Stop in for a cup of coffee

Agreed. You want to be able to walk between the post and the wall comfortably, possibly carrying something.

Same thing on the back. If the car is 18’ long then you need a minimum of 9’ just to center the car plus another 3’ to walk around it. 12’ minimum. The extra foot is for comfort of not being exactly centered (because the weight distribution won’t be).
Can't walk on the other side? Really?