(a) Purpose and intent. The city recognizes the health, safety, welfare and aesthetic value of providing parking standards in the community. The provisions of this section are intended to:
(1) Promote traffic safety, emergency vehicle access and eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians using the public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way;
(2) Protect and enhance property values;
(3) Protect government investments in streets, sidewalks, traffic control and utility devices;
(4) Avoid parking spillover conflicts;
(5) Offer flexibility in standards when appropriate;
(6) Promote access and connectivity, both vehicular and pedestrian;
(7) Minimize environmental degradation;
(8) Preserve and improve the appearance of the city through adherence to aesthetic principles, in order to create a community that is attractive to residents and to nonresidents who come to live, visit, work or trade;
(9) Implement the city’s Comprehensive Plan;
(10) Promote the public health, safety and general welfare; and
(11) Restrict the parking or storage of vehicles and trailers that, due to their size, use, design, type, or characteristics, adversely affects the health, safety or welfare of the community in residentially zoned and used lots. The Council finds that these vehicles intrude upon the aesthetics and visual peace and quiet of a residential neighborhood, that they can impair the free flow of traffic on residential streets and by their size are detrimental to residential traffic safety, that they often create excessive noise for such surroundings, that their presence tends to encourage and effectuate the expansion of uses that are inconsistent with or inappropriate to residential areas, and that their presence therefore is likely to have a negative impact upon residential property values.
(b) Location.
(1) Accessory off-street parking location.
(A) One- and two-family dwellings. Spaces accessory to one- and two-family dwellings must be on the same site as the principal use served.
(B) Multiple-family dwellings. Spaces accessory to multiple-family dwellings must be on the same site as the principal use served within 400 feet of the main entrance to the principal building served.
(C) Commercial or Industrial Districts. Spaces accessory to uses in a Commercial or Industrial District must be located on the same site and within 800 feet of a main entrance to the principal building served.
(2) Prohibited locations. Accessory off-street parking is prohibited in the following locations:
(A) Where the building is 40 feet or less from the planned widened right-of-way line, parking is prohibited between the building and the street. This requirement does not apply to single-family and two-family residences;
(C) Within the public right-of-way pursuant to § 17.03 of this code.
(c) Design.
(1) Single-family and two-family land uses. See requirements set forth in Chapter 17, Article I and subsection (i) below.
(2) Other land uses.
(A) Site plans. Site plans drawn to scale and dimensioned must show proposed parking spaces including accessibility spaces, driveways, loading areas, landscaping and screening, and the parking area must conform to such site plans.
(B) Obstructions. All required access, entrances, fire lanes, and parking spaces must be kept clear of obstructions that prevent the intended use.
(C) Parking space and drive aisle dimension requirements. Off-street surface parking spaces and drive aisles must meet the following dimension requirements:
(i) Minimum stall size, not including vehicle overhang area, of nine feet by 18 feet for 90-degree angle parking (see Figure 21.301.06(c)(3)). For spaces that are not 90-degree angle, the most recent Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards will be applied as determined by the issuing authority;
(ii) Minimum drive aisle width of 24 feet for 90-degree angle parking areas. For parking areas that are not 90-degree angle, the most recent Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards will be applied for drive aisle width as determined by the issuing authority;
(iii) Up to 20 percent of the total number of required spaces may be for compact cars and have a minimum stall size of 8 feet by 16 feet for 90-degree angle parking. For spaces that are not 90-degree angle, the most recent Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards will be applied as determined by the issuing authority. Compact parking may be counted toward required parking if the following conditions are met:
(aa) The parking area must have a total size of at least 50 stalls;
(bb) Compact parking spaces must be distributed throughout the parking lot, target employee parking areas, and not have generally preferential locations to discourage use by non-compact cars; and
(cc) Compact parking spaces must be clearly identified by signs in accordance with the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and notification on the pavement, with a minimum of one sign per every four compact spaces and pavement notification in each spot.
(iv) All fire lanes must meet the applicable fire codes, as set forth in Chapter 6 of this code; and
(v) Light standards placed at the interior corner of parking stalls in coordination with the parking stall striping as approved by the issuing authority are not included in the measurement of parking stall dimensions.
For off-street parking dimension requirements in parking structures, see subsection (h) below.
(D) Surfacing. Off-street parking areas and driveways, not to include driveway approach areas, must be paved with portland cement concrete, plant mixed bituminous surface (i.e., asphalt), brick, stone or form concrete pavers placed touching with gaps not exceeding one-quarter inch, or equivalent material as approved by the issuing authority. Consideration may be given by the issuing authority for special circumstances such as seasonal uses. Driveway approach areas must be paved with portland cement concrete or plant mixed bituminous surface (i.e., asphalt).
(E) Concrete curbs. Parking areas must have in-place portland cement concrete curbs defining the perimeter or equivalent material as approved by the issuing authority.
(F) Access.
(i) Vehicular access and circulation. All off-street parking spaces must have access off driveways and not directly off the public street.
(ii) Fire and public safety access and circulation. Turnarounds and fire lane areas for fire and other public safety vehicles must be provided in accordance with requirements set forth in § 6.20 of this code, and are subject to approval of the city issuing authority.
(iii) Driveway approaches. Driveway approaches shall be designed pursuant to Chapter 17, Article I of this code.
(G) Light pollution and glare.
(i) Vehicle headlights. Parking lots and parking structures must comply with the screening standards of § 21.301.15
of this code.
(ii) Overhead lighting. Parking lots must comply with the lighting standards of § 21.301.07 of this code.
(H) Parking islands.
(i) Parking islands must be installed at the ends of each row of parking spaces. Additional parking islands must be provided mid-row at intervals not to exceed 200 feet for interior parking rows and 300 feet for perimeter parking rows. Where a parking lot contains ten parking spaces or less, the requirement for parking islands is waived, unless the issuing authority determines islands are needed for traffic circulation and safety.
(ii) Where a parking island is immediately adjacent to one or more parking stalls, the island length must be three feet shorter than the adjacent stall to promote ingress and egress into the stall.
(iii) A minimum of one deciduous tree must be provided per parking lot island, with exceptions as set forth in § 21.301.15 of this code.
(iv) Where one or more trees are present in a parking island, the minimum island width must be eight feet measured from the inside edges of curb to curb (see Figure 21.301.06(c)(3) below). Where no trees are present in a parking island, the minimum island width is four feet measured from the inside edges of curb to curb.
(v) Parking islands must be delineated by raised concrete curbing or may be depressed to accommodate infiltration for storm water management purposes.
(I) Setbacks for surface parking.
(i) The required setback for surface parking is a minimum of 20 feet from a planned widened right-of-way line and a minimum of five feet from a property line not abutting a street. In mixed use districts (B-4, C-5, LX), setbacks from streets may be reduced if screening is provided that meets the standards in § 21.301.15(d).
(3) Graphic illustration.
(A) 90-degree angle parking.
(4) Electric vehicle chargers.
(A) Protection. Electric vehicle chargers must be:
(i) Located in a parking island;
(ii) Mounted to an adjacent structure; or
(iii) Protected by bollards, structures, or curb if located directly in parking lot.
(B) Obstruction. Electric vehicle chargers must not encroach on the minimum unobstructed, walkable sidewalk width specified in § 21.301.04 (d).
(d) Number of off-street parking spaces required.
(1) The minimum number of off-street parking spaces provided within a development must meet the provisions of this subsection (d), varying by land use as provided in the following table. If more than one land use is present on a site, the required parking is determined by adding together the required number of parking spaces for each use.
If the number of off-street parking spaces results in a fraction, each fraction of one-half or more will constitute another space required. A lesser number of constructed off-street parking spaces may be allowed through flexibility measures (see subsection (e) below). The requirements for off-street surface parking space dimensions are set forth in subsection (c) above.
Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements
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Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirements
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RESIDENTIAL | ||
Single-family | 2 spaces per dwelling unit, 1 of which must be fully enclosed within a garage (for construction after June 1, 2015) or area that could be occupied by a garage (for construction before June 1, 2015) (carports are not considered fully enclosed) | |
Two-family | 2 spaces per dwelling unit, 1 of which must be fully enclosed within a garage (carports are not considered fully enclosed) | |
Townhouse/rowhouse | One bedroom | 2.2 spaces per dwelling unit |
Two bedroom | 2.6 spaces per dwelling unit | |
Three bedroom | 3.0 spaces per dwelling unit | |
Four bedroom | 3.4 spaces per dwelling unit | |
Of which 1 space per unit must be within a fully enclosed garage, and where party room space is provided, an additional 1 space per 100 square feet of party room is required; guest parking spaces must be appropriately provided and dispersed throughout the development, subject to approval of the issuing authority | ||
Multiple-family residence | One bedroom and efficiency units | 1.6 spaces per dwelling unit |
Two or more bedrooms | 2.0 spaces per dwelling unit | |
Additional requirements for units of all sizes | Of the above requirements, at least 1 space per unit must be within a fully enclosed garage or covered within a structured parking ramp; guest parking spaces must be appropriately provided and dispersed throughout the development, subject to approval of the issuing authority, 1 space per 50 units must be equipped with a Charging Level 2 electric vehicle charger or higher. | |
Senior citizen housing, accessibility housing | 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit, where 0.5 spaces per unit must be available for general parking. | |
Guest parking spaces must be appropriately provided and dispersed throughout the development, subject to approval of the issuing authority | ||
Residential care facility | Group home, nursing home, rest home, adult care home | 1.5 spaces for each 4 beds |
Guest parking spaces must be appropriately dispersed throughout the development | ||
Congregate living facility | Licensed boarding house lodging or rooming houses | 1 space per bedroom, where spaces are not stacked in a linear row |
Manufactured home parks | 2 spaces per manufactured home; guest parking must be appropriately provided and dispersed throughout the development, subject to approval by the issuing authority | |
NONRESIDENTIAL | ||
Automobile Service/Gas Stations | ||
Vehicle repair | Parking in addition to fueling for the following: | |
Minor (oil, muffler, glass, tires, brakes, batteries) | 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area excluding service bays, plus 2 spaces per service bay | |
Major (transmission, engine, body work ) | 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area excluding service bays, plus 3 spaces per service bay | |
Convenience retail facility | 1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area, with no more than 0.5 of the required spaces located at fuel pumps | |
Bank or Financial Institution | With or without drive through | 1 space per 240 square feet of gross floor area; additional 6 queuing spaces per lane |
Car Wash | Full service, or automatic | 8 queuing spaces per bay plus 1 space per 375 square feet of gross floor area |
Self service car wash | 6 queuing spaces per bay for self service wash | |
Catering Business, Major and Minor | One space per 500 gross square feet of floor area plus one space per delivery/catering vehicle | |
Day Care Facility | 1.2 spaces for each 10 program participants based on the facility’s licensed capacity, plus 1 space per caregiver on the maximum shift | |
Educational Institution | Elementary/ middle/ junior high school (public/ private/ charter) | 1 space per 800 square feet of gross floor area, (except for auditoriums, theaters, gymnasiums or activity centers, where spaces equal in number to 1/3 capacity in persons are required), plus adequate drop off/ pick up area for students |
Senior high school (public/ private/ charter) | 1 space per 400 square feet of gross floor area, (except for auditoriums, theaters, gymnasiums or activity centers, where spaces equal in number to 1/3 capacity in persons are required), plus adequate drop off/ pick up area for students | |
University, college, technical college, seminary, trade school business school or instructional center, (public/ private/ charter) | 1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area, (except for auditoriums, theaters, gymnasiums or activity centers, where spaces equal in number to 1/3 capacity in persons are required), plus adequate drop off/ pick up area for students | |
Grocery Store | 1 space per 225 square feet of gross floor area | |
Health Club | 1 space per 250 square feet of gross floor area (not including swimming pools), and additional off-street parking for the following uses: | |
Swimming pool: 1 space per 500 square feet of gross floor area | ||
Tennis, handball or racquetball: 2 spaces per court | ||
Hotel | Hotel | 1.1 spaces per room plus spaces equal in number to 1/3 capacity in persons for meeting/banquet area; |
Hotel airport parking | Hotel airport parking or storage is a conditional accessory use and must be in excess of spaces designated for the above hotel related uses; it must not be shared with adjacent uses; the maximum number of off-street vehicle parking spaces provided for hotel airport parking purposes within a development must not exceed 1 space per 10 hotel rooms | |
Industrial | General manufacturing/ makerspace/industrial/ commercial brewing or distilling area | 1 space per 500 square feet of gross floor area, plus 1 additional off-street parking space for each 2,500 square feet of outside storage area as determined by the issuing authority |
Warehousing, storage | 1 space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, plus 1 additional off-street parking space for each 2,500 square feet of outside storage area | |
Data center | 10 spaces plus additional 1 space per 5,000 square feet of gross floor area over 10,000 square feet | |
Open storage without a building on site | 1 space for each 2,500 square feet of outside storage area | |
Office | General, medical or dental and medical marijuana distribution facilities | 1 space per 285 square feet of gross floor area |
High intensity/call centers and telemarketing | 1 space per 165 square feet of gross floor area | |
Arena; Dance Hall; Library; Mortuary; Museum; Place of Assembly; Stadium; or Theater, Indoor or Outdoor | Spaces equal in number to 1/3 capacity in persons; if use includes an educational component, those facilities are required to provide additional parking as provided in the ordinance under educational institutions | |
Restaurant, Club, or Brewpub | Indoor or rooftop seating | 1 space per 3 seats, plus spaces equal in number to 1/3 capacity in persons for meeting/banquet area; |
Seasonal/outdoor seating | 1 space per 5 seasonal outdoor dining seats | |
Exception: if seasonal outdoor dining seats exceed 20% of indoor/rooftop seating, the required parking for outdoor dining seats exceeding 20% is one space per 3 seats | ||
With drive through | 6 additional queuing spaces per lane | |
Restaurant, Take-out | Calculated as a retail sales or service use | |
Taprooms and Cocktail Rooms | 1 space per 3 seats, plus 1 space per 100 square feet of open floor area | |
Retail Sales and/or Service | General retail under 10,000 square feet of gross floor area | 1 space per 180 square feet of gross floor area |
10,000-99,999 square feet of gross floor area | 55 spaces plus additional 1 space per 220 square feet of gross floor area over 10,000 square feet | |
100,000 square feet of gross floor area and over | 460 spaces plus additional 1 space per 285 square feet of gross floor area over 100,000 square feet | |
Large Item Retail Sales | Large item retail under 20,000 square feet of gross floor area | 1 space per 220 square feet of gross floor area |
20,000-49,999 square feet of gross floor area | 90 spaces plus additional 1 space per 600 square feet of gross floor area over 20,000 square feet | |
50,000 square feet of gross floor area and over | 140 spaces plus additional 1 space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area over 50,000 square feet | |
Self- Storage Facility | 1 parking space for each 50 storage units, evenly distributed throughout storage area; and one parking space for every 100 storage compartments must be located at the manager’s office for the use of visitors | |
Wholesale Establishments (selling only to retailers and contractors) | 1 parking space for each 1,000 square feet of floor area for non-showroom area and 1 additional off-street parking space for each 500 square feet of showroom area | |
OTHER | ||
Uses not covered by this table | Parking requirements for uses not listed above will be determined by the issuing authority based on similar uses and/ or authoritative sources accepted by the city issuing authority | |
(e) Parking reduction flexibility measures. The City Council may reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces, except for single-family and two-family residential off-street parking, through the following flexibility measures when the applicant demonstrates in documented form that parking demand will likely be less than required by this chapter. The Planning Commission and city issuing authority may reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces, except for single-family and two- family residential off-street parking, through the proof of parking flexibility measure.
(1) Proof of parking measures. An applicant may be eligible for a reduction in the required number of off-street parking spaces where the applicant can demonstrate there is lesser need for the required number of off-street parking spaces, and there is a space set aside for code complying off-site parking spaces to be constructed if a need is later indicated by the city issuing authority, provided:
(A) Where the applicant is seeking a reduction in the total number of required constructed parking spaces, the lesser number of constructed spaces may be allowed, provided:
(i) The city may require a parking study conducted in accordance with accepted methodology approved by the city issuing authority, prepared by an independent traffic engineering professional under the supervision of the city and paid for by the applicant, demonstrating that there is not a present need for the portion of parking for which the applicant is requesting proof of parking flexibility. (Where the applicant is seeking a reduction of 10% or less in the total number of required constructed parking spaces, the requirement for a parking study is waived.);
(ii) A site plan is submitted indicating that the required number of spaces meeting all ordinance requirements can be placed on the site if the need is later indicated by the city issuing authority in observance of a lack of available parking and is approved by the issuing authority; and
(iii) Where a site plan is approved with proof of parking measures, a properly drawn legal instrument, memorializing the parking measures drafted and executed by the parties concerned, must be filed with the records for that property in the Registrar of Titles’ or Recorder’s office of the county with proof thereof presented to the issuing authority.
(B) Suitability of deferred spaces. The applicant must not assign deferred parking spaces to areas required for landscaping, required buffer zones, setbacks, fire lanes, drive aisles or areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for parking spaces because of the physical characteristics of the land or other requirements of this code.
(C) Conversion of deferred spaces by applicant. The applicant may at any time request that the issuing authority approve a revised site plan to allow conversion of deferred spaces to operable parking spaces.
(D) Remedies. Should it be determined at a later date, as indicated by the city issuing authority in observance of a lack of available parking, that any or all of the deferred parking spaces are needed, the required number of deferred spaces must be converted to parking spaces that conform to this code at the applicant’s expense.
(2) Shared parking between businesses or other entities. It is the city’s policy to encourage efficient use of land and resources by allowing shared parking for multiple use developments or uses that are located near one another and that have different peak parking demands or different operating hours. The City Council may approve the shared use of parking facilities under the following conditions:
(A) Proximity. The proposed shared parking space is within 500 feet of the entrance to the use it will serve;
(B) Conflict in hours. The applicant demonstrates that, because of the hours, size and mode of operation of the respective uses, there is no substantial conflict in the peak parking demands of the uses for which shared use of off-street parking facilities is proposed, and there will be an adequate amount of parking available to meet the needs for each use. A shared parking plan must be submitted whenever shared parking is proposed that includes specific analysis on the peaking characteristics of the various uses included. The city may also require a parking study conducted in accordance with accepted methodology approved by the city issuing authority, prepared by an independent traffic engineering professional under the supervision of the city and paid for by the applicant, demonstrating that there is not a present need for the portion of parking for which the applicant is requesting proof of parking flexibility;
(C) Written consent and agreement. Where shared use of parking exists within the same site or across sites, a properly drawn legal instrument, drafted and executed by the parties concerned, must be filed as a deed restriction on both properties with the records for both properties in the Registrar of Titles’ or Recorder’s office of the county with proof thereof presented to the issuing authority. The intent in either case is that the agreement will be in the public record in perpetuity, and not altered unless approved by the city issuing authority; and
(D) Revocation. Failure to comply with the shared parking provisions of this section constitutes a violation of this code. A shared parking agreement may be revoked by the parties to the agreement only if off-street parking is provided as otherwise set forth in this section of this code, or if an alternative shared parking plan is approved by the city issuing authority.
(3) Transportation demand management plan (TDM).
(A) Off-street parking otherwise required by this section may be reduced by up to 10% subject to approval by the City Council of a Tier I TDM Plan consistent with the requirements of city code § 21.301.09.
(4) Enhanced linkages to mass transit. Off-street parking requirements may be reduced subject to approval by the City Council, where a parking and transportation study conducted in accordance with accepted methodology approved by the city issuing authority, prepared by an independent traffic engineering professional under the supervision of the city and paid for by the applicant, shows that parking demand will be decreased by access to nearby transit.
(5) Planned development (PD). Off-street parking requirements may be reduced through the planned development process when an applicant demonstrates the need for a lesser number of off-street parking spaces. The issuing authority may require a parking and transportation study conducted in accordance with accepted methodology approved by the city issuing authority, prepared by an independent traffic engineering professional under the supervision of the city and paid for by the applicant.
(6) On-street parking. Off-street parking requirements may be reduced subject to approval by the City Council, when an applicant demonstrates need for a lesser number of off-street spaces due to available permitted on-street parking spaces. The issuing authority may require a parking study conducted in accordance with accepted methodology approved by the city issuing authority, prepared by an independent traffic engineering professional under the supervision of the city and paid for by the applicant.
(f) Non-parking uses in off-street parking and loading areas.
(1) Snow removal and storage. Provision must be made in parking, access aisles and loading areas for adequate snow storage or removal to ensure that the required number of off-street parking and loading spaces are available at all times during the year. Snow storage areas, if applicable, must be shown on the site plan.
(2) Cart storage. Provision must be made in parking areas for adequate cart storage where carts are used on the premises, to ensure the required number of off-street vehicle parking and loading spaces are available and unencumbered with carts. Cart storage, if applicable, must be shown on the site plan.
(3) Accessory storage or retail display. If allowed in the appropriate zoning district, accessory storage or retail display must not occupy required off-street vehicle parking spaces.
(4) Work vehicle parking or storage. Provision must be made in parking areas for adequate storage of work-related motorized vehicles used in conjunction with the on-site business to ensure the required number of off-street vehicle parking and loading spaces are available and unencumbered. Work vehicle parking or storage areas, if applicable, must be shown on the site plan and do not count toward the number of required off-street parking spaces.
(g) Permit. A parking lot permit is required prior to constructing or enlarging a parking area, or removing parking lot surface material down to the aggregate base and replacing it. The proposed parking lot will be reviewed for compliance with city, state and federal requirements including, but not limited to, storm water management, wetlands protection (see city code § 16.58), accessibility to the physically disabled, parking space and drive aisle dimensions and lighting. Modifications to any parking space and drive aisle dimensions may require approval by the City Engineer. Modification in the public right-of-way requires a separate right-of-way permit in accordance with Chapter 17, Article I of this code. Removal or replacement of less than 50% of the parking lot surface on a site within a two-year period requires that portion of the parking area to be brought into compliance with lighting standards (see city code § 21.301.07). Removal or replacement of 50% or more of the parking lot surface on a site within a two- year period requires all parking lot surface on the site to be brought into compliance with lighting standards. All new striping, restriping, accessibility elements, and signage shall meet the requirements of the city code and the State Building Code.
(h) Parking structures.
(1) Parking structure setbacks. A parking structure is subject to the following setback requirements, unless otherwise specified in the code or the International Building Code.
(A) Underground parking structure. The required setback for an underground parking garage structure is a minimum of 15 feet from a planned widened right-of-way-line and a minimum of five feet from a property line not abutting a street.
(B) Surface parking at an underground parking structure. The required setback for surface parking is a minimum of 20 feet from a planned widened right-of-way-line and a minimum of five feet from a property line not abutting a street (also see subsection (c) above).
(C) Above grade parking structure. The required setback for an above grade parking structure is as set forth for buildings in the underlying zoning district.
(2) Screening and design requirements.
(A) Screening. Above grade parking structures must meet the applicable zoning district requirements regarding screening of surface parking. Where the roof or any portion of the roof of an underground structure or a qualifying structure is used for surface parking, such parking must meet the applicable zoning district requirements regarding screening of surface parking. Parking garage structures which are abutting a single-family or two-family use must provide and maintain a visual screen at the entrance and exit areas to the structure. See § 21.301.15
of this code for screening requirements.
(B) Structure design and exterior building materials of a parking garage. Structure design and exterior building materials of a parking garage must be compatible with the surrounding buildings.
(i) Parking structures must be designed to block the visibility of vehicle headlights from the exterior.
(ii) Parking structure facades that front on public streets must be enhanced through architectural details that match or complement the building the facility serves, including, but not limited to, piers, pilasters, recessed window openings, masonry trim, ornamental grillwork, accent materials or decorative artwork and through exterior materials and colors that match or complement the building the facility serves.
(iii) Parking structure access points fronting a public street must be architecturally articulated to add visual interest.
(C) Structured parking space dimensions. Parking spaces and drive aisles in structured parking must meet the following dimension requirements:
(i) The minimum stall size, not including vehicle overhang area, is eight and one-half feet by 18 feet for 90-degree angle parking. For spaces that are not 90-degree angle, the most recent Institute of Engineers (ITE) standards will be applied as determined by the issuing authority;
(ii) The minimum drive aisle width is 24 feet for 90-degree angle parking in structured parking. For parking areas that are not 90-degree angle, the most recent Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards will be applied for drive aisle width as determined by the issuing authority;
(iii) Up to 20 percent of the total number of required spaces may be for compact cars and have a minimum stall size of 8 feet by 16 feet for 90-degree angle parking. For spaces that are not 90-degree angle, the most recent Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) standards will be applied as determined by the issuing authority. Compact parking may be counted toward required parking if the following conditions are met:
(aa) The parking area must have a total size of at least 50 stalls.
(bb) Compact parking spaces must be distributed throughout the parking lot, target employee parking areas, and not have generally preferential locations to discourage use by non-compact cars; and
(cc) Compact parking spaces must be clearly identified by signs in accordance with the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, with a minimum of one sign per compact space.
(iv) All fire lanes must meet the applicable fire codes, as set forth in Chapter 6 of this code.
For off-street surface parking dimension requirements, see subsection (c) above.
(3) Gates, access and limiting devices.
Gates or access limiting devices for parking structures and surrounding off-street parking areas must be designed and maintained to avoid causing vehicle queuing within the public right-of-way.
(i) Single-family and two-family residential driveways and off-street parking.
(1) Driveway location. New driveways may not be constructed and existing driveways may not be expanded unless they lead directly to and connect with a garage. A driveway is required to the primary garage on a site. If there is a second garage on the site, a connecting driveway to the second garage is optional, unless regular use dictates the driveway. If there is no garage present on a site, a maximum of one driveway may be constructed provided it leads to a location where a garage could legally be constructed and the length of the driveway does not exceed 50 feet or the maximum distance of the front facade of the principal building from the property line, whichever is greater.
(2) Driveway approach dimensions. Driveway approach dimensions must comply with the applicable city construction detail for driveway approaches and § 17.13 of this code.
(A) Maximum driveway approach width. The width of the driveway approach at the property line for a single- or two-family residential site must not exceed the width of the driveway it connects to or the width of the curb cut measured from the inside of the tapers. Turning tapers may be added to the driveway approach between the property line and the street that add up to six additional feet to the width of the driveway approach at its intersection with the street; provided that the driveway approach at no point exceeds a maximum width of 30 feet.
(3) Driveway dimensions.
(A) Minimum driveway width. The width of the driveway must be at least ten feet.
(B) Maximum driveway width for single-family sites. Maximum driveway width for single- family sites with a garage of 30 feet or less in width. The width of the driveway must not exceed the width of the garage it serves.
(C) Maximum driveway width for single-family sites with a garage over 30 feet in width.
(i) The width of the driveway between zero feet and ten feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed 30 feet.
(ii) The maximum width of the driveway between ten and 26 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garage it serves at any point and may transition at a 45-degree angle from 30 feet in width to the width of the garage, up to a maximum of 46 feet in width.
(iii) The width of the driveway between 26 feet and 100 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garage it serves up to a maximum of 46 feet in width.
(iv) The width of the driveway between 100 and 150 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garage it serves.
(v) The width of a driveway beyond 150 feet is not restricted in size.
(D) Maximum driveway width for two-family sites with a common driveway.
(i) The width of the driveway between zero feet and ten feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garages it serves up to a maximum of 30 feet.
(ii) The maximum width of the driveway between ten and 28 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garages it serves at any point and may transition at a 45-degree angle from 30 feet in width to the width of the garage, up to a maximum of 48 feet in width.
(iii) The width of the driveway beyond 28 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garage it serves up to a maximum of 48 feet.
(E) Maximum driveway width for two-family sites with separate driveways on the same street. The width of each driveway must not exceed the width of the garage it serves up to a maximum of 24 feet.
(F) Maximum driveway width for two-family sites with separate driveways on separate streets.
(i) The width of each driveway between zero feet and ten feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garage it serves up to a maximum of 30 feet.
(ii) The maximum width of each driveway between ten and 16 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garages it serves at any point and may transition at a 45-degree angle from 30 feet in width to the width of the garage, up to a maximum of 36 feet in width.
(iii) The width of each driveway beyond 16 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garage it serves up to a maximum of 36 feet.
(iv) The width of the driveway beyond 100 feet from its intersection with the property line must not exceed the width of the garage it serves.
(G) Maximum driveway width for sites without garages. The width of the driveway must not exceed 24 feet.
(4) Vehicle parking. The parking and storage of vehicles is prohibited on all portions of single- and two-family sites except within a garage or upon legally constructed driveways or off-drive parking areas. The storage of recreational vehicles must conform with the standards of § 21.301.13 of this code.
(5) Off-drive parking areas. The construction of new or the expansion of existing off-drive parking area must comply with the following standards and is allowed only when the cumulative total width of all driveways on site is 26 feet or less. See Figure 21.301.06(i)(12)(A) below:
(A) One off-drive parking area of up to 12 feet in width and accessible by a standard vehicle from the driveway is permitted. The off-drive parking area may be located on either side of the driveway provided all setback and other standards are met;
(B) The off-drive parking area may extend adjacent to the side of the garage but may not extend farther from the street than the rear of the garage. When adjacent to a garage, the off-drive parking area must be at least nine feet in width;
(C) The off-drive parking area must meet the setbacks as set forth in subsection (i)(10) below except that a portion of an off-drive parking area may encroach into the required 20 foot front setback area as it transitions to full width. For sites with a principal building setback of less than 36 feet, off-drive parking area may begin to transition to full width at a 45-degree angle between five feet and 17 feet back from the property line adjacent to the street. For sites with a principal building setback of 36 feet or greater, off-drive parking area may begin to transition to full width at a 45-degree angle between ten feet and 22 feet back from the property line adjacent to the street. Off-drive parking areas with a setback along any street of 150 feet are not restricted in size.
(D) The off-drive parking area must be an approved surface as set forth in subsection (i)(7) below;
(E) The 35% maximum impervious surface coverage requirement must be met for all single-family sites as specified in § 21.301.01(c)(1) of this code;
(F) In the event a site has a second driveway, second garage or a circular driveway, off-drive parking area is allowed only adjacent to one driveway/garage;
(G) For two-family dwellings with a common driveway, each unit may have an off-drive parking area subject to the standards of this section provided the driveway width does not exceed the maximum driveway widths set forth in subsection (i)(3)(D) above;
(H) Off-drive parking areas are prohibited within the public right-of-way as set forth in § 17.03 of this code; and
(I) The off-drive parking area must be connected to a driveway.
(6) Off-drive turnaround areas. The construction of new or the expansion of existing off-drive turnaround (hammerhead) area must comply with the following standards and is allowed only when the total width of the driveway and any adjacent off-drive parking area at a given point does not exceed 36 feet. See Figure 21.301.06(i)(12)(A) below:
(A) In order to allow vehicles to turn around on-site and exit onto roadways in a forward facing position, one off-drive turnaround area up to 12 feet in width and 18 feet in depth is allowed abutting a driveway. The maximum width of driveway plus off-drive parking area plus off-drive turnaround area must not exceed 36 feet at any point. The off-drive turnaround area may be located on either side of the driveway provided all setback and other standards are met;
(B) The off-drive turnaround area must be an approved surface as set forth below in subsection (i)(7) below;
(C) The 35% maximum impervious surface coverage requirement must be met for all single-family sites as specified in § 21.301.01(c)(1) of this code;
(D) In the event a site has a circular driveway, off-drive turnaround area is not allowed. In the event a site has a second but unconnected driveway, off-drive turnaround area is allowed only adjacent to one driveway; and
(E) Off-drive turnaround areas are prohibited within the public right-of-way as set forth in § 17.03 of this code.
(7) Second curb cut and connecting driveway. A permit for a second curb cut to a single-family site must not be issued unless the site has at least 120 feet of frontage along a single public street or is a corner lot and complies with the standards of Chapter 17 of this code. For corner lots, when two curb cuts are present, each curb cut must be to a separate street unless the site has at least 120 feet of frontage along a single public street. More than two curb cuts are prohibited for single- or two-family residential sites. In the event a second driveway is installed to service a second garage, the second driveway must meet all driveway standards. If a second driveway is installed to serve as a circular driveway, the secondary driveway is limited to 12 feet in width and must meet all other driveway standards. See Figure 21.301.06(i)(12)(B) below.
(8) Driveway and off-drive parking area surface.
(A) Driveways and off-drive parking and turnaround areas, not to include driveway approaches, must be paved for the entire length and width of the surface with portland cement concrete, plant bituminous surface (i.e., asphalt), brick, stone or concrete driveway pavers that are placed with gaps not exceeding one quarter inch, or equivalent material as approved by the issuing authority. Gravel is not permitted. A patio or sidewalk cannot be used as a driveway, off-drive parking area or vehicle turnaround area. In the event a patio or sidewalk abuts an off-drive parking area, driveway or vehicle turnaround area for a distance of more than six feet, a barrier is required between the patio or sidewalk and the off-drive parking area, driveway or vehicle turnaround area preventing motor vehicle access.
(B) Driveway approach materials must conform to the requirements set forth in § 17.13 of this code.
(9) Driveway approach and driveway slope. The driveway approach slope must not exceed 10% pursuant to § 17.13 of this code. Where there is a public easement adjacent to the property line, the driveway slope through the easement must not exceed 10%. The driveway through the private property area may transition to a slope steeper than 10% with prior approval of the City Engineer. Slopes through sidewalks must not exceed ADA requirements of 1:50 or 2%.
(10) Driveway and off-drive parking area setbacks. Driveways and off-drive parking and turnaround areas must meet the following setback requirements.
(A) Minimum setback. Except for driveways crossing front (or side or rear abutting a public street) setback areas in a perpendicular or near perpendicular fashion and as otherwise specifically allowed by the city code, the minimum setback of driveways and off-drive parking and turnaround areas from property lines is as follows:
Front | Minimum 20 feet |
Side | Minimum 5 feet |
Rear | Minimum 5 feet |
Side or rear abutting public street | Minimum 20 feet |
(B) Nonconforming driveways. Legally nonconforming (see § 21.504 of this code) driveways with setbacks of less than five feet from a side property line may be repaired, altered, resurfaced or reconstructed, but not expanded, subject to the following:
(i) All driveway surface water drainage must be directed away from the side property line and the abutting property by a slope, curb, retaining wall or other measure approved by the issuing authority; or
(ii) Subject to the approval of the City Engineer, driveway surface water drainage may be conveyed by a graded swale in a drainage easement(s) drafted and executed by the property owners of record and filed with the registrar of Titles’ or Recorder’s office of the county with proof thereof presented to the issuing authority.
(C) Common driveway setbacks. Setbacks from a side or rear property line may be zero feet where an access easement or a driveway common to abutting properties has been required by the city or has been approved by the City Traffic Engineer, and an access easement or common driveway easement drafted and executed by the property owners of record is filed with the Registrar of Titles’ or Recorder’s office of the county with proof thereof presented to the issuing authority.
(D) Reduced setback of garages. When a variance has been approved by the City Council to reduce the setback of any garage from a side or rear property line, or a garage is legally nonconforming with a reduced setback from a side or rear property line, the setback of the driveway serving that garage parallel to a side of rear property line may be greater than or equal to the setback of the garage, subject to the provisions of this section of this code.
(E) Existing utilities. Prior to issuance of a permit for any new or replacement driveway with a setback from a side or rear property line of less than five feet, the permit application shall be reviewed with the City Engineer. The issuing authority shall not issue a permit for a driveway which encroaches upon a utility easement where an installed utility is known to exist. When a driveway is installed in an easement area where no public utilities currently exist, an encroachment agreement approved by the City Engineer is required, and the property owner assumes all responsibility for replacement of any private improvements damaged or destroyed by lawful access to or use of public easements.
(F) Variances. Variances to driveway setbacks from property lines may be processed as administrative variances, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2, Article II of this code.
(11) Circular driveways without second curb cuts. If a circular driveway does not require a second curb cut the secondary driveway not leading to a garage is limited to 12 feet in width and must meet all other driveway standards.
(12) Permit required. A driveway permit is required for construction, replacement, overlay or alteration of a residential driveway or off-drive parking or turnaround area, with limited exceptions for repairs as set forth in this section of this code. If the driveway approach is modified, appropriate permits must be obtained as required in Chapter 17, Article I of this code.
(13) Graphic illustrations.
(A) Driveways, driveway approach, off-drive parking area and off-drive turn-around area.
(B) Second curb cut and driveway.
(j) Off-street loading.
(1) Maneuvering space. Space must be provided within the off-street loading area so that any maneuvering back into or out of a loading space can be conducted outside of any public right-of-way.
(2) Location and design. Loading areas must be located and designed to ensure that the entering and exiting vehicles do not disrupt vehicle and pedestrian circulation patterns.
(3) Loading berth screening. No loading berth for vehicles over two ton capacity may be closer than 100 feet to any residential district unless completely enclosed by building walls not less than eight feet in height.
(4) Noise. Where noise from loading or unloading activity is audible in a residential district, pursuant to § 10.30 of this code, the activity shall terminate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(5) Setbacks. Components of loading docks that are enclosed or covered must meet the setback requirements of the underlying zoning district. Components of loading docks, including landings, berths, and ramps that are not enclosed or covered must meet setback requirements for drive aisles.
(k) Sale of parking areas. Property that constitutes required off-street parking area must not be separated, through sale or other means, from the property containing the principal use for which the parking area is required.
(l) Compliance and change of use for a structure or site or additions thereto.
(1) Design standards for site redevelopment or addition. When either a full redevelopment of a site is proposed or an addition that would increase the floor area on a site by 25% or greater, the entire site must be brought into compliance with the standards of this section of this code, subject to the approval of the city issuing authority.
(2) Number of off-street parking spaces. Any change in occupancy, square footage, or use must comply with the minimum and maximum parking requirements as set forth in this section of this code, subject to approval of the city issuing authority.
(3) Requirements for nonconformities. Requirements for nonconformities are set forth in § 21.504 of this code.
(m) Parking and storage of vehicles and trailers in residential zones.
(1) Recreational vehicles. This section does not regulate recreational vehicles. Recreational vehicles are defined and regulated in § 21.301.13.
(2) Vehicles.
(A) Types of vehicles.
(i) Type I motor vehicle. A vehicle that is:
(aa) Less than or equal to eight feet in height; and
(bb) Less than or equal to 22 feet in length;
(cc) Not a recreational vehicle; and
(dd) Not a non-residential vehicle.
(ii) Type II motor vehicle. A vehicle that is:
(aa) A taxi that meets the Type I motor vehicle requirements; or
(bb) A limousine that meets the Type I motor vehicle requirements; or
(cc) A Type I vehicle with a snow plow attachment.
(iii) Type III motor vehicle. A vehicle that is:
(aa) Greater than eight feet in height; or
(bb) Greater than 22 feet in length.
(iv) Non-residential vehicle. Motor vehicles that, by virtue of their use, design, type, or characteristics, are not customary and incidental to the use or occupancy of residential properties. These include, but are not limited to:
(aa) Boom trucks;
(bb) Buses;
(cc) Cargo trucks;
(dd) Dump trucks;
(ee) Farm implements (except when used in an agricultural use authorized under this code);
(ff) Fire trucks;
(gg) Flatbed trucks;
(hh) Forklifts;
(ii) Hearses;
(jj) Loaders;
(kk) Semi-trailer tractors;
(ll) Skid steers;
(mm) Step vans;
(nn) Tank trucks;
(oo) Tow trucks;
(pp) Tractors; and
(qq) Riding lawnmowers or snowblowers, and recreational vehicles are not considered non-residential vehicles.
(B) Measurements.
(i) Height. The height of a motor vehicle is measured as the vertical distance between the lowest part of the tires to the top of the highest part of the vehicle.
(ii) Length. The length of a motor vehicle is measured as the horizontal distance between the front edge of the vehicle to the rear edge of the vehicle.
(iii) For purposes of measurement, accessories, attachments, and materials fixed or carried upon a vehicle will be considered part of the vehicle (with the exception of aerial antennas and attached trailers).
(C) Standards.
(i) Type I and II motor vehicles. Type I and II motor vehicles are permitted to be parked or stored in a residential district or in the public right-of-way immediately abutting any residential district, subject to the requirements of this section and any other applicable sections of this code.
(aa) A vehicle that is a Type II vehicle by reason of the attachment of a snowplow blade may only be parked or stored with blade attached between November 1st and April 30th.
(bb) No Type II vehicle may be parked or stored at a residentially zoned lot unless that vehicle is owned or leased or regularly used by a person physically residing on that premises.
(ii) Type III motor vehicles. Type III vehicles must not be parked or stored in a residential district or in the public right-of-way immediately abutting any residential district, except as provided under subsection (m)(4) of this section.
(iii) Non-residential motor vehicles. Non-residential vehicles must not be parked or stored in a residential district or in the public right-of-way immediately abutting any residential district, except as provided under subsection (m)(4) of this section.
(iv) Limitations on quantity.
(aa) No more than four vehicles per unit may be parked or stored at single-family and two-family dwelling units outside a garage or on a street.
(bb) Only one Type II vehicle may be parked or stored per single-family or two-family dwelling unit.
(cc) Vehicles temporarily parked at a residence for visitation or business service reasons, Class I recreational vehicles (as defined in § 21.301.13 of this code), or any vehicle parked or stored within a garage will not be counted for the purposes of these numerical limitations.
(dd) All other vehicles, whether screened or not, including abandoned vehicles, junk vehicles, or inoperable vehicles, as defined in § 8.04 of this code, will be counted as vehicles for purposes of determining the number of vehicles parked or stored outside of a garage or on the street.
(v) Location requirements. The location of parked and stored vehicles on residentially zoned lots must adhere to the requirements of subsection (i)(4) above.
(3) Trailers.
(A) Standards.
(i) Limitations on size. The following size trailers are prohibited from being parked or stored in a residential district or in the public right-of-way immediately abutting any residential district:
(aa) Trailers with a trailer bed greater than eight feet six inches in length; or
(bb) Trailers greater than six feet in height.
(cc) The length of a trailer bed is measured as the horizontal distance between the front and rear edges of the trailer bed.
(dd) The height of a trailer is measured as the vertical distance between the lowest part of the tires to the top of the highest part of the trailer. Accessories, attachments, and materials carried upon a trailer and/or trailer bed are considered part of the trailer and will be included in the height measurement.
(ii) Parking location requirements.
(aa) Trailers may not be parked or stored more than eight feet in front of a dwelling unit wall plane that faces a public street unless parked or stored on a legal driveway or off-drive parking area.
(bb) Trailers must be setback at least five feet from any lot line.
(iii) Limitations on quantity. Only one trailer may be parked or stored on a residentially zoned lot outside of a garage.
(4) Exceptions. The parking and storage limitations and requirements of this section are subject to the following exceptions:
(A) Vehicles and trailers otherwise prohibited from being parked or stored under this section may be temporarily parked on or in front of a residential lot while being loaded or unloaded or while rendering a service at that location.
(B) Vehicles and trailers otherwise restricted by this section may be parked on a residential lot when the lawful principal use of the lot under the Zoning Code is other than residential and the vehicle and/or trailer is directly related to that lawful use.
(C) Vehicles designed for accommodating the needs of a person with disabilities are allowed to exceed the Type I or Type II height limits set in this section, provided that the vehicle displays a disability license plate or disability parking sticker issued by the state.
(D) Vehicles and trailers otherwise prohibited from being parked or stored under this section may be temporarily parked on weekdays between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Such parking must occur off the public right-of-way and on the premises owned or occupied by the driver of the vehicle.
(Ord. 2006-54, passed 12-18-2006; Ord. 2007-7, passed 2-26-2007; Ord. 2007-22, passed 6-25-2007; Ord. 2008-1, passed 1-14-2008; Ord. 2008-13, passed 4-21-2008; Ord. 2009-1, passed 1-26-2009; Ord. 2009-26, passed 9-14-2009; Ord. 2006-36, passed 11-16-2009; Ord. 2009-40, passed 12-7-2009; Ord. 2010-1, passed 1-4-2010; Ord. 2010-7, passed 3-22-2010; Ord. 2011-16, passed 8-1-2011; Ord. 2013-13, passed 5-20-2013; Ord. 2015-3, passed 1-26-2015; Ord. 2015-5, passed 1-26-2015; Ord. 2015-15, passed 5-18-2015; Ord. 2015-27, passed 10-19-2015; Ord. 2015-29, passed 11-2-2015; Ord. 2015-33, passed 11-16-2015; Ord. 2016-6, passed 4-18-2016; Ord. 2017-9, passed 5-1-2017; Ord. 2017-15, passed 5-22-2017; Ord. 2019-2, passed 1-7-2019; Ord. 2019-6, passed 1-7-2019; Ord. 2019-11, passed 1-7-2019; Ord. 2019-47, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2019-50, passed 12-16-2019; Ord. 2019-57, passed 12-16-2019; Ord. 2019-65, passed 12-16-2019; Ord. 2020-1, passed 2-24-2020; Ord. 2020-13, passed 5-4-2020; Ord. 2020-44, passed 12-21-2020; Ord. 2020-46, passed 12-21-2020; Ord. 2021-7, passed 4-26-2021; Ord. 2022-25, passed 5-9-2022; Ord. 2022-30, passed 6-6-2022; Ord. 2022-43, passed 9-12-2022; Ord. 2022-60, passed 12-19-2022; Ord. 2022-61, passed 12-19-2022; Ord. 2022-70, passed 12-19-2022; Ord. 2022-71, passed 12-19-2022; Ord. 2023-16, passed 5-22-2023; Ord. 2023-34, passed 12-18-2023)