What is a requirement for overflow parking areas?

Overflow parking areas serve to accommodate additional vehicles when the main parking lot reaches capacity. One critical requirement for these areas is the inclusion of stormwater runoff facilities. This is essential for several reasons.

First, proper stormwater management is important for environmental protection. Overflow parking areas can contribute significantly to surface runoff, especially during rain events. By including stormwater runoff facilities, such as retention basins or permeable paving, the design helps manage water flow, reduces flooding, and minimizes erosion. These facilities also help filter pollutants from the water, which can help protect local waterways.

Additionally, regulatory requirements often mandate that any impervious surface, including overflow parking, must have appropriate stormwater management measures in place to ensure compliance with environmental laws and local codes. This makes it crucial for an overflow parking area to incorporate these facilities to avoid potential liability and financial penalties.

The other options, while they may represent reasonable considerations for parking areas in general, do not directly address this significant environmental flow concern and thus do not fulfill the primary requirements set forth for overflow parking areas.