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(A) General requirements.
(1) Permanent off-street parking for all structures and uses of land, except parking for individual single-family residences, shall conform to the minimum requirements of division (I) of this section. These standards, to be used as a guide to the Zoning Administrator, are based on parking standards for general land use categories, the developer is ultimately responsible for ensuring that sufficient parking is provided.
(2) Off-street parking facilities provided to comply with the provisions of this subchapter shall not be reduced below the requirements of this subchapter.
(3) In sections of the Central Business District (CBD) that are west of Market Street, north of Clyburn Lane, and south of Lafayette Street, no off-street parking will be required for all uses, except that adequate off-street parking and unloading spaces must be provided, in compliance with this subchapter, for churches, daycare centers, schools, and residences.
(4) Off-street parking is permitted in yard and setback areas required by this Zoning Ordinance, but shall not be permitted in any required buffer area.
(B) Calculation of off-street parking requirements.
(1) The number of parking spaces required shall be calculated so that fractional portions of parking spaces are considered a full space.
(2) Calculation for required off-street parking for any bar, lounge, nightclub, or restaurant shall include all seats located in outdoor seating areas.
(C) Change or expansion of an existing use.
(1) Change in the use of an existing structure or site shall require compliance with the minimum parking requirements applicable to the new use.
(2) Any expansion of an existing building or use shall require review by the Zoning Administrator to determine additional off-street parking necessary to accommodate the expansion area or change, per the requirements of division (I) of this section.
(3) Any addition of dwelling units, personnel, seats, chairs, or other similar changes shall require review by the Zoning Administrator to determine additional parking necessary to accommodate that addition or change, per the requirements of division (I) of this section.
(D) Parking for uses not listed in table. Parking for uses not expressly provided for in division (I) of this section shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator, who shall apply the unit of measurement set forth in the table for a use that he deems to be most similar to the proposed use.
(E) Multiple uses. Combined parking areas serving two or more principal uses shall contain spaces equal in number to the total of spaces required for all principal uses served. This requirement is also in effect if the principal uses are the same or have the same parking requirements.
(F) Location of parking. Required off-street parking must be provided on the same lot or parcel or within 500 feet of the principal use for which it is required, in a parking facility the title to which and/or easement for the use of which runs with and/or is appurtenant to the title of such principal use, offsite in an area approved by the city as shared parking for the use, or where such parking is to be provided by a public garage or facility, approved by the Zoning Administrator. Shared parking areas are encouraged and shall be permitted whenever the Zoning Administrator determines that the minimum parking requirements can be met for each use based upon the number of spaces needed for each use, the frequency of the use of spaces by each use, and the timing of the use of spaces for each use.
(G) Parking in the Central Business District. City parking lots may be used to satisfy the off-street parking requirements for residential uses located on the upper floors of commercial buildings in the Central Business District (CBD) per review and approval by the Zoning Administrator.
(H) Off-street parking requirements.
Use | 2012 NAICS | Off-Street Parking Requirements |
Use | 2012 NAICS | Off-Street Parking Requirements |
RESIDENTIAL USES | ||
All residential uses, including manufactured home parks (except multi-family dwellings) | NA | 2.0 per dwelling unit or designated manufactured home space |
Multi-family dwellings | NA | 1.5 spaces per one bedroom unit; 2.0 spaces per unit for all others |
ACCESSORY USES TO RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL USES | ||
Accessory apartment to residential use | NA | 1.0 per apartment |
Upper story residential above non-residential use | NA | 1.0 per dwelling unit |
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD SERVICES | ||
Bed and breakfast inns | 721191 | 1.0 per guestroom, 2 spaces for owner, 1 space per staff member |
Drinking places | 7224 | 1.0 per 150 sf GFA |
Full and limited service restaurants | 7221 7222 | 1.0 per 150 sf GFA |
Hotels and motels | 72111 | 1.1 per rental unit |
Rooming and boarding houses | 72131 | 1.0 per bedroom |
RV parks and recreational camps | 7212 | By administrative review |
Special food services, except for mobile food services (NAICS 72233) | 7223 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT AND REMEDIATION SERVICES | ||
All administrative and support and waste management and remediation services (except as listed below) | 561 562 | 1.0 per 50O sf GFA |
Business support services | 5614 | 1.0 per 300 sf GFA |
Landscape and horticultural | 56173 | 1.0 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Remediation and other waste treatment and disposal | 5629 | 1.25 spaces per employee |
Salvaging and scrap steel cutting | 56292 | 1.0 per 300 sf GFA_ |
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, FISHING AND HUNTING | ||
Support activities for crop production and forestry | 1151 1153 | 1.0 per 1,000 sf GFA |
ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION | ||
All other amusement and recreation industries | 71399 | By administrative review |
Amusement parks and arcades | 7131 | By administrative review |
Arboreta and botanical gardens | 71213 | 1.2 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Bowling centers | 71395 | 5.0 per lane |
Fitness and recreation sports centers | 71394 | 1.0 per 300 sf GFA |
Golf courses (public and private) and country clubs | 71391 | 1.0 per 4 members based on maximum anticipated membership |
Historical sites | 71212 | 1.2 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Horse racing, training only | 711212 | By administrative review |
Independent artists, writers and performers | 7115 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Marinas | 71393 | 1.5 per slip or berth |
Museums and art galleries (not retail) | 71211 | 1.2 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Nature parks | 71219 | 1.2 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Other gambling industries | 713290 | By administrative review |
Performing arts companies | 7111 | 1.0 per 300 sf GFA |
Public parks, playgrounds and community centers | 71399 | By administrative review |
Spectator sports (commercial) | 7112 | By administrative review |
Tennis and swimming clubs | 71391 | 1.0 per 4 members based on maximum anticipated membership |
Zoos | 71213 | 1.2 per 1,000 sf GFA |
CONSTRUCTION | ||
All construction uses | 236-238 | 1.0 per 1,000 sf GFA |
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES | ||
All educational uses (except elementary and secondary schools) | 6112- 6117 | 5.0 per classroom, plus 2 per admin, office |
Elementary schools | 6111 | 2.0 per classroom, plus 5 admin. spaces |
Secondary schools | 6111 | 5.0 per classroom, plus 10 admin. spaces |
FINANCE AND INSURANCE | ||
All finance and insurance uses, including pawn shops (except check cashing establishment, title loan lender and deferred presentment lender) | 522-525 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Check cashing establishment, title loan lender and deferred presentment lender | 52239 | 1.0 per 200 sf GFA |
HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE | ||
Child and adult care services | 6244 62412 | 1.0 per 200 sf GFA |
Community care facilities for the elderly | 6233 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Community food and housing, and emergency and other relief services | 6242 | 1.0 per 150 sf GFA |
Home health care services | 6216 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Hospitals | 622 | 0.7 per bed |
Individual and family services | 6241 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 6215 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Nursing care facilities | 6231 | 0.4 per bed |
Offices of physicians, dentists and other health practitioners | 6211 6212 6213 | 1.0 per 150 sf GFA |
Other ambulatory health care services | 6219 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Other residential care facilities | 6239 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Outpatient care centers | 6214 | 1.0 per 150 sf GFA |
Residential mental retardation, mental health and substance abuse facilities | 6232 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Social assistance | 624 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Vocational rehabilitation services | 6243 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
INFORMATION | ||
All information uses (except as listed below) | 51 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Libraries and archives | 51912 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Motion picture and video distribution | 51212 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Motion picture theaters, drive-in | 512132 | By administrative review |
Motion picture theaters, except drive-ins | 512131 | 1.0 per 5 seats |
MANUFACTURING | ||
All manufacturing uses (except nonmetallic mineral products and primary metal) | 31-33 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Nonmetallic mineral products (stone, glass, clay, concrete) | 327 | 1.0 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Primary metal | 33l | 1.0 per 1,000 sf GFA |
OTHER SERVICES | ||
All other personal services | 81299 | 1.0 per 300 sf GFA |
Animal shelters and pounds | 812910 | 1.0 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Automotive repair and maintenance | 8111 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Business, professional, labor, political and similar organizations | 8139 | 1.0 per 250 sf GFA |
Car washes - full service | 811192 | 1.0 per employee |
Civic and social organizations | 8134 | 1.0 per 250 sf GFA |
Coin-operated laundries and dry cleaners | 81231 | 1.0 per 250 sf GFA |
Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance | 8113 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Crematories | 81222 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Dry cleaning and laundry services (except coin-operated) | 81232 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance | 8112 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Footwear and leather goods repair, shoe shine shop | 81143 | 1.0 per 300 sf GFA |
Funeral homes and funeral services | 81221 | 5.0 plus 1.0 per 2 seats main assembly |
Grantmaking and giving services | 8132 | 1.0 per 250 sf GFA |
Linen and uniform supply | 81233 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Personal and household goods repair and maintenance | 8114 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Personal care services (includes barber and beauty shops, nail salons), except for tattoo parlors and sexually oriented businesses (NAICS 812199) | 8121 | 2.5 per chair or basin |
Pet care services, except veterinary (NAICS 54194) and animal shelters and pounds (NAICS 812910) | 81291 | 1 per 1,000 GFA |
Religious organizations | 8131 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Sexually oriented businesses | 812199 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Social advocacy organizations | 8133 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Tattoo parlors | 812199 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SERVICES | ||
All professional, scientific and technical services uses, including veterinary services (except photographic studios, portraits) | 54 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Photographic studios, portraits | 541921 | 1.0 per 300 sf GFA |
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION | ||
All public administration uses (except correctional institutions and fire protection) | 92 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Correctional institutions | 92214 | By administrative review |
Fire protection | 92216 | 4.0 per bay |
REAL ESTATE AND RENTAL AND LEASING | ||
Mini-warehouses and self storage units | 53113 | 1.0 per 6 storage units |
Real estate | 531 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Rental and leasing services | 532 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Video tape and disc rental | 53223 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
RETAIL TRADE | ||
All retail uses, including urban mixed use buildings (except as listed below) | 44-45 | 1.0 per 350 sf GFA |
Automobile dealers | 4411 | 1.0 per 600 sf GFA |
Building material and supplies dealers | 4441 | 1.0 per 1,000 sf GFA |
Flea markets | 453310 | 1.5 per stall |
Fuel dealers | 45431 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Gasoline stations, except truck stops (NAICS 44719) | 447 | 1.0 per 600 sf GFA |
Grave stones and monuments | 45399 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Manufactured home dealers | 45393 | 1.0 per 600 sf GFA |
Motor vehicle and parts dealers | 441 | 1.0 per 600 sf GFA |
Non-store retailers | 454 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Other motor vehicle dealers | 4412 | 1.0 per 600 sf GFA |
Truck stops | 44719 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA + 1.0 tractor trailer space per 5,000 gross site area |
TRANSPORTATION AND WAREHOUSING | ||
All transportation and warehousing uses (except postal services) | 48-49 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
Postal services | 491 | l.0 per 250 sf GFA |
UTILITIES | ||
All utility uses | 22 | 1.0 per 500 sf GFA |
WHOLESALE TRADE | ||
All wholesale trade uses | 42 | 1.0 per 5,000 sf GFA |
TEMPORARY USES | ||
All temporary uses, including fairs and carnivals and temporary sales stands (except as listed below) | 454390 713990 | By administrative review |
Contractor's office and equipment shed | NA | 1 per employee, 1 per associated vehicle |
Open lot sales of Christmas trees | 454390 | 1 per 500 sq ft of display area |
Temporary office trailers | NA | 1 per employee |
(I) Design standards. Where off-street parking is required, the following design and development standards shall apply:
(1) Parking dimensions.
(a) Parking stalls. Parking stalls shall be not less than 9 feet by 19 feet, except that a maximum of 10% of the total number of stalls may be 8.5 feet by 18 feet. However, the dimensions of all parallel parking stalls shall be not less than 9 feet by 24 feet.
(b) Minimum isle width shall be as follows:
Angle of Parking | Aisle Width | |
One Way Traffic | Two Way Traffic | |
30 degrees | 13 feet | 19 feet |
45 degrees | 13 feet | 20 feet |
60 degrees | 18 feet | 22 feet |
90 degrees | 20 feet | 24 feet |
(c) No parking aisle serving the general public that contains more than ten parking spaces shall dead end. Any parking aisle that dead ends shall be provided a suitable turnaround.
(2) Construction.
(a) All off-street parking areas for ten or more vehicles shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, brick pavers, or approved pervious pavement and pavers as detailed in division (I)(2) of this section, except for areas used for overflow, special events, and peak parking, and parking areas serving single-family detached and duplex housing. However, parking designed to accommodate the regular parking of heavy construction and industrial vehicles may be allowed to pave those areas with suitable gravel. Any parking for ten or more vehicles on such site intended to park automobiles, small service vehicles, and similar passenger vehicles shall be paved.
(b) Surfaces for all driveways and off-street parking areas for less than ten vehicles may consist of asphalt, concrete, crushed stone, gravel, approved pervious pavement and pavers as detailed in division (I)(2) of this section, or other similar material approved by the Zoning Administrator, except for areas used for overflow, special events, and peak parking, and parking areas serving single-family detached and duplex housing.
(c) Parking lot construction shall be designed to minimize off-site storm water runoff.
(d) Driveways and parking areas which are required to be paved shall be paved with a minimum ten foot wide apron made of asphalt, concrete, brick pavers, or similar hard material approved by the Zoning Administrator and suitable for driveway use, which extends at least ten feet from the edge of the public street to prevent washout into the public street and to protect the edge of pavement. This standard shall not apply to single-family residential and duplex uses.
(e) Alleys shall be paved with asphalt or concrete and shall be designed and constructed to withstand regular use by heavy vehicles such as garbage trucks. All alleys paved with asphalt shall have continuous concrete edges a minimum of 12 inches in width
(f) Pedestrian crosswalks shall be incorporated into the design and construction of parking lots in all mixed use and commercial districts wherever pedestrians are likely to cross to access parking or other buildings.
(3) Low impact design required. Low impact design (LID) of all parking areas is required to control stormwater and meet the city's stormwater goal that post-construction discharge does not exceed pre-construction discharge, as reviewed and approved by the City Planner. General LID standards and requirements are detailed in § 157.194
-Low Impact Design Required and apply to all parking areas. Specific low impact design standards for parking lots are as follows:
(a) Bioretention/biofiltration swales designed within planting islands and around the perimeter shall be a minimum of ten feet in width. If curbing is not placed around the swale, stop blocks must be used for each parking space to prevent vehicles from entering the swale.
(b) Permeable pavements are permitted including interlocking paving systems and porous pavement, provided handicapped spaces and pathways are designed and installed to meet ADA requirements. Open-grid pavers may be used in peripheral and overflow parking areas.
(c) If curbing is used to provide a barrier around swales or other landscaped or natural areas designed to receive stormwater from the site regular gaps in the curbing must be provided to allow stormwater runoff to drain into these areas as planned without ponding in parking spaces or drive aisles.
(4) Separation from walkways and streets. Off-street parking spaces shall be separated from walkways, sidewalks, streets, or alleys, and required yards and buffers as provided in § 157.138
(J)-Parking Lot Landscaping. In smaller parking lots with less than ten spaces, off-street parking spaces shall be separated from walkways, sidewalks, streets, alleys, required yards and buffer areas by curbing or a landscaped buffer area per the requirements of § 157.138
(J)-Parking Lot Landscaping, as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(5) Entrances and exits. Curbing or other approved barriers, including landscaping as provided in § 157.138
(J)-Parking Lot Landscaping, shall be provided along boundaries to control entrance and exit of vehicles or pedestrians. All off-street parking areas shall be designed so that all movement onto a public street is in a forward motion. No driveway may be located closer than 40 feet to a street intersection measured in a straight line from the closest point of the driveway to the closest point of the edge of pavement or curb line of the intersection.
(6) Onsite turnaround required. Onsite turnaround area adequate to accommodate typical passenger vehicles shall be provided for all parking spaces.
(7) Marking. Off-street parking, except for single-family detached residential use, shall be clearly marked on the ground by painted lines, curbs or other means to indicate individual spaces. Signs or markers, as approved by the Zoning Administrator, shall be used as necessary to ensure efficient and safe vehicle operation on the lot.
(8) Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided if off-street parking spaces are to be used at night. Equipment for lighting parking facilities shall be shielded so as to prevent sky glow and light trespass onto adjacent residential areas, public streets and rights-of-way.
(9) Landscaping. Off-street parking areas for ten or more vehicles shall be landscaped in accordance with the provisions of § 157.138
(J)-Parking Lot Landscaping.
(10) Maintenance. All off-street parking areas shall be maintained in a clean and orderly condition, removing and/or controlling dust, debris and weeds to the extent possible on a regular basis, at the expense of the owner or lessee and not used for the sale, repair, dismantling or servicing of any vehicles or equipment, except for service and auto repair stations.
(11) Circulation. All off-street parking shall be served by interior circulation drives. No private off-street parking spaces shall directly connect to public streets. This standard shall not apply to single-family detached residential, duplex, patio home and townhouse developments.
(12) Drive-thru stacking. In addition to required parking spaces, drive-thru facilities shall provide a minimum of five stacking spaces per drive-thru facility, window, or bay. Stacking spaces shall be located entirely outside of a required driveway or parking aisle needed to access required parking spaces. The following exceptions shall apply to the five stacking spaces required hereunder:
(a) Fast food restaurants shall have an additional five stacking spaces. A minimum of five of the total stacking spaces shall be located at or prior to the ordering station.
(b) Non-automated car washes shall only be required to have at least two stacking spaces per bay, one of which for each bay is located for use as a dry down area.
(c) Automated car washes shall be required to have an additional two stacking spaces per bay.
(J) Parking for the physically handicapped. Parking for the physically handicapped shall be provided per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended; and the International Building Code, as amended and adopted by the city. Each space shall be paved, prominently outlined in blue paint, and shall include appropriate signage provided per the requirements of the ADA and the International Building Code.
(K) Parking, storage, or use of campers, boats, trailers, or recreational vehicles in residential zones. One such vehicle no longer than 17 feet may be stored or parked in the front yard or side yard of a residential lot. One vehicle longer than 17 feet may be stored in the side yard provided it does not extend into the front yard. Vehicles must be parked at least five feet from adjacent side or rear property lines. A maximum of three vehicles of any size may be parked in the rear yard area unless they are stored in an enclosed building. However, any such vehicles may be parked anywhere on the lot in order to load or unload for up to 24 hours. Campers and recreational vehicles shall not be occupied or used as a dwelling.
(L) Parking, storage, or/and use of non-recreational or commercial vehicles and equipment in residential zones.
(1) All vehicles must maintain current license plates. Unlicensed vehicles shall not be stored or parked on any lot zoned for residential use, unless in completely enclosed buildings.
(2) RE, R-15, R-10, R-6, R-6S, or OI Districts:
(a) Only one commercial delivery vehicle that is less than 24 feet in length or contains fewer than three axles is allowed on a residential lot and only if parked in the rear yard area or parked within an enclosed building.
(b) Vehicles used for commercial, industrial, farm, or construction purposes are prohibited on street or highway rights-of-way, except when actively involved in pick up or delivery to the residence.
(c) Only one commercial vehicle longer than 24 feet or containing more than two axles, one construction trailer, or one piece of construction equipment is allowed on a residential lot and only if parked within an enclosed building.
(d) Cars or pick-up trucks (with or without signs) which are used for commercial purposes may be parked anywhere on a residential lot.
(e) Moving trailers, vans, or POD storage units may be placed no closer than five feet from adjoining residential property lines on a residential lot for a period not to exceed two weeks while owners are moving in or out of a residence.
(f) Dumpsters used for debris during construction or renovation of a residence may be placed no closer than five feet from adjoining residential property lines on a residential lot for a period not to exceed six months.
(g) Moving vans or trailers which are parked on a residential lot to store furniture or other personal property during the renovation of the residence may be parked or placed in the rear yard area, no closer than five feet from adjoining residential property lines on a residential lot for a period not to exceed six months. If placement of the moving van or trailer is not possible, the Zoning Administrator may approve placement in a side yard.
(M) Parking vehicles for sale. In all residential zones, only one item (motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, boat, trailer or other large item of personal property) may be offered for sale and may only be parked in the front or side yard area for a total accumulated period not exceeding 60 days per year. Such vehicles may be parked in the rear yard for an indefinite period of time. Placement of all such vehicles shall meet the requirements of divisions (K) and (L) of this section based on the type of vehicle that is for sale.
(N) Bicycle parking. Parking areas on lots adjacent to a marked bicycle route, bike lane, or shared use facility shall include a conveniently and safely located bike rack providing parking for a minimum of ten bicycles.
(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2018-018, passed 10-9-18; Am. Ord. 2019-011, passed 5-14-19; Am. Ord. 2021-012, passed 6-22-21)
(A) General requirements.
(1) All uses shall provide off-street loading space sufficient for their requirements. Such space shall be arranged so that no vehicle being loaded or unloaded in connection with normal operations shall stand in or project into a public street, walk, alley, or private street. Truck unloading areas shall be located in the rear of the building.
(2) Off-street loading and unloading space shall in all cases be located on the same lot or parcel of land as the uses they are intended to serve.
(3) Adequate onsite turnaround area shall be provided for all loading and unloading areas.
(4) Off-street loading and unloading areas shall be designed to avoid or minimize safety issues or traffic congestion.
(5) Loading areas shall be located so as not to be visible from residences, residentially zoned districts, streets or public rights-of-way unless appropriately screened per the requirements of § 157.139-Screening.
(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15)
LANDSCAPING, BUFFERS, OPEN SPACE AND TREE CONSERVATION
In order to maintain and enhance the existing tree coverage in Camden, promote careful landscaping of outdoor areas, soften and enhance the manmade environment, reduce summer heat and provide shade, and to assist with stormwater drainage, the following minimum standards shall apply in all zoning districts unless otherwise noted.
(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2024-014, passed 6-25-24)
The landscaping standards included in this section shall apply, as appropriate, to all required landscaped areas in this subchapter.
(A) General standards.
(1) Commercial outparcels shall be vegetated and maintained by the property owner while vacant to maintain an attractive appearance. Vegetation shall consist of turf grass, shrubs, trees, live ground cover, annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses or other vegetative cover that will secure the soil and create an attractive appearance.
(2) All required plantings installed shall be: (1) nursery grown stock that is free from pests or growth problems; (2) installed and maintained according to best management practices and standards set forth by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, ANSI 260.1-2004, as amended; and (3) selected from the List of Approved Plant Species for the City of Camden and List of Approved Tree Species for the City of Camden as provided by the Zoning Administrator.
(3) All required landscaping shall be included in the required site plan as provided in § 157.211(D).
(4) All required plantings shall be installed in a manner that insures the availability of sufficient soil and water for healthy growth and that is not intrusive to above and below ground utilities.
(5) Only landscaping and approved fences, berms and walls shall be permitted within a required buffer or street buffer area, except that sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, aboveground utilities, drainage ways, and approved signs shall be permitted where they do not comprise of more than 20% of the total area of the required buffer or street buffer or compromise the ability of the site to meet the intent and planting requirements herein. Underground utilities are permitted wherever they do not interfere with the ability to provide the required buffer or street buffer area and landscaping.
(6) Clustering and/or random spacing of plants and trees is encouraged to produce a natural appearance in the landscape, except where uniformity is required for opaque screening.
(7) Landscaping, including berms, shall be installed and maintained so as not to interfere with the sight distance requirements of this Zoning Ordinance or the sight distance needs of vehicular traffic in parking areas and at entrance and exit locations.
(8) Small maturing trees are required to be substituted for required large maturing trees whenever overhead utility lines are present or planned.
(9) Native species and related cultivars are encouraged.
(10) Monocultures shall be avoided in formally designed parks, buffers, screens, or in conjunction with a streetscape plan as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(11) Shrubs and trees shall be installed no closer than two feet to a curb, gutter, sidewalk or building. Small maturing trees shall be planted no closer than ten feet to a building, medium maturing trees no closer than 20 feet to a building and large maturing trees no closer than 25 feet to a building, unless otherwise required in this subchapter.
(12) Shrubs shall not be planted within six feet of tree trunks.
(13) In landscaped areas adjacent to parking spaces or street curbs, no plant material with the potential to reach over six inches in height may be located within 12 inches of the curb or other protective barrier. This is intended to protect planted materials from damage by car bumpers and car doors.
(14) The Zoning Administrator will conduct inspections as needed to determine that required landscaping is properly installed and maintained as provided in this subchapter.
(15) The Zoning Administrator may require changes to any planting schedule or plant size requirement and may require plant substitution when, in their opinion, the size, nature, and/or spacing of plantings will compromise the safety and security of the public.
(16) The Zoning Administrator may approve revisions to landscaping in an approved site plan in order to accommodate seasonal planting problems or a lack of plant availability as long as:
(a) There is no significant reduction in the quantity of plant material.
(b) There is no significant change in the size or location of plant materials.
(c) The plant substitutions are of the same general category and have the same general design characteristics as the materials being replaced.
(B) Tree size. The following standards shall apply to all required trees at the time of planting.
Type | Minimum Caliper1 at Planting (inches) |
Large maturing tree | 1.5 |
Medium maturing tree | 1.5 |
Small maturing tree | 1.0 |
1Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground | |
(C) Existing vegetation.
(1) Except when necessary to provide access to a site or to ensure the safety and security of people and property, any significant tree located within a public right-of-way or undeveloped required yard or buffer on any development site except individual single-family residential properties shall be retained unless approved for removal by the Zoning Administrator during site plan review per the requirements of § 157.142. In addition, every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and retain existing trees not actually lying in planned roadways, drainage ways, building foundation sites and construction activity areas on all development sites. A plan for protection of existing vegetation shall be submitted and approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to clearing, grading or development of the site.
(2) Existing vegetation shall count towards meeting the requirements of this section as long as such are:
(a) Free from pests or structural problems;
(b) Clearly shown on the site plan;
(c) Approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to development as meeting the intent of the landscaping requirements;
(d) Not considered invasive or noxious plants; and
(e) Adequately protected before and during grading and development of the site.
(3) Along streets and property boundaries that are forested and are to be maintained in a forested condition by the property owner; new buffer planting requirements may be reduced or eliminated upon approval of the Zoning Administrator to minimize grading and enhance conservation of existing, mature trees.
(4) No residential lot shall be clear cut unless a tree replacement plan is approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(D) Irrigation. Except for individual single family lots, all newly-planted and relocated plant material shall be watered by permanent irrigation systems. Trees shall be watered at a rate of five gallons per inch of caliper at least one time per week or as needed based on soil and weather conditions. All other vegetation shall be watered sufficiently to ensure healthy growth and longevity in the landscape.
(E) Landscape installation and maintenance responsibility.
(1) To ensure compliance with this subchapter and to encourage required vegetation to be installed during the appropriate season and within the required time period as prescribed by this subchapter, a letter of compliance may be accepted by the city in lieu of installation prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the site. This letter shall be in the form of an affidavit signed by the property owner properly notarized, and shall:
(a) Acknowledge that such owner is aware of any landscaping and/or screening requirements which apply to the property; and
(b) Stipulate that he or she will comply with those requirements by a specific date within the next appropriate planting season, but in no case more than nine months after the date of the affidavit, unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator; and
(c) Acknowledge that failure to comply with the provisions of this section within the time frame specified in the letter shall constitute a violation of this section, which shall subject the property owner to any and all enforcement actions permitted by law.
(2) All landscape materials required or installed voluntarily by the developer, whether used for screening, buffering, open space, street buffers, or other required landscaping areas, shall be properly maintained by the property owner. Maintenance includes all actions necessary to keep landscaping materials healthy, neat and orderly in appearance, and free of litter and debris. Any landscape material lost, stolen, or vandalized, or which has died or become irreparably or irreversibly damaged, by disease, pests, or for any other reason shall be removed and replaced unless, in the determination of the Zoning Administrator, the maturity of the remaining vegetation compensates for the loss of an individual shrub or tree, thereby causing the intent of the landscape standard to still be met without replacement. Maintenance of trees planted or included in landscaped areas must follow best management practices included and referenced in Chapter 100 of the City of Camden Code of Ordinances as provided by the Zoning Administrator.
(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2024-014, passed 6-25-24)
The following must be planted in groupings with at least 25% along the building foundation. The remainder may be planted in landscape beds away from the building foundation if desired.
(A) Single-family detached.
(1) For non-corner lots:
(a) One small or medium maturing tree in the front and rear yard.
(b) Two shrubs per ten linear feet of front façade area.
(c) Flower beds/groundcover area: one square foot per linear foot of front façade.
(2) For corner lots:
(a) One small or medium maturing tree in the front and rear yard.
(b) In side yard adjacent to secondary road:
1. One small or medium maturing tree.
2. Two shrubs per ten linear feet of front façade area.
3. Flower beds/groundcover area: five square feet per linear foot of front façade.
(B) Single family attached.
(1) For non-corner lots:
(a) Two shrubs per unit.
(b) Flower beds/groundcover area: one square foot per linear foot of front façade.
(2) For corner lots:
(a) In front yard: same as above.
(b) In side yard adjacent to secondary road:
1. One small or medium maturing tree.
2. Two shrubs per 20 linear feet of front façade area.
(3) Flower beds/groundcover area: five square foot per linear foot of front façade.
(C) Multi-family.
(1) Multi-layered plantings must be provided adjacent to buildings to enhance architecture features, provide a visual transition from building to the site, and define and enhance building entrances and other pedestrian features. Material should be massed at corners, entrances, and other features.
(2) Plantings around the foundation of buildings shall include the following per ten feet of building perimeter: one small or medium maturing tree, four shrubs, and 20 square feet of flowerbed/groundcover area.
(3) Existing plant materials may be used when existing materials meet general design intent of these standards.
(4) At least one-third of the flowerbed/groundcover area must be planted in low-flowering shrubs or other annual or perennial flowering plants.
(Ord. 2024-014, passed 6-25-24)
(A) Purpose. The purpose of a landscaped buffer is to help provide transition between different types of land uses, to break up or soften the appearance of paved surfaces, to protect significant water bodies and to provide the shade and greenery necessary to create a livable urban environment. Notwithstanding any other requirements of this section, buffers shall be required for all development as follows.
(B) Applicability. Buffers shall be required whenever new development is approved or an existing building is expanded by more than 20%.
(C) Location. Buffers shall not be located on any portion of an existing street or right-of-way; however, they may occupy part or all of any required front, side or rear yard setback. Property buffers shall be located on the outer perimet er of a lot or parcel, extending to the lot or parcel boundary line.
(D) Use of buffers. A buffer may be used for passive recreation. All other uses are prohibited, including off-street parking. However, where permitted, freestanding signs may be installed in required buffers. To prevent damage to existing trees, overhead utility lines and underground pipes cannot be installed in buffers. With approval of the Zoning Administrator, such pipes may cross, but shall not run longitudinally within, the buffer.
(E) General requirements.
(1) Planting requirements in buffer areas may be altered on a case-by-case basis by the Zoning Administrator in locations where the required buffer is wholly or partially within an existing easement.
(2) Along areas that are scheduled for easement or right-of-way acquisition or expansion by the SC Department of Transportation in the near future, the Zoning Administrator may allow a postponement of all or a portion of the buffer planting. Whenever postponement is allowed, a letter of compliance pursuant to this section shall be required.
(3) Where the location of existing permanent buildings on an existing site reduces the area available for a buffer, buffer requirements shall be met to the maximum extent practicable.
(4) Where implementation of the buffer requirements on an existing site would require the removal of parking spaces, the Zoning Administrator may approve a reduction of up to 20% of the required parking spaces in order to make room for required landscaping.
(F) Exceptions. In the event that unusual topography or elevation of a development site, the size of the parcel to be developed, the soil or sub-surface condition of the site would make strict adherence to the requirements of this section serve no meaningful purpose or would make it physically impractical to install and maintain the required buffer plantings, the Zoning Administrator may alter the requirements of this section as long as the existing features of the development site comply with the spirit and intent herein. Such an alteration may occur only at the request of the property owner, who shall submit a plan to the Zoning Administrator showing existing site features that would buffer or screen the proposed use and any additional buffer materials the property owner will plant or construct to buffer the proposed use.
(G) Street buffers.
(1) Street buffers shall be required along all streets for new development sites, except residential development with no more than four units; redevelopment sites; and expansion of a commercial building by more than 20%, except that street buffers shall not be required in the CBD district.
(2) For non-residential uses, all required street buffers shall be planted within 20 feet of the right-of-way line along the entire length of the property.
(3) Street buffers for residential uses.
(a) All new single-family detached or attached neighborhoods must provide buffers of at least 30 feet wide along all arterial or collector roads that are external to the development. (Conversely, when single-family detached or attached neighborhoods are designed with the front façades of the homes facing an external local road or another type of road smaller than a local road, no buffer is required.)
(b) All new multi-family developments must provide buffers of at least 50 feet wide along all arterial or collector roads that are external to the development.
(c) Even if this area is wooded at the outset of the development, additional landscaping may be required to screen the new neighborhood from the view of the road, to provide privacy to homes that are adjacent to these roads, and to beautify the entrances to the community. This buffer must be planted with a variety of plant material and meander visually for species diversity and visual interest. Tue design must consist of layered evergreen trees and shrubbery that are fully branched from the ground-level upward as well as canopy trees and ornamental selections. A berm may also be included.
(4) Large maturing trees shall be planted unless overhead utility lines or other factors require the use of medium or small maturing trees, as approved by the Zoning Administrator. Fractions generated by applying the minimum number of plants to the actual linear footage of the buffer shall be rounded up to the next whole number. (For example, 125 feet of buffer length would be required to have two large trees or three medium trees or four small trees.) The planting schedule for street buffers shall be as follows:
Type | Minimum Number Per Linear Foot |
Large maturing trees | .02 |
Medium maturing trees | .04 |
Small maturing trees | .06 |
(5) In addition to the tree planting requirements, a minimum of 30% of the buffer area shall be planted in a combination of approved shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, live ground cover, or turf grass, except that additional plantings may not be required in significant natural forested areas maintained within the street buffer if so approved by the Zoning Administrator. All other areas, including bare ground under trees, shall be covered in a minimum of three inches of mulch. Spacing and arrangement of plant material must be primarily based on the mature dimensions of the plants.
(6) Berms shall be allowed to augment required street buffer plantings as long as a minimum of 50% of all required trees and plantings shall be planted along the street front portion of the berm.
(H) Property buffers.
(1) The purpose of a property buffer is to minimize the potential negative impact between adjacent land uses and streets, and to promote land use compatibility.
(2) Property buffers shall be required along all applicable property boundaries for new development sites, redevelopment sites, major subdivisions, and whenever an existing nonresidential use is expanded by more than 50%. Property buffers shall not be required in the CBD Zoning District. Buffers for a Master Planned District shall be established within the requirements for each specific development.
(3) The property buffer width shall be established for new development using the following table.
Proposed Land Use | Existing Land Use | Required Buffer Width |
Proposed Land Use | Existing Land Use | Required Buffer Width |
Single-family detached or duplex on infill lot or in existing subdivision | All | 0 feet or number of feet required in subdivision |
Single-family or multi-family residential* | Undeveloped | 20 feet |
Residential | 20 feet | |
Commercial/institutional | 20 feet | |
Light industry | 50 feet | |
Heavy industry | 75 feet | |
Commercial/institutional | Undeveloped | 20 feet |
Residential | 20 feet | |
Commercial/institutional | 10 feet | |
Light industry | 20 feet | |
Heavy industry | 40 feet | |
Light industry | Undeveloped | 30 feet |
Residential | 50 feet | |
Commercial/institutional | 20 feet | |
Light industry | 20 feet | |
Heavy industry | 50 feet | |
Heavy industry | Undeveloped | 75 feet |
Residential | 75 feet | |
Commercial/institutional | 40 feet | |
Light industry | 50 feet | |
Heavy industry | 75 feet | |
*Required property buffers for single-family detached or attached uses must be contained within a common area maintained by a homeowners’ association and not on private lots. | ||
(4) The total number of trees required shall be determined by the following table.
Required Buffer Width | Large Maturing Trees (per 100 feet) | Small or Medium Maturing Trees (per 100 feet) |
10 feet | 2 | 4 |
20 feet | 3 | 6 |
30 feet | 4 | 8 |
40 feet | 5 | 10 |
50 feet | 6 | 12 |
75 feet | 8 | 16 |
(5) The use of evergreen trees and plans are strongly encouraged. In addition to the tree planting requirements, a minimum of 40% of the buffer area shall be planted in a combination of approved shrubs, annuals, perennials, live ground cover, ornamental grasses, or turf grass. All areas shall be maintained in a minimum of three inches of mulch. Plant materials shall be designed and installed in a manner that provides variability of height at maturity. Spacing and arrangement of plant material must be primarily based on the mature dimensions of the plants.
(6) Property buffers must be located along the outer perimeter of the parcel and must extend to the property line or right-of-way line; however, the buffer may be located along shared access easements between parcels in non-residential developments.
(I) Riparian buffers. A riparian buffer is required along perennial and intermittent streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes per the requirements of § 157.194
.
(J) Parking lot landscaping. The following standards shall apply to all new parking areas with ten or more spaces and all expansions to existing parking areas which add ten or more spaces, unless otherwise noted. In an expansion, only the area of expansion is required to be included in the calculation; however, the landscaping may be provided anywhere within the parking area.
(1) Plant material shall be selected and arranged to ensure the maximum safety of the public. No landscaping area shall be designed, installed or maintained in such a way that it provides cover or refuge for criminal activities.
(2) Plant material is required along 10% of the length of exterior building walls and structures to provide separation between the building and the vehicular surface area.
(3) Landscaped islands at least 200 square feet in size and a minimum of five feet on any side shall be placed at the ends of each row of parking spaces. Intermediate islands at least 200 square feet in size and a minimum of five feet on any side shall be placed throughout the parking lot so that no parking space is further than 60 feet from a tree, as measured from the end or edge of the parking space. One tree is required at the end of every row of parking, even if the row terminates at a buffer area.
(a) Each landscaped island shall include one large maturing tree unless there is an overhead utility line or street light present, in which case a small or medium maturing tree shall be planted.
(b) In addition to the tree planting requirement, a minimum of 20% of each landscaped island shall be planted in a combination of small maturing shrubs, perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, and/or live ground cover. All other areas shall be maintained in a minimum of three inches of mulch wherever plant material is placed.
(4) Landscaped areas within or adjacent to parking areas must be protected from vehicular damage by a raised curb, wheel stops or approved equivalent barrier of at least six inches in height.
(5) All parking lots, including vehicle sales and display areas, must contain a continuous row of evergreen shrubs along roadways and shared access drives that are not already protected by a land use buffer. This screening may be accomplished by shrubs, small or medium maturing trees, berms, or other hardscape features that are architecturally compatible with the development.
(6) Alternative, creative landscaping plans that incorporate larger islands or different spacing of landscaped areas than required in this section may be approved by the Zoning Administrator, as long as the minimum area of landscaping and minimum number of trees is provided.
(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2024-014, passed 6-25-24)
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