When is Parking Lot Slope to Storm Drains Too Severe?

[42_WaterBoy]

I am currently studying Civil Engineering as my undergrad, so I do not have any expertise in this area. The apartment complex I live at was put up quickly and at minimal cost, even though I pay an arm and a leg to live there (not relevant).

What bothers me the most is the parking lot, the grading is terrible - it's like being on the worst rollercoaster ever. I assume that the storm drains and manholes were installed using leftovers, or with literally 0% thought given to their placement and heights. The parking lot severely slopes down to the storm drains & up to manhole covers from a circle about 1' out from the edge (roughly 2 or 3 feet from center) creating huge holes and peaks that are unavoidable.

Even worse, they are not centered in the drive lanes, just off to one side. So, if you are on that side and passing someone coming the opposite direction, you cannot swerve to avoid the obstructions and are sending your vehicle straight into a hole, wreaking havoc on wheels and suspension components.

All that to ask, is there anything I can do? Someone I can report this too? I doubt the owner will think much of it. Do I have to wreck my car and sue to get this fixed?

 

[TigerGuy]

I've driven through parking lots that were designed and constructed properly, and were a wonderful example of traffic calming. The ups and downs can be nearly traumatic.

There is quite a bit that goes into determining where to place inlets and manholes, that is not visible from the surface. I sometimes wonder if the vertical curve design practices are followed in parking lots to reduce the discomfort of driving through the areas.

Your only option is to discuss it with your property managers. Depending on the jurisdiction, it was likely designed, reviewed and approved through proper channels. Over time, it sounds like enough vehicles will "re-configure" the driving surface to a smoother ride. Take it slow and minimize your impact.

 

[KaBone]

I would be thoughtful on how you bring up the issue. I’ve read stories about tenants getting evicted after complaining about something.
Most of what I follow for parking lot design are just guidelines. There minimum widths and things, but not much criteria on grades. ADA would govern slopes on the accessible path

 

[EireChch]

Show us a few pictures, and take a few measurements of what gradients are present. You will need all this if you are going to lodge a complaint, if there is a valid reason

 

[ClemsonVet]

3-4% is comfortable for parking stalls, anything more and doors get hard to open. <2% in ADA parking areas and crosswalks are <2% cross slope and <5% longitudinal slope.

 

[swazimatt]

3-4% is comfortable for parking stalls, anything more and doors get hard to open. <2% in ADA parking areas and crosswalks are <2% cross slope and <5% longitudinal slope.

And trolleys run away