Parking facility fire safety regulations 2026 | Standards & solutions

Key fire safety regulations for parking facilities

When designing and operating a parking facility, the project owner should pay particular attention to the following requirements:

1. Fire truck access routes

The parking facility should provide internal access roads with sufficient width to allow firefighting vehicles to reach the site quickly in the event of an emergency. Vehicles must not be parked in a way that blocks access routes or obstructs rescue and firefighting operations.

2. Fire alarm and firefighting systems

Depending on the scale and characteristics of the facility, the parking facility may be required to have the following systems and equipment:

• Automatic fire alarm system.
• Portable fire extinguishers.
• Fire hose hydrants.
• Automatic sprinkler system where required by applicable regulations.
• Emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs.

3. Ventilation system

For underground and enclosed parking facilities, the ventilation system should be designed to:

• Limit the accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO).
• Provide smoke extraction in the event of a fire.
• Maintain adequate visibility to support safe evacuation.

4. Means of egress

Emergency exits and evacuation routes must be clearly arranged and kept unobstructed. They should be provided with appropriate exit signs and must not be blocked or concealed.

5. Vehicle management

Vehicle parking arrangements should maintain appropriate clearances between vehicles and prevent disorderly parking that could obstruct firefighting and rescue operations.

For more information: Parking Facility Design 2026 | Technical Standards & Smart Solutions

Regulations for car parking facilities

In addition to fire safety requirements, the construction of car parking facilities must also comply with applicable planning and design regulations.

Common requirements include:

• Providing sufficient space for the expected number of vehicles.
• Designing convenient entry and exit routes.
• Providing an adequate drainage system.
• Ensuring sufficient lighting.
• Providing an appropriate vehicle turning radius.
• Organizing internal traffic flow efficiently.

For facilities such as apartment buildings, shopping centers, hospitals, and offices, parking facilities must also meet requirements regarding the required parking-space ratio specified in the approved planning documents.

Regulations for car parking facilities in urban areas

In major urban areas, land available for static traffic infrastructure is increasingly limited. Therefore, the provision of parking facilities must comply with urban planning requirements and applicable technical regulations.

Based on QCVN 06:2022/BXD – the National Technical Regulation on Fire Safety for Buildings, and QCVN 13:2018/BXD – the National Technical Regulation on Car Garages, Viet Chao summarizes several notable requirements, including:

• Parking facilities must not adversely affect traffic flow.
• Adequate safety distances from adjacent buildings must be maintained.
• Roads and sidewalks must not be illegally occupied.
• Appropriate drainage, lighting, and landscaping systems should be provided.
• Adequate access for firefighting and rescue forces must be ensured.

For new projects, the parking facility layout is often an important consideration during the review and approval of design documentation.

Challenges in meeting current regulations

When Viet Chao works with major project owners and developers, common challenges include:

• Limited available construction space.
• High costs of basement construction.
• Difficulty expanding parking capacity as the number of vehicles increases.
• Inefficient vehicle parking arrangements.
• Vehicles blocking emergency exits.
• Difficulty maintaining operational safety.

These limitations not only affect operational efficiency but may also increase the risk of non-compliance with fire prevention and firefighting requirements.

See more : An overview on different types of car parking systems

What should project owners do to ensure compliance with applicable regulations?

To meet all applicable legal requirements, project owners should:

• Thoroughly review current technical regulations and standards.
• Design the parking facility from the project planning stage.
• Select a parking solution that is appropriate for the scale and characteristics of the project.
• Install adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Regularly inspect and maintain the systems and conduct fire emergency drills.
• Prioritize smart parking solutions to optimize space and enhance safety.

Compliance with fire safety regulations for parking facilities, regulations for car parking facilities, and regulations for car parking facilities in urban areas is not only a legal requirement but also helps ensure user safety and improve the operational efficiency of the facility.

As available land becomes increasingly limited and demand for parking continues to grow, smart parking systems offer a solution that allows project owners to optimize available space while supporting compliance with fire safety requirements and modern parking management practices. When integrated from the design stage, these systems can not only improve space utilization and operational efficiency but also provide a competitive advantage for residential, commercial, and urban infrastructure projects.

If you are looking for a parking solution that optimizes space while meeting fire safety requirements, contact our technical team via Hotline 0898 55 28 88 for consultation on a solution tailored to the scale and specific characteristics of your project.

Frequently asked questions

Are fire safety regulations mandatory for parking facilities?

Yes. Depending on the scale and type of facility, parking facilities must comply with applicable fire prevention and firefighting requirements under current laws and technical regulations.

Are sprinkler systems required in underground parking facilities?

In many cases, automatic firefighting systems are required under applicable technical regulations. The specific requirements depend on factors such as floor area, building function, and building classification.

Do smart parking systems comply with fire safety regulations?

Smart parking systems must also meet applicable fire safety requirements. Although there are currently no specific government regulations requiring smart parking systems to comply with a separate set of fire safety requirements, smart parking contractors are responsible for designing systems in accordance with applicable standards and integrating the required fire prevention and firefighting systems to ensure fire and explosion safety.

For more information: What makes Viet Chao a trusted name in smart parking systems?