What is Stilt Parking?

Utilising space is a key priority when it comes to the ever-changing needs of the urban environment. Due to increasing urbanisation and escalating property prices, unique alternatives are demanded to optimise the scarce land. Stilt parking is one of the most popular among such solutions.

This blog post delves into the details of stilt parking, discussing its meaning, advantages, legislation, and much more, thereby offering an understanding of it in contemporary urban environments.

Stilt Parking Meaning

Stilt parking is a type of parking system in which the parking slots are built on stilts/pillars. This elevated design creates an exclusive stilt-floor parking lot beneath residential or commercial buildings, thereby enabling maximum ground space utilisation.

As opposed to basement parking, which involves excavation and extensive construction work, stilt parking utilises vertical space without significant alteration on the ground level.

The basic structure of stilt parking consists of several columns or pillars that hold up the building above while providing open space below for automobile storage. This style has a principal advantage, especially in urban areas with limited land availability, which comes at a high cost.

Raising the building allows developers to provide necessary parking facilities without taking valuable ground-level space away from other uses such as gardens, play areas, or additional amenities within the building.

Importance of Stilt Parking in Urban Living

In densely populated areas, finding parking spaces can be a major problem. Stilt parking addresses this issue by offering a practical solution that maximises the use of available land.

It not only provides a safe and secure place for vehicles but also contributes to the overall aesthetics and functionality of residential and commercial complexes. With the increasing demand for housing and commercial spaces in cities, stilt parking has become a crucial element in urban living.

Key Features of Stilt Parking

1. Structural Components: Stilts are mainly made up of supporting pillars, elevated platforms and parking areas below the level of stilts or above ground. The stilts are normally made from either reinforced concrete or steel, which guarantees their stability and strength during use. Above, there is an elevated platform meant to support the weight of the building, while down at the bottom lies a parking space that is easily accessible by automobiles.
2. Height and Space Requirements: The height from the ground level of the stilt floor is crucial for comfortable vehicle fitting. Typically, clearance height is around 2.4-3 metres, providing enough space for motor cars, including SUVs. Moreover, this space allows for movement, such as turning or reversing.

Benefits of Stilt Parking

1. Space Optimization: One big advantage of stilted parking is efficient land use; by raising a building off the ground with parking underneath it, developers can maximise the utility of the plot. This is beneficial in urban areas where land is at higher prices.
2. Enhanced Vehicle Safety: Stilt parking is a safe and secure environment for cars. Unlike open parking, where cars can easily be exposed to weather conditions or stolen, stilt parking is enclosed, thereby offering refuge to vehicles against dangerous elements.
3. Increased Property Value: Buyers and tenants are more attracted to properties with stilt parking. Secure and readily available parking spaces enhance a property’s overall attractiveness, which in turn increases its market value.
4. Improved Urban Planning and Aesthetics: Since there is less need for extensive ground-level parking lots, stilted garages contribute to improved urban planning. This provides for more green areas, playgrounds, and other community facilities that make a place more habitable while enhancing its beauty.

Regulations and Legal Aspects

• Overview of RERA Guidelines: According to the Real Estate Act-2016 (RERA), certain regulations are suggested by RERA regarding stilt car parking lots made compulsory by RERA developers. These guidelines have been provided so that they can make provisions for such spaces safely, keeping in mind their correct use.

• Supreme Court Rulings and Legal Precedents: There have been numerous rulings by the Indian Apex Court concerning legality as well as allotment of stilt car parks. It has repeatedly ruled that such places are reserved for use.

• Housing Society Bye-Laws Related to Stilt Parking: These by-laws ensure that the allocation process is transparent and fair and that residents are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Allotment and Management in Housing Societies

• Process for the Allocation of Stilt Parking Spaces: This is usually a systematic process for allotting stilt parking spaces in housing societies. It may be done by lucky draw, “first come, first served,” or on the basis of certain set criteria by the society.

• Rights and Duties of Residents: Residents who get stilt parking slots have specific rights and responsibilities. They must use the space as intended and follow rules regarding parking provided by the society. In return, their vehicles’ parking space ought to be safe and convenient.

• Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: There could be several causes for disputing stilt parking spaces, such as distribution problems, misuse of spaces, and unauthorised parking. Housing societies normally have mechanisms in place to resolve these disputes so that conflicts are settled fairly without strain.

Other Parking Options

• Open Parking: This is the simplest form of parking, where cars are parked outside with no other shelter surrounding them. Although it is less costly than stilt parking alternatives, it does not offer protection from weather conditions or security vulnerabilities.

• Basement Parking: Basement parking involves constructing a parking area below ground level. While it offers secure and protected parking, it requires significant excavation and structural work, making it a more expensive option compared to stilt parking.

• Automated Parking Systems: Automated parking systems use technology to park vehicles automatically in a multi-level structure. While these systems can maximise space and offer high levels of security, they are often expensive to install and maintain. Stilt floor parking, on the other hand, offers a simpler and more cost-effective solution.

Takeaway

Stilt parking is an innovative solution that addresses the challenges of parking in urban areas. By utilising vertical space, it optimises land use, enhances vehicle safety, and contributes to the overall aesthetics and functionality of residential and commercial complexes. With proper regulation and management, stilt parking can significantly improve urban living, making it a valuable component of modern urban planning.

So, if you are looking for residential property with stilt parking, contact Rustomjee and get more information. With proper regulation and management, a residential property with stilt parking can be helpful for modern urban living.

FAQs

• What is the meaning of stilt parking?

Stilt parking refers to parking spaces constructed on pillars or stilts, creating an elevated parking area beneath a building.

• What are the mandatory provisions for stilt parking in residential buildings?

Compliance with RERA guidelines and local building codes is essential. These provisions ensure that stilt parking spaces are safe, accessible, and properly allocated.

• How to ensure the safety of stilt parking in earthquake-prone areas?

Adhering to stringent building codes and using advanced engineering techniques to ensure the stability and safety of stilt parking structures in earthquake-prone areas is crucial.

• Can builders legally sell stilt parking spaces?

According to various legal precedents, builders cannot sell stilt parking spaces separately. These spaces are considered common areas meant for residents’ use.

• How does stilt parking differ from other types of parking?

Stilt parking offers an elevated, sheltered parking area that optimises space and provides enhanced security compared to open parking. It is also more cost-effective and simpler to construct than basement parking or automated parking systems.

• How stilt parking is beneficial for urban development?

Stilt parking offers effective automobile storage solutions while preserving ground space, encouraging green spaces, and enhancing visual appeal in urban contexts.