The ideal space allocation for a library building site includes:
The number of parking spaces required is set by your local town or city authorities; however, 1 space per 400 sf of building area is recommended.
For example, if your needs assessment determines that you need a building of 12,000 square feet to serve your community, you would require:
| General Site Requirements | |||
| Percentage of total | Square Footage | Acreage | |
| Building | 10% | 12,000 sf | .27 acres |
| Driveways and parking | 30% | 36,000 | .83 acres |
| Landscaping, setbacks, amenities | 60% | 62,000 | 1.65 acres |
| Total | 100% | 120,000 | 2.75 acres |
Important considerations for site selection:
You must be sure that your chosen site is adequate and suitable, and that you have the right to build there. Once you submit your construction application, you may not change the site. 605 CMR 6.02 states that "The site as approved by the municipality prior to application and specified at the time of application is the only site that may be used in the building project."