(A) Purpose and intent. The regulation of off-street parking spaces in this Zoning Ordinance is to alleviate and/or prevent congestion within the public right-of-way. The regulations are intended to promote the safety and general welfare of the public, by establishing minimum requirements for off-street parking (motorized vehicles) in accordance with the utilization of various parcels of land. The regulations and requirements set forth herein shall apply to all off-street parking facilities in all of the zoning districts within city limits.
(B) Site plan requirements. All applications for a building permit, certificate of occupancy or other planning permits/approvals as required under this section shall be accompanied by a site plan. Site plans shall be drawn to scale (and accurately dimensioned) indicating the location of off-street parking and loading spaces in compliance with the requirements set forth in this section. All site plans for single-family homes must provide for the location of at least a two stall garage, except for the R-1 District, where the plan must provide for the location of at least a one stall garage.
(C) General provisions.
(1) Floor area. The term "floor area" for the purpose of calculating the number of off-street parking spaces required shall be determined on the basis of the exterior floor dimensions of the buildings, structures or use times the number of floors, minus 10%, unless otherwise modified by this chapter. Where mechanical spaces, storage areas, or other unoccupied areas exceed 10% of the area of a building or structure, the area in excess of the 10% may be deducted from the gross floor area.
(2) Reduction of existing off-street parking space. Off-street parking spaces existing upon the effective date of this chapter shall not be reduced in number or size unless said number or size exceeds the requirements set forth herein for a similar new use.
(3) Nonconforming structures. Should a nonconforming structure or use be damaged or destroyed by fire, it may be re-established if elsewhere permitted in these zoning regulations, except that in doing so, any off-street parking or loading space which existed before shall be retained, if deemed appropriate by the city (for more on nonconforming structures, see § 153.021).
(4) Change of use or occupancy of land. No change of use or occupancy of land already dedicated to a parking area, parking spaces, or loading spaces shall be made, nor shall any sale of land, division or subdivision of land be made which reduces area necessary for parking, parking stalls or parking requirements below the minimum prescribed by these zoning regulations.
(5) Change of use or occupancy of buildings. Any change of use or occupancy of any building or buildings including additions thereto requiring more parking area shall not be permitted until there is furnished such additional parking spaces as required by these zoning regulations.
(6) Calculating space.
(a) When determining the number of off-street parking spaces results in a fraction, each fraction over one-half shall constitute another space.
(b) In stadiums, sports arenas, churches and other places of public assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews or other similar seating facilities, each 22 inches of such seating facilities shall be counted as one seat for the purpose of determining requirements.
(c) Except as provided for under joint parking and shopping centers, should a structure contain two or more types of use, the sum of each shall be calculated separately and shall be used for determining the total off-street parking required.
(D) Stall, aisle and driveway design.
(1) Parking space size. Each parking space shall not be less than nine feet wide and 18 feet in length, and each space shall be served by adequate access aisles. Accessible stalls shall meet the requirements of the Building Code.
(2) Off-street parking facilities. All off-street parking facilities shall be designed and constructed with appropriated means of vehicular access to a public street.
(3) Within structures. Off-street parking requirements may be met by providing space(s) within the principal building or within an attached structure; however, unless provisions are made, no building permit shall be issued to convert said parking structure into a dwelling unit, living area or other activity until verification is provided that all off-street parking provisions within this section have been satisfactory met.
(4) Circulation. Except in the case of single-family, two-family and townhouse dwellings, parking areas shall be designed so that circulation between parking bays or aisles occurs within the designated parking lot and does not depend upon a public street or alley. Except in the case of single-family, two-family and townhouse dwellings, parking design which requires backing into the public street is prohibited.
(5) R-1 District. The required parking spaces serving existing dwellings in the R-1 District may be designed for parking not more than two vehicles in a tandem arrangement for each dwelling unit in order to comply with the requirements of this section.
(6) Compliance. Except in the case of single-family, two-family and townhouse dwellings, parking areas and their aisles shall be developed in compliance with the standards on the Parking Lot Dimension Table.
(7) Grade. The grade of any parking area shall not exceed 5%.
(8) Surfacing. Except in the case of farm dwellings and operations, seasonal recreational uses, and residential uses in the TZ District, driveways and parking stalls shall be surfaced with asphalt or concrete. In industrial zones, driveways and parking stalls may be surfaced with gravel, crushed concrete, or other materials equivalent in controlling dust and drainage, as approved by the City Engineer. Gravel (or other similar materials) shall only be used when fewer than five parking stalls are required. Any approval for surfaces other than asphalt or concrete shall be contingent upon submittal of a grading plan and City Engineer approval. Site or construction plans to improve a driveway (surface improvements/drainage) or parking lots for five or more vehicles shall be submitted to the City Engineer for review. All grading and drainage plans are subject to the approval of the City Engineer. At any time an improvement is made which increases the demand for parking spaces, as a condition of the building permit or any other permit as authorized under this chapter, all nonconforming parking lot surfaces or driveways existing on the lot in question must be brought to full compliance.
(9) Striping. Except for single-family, two-family, and townhouse dwellings, all parking stalls shall be marked with white or yellow painted lines not less than four inches wide or blue lines as required for disabled parking.
(10) Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area shall be hooded and located to reflect the light away from adjoining property, abutting residential uses and public rights-of-way.
(11) Required screening. All open off-street parking areas of five or more spaces shall be screened and landscaped from abutting residential districts.
(12) Driveway turn-arounds. In the case of single-family, two-family and townhouse dwellings, which abut streets designated as collector, minor arterial or principal arterial (see the city's Comprehensive Plan), the installation of a vehicle turn-around space, immediately adjacent to the access driveway shall be considered. Said space shall be no larger than ten feet wide and 15 feet in length. Where possible, said space shall be located away from the principal structure and shall be no closer than 20 feet from the street surface. Said space is not to be utilized for parking purposes.
(E) Maintenance responsibilities. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of the principal use, uses or buildings to maintain the parking space, access ways, striping and required screening.
(F) Placement. All off-street parking spaces will be regulated as follows:
(1) Location. Off-street parking spaces required by division (I) below must be on the same lot under the same ownership as the principal use being served, except off-street parking spaces regulated by divisions (J) and (K).
(2) Head-in parking prohibited. Except for single-family, two-family and townhouse dwellings, head-in parking, directly off of and adjacent to a public street, with each stall having its own direct access to the public street, shall be prohibited.
(3) No parking area. The boulevard portion of the street right-of-way may not be used for parking unless approved by the city.
(4) Setback area. Required off-street parking shall not be provided in required front yards or in required side yards in the case of corner lots, in residentially zoned districts.
(5) Location of spaces for one- and two-family dwellings. Required off-street parking spaces for one- and two-family dwellings must be in the rear yard, side yards, garage, or car port. Parking spaces, including their access drives, provided in addition to required spaces must be paved with asphalt or concrete when such spaces are located in a front or side yard. Spaces in a rear yard may be surfaced with gravel.
(6) Recreational equipment, recreational vehicles, utility trailers or equipment, and off-road vehicles. Recreational equipment, recreational vehicles, utility trailers or equipment, and off-road vehicles kept in a front or side yard must be parked on a paved surface. Recreational equipment, recreational vehicles, utility trailers or equipment, and off-road vehicles kept in a rear yard may be parked on an unpaved surface.
(7) Enforcement. Violations may be enforced through tagging.
(G) Use of required area. Required off-street parking spaces in any district shall not be utilized for open storage, sale or rental of goods, repair work, storage of inoperable vehicles and/or storage of snow.
(H) Accessible parking spaces. Accessible parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with the state Building Code.
(I) Off-street parking schedule.
Off-Street Parking Schedule
"du" = dwelling unit; "sq. ft." = square feet; "gfa" = gross floor area | ||
Use category | Use type | Number of spaces required. |
Off-Street Parking Schedule
"du" = dwelling unit; "sq. ft." = square feet; "gfa" = gross floor area | ||
Use category | Use type | Number of spaces required. |
Residential uses
| ||
Household living | All use types not listed below | 2 per du |
Multi-family | 2 per du for one and two bedroom units; 2.5 per du for three or more bedroom units; - if fee is charged for a parking space above and beyond the rent it does not count towards parking space requirements | |
Efficiency unit | 1.5 per du | |
Group living | Elderly (senior citizen housing) | 1 space per unit or as determined in coordination with the city |
Nursing home/assisted living facilities/similar uses | 1 space for every 4 residents/patients plus 1 space for every 2 employees; - adequate space shall be provided for emergency response vehicles/equipment | |
Child care center/facilities | Child care centers/facilities, residential facilities/programs or day care facilities within commercial/industrial zone districts | 1 space per 400 sq. ft. of gfa and 1 space reserved for the pickup/delivery of children per every 800 sq. ft. of gfa |
Commercial uses | ||
Financial | Financial institutions | 3 spaces per 1000 sq. ft. of gfa |
Financial institution with drive-thru service | 1 space for each 2 drive-in units plus drive aisle stacking space of 50 feet for each drive-in unit | |
Food and beverage services | All use types not listed below | 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of gfa |
Restaurant with drive-thru | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of gfa | |
Lodging facilities | All use types not listed below | 1 space for each guest plus 2 spaces for any owner/manager or residents that live on the premises. |
Hotels, motels, lodges and cabins | 1 space per room/suite plus 2 spaces for every 5 employees | |
Professional offices, businesses | All use types | 3 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of gfa |
Health care facilities | Medical clinics/dental offices or similar uses | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of gfa |
Hospitals | 1 space for every 2 patient beds, plus 1 additional space for each doctor including visiting doctors, plus 1 space for every 2 employees (including nurses) and loading/unloading space as applicable or required under this chapter | |
Retail sales, service | Use types not listed below | 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area |
Retail sales/service business w/ 50% or more gfa devoted to storage, warehouse or industry | 3 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. gfa for area devoted to sales/retail and 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. gfa for storage/warehouse uses | |
Shopping centers | 3 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. gfa (non-inclusive of common areas or unleasable gross floor area) | |
Vehicles and equipment | Auto service station | 4 off-street spaces (minimum) plus an additional 3 spaces for each service (repair) stall; - Convenience stores auto part stores or retail space shall be calculated pursuant to the retail use category |
Auto repair (minor and major), auto sales and rental | 3 spaces per repair stall plus 1 space per employee | |
Recreational and entertainment | Bowling alleys | 3 spaces per alley plus 1 space per every two employees |
Theatres, civic centers, stadiums, sports arenas or similar uses | 1 space for every 4 seats, plus 1 space for every 2 employees | |
Public, institutional, and civic uses
| ||
Community and cultural facilities | Public assembly (all use types not listed below) | 1 space for every 4 seats, plus 1 space per employee |
Community centers, libraries, museums or similar uses | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of gfa | |
Government | Post office | 1 space per 400 sq. ft. of gfa |
Educational institutions | Elementary, junior high (public or private) | 1 space per classroom plus an additional space for every 50 students (capacity) |
High school, secondary, trade, vocational | 1 space for every 7 students or per design capacity plus 1 space per classroom | |
Transportation | Transportation terminals | 8 off-street spaces (minimum) plus 1 space per 800 sq ft of gfa over an initial 1,000 sq. ft. limit |
Industrial uses
| ||
Industrial/manufacturing | 1 space per every 1 and one-half employees on shift (based on largest shift) plus 1 truck/loading space per every 7,500 sq. ft gfa (or as determined appropriate) | |
Warehouse, storage/handling of bulk freight | Any office/retail space shall comply with the applicable use category; additionally 1 space per employee on shift (based on largest shift) and 1 space per company truck (if stored externally) | |
Warehouse/wholesale | 1 space per employee on shift (based on largest shift) plus 1 truck space for every 7,500 sq ft gfa (or as deemed appropriate) | |
Car wash (drive-thru and self-service) | 1 space per employee on shift minimum 1 space required | |
(J) Joint facilities. The Council may approve an agreement between one or more businesses to provide the required off-street parking facilities by joint use on one or more sites where the total number of spaces provided are less than the sum of the total required for each business should they provide them separately.
(1) General information.
(a) Theaters, bowling alleys, bars, restaurants and similar uses. Up to 50% of the parking facilities required for these uses may be supplied by off-street parking facilities for uses (daytime) as specified within division (d) below.
(b) Daytime uses. Up to 50% of the off-street parking facilities required for any use specified under division (d) as primarily daytime uses may be supplied by the parking facilities provided by the following night time or Sunday uses: auditoriums incidental to a public or parochial school, churches, bowling alleys, dance halls, theaters, bars, apartments, restaurants or similar uses.
(c) Church or auditorium incidental to public/parochial school. Up to 80% of the parking facilities required by this section for a church or for an auditorium incidental to public or parochial school may be supplied by the off-street parking facilities provided by uses specified in division (d) as primarily daytime uses.
(d) Daytime uses defined. For the purposes of this section, the following uses are considered as primarily daytime uses: banks, business offices, retail stores, personal service shops, household equipment or furniture shops, clothing or shoe repair or service shops, manufacturing, wholesale and similar uses.
(2) Conditions required for joint use.
(a) The building or use for which a request is being made to utilize the off-street parking facilities provided by another building or use shall be located within 800 feet of such parking facilities;
(b) Documentation as specified by the city shall be submitted demonstrating that there is not substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the buildings or uses (for which joint use of off-street parking facilities is proposed); and
(c) A properly drawn legal instrument, executed by the parties concerned for joint use of off-street parking facilities, duly approved as to form and manner of execution by the City Attorney, shall be filed with the City Administrator and recorded with the Clay County Recorder.
(K) Mixed uses. In cases of mixed uses, the parking spaces required shall be the sum of the requirements for the various individual uses, computed separately.
(L) Design standards.
(1) All off-street automobile parking facilities shall be designated with appropriate means of vehicular access to a street or alley as well as maneuvering areas, as applicable. Detailed plans shall be submitted to the proper official for approval for all curb cuts or driveway openings before a permit may be obtained.
(2) Parking areas shall be paved with an asphalt or concrete surfacing (unless otherwise set forth under division (D) above), afford adequate drainage and shall have bumper guards where needed.
(3) Off-street parking areas for one or two-family uses shall be in the rear, side yards, garage, carport, upon a well-defined driveway or in an area not to exceed 12 feet in width abutting the driveway on one side only in the front yard. The parking area designated in the front yard abutting the driveway shall be surfaced with either concrete, asphalt or in cases or existing gravel driveways; gravel may be used for such additional parking.
(4) Off-street parking areas for multiple-family units of three or more shall park on a designated parking lot. In no case, unless approved by the Building Official in the issuance of a building permit or by the City Council in cases of conditional uses, shall parking be permitted on the front yard except within the limitation as required in the Planned Unit Development section, § 153.062 of this chapter.
(5) Parking areas shall be used for automobile parking only. Residential parking areas shall not be utilized to complete any type of sales and shall not be used to store vehicles, complete repair work or dismantle/servicing of any manner.
(6) If lighting is provided, it shall be arranged to reflect away from the residential area, and also away from any public street or highway.
(7) Violations shall be enforced through tagging.
(M) Loading space. Facilities and uses that require loading and unloading space, inclusive of wholesale food markets, warehouses, supply stores, wholesale distributors, manufacturing, hotels, hospitals, dry cleaning establishments or buildings that accommodate large amounts of freight shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Buildings in excess of 7,500 square feet of floor area: one loading space plus one additional loading and unloading space for each additional 12,000 square feet of floor area; and
(2) Each loading space shall be not less than 12 feet in width, 35 feet in length, and 15 feet in height.
(N) Parking lots - commercial/industrial uses. At the discretion of the City Council, permission may be granted, temporary or permanent in nature, for the use of property within a residential district for vehicular parking, provided that:
(1) The lot shall be authorized only for the parking of passenger automobiles of employees, customers, or guests associated with the individual/entity that controls, owns or operates the lot. This individual/entity shall be responsible for its maintenance;
(2) The parking lot shall be adequately screened from the street and from any adjoining property in a residential district. Screening should include an obscuring fence or wall not less than five feet high and shall be located along the property line to mitigate any impacts on adjacent properties; all lighting shall be arranged to reduce and/or eliminate any unnecessary glare towards or upon adjoining property in a residential district. The parking lot surface shall be smoothly graded, hard surfaced, and adequately drained;
(3) The parking lot owner/operator is prohibited from charging fees or any other form of compensation for use of the lot;
(4) The lot shall not be used for sales, repair work or any servicing of any manner;
(5) Access to and from the parking lot should be designed/arranged in such a manner to reduce and/or eliminate any negative impacts that may be realized by the adjacent residential district(s);
(6) No advertising signs or material shall be allowed on the parking lot;
(7) All striped parking spaces shall be located within the setback regulations as established in the associated zoning district, unless otherwise issued a variance; and
(8) Such other conditions as may be deemed necessary by the City Council to protect the character of the residential district.
(Ord. passed - -)