Get your lot ready with professional commercial parking lot grading services

A strong, long-lasting parking lot starts long before the first layer of asphalt is laid. Professional parking lot grading ensures a smooth, even surface and proper parking lot drainage, preventing costly repairs, safety hazards, and premature deterioration.

At William Stanley & Sons Paving, we bring more than 30 years of asphalt expertise to every commercial grading project. Whether you’re preparing a new parking lot, need a parking lot grading plan, or correcting drainage and slope issues in an existing one, our team delivers precision grading that meets local regulations, maximizes lifespan, and enhances the value of your property.

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Commercial Parking Lot Grading

Example of a newly paved alphalt driveway

What Is Parking Lot Grading and Why It Matters

Grading is more than just leveling the ground — it’s the process of shaping and sloping the lot to ensure proper water flow, structural integrity, and long-term performance. For commercial properties, grading a parking lot plays a critical role in:

  • Preventing water pooling and flooding through well-planned drainage design.
  • Extending asphalt life by minimizing water infiltration that leads to cracks and potholes.
  • Improving safety by reducing uneven surfaces and trip hazards.
  • Meeting ADA and local slope requirements for accessibility and compliance.
  • Maximizing curb appeal for customers, tenants, and visitors.

Without proper grading, even the highest-quality asphalt will fail prematurely — leading to expensive resurfacing far sooner than necessary.

An aspalt repair on a commercial driveway

Our Parking Lot Grading Process

At William Stanley & Sons Paving, our grading process is designed for efficiency, accuracy, and long-term results. Every step is tailored to your property’s unique needs, soil conditions, and traffic demands.

1. Site Assessment and Planning

We begin with a full evaluation of the property, identifying existing drainage problems, soil stability, and elevation changes. This includes reviewing parking lot grading standards and local regulations to ensure compliance.

2. Surface Preparation

Any existing asphalt, gravel, or debris is removed to expose the base layer. We check for weak or unstable soil and replace or stabilize it as needed to ensure a solid foundation.

3. Precision Grading and Slope Creation

Using laser-guided grading equipment, we establish the correct slope for efficient parking lot drainage. The slope is typically between 1–2% to direct water toward drains, swales, or runoff areas without causing accessibility issues.

4. Base Compaction

Once the slope is set, we compact the base material to prevent future settling. This creates a stable platform that will hold up under heavy commercial traffic and seasonal weather changes.

5. Final Inspection Before Paving

Before paving begins, we perform a final check of all slopes, grades, and drainage points to confirm compliance with ADA standards and the original parking lot grading design.

A worker adding seal coating for sport court paving to help illustrate Benefits of Seal Coating Asphalt

When to Consider Parking Lot Re-Grading

Grading isn’t only for new parking lot installations. Many commercial property owners need re-grading when:

  • Water consistently pools after rain.
  • Existing drainage systems are failing.
  • Asphalt is cracking, sinking, or showing signs of base failure.
  • You’re planning a major repaving or resurfacing project.
  • ADA compliance needs to be updated for slope and accessibility.

If your property experiences repeated drainage issues, grading parking lot surfaces can correct the slope and restore the integrity of your investment.

An aspalt repair on a commercial driveway

ADA and Regulatory Compliance

Commercial parking lots must comply with federal ADA slope requirements and local building codes. Improper grading can result in fines, lawsuits, or accessibility complaints. We ensure every project meets:

  • ADA slope limits for accessible parking spaces and walkways.
  • Local fire lane clearance and drainage standards.
  • Oregon and Washington commercial property codes.

Our grading work is not just about performance — it’s about protecting your investment and reputation.

A worker adding seal coating for sport court paving to help illustrate Benefits of Seal Coating Asphalt

Serving the Greater Portland Metro and SW Washington

William Stanley & Sons Paving proudly provides grading services for commercial parking lots across:

Our deep knowledge of the region’s weather patterns, soil conditions, and parking lot grading standards means your project will be designed to perform in the Pacific Northwest’s unique environment.

An aspalt repair on a commercial driveway

Why Choose William Stanley & Sons for Parking Lot Grading?

  • Generations of expertise – Third-generation paving contractors with unmatched knowledge of asphalt grading.
  • Asphalt-only focus – 100% of our work is designed for asphalt applications, ensuring the perfect base for your parking lot.
  • Regulatory know-how – Familiarity with ADA, local, and state requirements.
  • Precision equipment – Laser-guided graders for accurate slopes and long-lasting results.
  • Customer-first service – We work around your schedule to minimize disruption to your operations.

FAQs: Parking Lot Grading for Commercial Properties

How much does parking lot grading cost?

Costs vary depending on lot size, site conditions, and whether drainage systems are being integrated. We provide detailed, transparent quotes tailored to your project.

Can grading fix my drainage problems?

Yes. By adjusting the slope and installing proper drainage systems, grading can eliminate water pooling and extend the life of your asphalt.

How long does parking lot grading take?

Most projects take 1–3 days depending on lot size and complexity, with minimal disruption to your business.

Is grading necessary before repaving?

In most cases, yes. Without proper grading, a repave will not correct underlying slope or drainage issues.

Do you handle both grading and paving?

Yes. We provide full-service asphalt solutions — from grading and drainage to paving, striping, and maintenance.

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Get a Quote for Your Parking Lot Grading Project

A long-lasting, safe, and functional parking lot begins with professional grading and proper drainage. William Stanley & Sons Paving delivers commercial grading services that prepare your site for decades of reliable use.

Call us today or fill out our quick estimate request form to schedule a consultation. Let’s create a parking lot that performs as well as it looks.