A request from council for a parking assessment can present a significant and often confusing obstacle in your planning application / development application (DA) process. For developers, architects, and town planners, this requirement raises immediate questions: What exactly is involved? Which survey type is appropriate for my specific land use? And crucially, how can I ensure the data collected will satisfy the council’s stringent criteria? A failure to provide a methodologically sound report can lead to significant delays and potential rejection. Understanding the technical requirements of professional car parking surveys is therefore critical to navigating the approval pathway efficiently.
This definitive guide is designed to provide clarity and confidence. We will detail the essential parking survey methods used to support development applications throughout Australia, from straightforward accumulation counts to more complex duration-of-stay and turnover assessments. You will learn how to identify the correct survey type for your project, understand the specific data needed to justify your proposed parking supply, and ensure your submission provides the robust evidence required by planning authorities. The objective is to equip you with the knowledge to prevent DA delays and ensure your project’s parking strategy is compliant and fully justified.
What is a Parking Survey and Why is it Crucial for Your Planning Application / Development Application (DA)?
A parking survey is a systematic data collection process designed to accurately measure and document real-world parking patterns in a specific locality. Its primary purpose is to provide empirical evidence of existing parking demand, occupancy, and turnover rates. This data is fundamental for a robust Development Application (DA), as it replaces theoretical assumptions with factual, on-the-ground observations.
The following video provides a practical overview of how such a survey is conducted.
While local councils and state authorities (such as Transport for NSW and Clause 52.06 of the Victorian Planning Scheme) provide parking generation rates, these are often generic guidelines based on broad land-use categories. These standards are frequently derived from historical parking mandates which may not reflect the unique characteristics of your site, such as its proximity to public transport or the specific nature of the proposed use. Professional parking surveys deliver site-specific evidence that can effectively justify a departure from these standard rates, forming a critical component of your Traffic Impact Assessment.
The Role of Parking Surveys in Council Assessments
Councils rely on objective data to evaluate the traffic and parking implications of a new development. A comprehensive survey provides the necessary evidence to demonstrate that your proposed parking provision is adequate. It allows council assessors to verify your claims regarding potential parking shortfalls and quantifies the likely impact on existing on-street parking availability. A well-executed survey substantiates your parking strategy, significantly strengthening your DA and mitigating potential objections.
When is a Parking Survey Typically Required?
A parking survey is not required for every project, but it is indispensable in specific circumstances. Your development will likely require a detailed parking assessment if it involves:
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Non-standard parking requirements: The proposed land use does not fit neatly into council’s standard categories (e.g., a mixed-use development with shared parking).
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A proposed reduction in parking: You are seeking to provide fewer parking spaces than stipulated by the council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) or Clause 52.06 of the Victorian Planning Scheme.
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High-demand locations: The site is located in an area with known parking constraints, such as a busy commercial precinct or a dense residential neighbourhood.
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A change of use: An existing building is being repurposed for a use with different parking characteristics (e.g., converting a warehouse into a recreational facility or an office into a medical centre).
Types of Parking Surveys: Which One Does Your Project Need?
To accurately assess parking demand for a Planning Application / Development Application (DA), a traffic engineer will utilise one or more specialised parking surveys. The choice of survey is not arbitrary; it is determined by the specific parking challenges and council requirements relevant to your proposed development. For complex sites, a combination of methods may be necessary to provide a complete picture of parking behaviour.
An experienced traffic consultant is responsible for defining the appropriate methodology. This ensures the data collected is robust, defensible, and directly addresses the planning authority’s concerns, forming a critical component of your Traffic Impact Assessment.
Parking Accumulation / Occupancy Surveys
This survey measures the total number of vehicles parked within a defined area at specific, regular intervals. Its primary purpose is to answer the question: ‘How full is the car park at its peak?’ By recording occupancy levels throughout the day or week, we establish peak demand periods and overall utilisation rates. For example, assessing a shopping centre car park on a Saturday morning provides critical data on maximum demand, which is essential for justifying the proposed parking supply in accordance with Australian Standards.
Parking Duration of Stay Surveys
A duration of stay survey tracks how long individual vehicles remain parked. This method answers the critical question: ‘Are spaces being used for short-term visits or long-term parking?’ This data is vital for developments where customer convenience is paramount and for assessing compliance with time-restricted parking regulations. A common application is determining if long-stay commuter parking is displacing short-stay customers at a retail precinct, thereby impacting commercial viability.
Parking Turnover Surveys
Parking turnover measures the rate at which parking spaces are used by different vehicles over a set period. It answers the question: ‘How many different vehicles use this space per day?’ Calculated using data from accumulation and duration surveys, turnover is a key performance indicator for high-demand areas. It is particularly important for sites with a high frequency of short visits, including:
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Medical centres
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Quick-service retail strips
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Childcare centres
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Post offices
High turnover indicates efficient use of available parking, a factor that councils often consider when assessing parking provision requirements.
The Parking Survey Process: From Methodology to Data Collection
A successful parking assessment is underpinned by a systematic and rigorous process. Executing professional parking surveys requires meticulous planning, precise data collection, and robust analysis to ensure the findings are defensible and meet the stringent requirements of local councils. The primary objective is to produce an accurate, evidence-based snapshot of parking behaviour that directly informs the development application.
Each stage, from initial scoping to final reporting, is critical. A failure in methodology or data integrity can undermine the entire parking demand assessment, leading to requests for further information (RFIs) and costly project delays. The process is designed to eliminate ambiguity and deliver clear, actionable results.
Step 1: Scoping and Survey Design
The foundation of any reliable survey is a clearly defined scope developed in alignment with council guidelines and the specific needs of the development proposal. This initial stage establishes the parameters for data collection to ensure the captured information is relevant and sufficient for assessment.
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Defining the Survey Area: The study area is precisely mapped, typically including all on-street and public off-street parking bays within a specified radius (e.g., 200-400 metres) of the subject site.
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Determining Survey Days: Days are selected to represent typical peak conditions. This often includes a standard weekday (e.g., Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) and, if relevant to the land use, a weekend day (e.g., Saturday for retail developments).
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Establishing Survey Times and Intervals: The survey duration is set to cover the peak operating hours of the proposed development and surrounding uses. Data is typically collected at regular intervals, such as hourly or half-hourly, to identify peak accumulation.
Step 2: Data Collection Methods
The choice of data collection technology is determined by the specific information required, whether it be simple occupancy counts or detailed duration-of-stay analysis. Each method offers distinct advantages in terms of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and the type of data it can produce.
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Manual Counts: Trained surveyors physically patrol the defined area, recording parking occupancy using handheld devices or traditional count sheets. This method is effective for capturing peak occupancy data across a wide area.
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Video Analytics: Strategically placed cameras record parking activity, with specialised software used to automate the counting process. This reduces the potential for human error and provides a permanent visual record for auditing purposes.
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Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): ANPR cameras capture vehicle registration plates as they enter and occupy parking bays. This technology provides highly accurate data on parking duration and turnover, which is essential for demonstrating parking availability for many development types.
Step 3: Data Analysis and Reporting
Once the on-site data collection is complete, the raw information is processed and analysed to extract key findings. This stage transforms raw numbers into a clear and concise summary that directly addresses the parking impact of the proposed development. Quality control is paramount to ensure the final report is accurate and reliable.
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Data Collation and Cleaning: All collected data is collated into a master database and rigorously checked for inconsistencies or errors.
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Generation of Outputs: The validated data is used to generate clear tables and charts illustrating key metrics, such as peak parking demand, occupancy rates by time of day, and average duration of stay.
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Summary Reporting: The key findings are summarised in a technical memo or report, providing a professional assessment of the existing parking conditions to support the development application.
How Survey Data Informs Your Traffic Impact Assessment
A professional parking survey is not the end product; it is a critical input. The raw data collected on-site-occupancy, duration, and turnover-provides the factual foundation for your Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA). The role of a traffic engineering consultant is to translate this quantitative data into a clear, defensible argument that satisfies council requirements and supports your Planning Application / Development Application (DA). This evidence-based approach removes speculation and grounds your proposal in observable reality.
Justifying Parking Supply
The most direct application of survey data is to justify the proposed parking supply. By establishing an accurate baseline of existing conditions, we can demonstrate how your development will integrate into the local area. Key arguments supported by data include:
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Demonstrating Underutilisation: If surveys show that existing on-street or public car parks consistently operate below capacity (e.g., at 70% peak occupancy), it proves there is spare capacity to absorb new demand.
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Calculating Absorption Capacity: We can precisely model the number of additional vehicles the area can accommodate, providing council with a factual assessment of the real-world impact.
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Supporting Parking Reductions: A request to provide fewer parking spaces than the standard rate requires robust evidence. Data showing low existing demand is the strongest possible justification for a reduction.
Assessing Parking Impact
Beyond supply, parking surveys allow us to model the specific impact of your development’s traffic generation. We analyse parking duration data to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses. For example, data showing high turnover of short-stay retail parking can prove that the introduction of long-stay residential parking will not create conflict during peak business hours. Should a potential shortfall be identified, the data informs the design of effective parking management strategies, such as time restrictions or shared parking arrangements.
Meeting Australian Standards (AS 2890 Series)
Every TIA must align with relevant council codes and Australian Standards, primarily the AS 2890 series for parking facilities. The empirical data gathered from our surveys is used to validate the assumptions and inputs used in the TIA report. This ensures that our recommendations for car park design, access, and layout are not just theoretical but are based on proven, real-world conditions. This meticulous, data-driven process strengthens your application and minimises the risk of council objections. Ensure your project is compliant with expert traffic reports.
Choosing the Right Consultant for Your Parking Survey
The success of a development application can depend heavily on the quality of the parking survey and its accompanying report. A robust, defensible assessment can streamline council approvals, while a substandard one can lead to significant delays, requests for further information (RFIs), or even refusal. The outcome is determined almost entirely by the competence of the traffic engineering consultant you engage.
Using an inexperienced firm or a low-cost surveyor often proves to be a false economy. Poor methodology, inaccurate data collection, or a misunderstanding of council expectations can result in a report that is immediately challenged by council’s traffic engineers. This can force costly project redesigns and extend approval timelines by months. A professional consultant is not an expense; it is a critical investment in the viability of your project.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
When selecting a traffic engineering consultant, rigorous due diligence is essential. The following criteria are non-negotiable for ensuring your project is supported by a credible and effective parking assessment:
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Relevant Project Experience: Verify that the firm has a proven track record with developments of a similar type and scale to your own. An expert in small retail fit-outs may not have the required expertise for a large mixed-use or industrial development.
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Local Council Knowledge: The consultant must have a deep, practical understanding of the specific requirements of the local council. This includes their parking codes, Development Control Plans (DCPs), and the unpublished preferences of their traffic engineering department.
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Professional Indemnity Insurance: Ensure the consultant holds current professional indemnity insurance. This is a fundamental indicator of a legitimate, professional practice that stands behind its work.
Methodology and Technology
A credible consultant will be transparent about their process and be able to justify their technical approach. Before engaging them for your parking surveys, ask critical questions about their operational standards:
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Data Collection Methods: Enquire about the proposed survey technique (e.g., video analytics, on-site enumerators, tube counters) and why it is the most appropriate for your site’s specific conditions.
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Quality Assurance (QA): Confirm they have robust internal QA processes to verify data accuracy. All data submitted to council must be accurate and defensible under scrutiny.
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Reporting Standards: The final report must be clear, concise, and professionally presented. It should directly address the relevant Australian Standards and council planning controls, presenting the data and analysis in a format that is easily understood by council assessors.
Engaging a seasoned expert with established council relationships and a meticulous approach is the most effective way to manage risk and achieve a positive outcome for your development application. For professional traffic engineering advice, contact the experienced team at ML Traffic Engineers.
Secure Your Development Approval with an Expert Parking Assessment
A professionally executed parking survey is not merely a procedural step; it is a critical piece of evidence for your Development Application in Australia. As detailed, selecting the appropriate survey type and ensuring a robust methodology are fundamental to justifying your project’s parking provisions and satisfying council requirements.
At ML Traffic Engineers, we provide the expertise necessary to navigate this process. With over 30 years of specialised traffic engineering experience and a proven track record of achieving council approvals across Australia, we deliver results. Every project benefits from direct access to our senior engineers, ensuring accountability and expert oversight from the initial quote to the final report.
Secure the data you need for a successful application. Request a professional quote for your parking survey today and let our expertise guide your project to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parking Surveys
How much does a typical parking survey cost in Australia?
The cost of a parking survey in Australia is determined by the project’s scope. A basic assessment for a small development may start from A$1,500 + GST. More complex surveys requiring multiple days, extensive survey areas, or detailed peak period analysis can cost upwards of A$5,000 + GST. Key factors influencing the final price include the survey duration, the number of streets or car parks to be monitored, and the specific reporting requirements of the local council.
How long does it take to conduct a parking survey and get the results?
The on-site data collection is typically completed over two to three representative days. The entire process, from engagement to delivery of the final report, usually takes two to three weeks. This timeline allows for meticulous data processing, thorough analysis of parking occupancy and turnover, and the preparation of a comprehensive report that satisfies all council requirements for a development application. Projects with urgent deadlines can sometimes be expedited.
What information do I need to provide to get an accurate quote for a survey?
To receive an accurate, fixed-fee quote, we require key project documents. Please provide the full site address, a complete set of architectural plans, and any relevant correspondence from your local council, especially a Request for Information (RFI) that specifies survey parameters. Understanding the proposed land use, the scale of the development, and the precise council mandates ensures our quote is comprehensive and the subsequent assessment is fit for purpose.
Can parking surveys be conducted in any weather condition?
No, to ensure data integrity, parking surveys should not be conducted during atypical weather events like heavy rain, storms, or extreme heat. Such conditions alter normal parking behaviour, resulting in data that is unrepresentative and may be rejected by a council. Surveys are strategically scheduled for days with typical weather to capture a true reflection of parking demand, ensuring the assessment is robust, accurate, and defensible for your development application.
What is the difference between an on-street and an off-street parking survey?
An on-street parking survey evaluates the use of public kerbside parking spaces within the vicinity of a development site. Its purpose is to quantify existing public parking demand and availability. Conversely, an off-street parking survey assesses dedicated car parks, such as those serving commercial buildings, shopping centres, or apartment complexes. This type of survey measures the internal parking demand, accumulation, and efficiency of a private facility.
How many days need to be surveyed to get reliable data for a DA?
For most development applications (DAs) in Australia, a minimum of two survey days is standard practice. This typically involves surveying one weekday (e.g., Thursday) to capture typical business demand and one weekend day (e.g., Saturday) to assess peak retail or recreational activity. However, some councils or specific land uses may mandate additional days or specific times, and these requirements must be strictly followed to ensure compliance and approval.
