Concrete Parking Lot Building in Cupertino CA - a lot that drains right and stays put

Concrete work in the San Jose area usually costs about $6 to $20 per square foot. That's concrete work in general, and on a lot the slab thickness, base work and surface decide your figure. When the budget's tight, I'd trim the finish before the base, because nobody notices a good base but everybody notices a bad one.

Often yes, on lots that don't see heavy traffic. Its open, porous mix has less mortar holding it together, so it's weaker than regular concrete, but it readily gets strong enough for many uses. Busy lots usually do better on a regular slab, which is why traffic is my first question.

Mostly protecting the surface, because on lightly used lots the concrete itself breaking down is often the biggest concern, from fuel and oil leaking out of cars plus sun and weather. That's guidance from an older edition of the industry's parking lot guide. I go over your lot's upkeep before you sign, so it doesn't catch you off guard.

The city works that out with its C.3 Data Form, which shows whether and which stormwater rules apply to your lot. The Santa Clara Valley stormwater handbook counts concrete parking as surface rain can't soak into, and lists pervious concrete, pavers, turf block and grid pavement as parking options. Ask the city for the form and send it along.

Yes, as long as the pour is planned around the heat. One industry guide treats air above 90°F, low humidity, wind or strong sun as a risk because they dry concrete too fast, which can leave a weak, dusty top. So we watch the forecast and pick the day and the hour, usually skipping a hot afternoon.

In California, the state licensing board describes a concrete contractor as one who forms, pours, places, finishes and installs pavement and flat concrete work. A parking lot is exactly that kind of job, so it's fair to ask whoever bids on yours about their license.