Car parking spaces: Urban planning and legal issues
Parking spaces are an important issue that concerns both urban planning legislation and the needs of buildings, whether residential, commercial, or public. In this analysis, we will examine the key aspects of parking spaces and the relevant regulations that every property owner or developer should be aware of.
Requirement for parking spaces in new buildings
Every new building, whether residential or commercial, must have the necessary number of parking spaces to meet the needs of its tenants or users. The number of spaces required varies depending on the use and size of the building, as well as its location. In Athens, legislation (Presidential Decree 111/2004) sets out clear criteria based on factors such as:
- The surface of the building
- The number of beds (in hospitals or hotels)
- Spectator seating (for sports facilities).
In other areas of Greece, parking space requirements may vary, as they are determined by local decisions of the Regional Secretary General based on the limits set by Presidential Decree 350/1996.
Use of parking spaces and building coefficient
Parking spaces, under certain conditions, are not included in the building’s floor area ratio. This applies mainly to underground parking spaces, provided they cover the required number of spaces. Article 7 of the General Building Regulations (GOK/1985) states that an underground floor used exclusively for parking is not counted in the building coefficient. However, subsequent legislative provisions, such as Law 3843/2010, introduce restrictions for other types of parking spaces, such as those on the ground floor or in entrance areas.
In case that the basement floor has more parking spaces than the required number, the additional spaces are counted in the building coefficient, the same and for each additional basement floor that is used for parking.
Use of underground parking spaces
In order for a parking space to be excluded from the building coefficient, it must be used exclusively for private needs. Otherwise, if the parking spaces exceed the private needs of the building, then the space can be considered a public station, which changes the use of the building and results in different legal and tax regulations. This is particularly important for residential buildings, where private parking spaces have different restrictions than public spaces.
Construction of a second basement floor
The construction of a second basement floor for storage purposes under the underground parking area is permitted, provided that the use of the second floor does not violate the provisions on building density. Proper utilization of these spaces can offer significant flexibility in the urban planning management of the building, while at the same time providing solutions for growing parking needs, especially in urban areas.
Important Points
Parking spaces are crucial to the smooth operation of a building and affect both its functionality and legality. Owners and builders should be aware of the legal requirements and zoning regulations that apply to parking spaces in order to avoid problems with the building coefficient and the normal use of their spaces. Depending on the area and type of building, the rules may vary, so it is important to be properly informed and comply with the law.