definition
strict definition
parking lot
A paved or semi-paved area for temporary parking of motorized road vehicles, without multiple levels or a substantial raised structure.
A parking lot is a paved or semi-paved area for temporary storage of motorized road vehicles, which does not include multiple levels or any significant raised structure. It is usually marked with defined slots to guide vehicles into discrete spaces.
The area provides parking directly on its paved or semi-paved surface. Multiple parking levels or a significant elevated structure have a different built form.
Marked vehicle spaces are usual without being required in every lot. The temporary vehicle-storage purpose distinguishes it from an area constructed for through traffic.
