What is Podium Parking and How It is Different From Stilt Parking

Both podium parking and stilt parking are parking solutions commonly used in urban areas, especially in residential and commercial buildings with limited space. It is important first to understand podium parking and stilt parking, to understand the difference between the two. Podium parking refers to the floor or floors above the ground that can be 2.4 metres high at most, each below the bottom of the beam if served by a ramp. 

Podium parking may also refer to mechanised parking as per the standard plan by the registered company that has completed the building after being approved by the competent authority. On the other hand, stilt parking is a modern parking solution in which cars are parked on an elevated platform. It is supported by columns or stilts, typically on a building’s ground floor.

Difference Between Stilt Parking and Podium Parking 

The table below shows the difference between stilt and podium parking:

Podium Parking	Stilt Parking
Podium parking is typically located on elevated levels of a building. It can be on the first few floors or even on the rooftop, depending on the building’s design.	Stilt parking is located at the ground level of a building, leaving the ground level open underneath. It is commonly found in low-rise or midrise buildings.
In the podium parking layout, the parking area is usually designed to accommodate multiple levels of parking, it is often in a multi-storey format.	It is directly accessible from the ground, and vehicles can park beneath the structure. This type of parking does not usually involve ramps or elevators, because it has typically a single level.
Podium parking is commonly used in buildings with commercial or residential spaces above the parking levels. This allows for more efficient land usage.	Stilt parking is often used in residential buildings, the open space under the building allows vehicles to be parked while keeping the ground area available for other uses.
Typically, podium car parking is accessible by ramps or lifts. It may include various amenities like security, automated parking systems, and large open spaces for parking.	In stilt parking, the stilts are typically visible, and the area beneath the building is left open. It is a simpler design than podium parking meaning the simple design also makes it more cost-effective.
Podium parking is built into the overall design of the building. It sometimes features landscaping, retail spaces, or recreational facilities on the podium level.	This parking layout has an open space below the structure where vehicles can be parked. This space is typically open and may not be enclosed.

Also Read: Tandem Parking: A Complete Guide

Features of Podium Parking

1. Weather Protection

Since podium parking areas are usually surrounded by walls and a roof, it protects the car from the natural elements and so it extends the longevity of the vehicles parked there.

2. Aesthetics

This type of parking layout allows the inclusion of green areas in the parking space improving its overall aesthetics.

3. Air Ventilation

Podium parking spaces are usually well-ventilated so there is a steady air flow. Also, these typically have rainwater drainage systems.

Conclusion

This blog has discussed what podium parking is, what is stilt parking and the difference between the two. Both parking layouts are effective solutions designed for vehicle parking with limited space and are usually located on elevated floors. Podium parking offers various facilities such as security, aesthetics etc. On the other hand, stilt parking is a simpler, more cost-effective approach where the vehicles are parked beneath the structure at ground level.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the rules for stilt parking in India?

There are some rules for stilt parking in India. Some of them include: the residential societies built on stilt parking structures are only allowed to use the space for stilt parking and nothing else. This parking space cannot be turned into storage areas, or servant quarters to do any type of commercial activities.

2. What are the rules for podium parking in India?

Some of the rules for podium parking in India are: The podium floor’s maximum height shall be 15 Mts (Meters) and the tower height shall follow the building rules and according to the approach road width. Also, in case the site area is more than 10 Ac(Acres) building a single podium is not to be permitted meaning there shall be several podiums instead of just one.

3. Can the builders sell podium or stilt parking spaces?

Before, builders could sell parking spaces as individual units to outsiders. However, the Supreme Court of India later upheld that parking spaces are communal amenities given by societies and cannot be sold individually.

4. What should be the height of a stilt parking floor?

Normally, the stilt floor is at least 8 feet (2.4 metres) high to allow for vehicles and air circulation.

5. Can the stilt parking space be used for other purposes?

Stilt floors are commonly used for parking, although they can also be used as information centres, generator rooms, society offices, and switch rooms.