System?
Automated Parking Systems provide true redundancy with multiple elements controlling the same process to provide alternatives in case of a component failure.
What happens during an electrical failure?
Automated Parking Systems can be equipped with a stand-by generator when there is a power failure. An automatic transfer switch ensures a seamless transition to stand-by power within a few seconds.
What if the computer system crashes?
Most Automated Parking Systems servers are not only equipped with UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply), but also with a true hot swappable redundant server that has all information instantly available to continue seamless operation.
Can a car ever get stuck inside the Automated Parking System?
Automated Parking Systems are designed from the very beginning with exactly this in mind, how to overcome any possible machine failure so the car can be retrieved no matter what the situation. Different systems take longer than others to rectify the situation. This design point is represented in the system architecture, its redundancies and flexibilities.
How many parking spaces can be built with an Automated Parking System?
What type of cars can a Automated System accommodate?
Most Automated Parking systems are designed to accommodate standard vehicles including most SUV’s having a max length of 19’ (5791mm) and width of 7’6” (2286mm) with heights and weights that very from system to system. Also most companies can accommodate any size vehicles with modifications.
What is the average operational life of equipment before major repairs or replacement of the key elements in the system are required?
Depending on the type of system, overhaul should be carried out after 15-20 years of operation.
Can I be sure that nothing will drip on my car (oil, water, etc.) from the vehicle above me?
What is the cost per space for an Automated / Mechanical Parking System?
What does it cost to operate a Automated Garage?
How many people are needed to maintain a Automated Parking System?
What is the monthly per space cost for ongoing maintenance?
What additional rooms are needed to operate Automated Parking System?
Does the Automated Parking System require a stand-alone building or can it be built under or inside a building?
Are Automated Parking Systems supporting structures made of steel or concrete?
Most Automated Parking Systems can be used in both a steel or concrete structure.
Does the façade and roof need be self supporting or can they be connected to the Automated Parking System structure?
Which temperature ensures stable operation of a Automated Parking Garage?
Most Automated Parking garages recommend temperatures ranging from -22 F (-30 º C) to 122 F (+50 º C).
Is a Automated Parking System suitable for handicapped persons?
As long as the drop-off/pickup bays are compatible with the requirements of the ADA – American Disability Act. Then all spaces within the garage are ADA compliant.
How secure is the Automated Parking System?
-
Fender Benders
-
Door Dings
-
Vandalism
-
Theft of Vehicle
-
Theft of Vehicle Contents
What are the fire requirements for Automated Parking Systems?
Questions about fire fighting, fire alarms, standpipes, escape routes and ventilation requirements are described in NFPA® 88A Standard for Parking Structures 2011 Edition. Depending on local codes and regulations fire retardant paint may be required along with generally two sprinkler heads per parking space.
What is the level noise from Automated Parking System?
Based on the existing building codes the maximum noise levels shall not exceed 60 dB at a distance of 6’ (2 meters) away from the building. The noise level of the mechanisms used in most Automated Parking Systems do not exceed 50-52 dB at a distance of 6’ (2 meters) inside the parking facility, so the system is virtually noiseless.
Does an Automated Parking System need to be illuminated?
No, there is no need for full lighting of the system. Most Automated Systems are considered dark garages, since there is no human presence inside the facility. However minimum emergency and maintenance lighting will be required by local code.
What light level is required in the parking area?
If the customer chooses to run a dark garage, then IBC would require 1 lumen of light at the floor level for all egress pathways, which is basically the entirety of each floor.
What is the required light level for drop-off/pickup bays?
For Loading Areas it is recommends 30 foot-candles of lighting to operate full D1 video at 30fps, though possibly less lighting might be required at kiosk locations.
Air Changes needed?
The most recent NFPA 88A-A2010 specifies that “9.2.3.1 an enclosed automated type parking structure shall be provided with a ventilation system that continuously provides a minimum of two air changes per hour.” (Conventional is 7 air changes per hour).
How is a driver alerted when they are not correctly centered (within tolerance) within the drop-off bay, and what kind of communication is provided to help guide them into an acceptable position?
Most Automated Systems provide an LED display positioned at the far end of the drop-off bay from the entry door, it will offer illuminated text and symbol directions to the driver that change in response to the vehicle’s positioning as the driver pulls in. This will occur the entire time the vehicle is being driven into the Loading Area. Once the vehicle is positioned correctly within tolerances to be stored, the display will direct the driver to stop. Assuming the driver stops within tolerances, the sign will then provide other helpful directions to facilitate the vehicle storage.
Are there any limitations to what kind of vehicle can be parked within a Automated Garage?
Most manufactures recommend that owners post adequate signage on approach which notifies potential parkers of System limitations, similar to that which would be normal for any other parking garage. Once in the bays the vehicle is scanned and measured. Vehicles not meeting the criteria due to weight, dimensions, etc. are not allowed to park within the garage. Some systems, at the owner’s preference, may also simultaneously offer audio verbal feedback.
