Plain-language definitions

Glossary

Plain-language definitions for parking-lot paving, accessibility, drainage, striping, lighting and maintenance terminology.

Access aisle

A marked, protected area beside an accessible parking space that provides room to enter, exit and use a mobility device.

Accessible route

A continuous path meeting applicable accessibility requirements between accessible spaces, entrances and other site elements.

Aggregate base

Compacted granular material supporting asphalt, concrete or another pavement surface.

Asphalt overlay

A new asphalt layer placed over prepared existing pavement.

Catch basin

A drainage structure that collects surface runoff and connects it to a storm system.

Cross slope

Slope measured perpendicular to the main direction of travel.

Curb ramp

A sloped transition between a raised pedestrian area and a lower vehicle surface.

Full-depth patch

Removal and replacement of failed pavement and, where needed, underlying base.

Geotextile

A fabric used for separation, filtration, drainage or reinforcement in earthwork and pavement systems.

Gross area per space

Total planning area allocated per usable parking space, including a share of aisles and circulation.

Infiltration

Movement of water into soil or a designed subsurface system.

Milling

Mechanical removal of a controlled depth of asphalt pavement.

Permeable pavement

A pavement system designed to allow water to pass through the surface into a stone reservoir or soil.

Photometric plan

A lighting design drawing or calculation showing predicted light levels and distribution.

Proof-roll

Controlled loading of prepared ground or base to identify weak or unstable areas.

Restriping

Renewing or changing parking-lot lines, symbols, arrows and other pavement markings.

Running slope

Slope measured in the direction of travel.

Sealcoating

Application of a protective surface coating to suitable asphalt pavement.

Subgrade

Prepared soil or earth surface supporting the pavement structure.

Type A space

Ontario terminology for a wider accessible parking space identified as van accessible under the applicable regulation.

Type B space

Ontario terminology for a standard-width accessible parking space under the applicable regulation.

Van-accessible space

An accessible parking space meeting the applicable wider-space or wider-aisle and vertical-clearance requirements for vans.

Wheel stop

A parking-space device intended to limit vehicle position or overhang; it is not automatically an impact-rated barrier.

Winter service level

The contract requirements for snow trigger, response time, plowing, de-icing, follow-up and priority areas.