Parking & AS 2890 compliance
One miscalculated dimension can sink a DA.
The AS 2890 series is commonly referenced by planning controls, consent conditions and design requirements. The applicable standard, council controls and project-specific requirements must be considered together. Parking non-compliance can result in council comments, redesign and delays during development assessment or certification. We provide a documented parking and access assessment, including certification where the consent authority or project scope specifically requires it and the appropriate signing arrangements are in place.
The relevant parts
AS 2890.1 — off-street parking for light vehicles, the standard most commonly applied
AS 2890.2 — off-street commercial vehicle facilities, covering loading docks and heavy vehicle circulation
AS 2890.6 — accessible parking, covering wider bays, adjacent shared zones, and minimum clearances
What we assess
Parking compliance is not determined by one standard dimension. The assessment considers the applicable user class, bay and aisle geometry, circulation, ramps and transitions, headroom, columns and obstructions, accessible parking, vehicle templates, sight distance and local planning controls.
Assessment areas
Parking supply and demand
Bay and aisle geometry
Circulation and manoeuvring
Ramp grades and transitions
Headroom and overhead obstructions
Accessible parking
Columns, walls and obstructions
Vehicle design templates
Driveway sight distance
Council DCP and consent requirements
Requirements vary by site, user class, vehicle type, council controls and the applicable edition of the standard. Website information is general only and does not replace a project-specific compliance assessment.
Beyond the minimums
Sightlines at driveway exits, lighting, signage and line marking for predictable circulation, and correct treatment of EV charging bays all factor into a car park that works in practice, not just one that meets the geometry on paper.
Common questions
Is AS 2890.1 legally mandatory?
It's a Standard rather than legislation, but it is commonly referenced by the NCC, council development control plans and consent conditions — which generally makes compliance a practical requirement for assessment.
What's the difference between AS 2890.1 and AS 2890.6?
2890.1 covers general parking; 2890.6 is the accessible parking standard — wider bays, shared zones, specific signage. They apply together.
Which design vehicle applies to my project?
The applicable design and check vehicles depend on the land use, the vehicles that will genuinely use the site, and the council's controls. Confirming them before design avoids late-stage redesign.
Do I need formal certification, or just a compliant design?
Requirements vary by council and project. Some applications require a traffic engineer's assessment or certification, while others require supporting plans and a written compliance review. We confirm the required deliverable when reviewing the consent condition and project documentation.
Send us the drawings. We'll tell you what you need.
2. Plans, if they exist
3. A description of the works
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