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A. Provide standards that will help to reinforce existing and desired development patterns and building features intended to implement the Comprehensive Plan;
B. Design sites and orient buildings with an emphasis on character and creating a comfortable walking environment;
C. Design buildings that respond to the unique context of the site;
D. Reduce impacts to wildlife;
E. Promote original and distinctive building design; and
F. Incorporate sustainable development practices.
3. Compliance with Additional Form and Design Standards Required:
(2) All new Multiple-Family, mixed-use, and nonresidential development, including but not limited to Parking Garages shall comply with all other standards and mandatory content related to building design in the Citywide and Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, as applicable in the area where the property is located.
(3) Residential uses with four or fewer units in a single structure are exempt from these standards.
B. In the event of a conflict between two or more standards in this Section 11-04-06, or between the standards in this Section 11-04-06 and applicable standards in the Citywide or Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, the provision requiring the higher level of visual building quality and interest, as determined by the Planning Director, shall apply.
4. General Site and Building Design Form Standards:
A. Buildings and Parking Placement: In all zoning districts except the R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, A-1 and A-2 zoning districts, each primary building and each parking garage shall be located so that no surface parking lot is located closer to any abutting street than the façade of the building or parking garage fronting that street.
B. Building Entrances:
(1) At least one pedestrian entry to each primary building shall be visible and directly accessible from at least one of the adjacent streets unless Subsection (3) below requires additional pedestrian entries or Subsection (4) below requires pedestrian entries in different locations.
(2) At least one pedestrian entry to each primary building shall be visible and directly accessible from any pathway designated on the Boise Pathways Master Plan that is located on the same lot or on an abutting lot.
(3) On each primary building frontage exceeding 100 feet in length that has a nonresidential ground floor use, at least one pedestrian entry to the building shall be visible and directly accessible from the street within each 50 horizontal feet of building length.
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(4) In districts with an established pattern of building entrances facing the street, new buildings shall be designed with entrances complying with the established pattern to the maximum extent practicable.
(5) Regardless of whether the entry is required by Subsections (1) through (3) above, each outward opening pedestrian entry facing a street shall be designed so that it does not encroach on or interfere with pedestrian passage along any designated sidewalk.
(6) Regardless of whether the entry is required by Subsections (1) through (3) above, each pedestrian entry that provides access to a primary building or parking lot, and that faces a street or a surface parking lot, shall incorporate a covered area providing weather protection to those entering or leaving the building. Each covered weather protection feature shall extend at least five horizontal feet outward from the façade of the building or be inset a minimum of five feet into the façade of the building. Weather protection may be accomplished by canopies, arcades, awnings, or other building features. Covered areas shall not drain onto sidewalks.
C. Façade Transparency:
(1) If the ground floor of the building is located within 10 feet of the sidewalk, at least 40 percent of the ground floor, street-facing façade between four and eight feet above the sidewalk, shall be transparent.
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(2) If the ground floor of the building is located between 10 and 20 feet from the sidewalk, at least 25 percent of the ground floor, street-facing façade between four and eight feet above the sidewalk shall be transparent.
(3) When the ground floor of the building is occupied by residential uses, at least 15 percent of the street-facing façade (all vertical surfaces generally facing the street) shall be transparent.
(4) Window glazing on the bottom two floors on street-facing façades of each primary building that does not provide visibility into residential dwelling units shall achieve a visible transmittance ratio (VT) of at least 0.60.
(5) At least 90 percent of the glazing of any building façade shall include features that enable birds to perceive the glass as a solid object using at least one of the following treatments:
(a) Non-reflective glass or window film that is opaque or translucent;
(b) External screens installed permanently over glass windows;
(c) Paned glass with mullions on the exterior of the glass;
(d) Glass covered with patterns (e.g., dots, stripes, images, abstract patterns. lettering), etched. fritted, stenciled, silkscreened, applied to the glass on films or decals, or another method of permanently incorporating the patterns into or onto the glass. Elements of the patterns shall be at least one-eighth (1/8) inch tall and separated no more than two inches vertically, at least one-quarter (1/4) inch wide and separated by no more than four inches horizontally; or
(e) Other glazing treatments providing an equivalent level of bird safety and approved by the Planning Director.
D. Building Façade Articulation: Each street-facing façade of a primary building shall be designed to avoid undifferentiated wall planes by dividing street-facing façade into a series of smaller horizontal and vertical components that comply with the following standards.
(1) Each street-facing façade shall incorporate at least three of the following elements within each 50 horizontal feet of the building façade:
(a) Use of vertical piers or columns;
(b) Change in building material or siding style;
(c) Providing vertical building modulation of at least 12 inches in depth;
(d) Projections, recessions, or reveals that include but not limited to, columns, pilasters, cornices, and bays, and having a change of wall plane that is a minimum of 12 inches in depth;
(e) A change in building material, siding style, or color; and/or
(f) Other methods as approved by the Planning Director.
(2) In the Industrial zoning districts, each street-facing façade shall follow what is required in the Citywide Design Review Standards and Guidelines.
5. Use-Specific Building Form Standards:
A. Applicability:
(1) All uses listed in Table 11-03.1
: Table of Allowed Uses, as an Allowed Use shall comply with the following Use-Specific Form Standards (the Allowed Forms), as applicable to the zoning district in which the property is located. In the event of a conflict between these standards and applicable standards in Chapter 11-02
, Zoning Districts or in Subsections 3 or 4 above, the standards in this Subsection 5 shall apply.
(2) If an application for an allowed use does not comply with one or more of the Allowed Form standards in this Section 11-04-09.5, an Alternative Form for the building or development containing the use may be approved by the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 11-05-05.3.A, Allowed Use with Alternative Form.
(3) These standards shall apply to all new construction or site redevelopments that result in the expansion and alteration of the gross floor area of an existing primary building by 50 percent or more.
B. Uses Located in the MX-1 District:
(1) The use shall be located in a building at least two stories in height; or
(2) The use shall be located in a building or development containing at least two different uses listed in Table 11-03.1
: Table of Allowed Uses;
C. Uses Located in the MX-3 District:
(1) The use shall be located in a building at least four stories in height; and
(3) As an alternative to Subsection (2) above, a Multiple-Family Dwelling may meet the requirements of Section 11-04-03.7.D(4) regarding affordable housing and sustainable development and earn the related incentives.
D. Uses Located in the MX-4 District:
(1) The use shall be located in a building at least four stories in height;
(2) The use shall be located in a building or development that does not include a surface Parking Lot;
(3) The use shall be located in a building or development that does not include a Parking Garage with a greater number of vehicle parking spaces than the minimum required by Section 11-04-08.5, Minimum and Maximum Off-Street Parking Standards, as adjusted pursuant to Section 11-04-08.7, Parking Adjustments; and
(4) The use shall be located in a building where at least 80 percent of the ground floor street frontage is occupied by uses that are in active use by occupants or users of the building or development, or by the general public. This requirement is not met by ground floor parking areas, storage areas, utility facilities, or stairwells that are not accessible from the street frontage.
(5) As an alternative to Subsections (2), (3), and (4) above a Multiple-Family Dwelling may meet the requirements of Section 11-04-03.7.D(5) regarding affordable housing and sustainable development and earn the related incentives.
E. Uses Located in the MX-5 District:
(1) The use shall be located in a building at least four stories in height;
(2) The use or development shall not include a Surface Parking Lot outside of the building footprint; and
(3) The use shall be located in a building where at least 80 percent of the ground floor street frontage is occupied by uses that are in active use by occupants or users of the building or development, or by the general public. This requirement is not met by ground floor parking areas, storage areas, utility facilities, or stairwells that are not accessible from the street frontage. (Ord. 27-23, 7-18-2023, eff. 12-1-2023; amd. Ord. 43-23, 12-5-2023)
1. Purpose: The purpose of this Section 11-04-07 is to support the City's mobility and climate goals by providing comfortable walking, cycling, transit and other active modes of transportation in new development and the redevelopment of property.
2. Applicability: Unless otherwise stated in this Code, all development of vacant land, all construction of new structures, all modification of existing structures, and the Subdivision of Land, and developments on parcels shall comply with the standards of this Section 11-04-07.
3. General:
A. Compliance with Life Safety Regulations: In addition to all other provisions of this Section 11-04-07, all developments shall comply with all applicable regulations and ordinances for fire protection, emergency vehicle access, and life safety adopted by the City, including those that may limit the number of residential dwelling units relying on a limited number of vehicle access points. If there is a conflict between the requirements of this Section and life safety standards, the Planning Director in consultation with the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) and the Idaho Transportation Department shall determine which standard shall apply.
B. Americans with Disabilities Act:
(1) Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") and other federal and state accessibility laws is the sole responsibility of the property owner. Compliance with this Code does not assure compliance with the ADA or any other federal or state accessibility laws or any regulations or guidelines enacted or promulgated under or with respect to such laws. The city is not responsible for enforcement of the ADA or any other federal or state accessibility laws.
(2) All development shall comply with accessibility requirements based on the most recent version of the International Building Code and the International Code Council, or any future update of that document adopted by Boise City.
(3) Where a project develops or redevelops property in the MX-5 district with street frontage adjacent to one or more of the City's ADA accessible on-street existing or planned parking spaces, the applicant shall reconstruct the curb to include an ADA compliant pedestrian access ramp from the street level to the sidewalk along each such frontage. The design shall comply with the federal Public Right-of-Way Accessibility (PROWAG) Guidelines to the maximum extent practicable. The map of ADA accessible on-street parking spaces is available on the City's website.
C. Compliance with Solid Waste Ordinance and Solid Waste Design Standards: All developments shall comply with all applicable regulations, ordinances, and design standards for solid waste adopted by the City, including specifics around site design and solid waste service. All designs shall include measures to protect pedestrians and bicyclists to the maximum extent practicable. If there is a conflict between the requirements of this Section and solid waste design standards, the Planning Director in consultation with the Director of Public Works shall determine which standard shall apply.
4. Design Standards:
(1) Provide safe and convenient access for bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles to and from perimeter streets, parks, schools, public transit facilities, public and private institutions to the maximum extent practicable.
(2) Provide safe and convenient access for bicyclists and pedestrians to and from existing and proposed pathways and trails existing or designated on a Subdivision Plat, the Boise Pathways Master Plan, or other adopted City or ACHD plans.
(3) Accommodate safe, convenient, and comfortable pedestrian and bicycle travel on streets, or on off-street pathways. In cases where the street network cannot be designed to accommodate pedestrian or bicycle travel due to soil, topography, easement, or other constraints.
(4) Except for designated collector and arterial streets, allow individuals traveling within a development or subdivision, and to and from properties adjacent to that land, without accessing the collector or arterial street network.
(5) Incorporate traffic calming strategies, including but not limited to curb extensions, median islands, speed bumps, chicanes, traffic filters, and neighborhood traffic circles, into street networks to the maximum extent practicable. Traffic calming devices that can significantly impede the response of or possibly damage emergency vehicles and equipment, such as speed bumps are not allowed.
B. Public Streets:
(1) General: Public streets shall be accepted, dedicated to, and owned by the Ada County Highway District (ACHD), Idaho Department of Transportation, or other governmental or quasi-governmental entity.
(2) Street Design:
(a) The design of all streets shall conform to requirements established by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), ACHD, and the Idaho Transportation Department. Where there is a conflict in the standards, the City will require the design that achieves the highest level of safety and comfort.
(b) Street intersections in residential areas shall create a 90 degree intersection to the maximum extent practicable.
(3) Street Grades: Street grades shall comply with applicable ACHD and adopted fire safety standards.
(4) Dead-End Streets:
(a) Dead-end streets shall not be permitted, except streets temporarily terminating at the boundary of a subdivision may be allowed when ACHD or City Council determines the extension of the street is necessary for the proper development of the street pattern. An approved turnaround shall be required at the terminus of all temporary and permanent dead-end streets. A sign indicating the street is planned to be extended in the future will be installed at the end of the street.
(b) A paved hammerhead turnaround 15 feet wide and 50 feet long may be required in cases where lots are not accessible for solid waste collection vehicles to turn around completely.
(5) Street Names: Street names shall be approved by the Ada County Land Records Division.
(6) Street Access:
(a) Each lot shall have direct access to a public street or alley that has been improved to applicable street standards and has been accepted, dedicated to, and accepted by the Ada County Highway District, or shall have access to a private street that has been improved to applicable City private street standards.
(b) If alley access to individual lots is available, access points from that lot to an abutting street shall be prohibited unless the Planning Director determines the use of the alley access is impracticable due to the nature or operating characteristics of the proposed use on the lot.
(c) Where alley access is not available or use of alley access is impracticable, street access points between abutting parcels shall be consolidated and shared to the maximum extent practicable.
(d) Where alley access is not available and a lot has frontage on two or more streets, a single street access point shall be located on the street with the lowest traffic volume to the maximum extent practicable, unless the Planning Director determines that the access point on the street with the lowest traffic volume will adversely impact planned and existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
(7) Gated Streets, Driveways, and/or Subdivisions:
(a) After the Effective Date, the use of access control gates that restrict access to new or existing developments in any Residential or Mixed-Use zoning district or any portion of a Planned Unit Development, is prohibited.
(b) Gates are permitted to be installed for security purposes in the Industrial or Open Lands zoning districts provided they are set back at least 30 feet from the public right-of-way line.
(8) Insufficient Roadway Width: When shorter segments of curb and gutter improvements are not feasible as determined by the Planning Director, a substitute physical demarcation or barrier shall be installed to provide a clear boundary between required landscaping and orderly, parallel, on-street parking, and to accommodate storm drainage. An approved barrier such as ribbon curbing with vertical landscaping, low fencing, or other approved means shall be installed to ensure the public right-of-way does not become an area that is unmaintained and, if feasible, allows
for on-street parking
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C. Private Streets:
(1) General: Private streets are strongly discouraged and shall only be permitted when approved by the Planning Director based on unique circumstances that make the construction and dedication of public streets impracticable. When approved by the Planning Director, private streets shall comply with standards in Subsection B above and, shall be located and designed to:
(a) Provide safe, convenient, and comfortable movement of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian travel;
(b) Not adversely affect access to adjacent properties or the public transportation network;
(c) Not interfere with or decrease public access to adjacent property or places of public interest;
(d) Not connect one public street to another, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Director;
(e) Not interrupt the continuity of public streets or the public street network; and
(f) Comply with the ACHD structural standards for streets, as shown on design and construction documents prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer.
(2) Single-Family-Detached/Single-Family Attached/Duplex Residential
(a) Private streets are permitted in Single-Family Detached, Single-Family Attached, and Duplex Dwelling developments, provided they comply with the general requirements in Subsection (1) above and:
i. The parcel shape or site topography will not allow the street design to meet ACHD width standards for public streets; or
ii. Compliance with ACHD public street standards is in conflict with the intent of minimizing disruption to vegetation or other topographical elements required by Section 11-02-07.3.G, HS-O: Hillside Development Overlay.
NUMBER OF RESIDENTIAL LOTS VS. STREET LENGTH | MINIMUM RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTH (FEET) | STREET WIDTH BACK OF CURB TO BACK OF CURB (FEET) | DETACHED SIDEWALK REQUIRED BOTH SIDES | DETACHED SIDEWALK EASEMENT ALLOWED |
Up to 3 lots w/ length less than 200 feet | 24 | 24 | Yes | Yes [1] |
Up to 3 lots w/ length greater than 200 feet | 28 (24 for the final 200 feet) | 28/24 | Yes | Yes [1] |
4 or more lots w/ length less than 200 feet | 24 | 24 | Yes | Yes [1] |
4 or more lots w/ length greater than 200 feet | 28 (24 for the final 200 feet) | 28/24 | Yes | Yes [1] |
Notes: [1] Setback requirements shall be from the back of sidewalk. |
D. Alleys - Public and Private: Alleys are subject to the following standards:
(1) The minimum alley width for a one-way alley shall be 12 feet.
(2) The minimum alley width for a two-way alley shall be 20 feet.
(3) Alley construction shall meet ACHD standards.
E. Cul-de-Sacs:
(1) Cul-de-sacs shall be avoided to the maximum extent practicable and shall only be permitted when unusual terrain or site conditions prevent a through street connection.
(2)
Where permitted, cul-de-sacs shall connect to the closest local, collector, or arterial street, to adjacent cul-de-sacs, or to any adjacent existing or proposed public open space, park, pathway, trail or school with a pedestrian easement or public right-of-way at least 15 feet in width shown on the Subdivision Plat, unless deemed impracticable by the Planning Director.
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F. Block Size and Design: Where a Subdivision Plat includes streets in a Residential or Mixed-Use zoning district, the dimensions of each new block created shall meet the following standards to the maximum extent practicable in light of topographic conditions.
(1) The length of new blocks created shall not exceed 330 feet in width and 660 feet in length.
(2) Each block shall be bordered by public or private streets meeting the requirements of this Section 11-04-07.4 and with all applicable Ada County Highway District technical requirements.
(3) The Planning Director may adjust the standard in Subsection (1) above if the Planning Director determines that a larger perimeter is necessary because of constraints or unusual terrain or site conditions that make it impracticable to design blocks of this size, and that the reduced internal vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation caused by the larger block perimeter have been mitigated to the maximum extent practicable.
G.
Cross-Access between Adjacent Mixed-Use and Nonresidential Uses: All development or redevelopment in Mixed-Use, Industrial, or Open Land zoning districts shall comply with the following standards.
(1) To the maximum extent practicable, each lot layout shall be designed to allow for cross-access to adjacent properties to encourage shared parking and shared access points to a street. This may be established by one or more of the following:
(a) Connecting streets and driveways;
(b) Coordinating parking lot and parking structure entrances;
(c) Common service/delivery areas;
(d) Legally shared parking lots and parking structures;
(e) Linkages between parking lots and parking structures; or
(f) Providing shared access for two adjacent lots from public rights-of-way to minimize driveways.
(2)
When cross-access is deemed impractical by the Planning Director on the basis of topography, the presence of natural features, or vehicular, bicycle and/or pedestrian safety, this requirement may be waived provided that appropriate bicycle and pedestrian connections are provided between adjacent Multiple-Family, mixed-use or nonresidential developments or land uses.
H. Transit Stops:
(1) Where an adopted plan of the City or a transit agency recognized by the City identifies a future transit stop location, no permanent or temporary structure, or utilities that are not transit supportive shall be located in any portion of the site identified for that transit stop, or for access points or parking facilities required by this Code. Transit footings or structures shall be installed at the time of development of the site to the maximum extent practicable.
(2) Use of those portions of the site shall be limited to a transit stop, required landscaping, buffering, and open space until arrangements for the dedication or acquisition of that portion of the site for transit stop purposes is finalized, or until the City or the transit agency that designated the location indicates in writing that it is no longer needed for transit stop purposes.
I. Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Circulation: All development and redevelopment shall comply with the following standards to the maximum extent practicable. In the event of a conflict between these standards and those in another provision of this Code, the standard requiring the greater level of connectivity shall apply.
(1) Sidewalks and Pedestrian Facilities: Unless otherwise required by specific standards applicable to the Residential and Mixed-Use zoning district, by the Boise Pathways Master Plan or other adopted plan, or standard adopted by the City:
(a) All sidewalks shall be a minimum of five feet wide. A minimum of 10 foot wide sidewalks shall be provided and constructed within a development if the Planning Director deems the access is beneficial to provide pedestrian and bicycle access to schools, playgrounds, shopping areas, transportation, or other community facilities.
(b) Detached sidewalks shall be required on both sides of all arterial and collector streets identified within the current ACHD Master Street Map. Detached sidewalks shall be required on both sides of all local streets, including cul-de-sacs. The Planning Director may allow attached sidewalks on local streets when it has been determined detached sidewalks are unable to be constructed due to unusual terrain, site conditions, utility conditions, or other circumstances that make the provision of detached sidewalks impracticable.
(c) When sidewalks are separated from the curb line, a minimum distance of eight to 10 feet or within an approved suspended pavement system is required to accommodate buffering and street trees required by Section 11-04-09.4, Street Frontage Landscaping shall be provided.
(d) Sidewalks internal to developments shall be a minimum of five feet wide and shall be separated from vehicular areas (including but not limited to parking spaces, driveways, and drive aisles) by a vertical barrier such as curb, bollards or other means approved by the Planning Director. Any mailboxes, signs, utility equipment, vertical structures or other items located within or near any sidewalk shall be located in an area that preserves a five-foot clear horizontal passageway and an 80-inch vertical clearance below any items projecting from the building façade for pedestrians at all points on the sidewalk.
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(2) Bikeways: Designated bicycle lanes and/or multi-use pathways are required in the design of all arterial, collector, and local streets as shown in the network maps included in the ACHD Roadways to Bikeways Plan, Boise Pathways Master Plan, Ada County Ridge-to-Rivers Trails Plan, and other adopted City or ACHD plans. In the event of a conflict between one or more plans, the Planning Director shall determine which network map and design standard shall apply.
(3) Multi-Use Pathways: Multi-use pathways, separated from motor vehicle traffic, are required where indicated on the Boise Pathways Master Plan, Ada County Ridge-to-Rivers Trails Plan, or other plans adopted by the City. The land or public easement to accommodate such pathways shall be dedicated to the appropriate entity, such as the City, Idaho Transportation Department, ACHD, or in some unique cases the Homeowners Association (HOA).
(4)
Connection to Sidewalks, Bikeways, and Multi-Use Pathways: Each extension or connection of a street or public right-of-way to an abutting property, street, or public right-of-way shall include the extension or connection of associated bikeways, sidewalks, multi-use pathways, or trails.
(5) Consent of Irrigation Easement Holder: If one or more pedestrian walkway, pathway, or bicycle facility required by this Code is proposed to be located within or across an irrigation easement, the applicant shall coordinate with the irrigation company to determine if the facility can be built within the irrigation easement. If the irrigation company does not allow the facility to be built within the easement, it is the responsibility of the applicant to identify another location within the applicant's control for the facility or crossing that will not prevent the facility from connecting to similar improvements on adjacent properties.
(6)
Design Standards: The design of all sidewalks, bikeways, and multi-use paths shall comply with all requirements in the relevant adopted City plan, ACHD plan, or technical manual such as NACTO and shall integrate with the design standards of the improvements on the adjacent development to ensure a safe, continuous, and comprehensive travel network. Where there is a conflict in the standards, the City will require the design that achieves the highest level of safety and comfort.
J. General Ingress and Egress:
(1) Driveways:
(a) Where lots/parcels are adjacent to an alley, all access to developments, parking areas, and parking garages shall be from the alley rather than from driveways leading to a street abutting the lot/parcel.
(b) Except as stated in Subsection (a) above, driveways providing reasonable access to required private or public parking areas, including garages, may extend through the front or street side setback in a perpendicular manner provided they comply with Section 11-04-07.4.J(2), below.
(c) Except as stated in Subsection (a) above, driveways that extend through the setback in other than a perpendicular manner may be approved due to physical limitations of the site or for safety purposes. The Planning Director may approve such driveways upon a determination that:
i. The driveway is required to enhance the natural elements of the site such as preserving existing trees; or
ii. The driveway is required for safety reasons such as avoiding backing into a collector or arterial street or a street with limited motorist visibility.
(d) A driveway for a Single-Family Detached Dwelling or a Duplex Dwelling shall be a minimum of nine feet in width and shall not exceed 30 feet in width for each unit unless a different maximum width is permitted or required by another provision of this Code or an adopted City standard.
(e) Circular driveways are prohibited unless specifically approved by the Planning Director based on considerations of safety.
(f) A paved hammerhead turnaround 15 feet wide and 50 feet long may be required in cases where lot(s) are not accessible for solid waste collection vehicles to turn around completely.
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Figure 4.15. Driveway Width
(a) Applicability: Service drives may be used to provide access to commercial or Multiple-Family parking lots and spaces, loading spaces, drive-up windows, or other areas that need a provision of access.
(b) Standards:
i. Service drives shall not intersect the street where they will impede an abutting property from having access to at least one street, or where compliance with applicable intersection and driveways would interrupt the continuity of public streets.
ii. Service drives shall not encourage or promote pass through between public or private streets, unless specifically approved by the Planning Director, based on considerations of bicycle, pedestrian, or traffic safety.
iii. Service drives shall intersect a street at a 90 degree angle, unless otherwise approved by the City and the Ada County Highway District.
iv. Each service drive identified as a fire access drive shall comply with all applicable Fire Department standards.
v. A paved hammerhead turnaround 15 feet wide and 50 feet long may be required in cases where lots/parcels are not accessible for solid waste collection vehicles to turn around completely.
(c) Widths:
i. One-way service drives without parking on either side shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide. Two-way service drives without parking on either side shall be a minimum of 20 feet wide.
ii. The width of a service drive at the point where it intersects a street shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width if the street is limited to one-way traffic, or a minimum of 20 feet in width if the street accommodates two-way traffic.
iii. The width of a service drive at the point where it intersects a street shall not exceed a maximum of 36-feet for Multiple-Family, commercial or mixed-use developments and a maximum of 40-feet for industrial developments.
iv. The width between building appurtenances such as carport overhangs shall be a minimum of 24 feet.
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v. Where a service drive provides perpendicular access to a parking space or a garage, the parking space or garage shall be set back from the service drive so that the combined distance of the service drive width and the garage or parking space is a minimum of 22 feet.
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(d) Grade: Maximum grade for service drives shall be 10 percent unless a steeper grade is specifically approved by the Fire Code Official. A maximum grade of two percent, unless specifically approved by the ACHD, shall be required for the initial 80 feet from the intersecting curb to provide a landing at the junction of the service drive and the public right-of-way.
K. Mixed-Use, Industrial, and Open Land Districts Vehicular Circulation: In the Mixed-Use, Industrial, and Open Land zoning districts, access to lots located on arterial and collector streets as depicted on the ACHD Master Street Map shall meet the requirements below.
(1) Access points shall be oriented at right angles to the street.
(2) Access points shall be minimized and located a minimum of 50 feet from each other, or meet ACHD requirements, whichever is more restrictive.
(3) Access points shall be located at least 50 feet from any intersecting public street right-of-way.
(4) Access points shall be located at least 10 feet from an adjacent property line, except where one, shared driveway can be established or is planned to serve both the subject property and the adjacent property.
(5) Primary circulation and access points shall be oriented toward the abutting street with the lowest traffic volumes to the maximum extent practicable unless the Planning Director determines that the access point on the street with the lowest traffic volume will adversely impact planned and existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
(6) Driveways or service drives that allow all turning movements shall be aligned with one another on arterial, collector and local streets to contribute to a safe and efficient circulation pattern.
L. Pedestrian Access and Connectivity:
(1) Required Connections: All parcels that contain a Multiple-Family and nonresidential use, shall provide the following pedestrian connections, as applicable:
(a) A safe, convenient, and accessible pedestrian connection from the main entrance of a building to a public sidewalk and/or internal walkway that connects to a public sidewalk.
(b) Connections between internal and perimeter sidewalks at a maximum interval of 1,320 feet along the perimeter street.
(c) Sidewalks between the principal entrance of each building in a development containing more than one building.
(d) Connections to any sidewalks on adjacent properties that extend to the boundaries of such properties. Multiple pedestrian connections between adjacent developments shall be provided to the maximum extent practicable.
(e) Connections to community facilities on site, including, but not limited to, trash collection areas, mail collection facilities, bicycle parking and site amenities.
(f) Connections to any adjacent park, trail, or transit stop.
(2) Standards for Pedestrian Connections:
(a) Each site shall include detached sidewalks at least five feet wide, on both sides of each abutting street, unless otherwise specified by district-specific requirements for the Mixed-Use zoning districts, or as otherwise required by the Boise Pathways Master Plan or other plan adopted by the City or ACHD. All sidewalks shall be sited and illuminated appropriately to provide safe passage and observation of the pathway route.
(b) Mixed-use development and Multiple-Family Dwellings within one-quarter mile radius of a transit stop shall include a direct, on-site pedestrian connection to the transit station to the maximum extent practicable. If that is not practicable, a direct pedestrian connection to a public sidewalk leading to the nearest transit station with signage directing pedestrians the station shall be provided on site.
(c) At each point where a sidewalk shall cross a parking lot, service drive, internal street, or driveway, it shall be clearly marked using retroreflective painted lines, a change in color, change in materials, change in elevation, or some combination of those techniques, some of which are illustrated in Figure 4.18
, below.
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5. Compliance with Design Standards:
A. In addition to the standards required by this Section 11-04-07, all Multiple-Family Dwelling, mixed-use, and nonresidential development shall comply with the standards and other mandatory content in the Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines and the Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, as applicable in the area where the property is located.
B. In the event of a conflict between the standards in this Section 11-04-07
and applicable standards in the Citywide or Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, the provision requiring the higher level of safety and visual building quality and interest, as determined by the Planning Director, shall apply.
(Ord. 27-23, 7-18-2023, eff. 12-1-2023; amd. Ord. 43-23, 12-5-2023)
1. Purpose: The purpose of this Section 11-04-08 is to establish standards for vehicle and bicycle parking, on-site circulation, loading areas, and parking lot design to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare by:
A. Providing necessary access for service and emergency vehicles;
B. Providing for safe, convenient, and comfortable interactions between motor vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians;
C. Encouraging active transportation options and enhanced pedestrian safety;
D. Encouraging emission free vehicles;
E. Providing flexibility to respond to the transportation, access, and loading impacts of various land uses in different areas of the city;
F. Reducing stormwater runoff, reducing heat island effect from large expanses of pavement, improving water quality, and minimizing dust pollution;
G. Mitigating traffic congestion; and
H. Mitigating the visual impact of large expanses of exposed parking.
2. Applicability:
A. Generally: Unless otherwise stated in this Code, the standards in this Section 11-04-08 shall apply to all uses in all zoning districts.
B. Exceptions:
(1) The MX-5 zoning district is exempt from the requirement to provide off-street parking spaces, but any parking spaces provided shall comply with all other standards in this Section 11-04-08.
(2) Structured parking facilities shall be exempt from maximum parking limits.
3. General Parking Standards:
A. Use of Parking Areas:
(1) Required off-street parking facilities shall be used for vehicle parking only. Vehicle sales, rental and leasing, storage, repair, and other uses are prohibited, except for approved temporary and/or seasonal uses.
(2) No property owner or operator may designate any on-street parking space for the use of a specific establishment, and no property owner or operator may limit the use of any on-street parking space by the general public by using the parking space for the operation of a valet parking service, without the prior written consent of the City.
B. Parking and Loading Calculations:
(1) All square footage-based parking and loading requirements shall be computed based on the gross floor area of the subject use or structure, unless otherwise specified.
(2) Parking spaces designed or designated exclusively for two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and scooters shall not be included in the calculation of minimum or maximum vehicle parking requirements. However, a reduction in the minimum number of parking spaces is allowed in accordance with Subsection 11-04-08.7.C when two-wheeled vehicle parking spaces are provided.
(3) Lots containing more than one use shall provide parking and loading based on the shared parking calculations in Section 11-04-08.7.B, Shared Parking Facility Reduction.
C. Reductions of Existing Parking: Off-street parking or loading spaces existing on the Effective Date shall not be permanently reduced in a way that would bring the property out of conformance with this Section 11-04-08 or would increase the degree of existing nonconformity with the provisions of this Section 11-04-08.
D. Parking for Unlisted Uses: The Planning Director shall determine the required parking for uses not listed in Table 11-04.9
: Off-Street Parking Requirements, based on expected volume of activity on the site, the level of congestion on surrounding streets, proximity to Residential zoning districts, and the factors listed in Section 11-03-01
.7, Classification of New and Unlisted Uses.
4. Accessible Parking: All development that provides on-site vehicle parking spaces shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the International Building Code (IBC), and the standards in this Section 11-04-08.3. If the standards in this Section 11-04-08.3 conflict with the requirements of the ADA or IBC, the requirements of the ADA or IBC shall apply.
A. Amount of Accessible Parking Required:
(1) All development shall provide at least the following number of accessible parking spaces, unless a different number is required by Subsection (2) below:
TOTAL PARKING SPACES IN LOT OR GARAGE | MINIMUM NUMBER OF ACCESSIBLE SPACES |
(2) All outpatient and other facilities providing medical care and other services for persons with mobility impairments shall provide accessible spaces that are equal to 20 percent of the number of required parking.
B. Additional Requirements:
(1) Valet parking facilities shall provide a passenger loading zone located on an accessible route to the entrance of the facility.
(2) Accessible parking spaces shall not contain slopes in excess of two percent and shall not require access involving steps to or from abutting pedestrian walkways.
(3) Accessible spaces shall be located closest to the main entrance.
(4) When there are multiple buildings or main entrances, accessible spaces shall be distributed equally.
(5) Accessible spaces shall be clearly marked as spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
(6) When Section 11-04-08.6, Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Spaces, requires the provision of any type of Electric Vehicle parking spaces, at least five percent, but not less than one, of the required EV parking spaces shall also be accessible parking spaces.
C. Traditional Accessible Parking Stall Dimensions:
(1) Length: All accessible spaces shall be a minimum of 20 feet in length.
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(2) Width: All accessible spaces shall be a minimum of eight feet in width plus a five foot wide adjacent access aisle, as shown in Figure 4.19
.
(3) Van Accessible:
(a) One in every six accessible spaces, but not less than one, shall have an adjacent access aisle that is eight feet in width and shall be designated as "Van Accessible" as noted in Figure 4.20
.
(b) A single accessible parking space that is van accessible shall be located on the left side of the access aisle as noted in Figure 4.20
(4) Signage And Markings: All access aisles shall install a sign similar to the signs depicted below and read "Access Aisle No Parking" and shall apply blue pavement markings reading "No Parking" with accompanying diagonal striping within the limits of the access aisle adjacent to the accessible space in addition to the signage for the accessible parking stall.
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5. Minimum and Maximum Off-Street Parking Standards:
A. All development not exempted by the provisions of Section 11-04-08.2.B shall provide vehicle parking spaces in the amounts required by Table 11-04.9, below, as those amounts may be modified by Section 11-04-08.6, Parking Adjustments below.
B. No minimum parking requirements apply to developments within the Mixed-Use Downtown Zoning District (MX-5).
DU = DWELLING UNIT* = PLANNING DIRECTOR DETERMINATION SF = SQUARE FEET BLANK CELL = NO MINIMUM/MAXIMUM REQUIREMENT GFA = GROSS FLOOR AREA 1BR, 2BR, 3+BR = NUMBER OF BEDROOMS | ||
USE CATEGORY | MINIMUM REQUIRED | MAXIMUM ALLOWED |
DU = DWELLING UNIT* = PLANNING DIRECTOR DETERMINATION SF = SQUARE FEET BLANK CELL = NO MINIMUM/MAXIMUM REQUIREMENT GFA = GROSS FLOOR AREA 1BR, 2BR, 3+BR = NUMBER OF BEDROOMS | ||
USE CATEGORY | MINIMUM REQUIRED | MAXIMUM ALLOWED |
RESIDENTIAL USES | ||
Household Living | ||
Accessory Dwelling Unit | ||
Caretaker's Residence | 1 per DU | |
Dwelling, Single-Family Detached | 1 per DU | |
Dwelling, Cottage Village | 1 per DU | |
Dwelling, Single-Family Attached | 1 per DU | |
Dwelling, Live/Work | 2 per DU | |
Dwelling, Duplex | 1-3 BR: 1 per DU 4+ BR: 0.75 per BR | |
Dwelling, Triplex or Fourplex | ||
Dwelling, Multiple-Family | Studio/Efficiency: 0.5 per DU 1BR: 1 per DU 2BR: 1.25 per DU 3+BR: 1.5 per DU Guest: 1 per 10 DU | 125% of required minimum |
Group Home, FHAA Small | 1 per 4 persons design capacity | |
Livestock and Animals, Accessory | ||
Manufactured Home | 1 per DU | |
Manufactured Home Community | 1 per DU | |
Group Living | ||
Assisted Living Facility | 1 per 3 beds | |
Boarding House | 1 per BR | |
Continuing Care Retirement Facility | 0.5 per DU plus 1 per 4 beds | |
Convalescent or Nursing Home | 0.25 per bed | |
Dwelling, Co-Housing | * | |
Fraternity or Sorority House | 1 per bed | |
Recovery Residence | 50% of parking otherwise required for residential use in that type of structure | |
Residential Home Occupations | ||
Home Occupation, Child or Adult Daycare | 1 per employee | |
Home Occupation, Other | ||
PUBLIC, INSTITUTIONAL AND CIVIC USES | ||
Adult or Child Day Care | ||
Adult or Child Day Care Facility | 1 per 400 sf GFA | |
Adult or Child Day Care Center, Small | 1 per 400 sf GFA | |
Adult or Child Day Care Center, Large | 1 per 400 sf GFA | |
Community and Cultural Facilities | ||
Art Gallery, Museum, or Library | 1 per 400 sf GFA | 2 per 400 sf GFA |
Cemetery | ||
Community Center | 1 per 400 sf GFA | 2 per 400 sf GFA |
Fire or Police Facility | ||
Food Kitchen | ||
Forest Reserve or Recreation Area | ||
Jail or Detention Facility | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Mortuary or Mausoleum | ||
Park or Playground | ||
Religious Institution | 1 per 400 sf GFA | |
Uses Related to and Operated by a Religious Institution | * | |
Shelter Home | * | |
Education and Health | ||
Hospital | 1 per bed design capacity | |
College or Other Institution of Higher Education | * | |
School | Elementary, Middle, Junior High: 1 per classroom High School: 4 per classroom | 125% of required minimum |
Trade or Vocational School | 1 per 3 classroom seats | |
Transportation | ||
Aircraft Landing Field | Determined by airport management | |
Park and Ride Facility | ||
Transit Facility | * | |
Transit Terminal | * | |
COMMERCIAL USES | ||
Agriculture and Animals | ||
Agricultural Uses or Stables | ||
Animal Daycare or Kennel | 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Animal Hospital or Clinic | 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Beekeeping, Accessory | ||
Commercial Feedlot | ||
Slaughterhouse, Rendering Plant | ||
Urban Farm | ||
Communication Facilities | ||
All Uses | ||
Food and Beverage Service | ||
Brewpub, Micro-distillery, or Micro-winery | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA | 5 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Food Truck, Accessory | ||
Food Truck Court | ||
Neighborhood Café | 1 per 1,000 sf GFA | 4 per 2,000 sf GFA |
Restaurant | 5 per 1,000 sf GFA | 7 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Sidewalk Café, Accessory | ||
Tavern or Lounge | 5 per 1,000 sf GFA | 7 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Lodging | ||
Bed and Breakfast | 1 per guest bedroom plus 1 for manager | |
Hotel or Motel | 1 per guest bedroom | 125% of required minimum |
Recreation Vehicle Park | 1 per RV spot | |
Office, Personal and Business Service | ||
Financial Institution | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Medical or Dental Clinic | 1 per 300 sf GFA | 5 per 1,000 GFA |
Office | 1 per 400 sf GFA | 4 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Personal and Business Service | 1 per 400 sf GFA | 4 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Recreation and Entertainment | ||
Auditorium or Theater, Indoor | 1 per 4 seats in main assembly area | 125% of required minimum |
Club, Lodge, or Social Hall | 1 per 400 sf GFA | |
Conference or Event Center | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA | 125% of required minimum |
Firing Range, Indoor | 2 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Golf Course | 5 per 1,000 sf GFA of restaurant /bar area | |
Recreation, Indoor | Bowling Alley: 2 per lane All other: 4 per 1,000 sf GFA | 150% of required minimum |
Recreation, Outdoor | * | |
Retail | ||
Building Materials | 1 per 500 sf GFA | 125% of required minimum |
Retail Sales, Neighborhood < 2,000 SF | 0.5 per 1,000 sf GFA | 2 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Retail Sales, Small <5,000 SF | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Retail Sales, Medium 5,001 SF to 10,000 SF | 2.5 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Retail Sales, Large 10,001 SF to 60,000 SF | 1 per 500 sf GFA | 125% of required minimum |
Retail Sales, Big Box >60,000 SF | 2 per 1,000 sf GFA | 125% of required minimum |
Sexually Oriented Business | ||
Sexually Oriented Business | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA | 125% of required minimum |
Vehicles and Equipment | ||
Drive-Through Facility | ||
Electric Vehicle Charging Facility | ||
Parking Garage as Principal Use | ||
Parking Lot as Principal Use | ||
Service Station | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA retail, office, waiting area | |
Vehicle Fleet Operations Center | ||
Vehicle Repair, Major | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA retail, office, waiting area plus 1 per service bay | |
Vehicle Repair, Minor | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA retail, office, waiting area plus 1 per service bay | |
Vehicle Sales, Rental, and Leasing, Light | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA retail, office, waiting area plus 1 per service bay | |
Vehicle and Equipment Sales, Rental and Leasing, Heavy | ||
Vehicle Wash | 2 per 1,000 sf GFA retail, office, waiting area | |
INDUSTRIAL USES | ||
Manufacturing and Processing | ||
Contractor Shop and Yard | ||
Industry, Artisan | 2 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Industry, Light | 1 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Industry, Heavy | 1 per 1,000 sf GFA | |
Mining and Extraction | ||
Storage, Wholesale, and Warehousing | ||
Bulk Storage of Flammable or Dangerous Materials | ||
Fulfillment Center | 1 per 2,000 sf GFA | |
Outdoor Storage | ||
Outdoor Storage, Accessory | ||
Self-Service Storage | 3 per 1,000 sf GFA of indoor office area | |
Trucking Terminal | ||
Wholesale or Warehouse, Small or Large | 1 per 2,000 sf GFA | |
Utilities | ||
Power Plant | ||
Renewable Energy Facility, Accessory | ||
Utility Facility, Minor | ||
Utility Facility, Major | ||
Waste and Salvage | ||
Composting Facility | ||
Junkyard, Vehicle Salvage | ||
Recycling Collection Facility | ||
Sanitary Landfill | ||
Solid Waste Transfer Facility | ||
Accessory Uses | ||
Unlisted Uses Accessory to an Allowed Use | ||
Temporary Uses | ||
Construction Office | ||
Mobile Food Truck | ||
Off-Site Construction Staging | ||
Safety Facility | * | |
Sales and Leasing Office | ||
Seasonal Sales | ||
6. Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Spaces:
All Multiple-Family Dwelling,
mixed-use, and nonresidential development shall comply with the Use-Specific Standards in Section 11-03-03
.4.R, Electric Vehicle Charging Station and the following standards.
A. Number of EV Parking Spaces Required:
(1) The development shall include at least the minimum number of EV parking spaces shown in the following table:
TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES | EV CAPABLE SPACES | EV READY SPACES | EV INSTALLED SPACES |
TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES | EV CAPABLE SPACES | EV READY SPACES | EV INSTALLED SPACES |
Multiple-Family Dwelling Units | |||
< 5 | None | None | None |
5-10 | None | 20% of total | 1 space |
11 | None | 20% of total | 10% of total |
Public, Civic, or Institutional, Commercial or Industrial Uses | |||
< 5 | None | None | None |
5 | 20% of total | None | None |
(2) Each EV parking space provided shall be counted towards the minimum off-street parking requirements for the project, but shall not count against any limit on the maximum number of off-street parking spaces permitted.
B. Adjustment Of EV Parking Requirements: When the cost of installing EV parking spaces required by Subsection (1) above would exceed 10 percent of the total project cost, the applicant may submit to the Planning Director a cost estimate for the total project and for the EV installations required by this Section 11-04-08.6 and may request a reduction in the EV parking requirements, and the Planning Director may approve an adjustment in the required numbers or types of EV parking facilities to limit installation costs to no more than 10 percent of the total project costs.
C. Dimensions and Design:
(2) EV charging equipment shall be designed and located so as to not impede pedestrian or vehicle travel or create hazards within the public right-of-way.
(3) EV charging equipment shall be designed and located to be accessible by:
(a) Locating each EV charging spaces on an accessible route, with an adjacent sidewalk at least seven feet wide;
(b) Requiring that the parking space served by EV charging equipment be a minimum of 11 feet wide and 20 feet deep;
(c) Providing an adjoining access aisle that is a minimum of five feet in width;
(d) Providing clear ground space with an unobstructed side reach at the same level as the vehicle charging space; and
(e) Accessible charger, connector, and other operable parts.
(4) Charging equipment shall be protected by wheel stops, bollards, or similar devices to prevent damage.
(5) Charger cords shall be retractable or have a hanging or storage locations outside of pedestrian pathways.
(6) Cords connecting chargers to vehicles shall not cross driveways, sidewalks, or loading areas.
(7) EV parking spaces with an installed Electric Vehicle Charging Station shall be signed to reserve the parking space for EV users.
(8) All Electric Vehicle Charging Stations shall include an emergency power shutoff located in a location easily accessible by emergency responders.
7. Parking Adjustments:
A. General:
(1) The minimum and maximum parking requirements in Table 11-04.11
Table 11-04.9
: Off-Street Parking Requirements, may be adjusted as described in this Subsection 7, provided that no combination of reductions in Subsections B through G shall result in the reduction of the minimum number of parking spaces required in Table 11-04.9
by more than 50 percent.
(2) A Conditional Use Permit is required for any request to reduce minimum parking requirements by more than 50 percent.
B. Shared Parking Facility Reduction:
(1) Where two or more uses listed in Table 11-03.1
: Table of Allowed Uses share a parking lot or garage, the total off-street parking requirement for those uses shown in Table 11-04.9
: Off-Street Parking Requirements may be reduced by the factors shown in Table 11-04.11
: Shared Parking Reduction.
TABLE 11-04.11: SHARED PARKING REDUCTION
To calculate the shared parking reduction, add the requirements for each use category, then divide the sum by the factor indicated below. | |||||
USE | MULTIPLE- FAMILY DWELLINGS | PUBLIC, INSTITUTIONAL, OR CIVIC | FOOD, BEVERAGE, INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT, OR LODGING | RETAIL | OTHER COMMERCIAL |
Multiple-Family Dwellings | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 |
Public, Institutional, or Civic | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.5 |
Food, Beverage, Indoor Entertainment, or Lodging | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
Retail | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.2 |
Other Commercial | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 1.0 |
(2)
To calculate the revised minimum parking requirement, calculate the minimum off-street parking requirement individually for the two uses with the highest off-street parking requirement, and then divide that sum by the number shown in the cell for that combination of uses in Table 11-04.11. For example: a development with 5,000 square feet of Small Retail space (3 per 1,000 square feet gross floor area) and 20, two-bedroom Multiple-Family Dwelling units (1.25 per dwelling unit) would take the total spaces required and divide by 1.2.
(15) + (25+3) = 43.
43/1.2 = 35.833
The shared parking requirement is 36 spaces.
(3) If more than two uses share a parking lot or structure, the reduction factors in Table 11-04.11
are applied only to the two uses with the highest parking requirements. The minimum parking required for the third and additional uses sharing the parking lot or facility are then added to the adjustment calculated in Subsection (2) above without further adjustment.
C. Two Wheeled Parking Reduction: For every four motorcycle, scooter, or similar two-wheeled vehicle spaces (excluding bicycle parking) provided, the number of standard vehicle spaces required may be reduced by one, provided that each two wheeled parking space is at least four feet wide and at least 10 feet long and is clearly posted or marked as a motorcycle/scooter parking space.
D. Tree Preservation: The Planning Director may allow up to a 10 percent reduction of the required parking spaces to save healthy, desirable trees.
E. Affordable and Sustainable/Resilient Housing Reduction: Affordable housing projects meeting the affordability and/or sustainability/resiliency requirements of Section 11-04-03.7, Incentives, shall be eligible for the parking reductions as set forth in that Section.
F. Adaptive Reuse Reduction: Adaptive reuse projects meeting the requirements of Section 11-04-03.7.D(6) shall be eligible for the parking reductions as set forth in that Section.
G. Transportation Demand Management Reduction: The Planning Director may allow a reduction in required parking for employers that enter into a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Agreement with the City that specifies how on-site parking will be reduced through property owner or operator programs or initiatives that reduce the amount of parking demand on-site. If a reduction in parking is granted through a TDM Agreement, the employer will be required to remain in good standing with the TDM Agreement and shall submit an annual report documenting the terms of the Agreement are being met. Any TDM Agreement, whether used independently or in combination with other allowed parking reductions, is subject to the 50 percent limitation on overall parking reduction. Such programs may include the following:
(1) Compressed work week schedules;
(2) Flexible arrival and departure times;
(3) Telework opportunities;
(4) Incentives for employees to use alternative modes of transportation to the workplace;
(5) End of commute amenities such as a locker room, changing room or shower;
(6) Implement/support ridesharing program (i.e., vanpool, carpool);
(7) Designate a Commute Coordinator (Employee Transportation Coordinator) to facilitate employee/property commute program;
(8) Display transportation information in a prominent location including transit routes and schedules; carpooling and vanpooling information; bike routes; and commute subsidy information;
(9) Provide information for new tenants and employees on transportation options (e.g., flyers, posters, brochures, onboarding information, and emails on commute alternatives); host/participate in transportation fairs, local commute events such as May in Motion or Boise Bike Week;
(10) Provide employee subsidies for alternative transportation;
(11) Provide preferred parking for carpool/vanpool;
(12) Provide pre-tax benefits for transit/vanpool costs;
(13) Allocated space for bike share station/kiosk;
(14) Provide ongoing funding/sponsorship of bike share program/station;
(15) Provide transit, scooter, and bike share passes; or
(16) Provide website links to local transportation/commute programs that may include but are not limited to: Commuteride, City Go, alternative transportation programs on developer, property management, or employer websites.
H. Adjustments to Exceed Parking Maximums: Up to 10 percent of the parking maximum may be exceeded by the Planning Director through an administrative approval if the Planning Director determines that:
(1) The additional parking spaces are required to reduce adverse impacts to the surrounding neighborhood; and/or
(2) The additional parking is required due to unique characteristics of the use not generally shared by other uses in the same use category shown in Table 11-03.1
: Table of Allowed Uses.
8. Vehicle Parking Location and Design:
A. Location:
(1) Off-Site Locations Permitted: Parking required by Table 11-04.11
shall be provided on the same lot or combination of contiguous lots for which it provides required parking, except that in the R-3, Mixed-Use, Industrial, or Open Land zoning districts, parking may be located up to 600 feet from the lot containing the principal uses for which it provides parking. The Planning Director may require written evidence from the owner of the off-site location confirming the continued availability of the site to meet such parking requirements.
(2) On-Site Location:
(a) Prohibited Location: Perpendicular vehicle parking is prohibited within the public right-of-way, and all vehicle parking is prohibited on undeveloped or unimproved public right-of-way.
(b) Required Setbacks:
i. In the Residential zoning districts, except for working vehicles in daily use parked on driveways, in front of homes, parking areas and parking spaces shall not be permitted:
A. In required setbacks;
B. Unimproved parking areas; or
C. Other areas not designed for vehicle parking.
ii. Trailers, camp trailers, boats, boat trailers, recreational vehicles, and all other vehicles not in daily use may use gravel surfacing but are prohibited from parking in the required setbacks.
iii. Open air public or private parking areas and service drives in a Residential zoning district shall be permitted in side yards that do not abut a street, provided that a minimum five foot wide landscaping and screening area be constructed and maintained along the abutting property line as provided for in Section 11-04-09.10.D(2), Parking and Storage Areas.
iv. In the Mixed-Use, Industrial, or Open Land zoning districts, parking areas and parking spaces shall not be permitted in any required setback, except as follows:
A. Rear setback areas shall not be used for off-street parking or loading areas unless the rear setback abuts an alley providing access to the parking spaces.
B. Side yards that do not abut a street may be used for unenclosed off-street parking provided that a minimum five foot wide landscape area is constructed and maintained along the abutting side property line.
(c) Time Limit: No commercial vehicle or trailer shall be parked, stored, or otherwise left unattended at any place in a Residential zoning district whether on public or private property for over two hours except while engaged in construction or any other permitted activity.
(d) Site Layout: The following standards shall apply in the R-2, R-3, and Mixed-Use zoning districts, unless otherwise required by the Citywide or Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, including but not limited to any Building Type Frontage Standards applicable to specific street segments.
i. Surface parking areas shall be located to the side or rear of buildings.
ii. For multi-building developments, no more than 50 percent of the primary street frontage shall be occupied by parking and vehicular access driveways.
iii. Garage entries, carports, and parking structures shall be internalized in building groupings or oriented away from street frontage to the maximum extent practicable.
B. Dimensional Standards:
(1) Surface Parking Lots and Areas: Dimensions of all parking or maneuvering areas in surface parking lots shall be designed as required by Table 11-04.12
below, except that accessible parking spaces shall be designed as required by Section 11-04-08
.3.
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Table 11-04.12
below, except that accessible parking spaces shall be designed as required by Section 11-04-08
.3.
PARKING ANGLE [A] | STALL WIDTH [B] | CURB LENGTH PER CAR [C] | STALL DEPTH [D] | DRIVE AISLE WIDTH [E] |
PARKING ANGLE [A] | STALL WIDTH [B] | CURB LENGTH PER CAR [C] | STALL DEPTH [D] | DRIVE AISLE WIDTH [E] |
For Standard Vehicles | ||||
0° | 9 ft.- 0 in. | 23 ft.- 0 in. | 9 ft.- 0 in. | 12 ft.- 0 in. |
30° | 9 ft.- 0 in. | 18 ft.- 0 in. | 17 ft.- 8 in. | 12 ft.- 0 in. |
45° | 9 ft.- 0 in. | 12 ft.- 9 in. | 20 ft.- 5 in. | 13 ft.- 0 in. |
60° | 9 ft.- 0 in. | 10 ft.- 5 in. | 21 ft.- 10 in. | 16 ft.- 0 in. |
90° | 9 ft.- 0 in. | 9 ft.- 0 in. | 20 ft.- 0 in. | 22 ft.- 0 in. |
For Compact Vehicles | ||||
0° | 7 ft.- 6 in. | 18 ft.- 0 in. | 7 ft.- 6 in. | 12 ft.- 0 in. |
30° | 7 ft.- 6 in. | 15 ft.- 0 in. | 14 ft.- 0 in. | 12 ft.- 0 in. |
45° | 7 ft.- 6 in. | 10 ft.- 7 in. | 15 ft.- 11 in. | 13 ft.- 0 in. |
60° | 7 ft.- 6 in. | 8 ft.- 8 in. | 16 ft.- 9 in. | 16 ft.- 0 in. |
90° | 7 ft.- 6 in. | 7 ft.- 6 in. | 15 ft.- 0 in. | 22 ft.- 0 in. |
(2) Compact Spaces:
(a) A maximum of 40 percent of the total spaces required may be designed, designated, and used for compact size vehicles. The dimensional standards for compact vehicle spaces and driveways are indicated in Table 11-04.12
above.
(b) Compact spaces shall be clearly marked for use by compact vehicles on the pavement or curb.
(3) Bumper Overhang: Standard parking stall lengths may be reduced from 20 feet to 18 feet when the adjacent sidewalk or landscaping is increased by two feet above the minimum requirement. The minimum width for a sidewalk or landscape strip adjacent to a bumper overhang is seven feet.
(4) Parking Structure Space Dimensions:
(a) Spaces within parking structures shall be a minimum of eight and one-half feet wide and 18 feet long.
(b) Compact parking stalls shall not be provided within parking structures.
C. Tandem Parking: Unless otherwise prohibited elsewhere in this Code, tandem parking for Single-Family Detached, Single-Family Attached Dwellings, and Manufactured Home Communities is allowed.
D. Driveways:
(1) All driveways shall extend into the site perpendicular to the street from which they provide access, unless the Planning Director approves an alternative based on a determination that the driveway:
(a) Is required to enhance the natural elements of the site such as preserving existing trees; or
(b) Is required for safety reasons such as avoiding backing into a collector or arterial street with limited motorist visibility.
(2) All parking areas, driveways, and other vehicular access for Single-Family Detached, Duplex, Triplex, or Fourplex dwellings may consist of wheel strips, pavers, or other hard surface material approved by the Planning Director. Other residential uses are subject to standards in accordance with Subsection F, below.
(3) Driveways for Single-Family Attached, Single-Family Detached or Duplex Dwellings shall be a minimum of nine feet in width. Driveways or service drives for other residential uses are subject to Section 11-04-07.4.J(2), Service Drives.
(4) Driveways are permitted in the front and street side setbacks in accordance with Section 11-04-07.4.J(2), Service Drives.
(5) For Single-Family Attached, Single-Family Detached Dwellings, individual driveways in the front or street side setback shall not exceed a width of 30 feet within the setback, unless another provision of this Code requires a narrower width.
(6) Parking on Residential Small Lots is regulated by Section 11-04-03.4, Residential Small Lots.
E. Surfacing: Driveways, parking areas and vehicle storage areas shall be built with a non-permeable material such as concrete or asphalt, except that:
(1) A gravel surface area may be used within the I-1 or I-2 zoning districts for enclosed material storage yards or grounds maintenance areas only and shall not be used in areas where vehicles are stored or driven. The storage and maintenance areas shall be located behind the building and be enclosed by a six foot high sight obscuring fence.
(2) The Planning Director may approve an alternative surface based on considerations of durability, permeability, and visual interest and quality:
F. Residential Garages:
(1) Street access is prohibited when alley access is available.
(2) Residential garages that provide a single space shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide and 20 feet long.
(3) Residential garages shall provide 22 feet of back up space.
G. Parking Area Landscaping: All development shall comply with Section 11-04-09, Landscaping, Fencing, Walls, and Screening.
9. Required Bicycle Parking:
A. Amount Required:
(1) The development shall include at least the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces shown in the following table based on the category of the use or individual use as shown in Table 11-03.1
: Table of Allowed Uses:
DU = DWELLING UNIT* = PLANNING DIRECTOR DETERMINATION SF = SQUARE FEET GFA = GROSS FLOOR AREA | ||
USE | LONG TERM BICYCLE PARKING REQUIRED | SHORT TERM BICYCLE PARKING REQUIRED |
DU = DWELLING UNIT* = PLANNING DIRECTOR DETERMINATION SF = SQUARE FEET GFA = GROSS FLOOR AREA | ||
USE | LONG TERM BICYCLE PARKING REQUIRED | SHORT TERM BICYCLE PARKING REQUIRED |
Multiple-Family Dwellings | 1 space per studio or first bedroom and 0.5 spaces for each additional bedroom | 1 space per 10 DU |
Assisted Living Facility or Continuing Care Retirement Facility | 2 spaces or 1 space for every 10 employees, whichever is greater | 1 space per 20 beds |
Retail Uses and Personal and Business Services | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 2,000 sf. GFA | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 1,000 sf. GFA |
Food and Beverage Uses (excluding Food Truck uses) | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 2,000 sf. GFA | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 1,000 sf. GFA |
Office | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 2,000 sf. GFA | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 2,000 sf. GFA |
Auditorium or Theater, Indoor and Conference or Event Center | * | * |
Forest Reserve or Recreation Area, Park or Playground, and Outdoor Recreation | * | * |
Industrial Uses | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 4,000 sf. GFA | 2 spaces plus 1 additional space for every 10,000 sf. GFA |
School | 1 space for every 10 employees plus 1 space for every classroom | 3 spaces for every 10 students |
College or Other Institution of Higher Education | * | * |
Religious Institution | 1 space plus 1 additional for every 4,000 sf. GFA | 2 spaces plus 1 additional for every 4,000 sf. GFA |
(2) If more than 10 bicycle parking spaces are required, a minimum of 10 percent of the required bicycle parking spaces shall be designed to accommodate cargo bicycles or bicycles with trailers.
B. Location:
(1) Short-term bicycle spaces designed to meet the needs of visitors to the development shall be located within 50 feet from the main entrance of the building.
(2) Short-term bicycle racks shall be located so that they:
(a) Are easily accessed from the street and protected from motor vehicles;
(b) Are visible to passers-by to promote usage and enhance security;
(c) Do not impede or interfere with pedestrian traffic or routine maintenance activities when bicycles are parked at/in them; and
(d) Do not block access to buildings, bus boarding or freight loading.
(3) Long-term bicycle spaces shall be designed to meet the needs of employees, residents, public transit users, and others with similar needs.
(4) Long-term bicycle parking shall be enclosed, covered and secured, or attended. Covered bicycle parking includes but is not limited to a secure and accessible room in a building, a secure and accessible enclosure within a parking structure, or a cluster of bicycle lockers. All bicycle parking lockers and structures shall be located outside of the required setbacks.
(5) Required long-term bicycle parking for residential uses shall not be located within dwelling units or within deck or patio areas accessory to dwelling units.
(6) Not less than 50 percent of required long-term spaces shall be accessible and not require the use of stairs or an elevator.
(7) Long-term spaces that are accessed using stairs shall require a bike runnel.
C. Design Standards:
(1) No more than 25 percent of the required bicycle parking spaces may require the bicycle to be hung or parked vertically, rather than being parked with both tires on the ground.
(2) Standard bicycle parking spaces shall be a minimum of six feet long and two and one-half feet wide.
(3) Cargo bicycle and bicycle trailer parking spaces shall be a minimum of 10 feet long and three feet wide.
(4) A four foot wide aisle is required between rows of bicycle parking spaces or between a row of bicycle parking spaces and any wall or potential obstructions.
(5) Three and one-half feet of clearance shall be provided between bicycle parking spaces and vehicle parking spaces or travel lanes for the opening of passenger-side doors.
(6) All bicycle parking spaces and associated racks shall not impede pedestrian walkways.
(7) All covered spaces shall have an overhead clearance of seven feet.
(8) Bicycle racks shall be located on improved non-permeable surfaces and shall be anchored to the ground.
(9) Bicycle racks shall be installed to the manufacturer's recommended specifications and adhere to any further design criteria or codes established by the City. Accommodation of varied bicycle sizes and styles, including electric bicycles and cargo bicycles, is encouraged through provision of racks installed with greater clearance from obstructions, walkways, and other bicycle parking spaces.
(10) Designated bicycle parking areas shall include adequate lighting.
(11) Bicycle racks shall provide two points of contact with the bicycle frame such as an inverted "U" or a post and ring and shall allow locking of frame and at least one wheel with a U-lock. Wave,
schoolyard, wheel well, bollard and spiral racks are prohibited.
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10. Off-Street Loading Facilities: All primary commercial and industrial uses shall comply with the standards in this Section 11-04-08.10 regarding the provision of vehicle loading spaces.
A. Quantity and Size: The quantity and size of loading spaces required shall be as indicated in Table 11-04.14, below.
GROSS FLOOR AREA (SQUARE FEET) | NUMBER OF LOADING SPACES REQUIRED | MINIMUM SIZE OF EACH REQUIRED LOADING SPACE |
Less than 20,000 | None | N/A |
20,000-49,999 | 1 | 10 feet x 25 feet |
50,000-99,999 | 2 | One 10 feet x 25 feet and One 12 feet x 50 feet |
100,000 and more | 2, plus 1 additional space for every 100,000 square feet beyond the first 100,000 | 14 feet x 50 feet and 13 feet high |
B. Standards:
(1) Loading areas shall comply with setback and landscaping requirements.
(2) Loading areas shall not be oriented toward Residential zoning districts and shall not be permitted between the primary façade of a building and the front lot line/property line.
(3) Loading areas shall be clearly posted or marked.
(4) For buildings greater than 20,000 square feet in the MX-5 zoning district, applicants may request approval of alleys for loading activities as an alternative to on-site loading area.
(5) Loading spaces and access routes to loading spaces shall not interfere with parking lot or parking garage maneuvering areas or with designated on-site patron drop-off/pick up locations.
11. Modifications: The Planning Director may modify the requirements of this Section 11-04-08 if the Planning Director determines that the site cannot accommodate these requirements and that alternative loading methods or facilities can be provided in a manner compatible with surrounding uses.
12. Compliance with Design Standards:
A. In addition to the standards required by this Section 11-04-08
, all Multiple-Family Dwelling, mixed-use, and nonresidential development, including but not limited to Parking Garages shall comply with the standards and other mandatory content in the Citywide Design Standards and Guidelines and the Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, as applicable in the area where the property is located.
B. In the event of a conflict between the standards in this Section 11-04-08
and applicable standards in the Citywide or Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, the provision requiring the higher level of visual building quality and interest, as determined by the Planning Director, shall apply.
(Ord. 27-23, 7-18-2023, eff. 12-1-2023; amd. Ord. 43-23, 12-5-2023)
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