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Unless specifically exempted or superseded by other provisions of this title, the regulations of this article apply to all parking spaces, stacking spaces, aisles, and drives in all zones, whether required by this code or put in for the convenience of property owners or users. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005)
A. The use of required off street parking is reserved for vehicle parking. Other uses of a required parking area are not permitted, except as approved for a temporary use. (See chapter 4, article D of this title.)
B. Unless otherwise exempted, motor vehicles must be parked on an improved surface, as specified in this article.
C. The storage of merchandise, materials, equipment, refuse containers, obsolete or junk vehicles or the major repair of vehicles in required off street parking and stacking spaces is prohibited.
D. Except for the purpose of making local deliveries, vehicles designed for the shipment of detonable or flammable solids, liquids or gases may not be parked or stored in any residential zone.
E. Commercial vehicles more than seven and one-half feet (71/2') in height may not be stored in any residential zone. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005)
A. Purpose: Certain areas and zones of the city are subject to a limit on the amount of parking provided due to a desire to foster compact, pedestrian oriented areas close to the downtown, the university, and in neighborhood commercial areas adjacent to residential neighborhoods. The maximum parking standards are a tool to prevent the development of excess parking capacity on a site. Limiting the amount of land devoted to parking will make additional land available for building area, open space, pedestrian amenities, and other productive uses and will reduce stormwater runoff and protect water quality by limiting the amount of impervious surface on a site. To further that goal, off street parking in the central business district is generally provided in municipally owned parking facilities, rather than in private surface lots or structures. Providing conveniently located public parking facilities reserves land in the downtown for more intensive commercial and civic uses and prevents large surface parking lots from damaging the pedestrian friendly character of the central business district.
B. CN-1 Zone: In the CN-1 zone, the number of parking spaces provided may not exceed one hundred ten percent (110%) of the number of parking spaces required, except if granted a special exception to exceed this limit by the board of adjustment. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005)
C. CB-5 Zone: (Rep. by Ord. 14-4586, 6-3-2014)
D. CB-10 Zone:
1. Off street parking is not required for any use, except household living uses, as specified in section 14-5A-4, table 5A-1 of this article.
2. Private, off street parking is permitted only after approval of a special exception, except for hospitality oriented retail uses and household living uses as specified in the following subsections.
3. Hospitality oriented uses are allowed up to one and one-fourth (11/4) parking spaces for each guestroom and parking spaces equal to one-third (1/3) the occupant load of any meeting or convention facilities without going through the special exception process. Any parking spaces allowed under this maximum must meet the standards specified in subsections D5b through D5e of this section. Any parking spaces requested beyond this maximum must be approved by the board of adjustment as a special exception and meet all of the approval criteria listed in subsection D5 of this section. (Ord. 08-4326, 12-22-2008)
4. Household living uses must provide parking according to section 14-5A-4, table 5A-1 of this article. The parking must meet the standards specified in subsections D5b through D5e of this section. If there is practical difficulty providing the required parking for household living uses on site, off site parking for household living uses may be approved according to the provisions of subsection 14-5A-4F, "Alternatives To Minimum Parking Requirements", of this article. (Ord. 14-4586, 6-3-2014)
5. In addition to the general special exception approval criteria specified in chapter 4, article B of this title, applications for a special exception for private off street parking in the CB-10 zone must meet the following specific approval criteria:
a. The applicant must demonstrate through a parking demand analysis that the number of parking spaces requested does not exceed the demand for parking for the specific building or project proposed and that the parking demand cannot be satisfied through the public parking system. Short term parking demand is preferred to be satisfied through the public parking system.
b. Surface parking is not permitted.
c. Underground parking is preferred over aboveground structured parking. The design of any underground parking must not detract from or prevent active building uses on the ground level floor of the building. To that end, the ceiling height of any underground parking level may not extend more than one foot (1') above the level of the adjacent sidewalk. On sloping building sites and for existing buildings, the city may adjust this requirement. However, on sloping sites at least a portion of the ground level floor height of any new building must be located no more than one foot (1') above the level of the abutting sidewalk or pedestrian plaza; and the floor height of the ground level floor of the building must be no more than three feet (3') above the level of the abutting public sidewalk or pedestrian plaza at any point along a street-facing building facade.
d. Aboveground structured parking may be approved only by special exception according to the standards in subsection D5e of this section.
e. Where parking is located within the exterior walls of a building, the following standards apply: (Ord. 08-4326, 12-22-2008)
(1) The proposed structured parking will not detract from or prevent ground floor storefront uses. Structured parking may be permitted on the ground level floor of a building, provided that a substantial portion of the ground level floor of the building is reserved for and built to accommodate storefront uses. On the ground level floor of the building, parking is not allowed within the first fifty feet (50') of building depth as measured from the front building line. The board of adjustment may reduce this storefront depth requirement if the applicant demonstrates that conditions on the subject property create a practical difficulty in achieving full compliance. In such a case, the applicant must demonstrate that the resulting alternative storefront space, both the interior and exterior, will be of a quality in both design and materials that will enhance the commercial character of the central business district. To mitigate for loss of ground floor commercial space, the board may also require additional quality commercial space be included on an upper floor or mezzanine level and said space be reserved for nonresidential uses. (Ord. 11-4450, 10-18-2011)
(2) Vehicular access to parking within buildings must be from a rear alley or private rear lane, whenever feasible. Garage openings along the primary street frontage are not permitted if access is feasible from another street or from a rear alley, private street or private rear lane. If there is no other feasible alternative, a garage opening may be allowed along the primary street frontage, if the board determines that the opening(s) will not detract from or unduly interrupt pedestrian flow along the street and traffic and pedestrian safety will not be compromised. Garage openings shall be built to the minimum width necessary for access.
(3) Any exterior walls of a parking facility that are visible from a public or private street must appear to be a component of the facade of the building through the use of building materials, window openings and facade detailing that is similar or complementary to the design of the building.
(4) Each entrance and exit to the parking area must be constructed so that vehicles entering or leaving the parking area are clearly visible to a pedestrian on any abutting sidewalk at a distance of not less than ten feet (10'). Stop signs and appropriate pedestrian warning signs may be required. (Ord. 08-4326, 12-22-2008)
A. Purpose: The minimum parking requirements are intended to ensure that enough off street parking is provided to accommodate most of the demand for parking generated by the range of uses that might locate at a site over time, particularly in areas where sufficient on street parking is not available. The minimum parking requirements are also intended to ensure that enough parking is provided on a site to prevent parking for nonresidential uses from encroaching into adjacent residential neighborhoods.
B. Minimum Requirements:
1. Table 5A-2 of this section lists the minimum parking requirements and minimum bicycle parking requirements for the land use or uses on properties in all zones except the CB-5, CB-10, Eastside Mixed Use and Riverfront Crossings Zones. For some land uses, the minimum parking requirements differ based on the zone in which the property is located.
2. For properties located within the Downtown Planning District, zoned CB-5 and, in part, Historic District Overlay, the bicycle parking requirement shall be 1.25 spaces per dwelling unit. For such properties, there shall be no vehicular parking requirement. Except for the preceding, table 5A-1 of this section lists the minimum parking requirements and minimum bicycle parking requirements for all other properties within the CB-5 and CB-10 Zones, where parking is only required for household living uses.
3. Table 5A-3 of this section lists the minimum parking requirements and minimum bicycle parking requirement for properties zoned Riverfront Crossings and Eastside Mixed Use. Affordable housing dwelling units provided in accordance with section 14-2G-8 of this title shall not be required to provide parking, and are therefore exempt from the minimum parking requirement calculation for the respective Riverfront Crossings zoning classification.
4. In the CB-10 Zone, off street parking must meet the standards specified in subsection 14-5A-3D of this article.
C. Parking For Persons With Disabilities: Where a use is required to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities, the number and design of such parking spaces must be in accordance with State of Iowa Administrative Code, 661 IAC 18, parking for persons with disabilities, as amended.
D. Rules For Computing Minimum Parking Requirements:
1. Where a fractional space results, the number of parking and stacking spaces actually required will be the closest whole number, with a half space rounded down.
2. Any use that is nonconforming with regard to the number of required parking spaces is subject to the applicable provisions of chapter 4, article E, "Nonconforming Situations", of this title.
3. In the case of mixed uses, the number of parking and stacking spaces required is equal to the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately, except for shopping centers, as specified in table 5A-2 of this section, and for reductions allowed under subsection F, "Alternatives To Minimum Parking Requirements", of this section.
4. When the parking requirement is based on the number of residents or occupants, the number of residents or occupants shall be based on the maximum occupancy of the use as determined by the City.
E. Rules For Computing Bicycle Parking Requirements:
1. In tables 5A-1 and 5A-2 of this section, the minimum bicycle parking requirements are expressed as a certain number of spaces per dwelling unit or as a percentage of the required number of vehicle parking spaces. In table 5A-3 of this section, the minimum bicycle parking requirements are expressed as a certain number of spaces per dwelling unit or per resident or, in the case of nonresidential uses, as a ratio based on the floor area of the proposed use. When expressed as a number of spaces per resident, the number of residents shall be based on the maximum occupancy of the use as determined by the City.
2. In all cases where bicycle parking is required, a minimum of four (4) spaces shall be provided.
3. After the first fifty (50) bicycle parking spaces are provided, additional spaces are required at fifty percent (50%) of the number required by this section.
4. Where the expected need for bicycle parking for a particular use is uncertain due to unknown or unusual operating characteristics of the use or due to a location that is difficult to access by bicycle, the building official may authorize that the construction of up to fifty percent (50%) of the required bicycle parking spaces be deferred. The land area required for the deferred bicycle parking spaces must be maintained in reserve. If an enforcement official of the City determines at some point in the future that the additional parking spaces are needed, the property owner will be required to install the parking in the reserved area. The owner of the property on which the bicycle parking area is reserved must properly execute, sign, and record a written agreement that is binding upon their successors and assigns as a covenant running with the land that assures the installation of bicycle parking within the reserved area by the owner if so ordered by an enforcement official of the City.
Use Categories | Subgroups | Parking Requirements | Bicycle Parking | |
Use Categories | Subgroups | Parking Requirements | Bicycle Parking | |
Residential uses: | ||||
Household living uses | Multi-family dwellings | CB-5 Zone | Efficiency, 1 bedroom units: 0.5 space per dwelling unit. | 1.0 per dwelling unit |
2 bedroom units: 1 space per dwelling unit. | ||||
3 bedroom units: 2.5 spaces per dwelling unit. | ||||
Units with more than 3 bedrooms: 3 spaces per dwelling unit. | ||||
Elder apartments: 1 space for every 2 dwelling units. | ||||
CB-10 Zone | For buildings built on or before December 31, 2008: | 1.0 per dwelling unit | ||
Bedrooms 1-10: No parking required. | ||||
All additional bedrooms: 0.5 space per bedroom. | ||||
(For purposes of this standard an efficiency apartment will be counted as 1 bedroom.) | ||||
For buildings built on or after January 1, 2009: | ||||
Efficiency and 1 bedroom units: 0.5 space per dwelling unit. | ||||
2 bedroom unit: 1 space per dwelling unit. | ||||
3 bedroom unit: 2.5 spaces per dwelling unit. | ||||
Units with more than 3 bedrooms: 3 spaces per dwelling unit. | ||||
Elder apartments: 1 space for every 2 dwelling units. | ||||
Use Categories | Subgroups | Parking Requirement | Bicycle Parking | |
Use Categories | Subgroups | Parking Requirement | Bicycle Parking | |
Residential uses: | ||||
Household living | Single family and two family uses | For 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units: 1 parking space, plus 1 additional parking space for each adult occupant beyond 3. For units with 3 or more bedrooms: 2 parking spaces plus 1 additional parking space for each adult occupant beyond 3. | None required | |
Group households | 3 spaces. | None required | ||
Multi-family uses | All zones, except PRM and CB-2 | Efficiency and 1 bedroom units: 1 space per dwelling unit. 2 bedroom units: 2 spaces per dwelling unit. 3 bedroom units: 2 spaces per dwelling unit. 4 bedroom units: 3 spaces per dwelling unit. 5 bedroom units: 4 spaces per dwelling unit. University impact area: 1 space per bedroom (see section 14-2B-6, map 2B.1). | 0.5 per dwelling unit 1.0 per dwelling unit 1.5 per dwelling unit 1.5 per dwelling unit 1.5 per dwelling unit | |
PRM & CB-2 Zone | Efficiency and 1 bedroom units: 0.75 space per dwelling unit. 2 bedroom units: 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit. 3 bedroom units: 2.5 spaces per dwelling unit. Units with more than 3 bedrooms: 3 spaces per dwelling unit. University impact area in the PRM zone: 1 space per bedroom (see section 14-2B-6, map 2B.1). | 1.0 per dwelling unit | ||
Elder apartments | 1 space per dwelling unit for independent living units and 1 space for every 2 dwelling units for assisted living units, except in the PRM and CB-2 Zones. In the PRM and CB-2 Zones, 1 space for every 2 dwelling units. | 5 percent | ||
Group living | Assisted group living | 1 space for every 3 beds, plus 1 space for each staff member determined by the maximum number of staff present at any 1 time. | None required | |
Independent group living | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area or 0.75 space per resident, whichever is less. | 25 percent | ||
Fraternal group living | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area or 0.75 space per resident, whichever is less. | 25 percent | ||
Commercial uses: | ||||
Adult business uses | Retail type | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area. | 15 percent | |
Entertainment/nightclub type | Parking spaces equal to 1/3 the occupant load of the largest assembly space or seating area in the building. | 10 percent | ||
Animal related commercial | General | 1 space for each office, examining room, and treatment/grooming room, but not less than 3 spaces. | None required | |
Intensive | 3 spaces. | None required | ||
Building trade uses | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Commercial recreational uses | Outdoor | Spectator type (major event facilities, such as arenas, stadiums, etc.) | Parking spaces equal to 1/4 the occupant load of the seating area. | 10 percent |
Participatory type (tennis courts, swimming pools, archery ranges, sports fields, etc.) | Parking spaces equal to 2/3 the maximum number of participants likely at any 1 time. | 10 percent | ||
Indoor | Parking spaces equal to 1/3 the occupant load of the area used for the participatory activity. | 10 percent | ||
Commercial parking | Not applicable. | None required | ||
Eating and drinking establishments | 1 space per 150 square feet of floor area, or parking spaces equal to 1/3 the occupant load of the seating area, whichever is less. Carryout/delivery restaurants that do not have a seating area must provide at least 4 spaces. | 10 percent | ||
Office uses | General office | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area. In the MU and CB-2 zones, no additional parking is required for that floor area exceeding 8,000 square feet. | 15 percent | |
Medical/dental office | 1.5 spaces for each office, examining room and treatment room; provided, however, there shall not be less than 5 spaces. | 15 percent | ||
Quick vehicle servicing | For gas stations, 1 stacking space is required for every service stall or pump station. For car washes, 4 stacking spaces are required for each wash rack, bay, or tunnel. Parking for convenience retail must be calculated separately. Parking spaces must be provided in lieu of stacking spaces in instances where egress from a facility would require moving a motor vehicle waiting for entry. | None required | ||
Redemption center | 1 space per 1,000 square feet of floor area | None required | ||
Retail | Shopping centers, where a mix of uses, such as retail, office, restaurants, theaters, commercial recreational uses, etc., share the same parking area. This parking minimum may be used as an optional alternative to calculating the parking for each of the uses separately. | 1 space per 250 square feet of floor area. Spaces for residential uses must be calculated separately and must be provided in addition to the parking spaces for the commercial uses. | 15 percent | |
Sales oriented | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area. | 15 percent | ||
Personal service oriented | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area. | 15 percent | ||
Repair oriented | 1 space per 500 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Hospitality oriented | For hotels and motels, 1 space per guestroom. For guesthouses, as defined in this title, 0.75 space per guestroom. For meeting facilities and similar, spaces equal to 1/4 the occupant load of the meeting area or 1/4 the occupant load of the seating area, whichever is most applicable to the use. | None required | ||
Outdoor storage and display oriented | 1 space per 500 square feet of floor area. | 10 percent | ||
Surface passenger services | No minimum requirement. | None required | ||
Vehicle repair | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Industrial uses: | ||||
Industrial service | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Manufacturing and production | Technical/light manufacturing | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | |
General manufacturing | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Heavy manufacturing | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Salvage operations | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Self-service storage | 2 spaces per leasing office, plus 1 space per 100 leasable storage spaces. | None required | ||
Warehouse and freight movement | For warehouses up to 25,000 square feet | 1 space per 1,000 square feet of floor area up to a maximum of 5 spaces. | None required | |
For warehouses 25,000 square feet or greater | 5 spaces, plus 1 space for each 5,000 square feet above 25,000 square feet. | None required | ||
Waste related uses | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Wholesale sales | 1 space per 750 square feet of floor area. | None required | ||
Institutional and civic uses: | ||||
Basic utilities | No minimum requirement. | None required | ||
Colleges and universities | Public | Based on parking demand analysis. | 25 percent | |
Private | Per special exception review based on parking demand analysis. | 25 percent | ||
Community service | General community service | 1 space per 300 square feet of floor area. | 10 percent | |
Community service - shelter | 0.1 space per temporary resident based on the maximum number of temporary residents staying at the shelter at any 1 time, plus 1 space per employee based on the maximum number of employees at the site at any 1 time. | 25 percent | ||
Daycare | 1 space per employee based on the maximum number of employees at the site at any 1 time, plus 1 parking space for each 10 children or clients served, based on the maximum number of children present on the site at any 1 time, plus 1 stacking space for each 20 children or clients served, based on the maximum number of clients or children present on the site at any 1 time. Additional parking spaces at a ratio of 1/20 clients or children served may be substituted for the stacking spaces, if the city determines that such an arrangement will not cause traffic to stack into adjacent streets or public rights of way. | 10 percent | ||
Detention facilities | No minimum requirement. | None required | ||
Educational facilities | Elementary, middle, junior high schools, and specialized educational facilities | 2 spaces per classroom. | 25 percent | |
High schools | 10 spaces per classroom. | 25 percent | ||
Hospitals | 1.75 spaces per hospital bed. | None required | ||
Parks and open space | No minimum requirement, except for recreational uses within private open space areas as follows: For golf courses, 3 spaces for each green (hole). For other recreational or public assembly type uses, parking is required at half the minimum amount required for the most similar commercial recreational use. | 5 percent | ||
Religious/private group assembly | Parking spaces equal to 1/6 the occupant load of the main auditorium or the largest room in the building, whichever is greater. | 5 percent | ||
Other uses: | ||||
Agriculture | Animal related | No minimum requirement. | None required | |
Plant related | No minimum requirement. | None required | ||
Aviation related uses | Airports | No minimum requirement. | None required | |
Helicopter landing facilities | No minimum requirement. | None required | ||
Communication transmission facilities | No minimum requirement. | None required | ||
Extraction | No minimum requirement. | None required | ||
Use Categories | Subdistricts | Minimum Parking Requirement | Bicycle Parking |
Use Categories | Subdistricts | Minimum Parking Requirement | Bicycle Parking |
Household living units within the following building types: apartment building, multi-dwelling building, mixed use building | South Downtown, University | Efficiency, 1 bedroom: 0.5 space per dwelling unit. 2 bedrooms: 1 space per dwelling unit. 3 bedrooms: 2 spaces per dwelling unit. Elder apartments: 1 space for every 2 dwelling units. For multi-family dwelling units located within the University Subdistrict or on property directly abutting or across the street from the UI campus as illustrated on the regulating plan, section 14-2G-2, figure 2G-1 of this title, the parking requirement is 0.25 per bedroom. | 1 per dwelling unit |
Park, South Gilbert, Central Crossings, Gilbert, West Riverfront, Orchard, Eastside Mixed Use | Efficiency, 1 bedroom: 0.75 space per dwelling unit. 2 bedrooms: 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit. 3 bedrooms: 2.5 spaces per dwelling unit. Elder apartments: 1 space for every 2 dwelling units. | 1 per dwelling unit | |
Household living units within the following building types: cottage home, row house, townhouse, live-work townhouse | All subdistricts where said building types are allowed. | For 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units: 1 parking space, plus 1 additional parking space for each adult occupant beyond 3. For units with 3 or more bedrooms: 2 parking spaces plus 1 additional parking space for each adult occupant beyond 3. | None required |
Household living units within liner buildings | All subdistricts | Parking shall be provided within the associated parking structure using the following ratios: Efficiency, 1 bedroom: 0.5 space per dwelling unit. 2 bedrooms: 1 space per dwelling unit. 3 bedrooms: 2 spaces per dwelling unit. Elder apartments: 1 space for every 2 dwelling units. Specific parking spaces within the associated parking structure may or may not be reserved for use by residents within the liner building. | 1 per dwelling unit |
Assisted group living | All subdistricts where said uses are allowed. | 1 space for every 3 rooming units. | None |
Fraternal group living | All subdistricts where said uses are allowed. | 0.50 space per resident. If the use is located within the University Subdistrict or on property directly abutting or across the street from the main UI campus as illustrated on the regulating plan, section 14-2G-2, figure 2G-1 of this title, the parking requirement is 0.25 per resident. | 0.50 space per resident |
Independent group living | All subdistricts where said uses are allowed. | 0.50 space per resident. If the use is located within the University Subdistrict or on property directly abutting or across the street from the main UI campus as illustrated on the regulating plan, section 14-2G-2, figure 2G-1 of this title, the parking requirement is 0.25 per resident. | 0.50 space per resident |
Nonresidential uses | South Downtown, University | None required. | 1/1,500 square feet of floor area |
Park, South Gilbert, Central Crossings, Gilbert, West Riverfront, Orchard, Eastside Mixed Use | 1 space per 500 square feet of floor area. On street parking provided along the frontage of a property may count toward this parking requirement. Buildings with less than 1,200 square feet of nonresidential floor area are exempt from this parking requirement. | 1/1,500 square feet of floor area | |
F. Alternatives To Minimum Parking Requirements:
1. Off Site Parking On Private Property: Off street parking may be located on a separate lot from the use served according to the following rules. When the proposed off site parking is located in a residential zone or CB-10 Zone, or is intended for a use located in the CB-10 Zone, the Board of Adjustment may grant a special exception for the proposed parking, provided the conditions contained in subsections F1a through F1f of this section are met. When the proposed off site parking is located in the Eastside Mixed Use District, a Riverfront Crossings Zone, an industrial zone, research zone, or commercial zone, except the CB-10 Zone, the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services may approve the proposed parking, provided the conditions contained in subsections F1a through F1f of this section are met.
a. Special Location Plan: A special location plan must be submitted with the application for off site parking. The location plan must include a map indicating the proposed location of the off site parking, the location of the use or uses served by the parking, and the distance and proposed walking route between the parking and the use(s) served. The map must be drawn to scale and include property boundaries, including boundaries of any intervening properties. In addition, documentation must be submitted providing evidence deemed necessary to comply with the requirements herein.
b. Location Of Off Site Parking:
(1) In residential, commercial zones, Eastside Mixed Use District, and Riverfront Crossings Zones, any proposed off site parking space must be located within three hundred feet (300') from an entrance to the use served.
(2) In industrial and research zones, any proposed off site parking space must be located within six hundred feet (600') from an entrance to the use served.
c. Zoning: Off site parking spaces must be located in the same zone as the principal use(s) served, or located as follows:
(1) In a multi-family zone serving a use located in a different multi-family zone, Eastside Mixed Use District, or in the MU Zone or vice versa.
(2) In a commercial zone serving a use located in a different commercial zone, industrial zone, Eastside Mixed Use District, or Riverfront Crossings Zone.
(3) In an industrial zone serving a use located in a different industrial zone or commercial zone.
(4) In a Riverfront Crossings Zone serving a use located in a different Riverfront Crossings Zone or commercial zone.
d. Shared Use Of Off Site Parking: Where two (2) or more uses will jointly use the proposed off site parking, the number of parking spaces shall equal the sum of off street parking spaces required, as indicated in tables 5A-1, 5A-2, and 5A-3 of this section, except for reductions approved under the provisions of subsection F2, "Allowed Reductions For Shared On Site Parking", of this section.
e. Approval Criteria: In assessing a special location plan for off site parking, the Board of Adjustment or Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, as applicable, will consider the desirability of the proposed off street parking and stacking spaces location; pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety; any detrimental effects on adjacent property; the appearance of the streetscape as a consequence of the off street parking; and, in the case of nonrequired parking, the need for additional off street parking.
f. Covenant For Off Site Parking: A written agreement between the property owners must be submitted with the application for off site parking. The agreement must assure the retention of the parking and stacking spaces, aisles and drives and be binding upon their successors and assigns. The agreement must provide that it cannot be released, and its terms and conditions cannot be modified in any manner whatsoever, without prior written consent and approval from the City. The written agreement must be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney. Upon approval of the off site parking, the applicant shall provide evidence to the building official confirming that the agreement has been properly executed and has been recorded as a covenant running with the land before issuance of a building permit.
2. Minor Modification For Parking Reduction For Shared On Site Parking: The building official, in consultation with the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, may approve a minor modification as specified in section 14-4B-1 of this title to reduce the total number of parking spaces required by up to fifty percent (50%) if the uses sharing the parking are not normally open, used, or operated during the same hours. To qualify for a reduction under this provision, a parking demand analysis must be submitted that provides evidence that the amount of parking proposed for the shared parking area will be sufficient to meet the parking demand. This reduction is not allowed for residential uses.
3. Minor Modification For Parking Reduction in Commercial Zones: The building official, in consultation with the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, may approve a minor modification as specified in 14-4B-1 of this title to reduce the total number of parking spaces required by up to fifty percent (50%) if it meets the following standards:
a. It must be in a CB-2, CB-5, CC-2, CN-1, CO-1, or MU zone;
b. Buildings must be limited to a footprint of 5,000 square feet;
c. A parking demand analysis must be submitted that provides evidence that the amount of parking proposed will be sufficient to meet the parking demand, which depending on the complexity of the site, may require an engineered study, as determined by staff; and
d. The proposed development must not result in the demolition of a property that is designated as an Iowa City landmark, registered in the National Register of Historic Places, or individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
4. Affordable Housing Parking Reduction: Affordable Housing dwelling units allowed and regulated pursuant to Article 14-4F shall be exempt from providing the minimum number of parking spaces otherwise required by the zoning code.
5. Minor Modification for Commercial Use Parking Reductions. The number of required parking spaces for commercial uses may be reduced up to ten percent (10%).
6. Downtown And Riverfront Crossings Parking District: For qualifying development as set forth below, the number of required on site parking spaces may be reduced in order to facilitate said development according to the provisions of this subsection.
a. Qualifying Development: To qualify for a parking reduction under this subsection, the proposed development:
(1) Must be located in the downtown and Riverfront Crossings parking district;
(2) Must not result in the demolition of a property that is designated as an Iowa City landmark, registered on the National Register of Historic Places, or individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; and
(3) Must include uses, elements or features that further housing, economic development, or other goals of the comprehensive plan, including the downtown and Riverfront Crossings master plan.
b. Parking District Boundaries: Properties described below shall be considered part of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Parking District:
(1) Properties located within the area bounded by Burlington Street on the south, Van Buren Street on the east, Iowa Avenue on the north, and Capitol Street on the west. For purposes of this subsection, this area shall be referred to as the Central Business District; and
(2) Properties zoned South Downtown Subdistrict (RFC-SD), University Subdistrict (RFC-U), and Central Crossings Subdistrict (RFC-CX) that are located north of the Iowa Interstate rail line.
c. Reduction Of The On Site Parking Requirement:
(1) For qualifying development, the off street parking requirement may be reduced by up to fifty percent (50%), provided a fee is paid in lieu based on the number of parking spaces that would otherwise have to be provided.
(2) For qualifying development where it is infeasible to provide at least fifty percent (50%) of the required parking on site due to specific qualifying site constraints as noted below, a developer may request a special exception to reduce the parking requirement by up to one hundred percent (100%), provided a fee is paid in lieu of each parking space not provided on site and the following review and approval criteria are met. The Board of Adjustment will review such a request according to the following approval criteria:
(A) Convincing evidence has been presented that it is not feasible to provide at least fifty percent (50%) of the required residential parking on site due to a lack of alley access, a lot width narrower than sixty feet (60'), a lot orientation that makes it infeasible to provide on site parking and meet storefront depth requirements of the zone, or other unique circumstance; and
(B) The proposed project will be designed in a manner that is sensitive and complementary to adjacent properties designated as Iowa City landmarks, registered on the National Register of Historic Places, or individually eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. See subsection 14-3C-3C, “Design Review Guidelines”, of this title for guidance on the factors to be considered to comply with this standard. This standard is not intended to impose any particular architectural style, but rather to foster a harmonious rhythm and proportion of building elements along a street frontage and ensure that differences in mass and scale are mitigated through facade articulation and upper story stepbacks; and
(C) The proposed project will be designed in a manner that will contribute to the pedestrian oriented, urban character of central Iowa City as envisioned in the downtown and riverfront crossings master plan.
d. Payment Of Fee In Lieu Of Required Parking:
(1) Where the City has allowed up to a fifty percent (50%) reduction in the parking requirement, the developer shall pay a fee for each space otherwise required in the amount of seventy five percent (75%) of the estimated cost of constructing a structured parking space.
(2) Where a special exception has been granted reducing the parking requirement by more than fifty percent (50%), the developer shall pay a fee in lieu of the provision of each space otherwise required in the amount of ninety percent (90%) of the estimated cost of constructing a structured parking space.
(3) The estimated cost of a structured parking space is twenty four thousand dollars ($24,000.00) in 2013 dollars. This fee shall be adjusted annually based on the national historical cost indexes contained in the most recent edition of “Engineering News Record”, as amended. In the event the national historical cost index is negative in any edition, the fee shall remain at the amount previously set under this paragraph.
(4) The City shall calculate and assess the entire fee upon issuance of a building permit. The fee payor shall pay the entire fee prior to the issuance of the building permit.
(5) All fees paid shall be deposited in the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Parking District Restricted Fund, as set forth in this subsection. Monies held in the Restricted Fund, including any accrued interest, shall be used for the purpose of acquiring land for and constructing public parking facilities located in the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Parking District.
(6) In the event that bonds or similar debt instruments are issued for the acquisition or construction of the aforementioned property, infrastructure or facilities within the Parking District, monies held in the Restricted Fund may be used to pay debt service on such bonds or similar debt instruments.
7. Parking Reduction For Other Unique Circumstances: Where it can be demonstrated that a specific use has unique characteristics such that the number of parking or stacking spaces required is excessive or will reduce the ability to use or occupy a historic property in a manner that will preserve or protect its historic, aesthetic, or cultural attributes, the Board of Adjustment may grant a special exception to reduce the number of required parking or stacking spaces by up to fifty percent (50%) (up to 100 percent for properties designated as a local historic landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or listed as key or contributing structures in a Historic District or Conservation District Overlay Zone).
8. Parking Reduction For Liner Buildings: For liner buildings constructed to mask a Municipal parking facility, the private off street parking requirement may be reduced by up to one hundred percent (100%) if parking for uses located within the liner building is provided within the associated public parking facility. Monthly permits shall be made available for purchase to residents, businesses, or other tenants located within the liner building, but specific parking spaces within the associated parking structure may or may not be designated for use by said permit holders, at the discretion of the City. Compensation for construction of said parking shall be made to the City with the amount and terms of said compensation determined through an agreement with the City, which shall be executed prior to issuance of an occupancy permit for the subject liner building.
9. Allowance For Scooter Or Motorcycle Parking: Up to ten percent (10%) of the parking spaces required for a use may be reconfigured to accommodate motorized scooters or motorcycles. Conversion of a minimum of two (2) abutting standard parking spaces (an area equal to 18 feet by 18 feet) is required to ensure adequate access and vehicular movement for up to six (6) scooter/motorcycle spaces. Design of the scooter/motorcycle parking shall be approved by the City. This provision shall not increase or decrease the allowed occupancy or residential density of the uses on the property, i.e., each required vehicular space converted to scooter/motorcycle spaces shall still be counted as one required parking space.
10. Sustainability Parking Reduction: The minimum parking requirement may be reduced by ten percent (10%) where each of the following provisions is met, up to a maximum reduction of twenty-five percent (25%). This reduction may be used in conjunction with subsections 14-2A-7E, 14-2B-8D, 14-2C-11E, and 14-3A-4D3 (Sustainability Density Bonus).
a. A solar energy system is installed onsite where the size is equal to at least forty percent (40%) of the surface area of the roofs of all buildings.
b. All uses within the development utilize electricity for one hundred percent (100%) of their regular energy consumption after construction.
c. All buildings within the development are constructed to the most current edition of the International Energy Conservation Code standards published by the International Code Council. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005; amd. Ord. 06-4245, 12-12-2006; Ord. 08-4326, 12-22-2008; Ord. 11-4452, 10-18-2011; Ord. 12-4483, 5-15-2012; Ord. 13-4526, 5-14-2013; Ord. 14-4586, 6-3-2014; Ord. 16-4667, 7-5-2016; Ord. 16-4668, 7-5-2016, eff. 8-1-2016; Ord. 16-4675, 9-20-2016; Ord. 17-4703, 5-2-2017; Ord. 17-4705, 5-16-2017; Ord. 18-4744, 4-2-2018; Ord. 19-4779, 2-19-2019; Ord. 20-4834, 11-17-2020; Ord. 23-4893, 1-24-2023; Ord. 23-4914, 11-6-2023; Ord. 24-4940, 11-4-2024)
A. Purpose: The construction and design standards are intended to ensure safe and efficient vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation on a site, and to ensure that parking areas are designed with trees and landscaping in a manner that will break up the appearance of large expanses of paving, provide shade coverage, and ensure appropriate screening and buffering from pedestrianways and adjacent streets and properties.
B. Paving Materials: All parking and stacking spaces, drives and aisles must be constructed of asphaltic cement concrete, portland cement concrete or manufactured paving materials, such as brick, except in the following situations:
1. Drives and aisles serving single-family dwellings or duplexes that abut and access historic Woodlawn Avenue or a nonhard surfaced alley are exempt from this standard.
2. The City building official may permit materials other than those listed, but excluding crushed rock or chip seal surfaces, for parking spaces, aisles, and drives if the use of such material provides a durable, permanent surface deemed suitable for the intended purpose and intensity of use.
3. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, all parking and stacking spaces, drives and aisles must be paved with an approved surface as specified above; except, that the building official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy in those instances where the building official finds that the paving cannot reasonably be completed due to adverse weather conditions or settling of land on the site after demolition or filling. A temporary certificate of occupancy will be effective only to a date specific. Prior to the issuance of a temporary certificate, the property owner must place in an escrow account established with the City an amount equal to one hundred ten percent (110%) of the estimated cost of paving.
C. Parking, Stacking Space Size, And Drive Dimensions:
1. The minimum size of a standard off street parking space is nine feet by eighteen feet (9' x 18'), exclusive of aisle width.
2. The minimum size of a compact off street parking space is eight feet by fifteen feet (8' x 15'), exclusive of aisle width.
3. For all uses, except single-family and two-family uses, the following rules apply:
a. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the required number of parking spaces may be compact spaces. A "Compact Vehicles Only" sign must be posted on or in front of each compact space.
b. All other spaces, both required and nonrequired, must meet or exceed the minimum size specification for standard spaces.
c. Parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities must be sized and designed in accordance with State of Iowa Administrative Code, 661 IAC 18, "Parking for Persons With Disabilities", as amended.
4. For single-family and two-family uses, required parking spaces must be at least nine feet by eighteen feet (9' x 18') in size.
5. Required stacking spaces must be at least nine feet (9') wide and nineteen feet (19') long.
6. In all required parking areas that contain more than four (4) parking spaces, such spaces must be visibly delineated on the surface by painted or marked stripes.
7. A drive providing access to any parking area, either structured or surface, with more than eighteen (18) spaces must be no less than eighteen feet (18') in width if designed for two- way traffic or ten feet (10') in width if designed for one-way traffic.
D. Drainage:
1. All parking and stacking spaces, drives and aisles in parking areas must be pitched or curbed and drained to prevent the flow of excess water from such areas onto streets and alleys which do not have adequate drainage facilities as determined by the City Engineer.
2. Drives and aisles that are located within three feet (3') of a side or rear lot line must be pitched or curbed and drained to prevent flow of water onto adjoining property. Alternatively, a drainage course must be established along lot lines to handle stormwater runoff.
E. Location:
1. Off street parking and stacking spaces must be located on the same lot as the use served except as allowed in subsection 14-5A-4F, "Alternatives To Minimum Parking Requirements", of this article.
2. Off street parking spaces, stacking spaces, aisles and drives are subject to the location and setback requirements specified in the base zone and any other location requirements of this title that specifically supersede or augment these general location standards.
3. Unless otherwise specified in this title, stacking spaces must be located in such a way that a required parking space or access to a required parking space is not obstructed.
F. Standards For Structured Parking In Multi-Family, Commercial Zones, The Eastside Mixed Use District, And The Riverfront Crossings Zones: The following standards apply to structured parking in all Multi-Family Zones, all Commercial Zones, except the CB-10 Zone, and on property zoned Riverfront Crossings or Eastside Mixed Use. On properties zoned Riverfront Crossings or Eastside Mixed Use, these standards apply to tuck under, midblock structures, lined structures, integrated structures, and underground structures, as described in chapter 2, article G of this title. Standards for structured parking in the CB-10 Zone are specified in subsection 14-5A-3D of this article.
1. Parking Within Building: In Multi-Family, CN-1, CB-2, CB-5, and MU Zones, the ground level floor of a building is reserved primarily for principal uses allowed in the zone. Therefore, any parking located within the exterior walls of the building must meet the following standards:
a. In the CN-1, CB-2, CB-5, and MU Zones, structured parking is not permitted on the ground level floor of the building for the first thirty feet (30') of lot depth as measured from the minimum setback line, except as allowed by subsection 14-4B-4A7f of this title.
b. In Multi-Family Zones, structured parking is not permitted on the ground level floor of the building for the first fifteen feet (15') of building depth as measured from the street-facing building wall. On lots with more than one street frontage this parking setback must be met along each street frontage, unless reduced or waived by minor modification. The Building Official may also waive this requirement where a townhome-style multi-family unit has parking along a side street. When considering a minor modification request, the City will consider factors such as street classification, building orientation, location of primary entrance(s) to the building, and unique site constraints such as locations where the residential building space must be elevated above the floodplain.
c. In the CN-1, CB-2, CB-5, and MU Zones, the ceiling height of any underground parking may extend no more than one foot (1') above the level of the adjacent sidewalk. On sloping building sites and for existing buildings, the City may adjust this requirement by minor modification. However, on sloping sites at least a portion of the ground level floor height of any new building must be located no more than one foot (1') above the level of the abutting sidewalk or pedestrian plaza; and the floor height of the ground level floor of the building must be no more than four feet (4') above the level of the abutting public sidewalk or pedestrian plaza at any point along a street-facing building facade.
d. In Multi-Family Zones, the ceiling height of any underground parking may extend no more than three feet (3') above grade. For purposes of this subsection, "grade" shall be defined as the average point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving, or sidewalk within the area between the building and the streetside property line(s) or when the streetside property line is more than five feet (5') from the building, between the building and line five feet (5') from the building. A parking level that has more than three feet (3') of its floor to ceiling height above "grade" as defined herein shall be considered ground level parking and therefore shall be subject to the setback stated in subsection F1b of this section.
2. Riverfront Crossings Or Eastside Mixed Use Properties: On property zoned Riverfront Crossings or Eastside Mixed Use, structured parking shall be placed in accordance with the provisions set forth in chapter 2, article G, "Riverfront Crossings And Eastside Mixed Use Districts Form Based Development Standards", of this title.
3. Parking Area To Be Enclosed: Except for garage openings, the parking area must be enclosed within the exterior walls of the building. In no case shall a building have the appearance from the street or from abutting properties of being elevated above a parking level or "on stilts" (see figure 5A.1 of this subsection).
4. Exterior Walls: Any exterior walls of a parking facility that are visible from a public or private street or from an abutting property must appear to be a component of the facade of the building through the use of building materials, window openings and facade detailing that is similar or complementary to the design of the building and must comply with the other standards of this section (see subsection F3, figure 5A.1 of this section).
5. Parking Space Configurations: Parking spaces within the structure must be perpendicular to parking aisles. However, angled parking or parallel parking configurations may be allowed if parking aisles are one-way.
6. Landscaping: In addition to the facade detailing noted above, the City may require landscaping as a means to soften the visual effect of any garage walls located at the street level. Shrubs, small berms, and planters may be used to form a landscaped screen generally ranging between two feet (2') and four feet (4') in height. Trees may also be incorporated into the landscaped area if sufficient area is available for tree growth.
7. Garage Entrances/Exits:
a. Vehicular access to parking within buildings should be located and designed to minimize traffic congestion and hazards to pedestrians and to preserve street frontages for active building uses.
b. Garage entrances/exits should be located along a building wall that does not face a public street and accessed from a private drive, private rear lane or public alley. In the CB-2, CB-5, MU, Eastside Mixed Use, and Riverfront Crossings Zones, alley or rear lane access is preferred. If the Form Based Code Committee, in consultation with the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, determines that such access is not feasible due to lack of alley access, topographical limitations, or other unique circumstances, or if allowing direct access from a street will better meet the objectives as stated in subsection F7a of this section, garage openings may face a street, but must be designed in a manner that will best meet the objectives listed in subsection F7a of this section, and must meet the standards listed in subsections F7b(1), F7b(2), and F7b(3) of this section.
(1) If the structured parking is intended for residents or tenants of a building and not the general public, there may be no more than one doublewide or two (2) singlewide garage openings per building. Doublewide openings may not exceed twenty feet (20') in width; singlewide openings may not exceed ten feet (10') in width. For existing buildings where it is not possible to meet this standard due to structural constraints of the building, the building official may adjust this provision to allow one additional garage entrance/exit that faces a street, provided that the minor modification approval criteria are met and the garage opening is designed to minimize its effect on the streetscape and minimize hazards to pedestrians.
(2) For structured parking intended for use by the general public, garage openings should be limited in width and number to only what is necessary to provide adequate access for the types and numbers of vehicles using the parking facility.
(3) Except in the CN-1, CB-2, MU and CB-5 Zones, the opening(s) must occupy no more than fifty percent (50%) of the length of the street-facing building wall. On corner lots, only one street- facing garage wall must meet this standard. In the Eastside Mixed Use, Riverfront Crossings Zones and in the CN-1, CB-2, MU and CB-5 Zones, garage opening(s) along the primary street frontage are not permitted if access is feasible from another local or collector street or from a rear alley, private street or private rear lane. If there is no feasible alternative, garage opening(s) may be allowed along the primary street frontage, provided that they occupy no more than thirty five percent (35%) of the length of the primary street frontage of the lot and provided that all provisions of article C, "Access Management Standards", of this chapter are met.
G. Standards For Structured Parking In Industrial And Research Zones: Where parking is located within the exterior walls of a principal building, the following standards apply:
1. Any exterior walls of a parking facility that are visible from an arterial street must appear to be a component of the facade of the building through the use of building materials, window openings and facade detailing that is similar or complementary to the design of the building. In no case shall a building have the appearance from an arterial street of being elevated above a parking level or "on stilts". (See subsection F3, figure 5A.1 of this section.)
2. Vehicular access to parking within buildings should be located and designed to minimize traffic congestion and hazards to pedestrians; and to preserve street frontages for active building uses to the extent feasible. Garage openings should be limited in width and number to only what is necessary to provide adequate access for the types and numbers of vehicles using the parking facility.
H. Design And Layout Of Surface Parking Areas: Except for parking for single-family and two-family uses, all parking and stacking spaces, aisles and drives must be designed as follows:
1. Minimum Dimensions: Parking areas must be configured according to the aisle and parking space angle dimensions as illustrated in subsection H2, figure 5A.2 of this section. Where the edges of parking spaces are curved, as on a curved aisle, all angles are to be measured between the straight edges of the parking spaces and tangents to the curved edges at their point of intersection.
2. Aisles:
a. All parking spaces must be connected to an aisle that has a minimum width as indicated in subsection H2, figure 5A.2 of this section. Aisles designed for two-way traffic must be a minimum of twenty two feet (22') in width.
b. The greatest aisle width shown in subsection H2, figure 5A.2 of this section, must be provided when combining different parking space configurations on the same aisle.
c. The maximum aisle width is twenty four feet (24').
3. Circulation: Parking areas must be designed to promote safe and convenient pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation according to the following standards and the standards of the base zone in which the property is located:
a. Parking areas must be set back from rights-of-way and abutting properties and properly screened from view as specified in the applicable base zone regulations.
b. The drive(s) on a property should be designed to facilitate vehicular circulation and connect street access points to parking areas, loading and unloading areas, drive-through facilities, and other vehicular use areas on a lot or tract. In general, drives should not be used as aisles. However, the City may allow parking spaces along a drive in situations where vehicular and pedestrian safety will not be compromised. When determining the length and location of drives and the configuration of parking spaces and aisles, the City will consider such factors as:
(1) Size and shape of the parking lot. Large parking lots with multiple aisles of parking may need a system of separated drives to facilitate traffic circulation; parking spaces should not be located along main circulation routes where traffic speeds may be higher, but may be allowed in lower traffic volume areas. In small parking areas, circulation drives may not be necessary.
(2) Proximity to street access points. Parking spaces should not be located so as to impede vehicles entering or exiting the site. The throat length of drives at street access points must be sufficient in length to provide the necessary vehicle stacking based on the anticipated traffic volume. Parking spaces and aisles will not be allowed in close proximity to the necessary driveway throats, as determined by the City.
(3) Proposed use of the drive. Parking spaces should not be located so as to impede drive-through lanes, loading and unloading areas, or higher volume delivery or truck circulation routes.
c. To control vehicle speeds and facilitate traffic safety and circulation, drives must be separated from parking aisles by landscaped medians and islands as illustrated in subsection H4, figure 5A.4 of this section.
d. When used, medians should be at least four feet (4') in width and be landscaped. If a median contains trees, it should be at least eight feet (8') wide. If medians are intended for pedestrian circulation they should be approximately twelve feet (12') to twenty feet (20') wide to accommodate a walkway and shrubs and/or trees to buffer pedestrians from surrounding vehicle areas.
e. To guide turning vehicles, maintain sightlines, and protect vehicles at row ends, the free end of all parking aisles must be capped with a landscaped terminal island as illustrated in figure 5A.3 of this subsection. In the CN-1 Zone, at least one shade tree must be provided within each terminal island.
f. Parking spaces within parking areas must be provided with car stops or curbing to prevent encroachment into landscaped setbacks, medians, and islands.
g. Parking areas must be designed to permit ingress and egress of vehicles without needing to move any other vehicle occupying a parking space.
h. No parking area shall be designed in such a manner that exiting a parking area would require backing into a street.
i. If the number of parking spaces required or provided for a use or a combination of uses on a lot is greater than eight (8) spaces, none of those spaces may be located in such a manner that would require backing into an alley.
4. Partition Of Large Parking Areas: Surface parking areas that are larger than forty five thousand (45,000) square feet or that have any perimeter dimension greater than three hundred feet (300') must be divided into smaller, connected lots to slow traffic movement, improve pedestrian safety, and reduce the visual impact of large parking areas. The following design techniques must be utilized to meet this standard. These design techniques may also be utilized as a means of meeting the pedestrian circulation standards of the base zone. (See figure 5A.4 of this subsection H4.)
a. Divide the parking into separate areas with the use of drives and landscape medians. These "separate areas" should have no dimension greater than approximately two hundred feet (200').
b. The parking layout should ensure that no aisle of parking is longer than approximately two hundred feet (200') without being end capped and crossed by a drive or landscaped median.
c. Some parking areas may not easily accommodate the techniques described above, such as long and narrow parking lots, so other options may be approved by the Director of Planning and Community Development, such as the use of landscaped islands to interrupt parking aisles and provide opportunities for pedestrian crossings.
I. Landscaping And Tree Requirements Within Parking Areas:
1. Applicability:
a. Parking areas that contain more than eighteen (18) parking spaces must be designed to include trees and planting areas according to the requirements of this subsection.
b. If the number of parking spaces in an existing parking area is increased to accommodate more than eighteen (18) parking spaces, then the newly added parking area must comply with the requirements of this subsection.
c. If an existing parking area, which is not constructed with a permanent durable surface according to the construction and design standards above, is subsequently required to be surfaced or altered in any way, the provisions of this subsection shall apply as if the parking area did not previously exist.
d. Parking ramps, covered parking areas, and parking areas that are an integral part of a building are exempt from the requirements of this subsection. However, in such cases, certain perimeter landscaping may be required according to the provisions of the base zone.
2. Requirements:
a. Trees must be planted or preserved on the site so that every parking space or portion thereof is within forty feet (40') of a small tree or within sixty feet (60') of a large tree.
b. In addition to the required trees, all medians, islands and other planting areas within the parking area must be landscaped with turf, grasses, low shrubs or other living cover. Planting areas at the ends of parking aisles must consist of low growing varieties of shrubs, grasses, and ground cover (2 feet in height or less) so as not to impede vehicular sight lines. Landscape medians along drives and pedestrian walkways may utilize larger shrubs and plants to visually break up the appearance of large parking areas and buffer pedestrian walkways. Trees may be planted in any median or planting island, provided the median or island meets the minimum planting area size specified in chapter 5, article E, "Landscaping And Tree Standards", of this title.
c. Planting areas must be separated from parking spaces, drives, aisles, and alleys with unmountable curbs or barriers at least five inches (5") in height. Curbs and barriers must be constructed in a manner that will prevent salt and sand from storm water runoff from damaging trees and plantings. The city may waive this requirement when drainage swales are utilized to facilitate storm water runoff.
d. The design of any drainage swales proposed must be approved by the city. Drainage swales must be planted with salt tolerant prairie grasses, sedges and reeds that will slow runoff and allow ground infiltration. The plants used in such swales must be approved by the city.
e. Coniferous trees may not be used to satisfy parking lot coverage requirements.
f. Trees planted to meet the street tree requirements or to meet the tree requirements for residential uses (see chapter 5, article E of this title) may also be used to fulfill the requirements of this subsection; provided, that no parking space is further than forty feet (40') from a small tree or sixty feet (60') from a large tree.
J. Screening And Setback Requirements: Parking areas must be set back from rights of way and abutting properties and screened from view according to applicable setback and screening provisions of the subject base zone.
K. Design Of Bicycle Parking Areas:
1. The minimum size for a bicycle parking space is one and one-half feet by six feet (1.5' X 6'). Where required for access, a minimum aisle width of four feet (4') shall be provided.
2. Bicycle parking areas must be constructed of asphaltic cement concrete, Portland cement concrete or manufactured paving materials, such as brick. However, the city building official may permit the use of rock or gravel areas for bicycle parking, provided edging materials are used so that the bicycle parking area is clearly demarcated and the rock material is contained.
3. Required bicycle parking racks must be designed to support the bicycle by its frame and allow the use of either a cable lock or a U-shaped lock. Bicycle parking racks shall be installed a minimum of two feet (2') from any curb, pavement edge, parking space, drive, walkway, or obstruction such as a well wall, fence, doorway, or landscaping. Bicycle lockers and secure indoor storage facilities are also allowed.
4. Bicycle parking facilities shall be located in a clearly designated, safe, visible, and convenient location and shall be located so as not to impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Bicycle parking is allowed in front and side building setbacks in all zones; provided, that such a parking area results in no more than twenty five percent (25%) of the required setback area being paved.
L. Special Vehicle Parking And Storage Requirements In Single-Family Zones, T3 Neighborhood Edge Zone, And T3 Neighborhood General Zone: The provisions of this subsection apply in all single-family residential zones and the above listed Form-Based Zones. For purposes of this subsection, a “special vehicle” is defined as any device, more than seven and one-half feet (7.5') in height and more than twenty feet (20') in length, which is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, street, or body of water, including, without limitation, any motor vehicle, truck, trailer, tractor, wagon, watercraft or any combination thereof exceeding these dimensions. A storage area for a special vehicle includes any space equal in size to the outer perimeter of the subject special vehicle that is used for storage of such a vehicle. The following provisions apply to all such special vehicles:
1. A special vehicle may be stored inside any building, provided it is not stored in a required parking space.
2. A special vehicle stored outside a building must comply with the following standards:
a. The vehicle must be in operational condition and properly licensed as required by state and federal law.
b. The special vehicle must belong to the owner or tenant of the property on which the vehicle is located, except for special vehicles of guests, as provided in subsection L2c of this section.
c. A special vehicle may not be used for dwelling purposes except as temporary lodging for guests of the property owner or tenant. Such temporary lodging may occur for no more than twenty one (21) consecutive days nor may temporary lodging exceed a total of forty five (45) days in any calendar year. An extension may be approved by the city manager or designee.
d. The special vehicle may not be used for storage of items other than those considered to be part of the unit.
e. The storage area must be surfaced with crushed rock, asphalt, concrete or a similar surface designed and maintained to prevent muddy conditions, erosion from the flow of water onto adjoining property and weed growth. In cases where crushed rock is used, the perimeter of a storage area must be lined with bricks, landscape timbers or similar material that will effectively contain the crushed rock.
f. (1) A special vehicle may not be parked or stored on a vacant residential lot.
(2) No special vehicle may be stored in a front setback, except on a regularly constructed aisle for a period of no more than four (4) days for the purpose of loading and unloading.
(3) A special vehicle may be stored in the required rear setback or the required side setback, provided the outer edge of the storage area is no closer than three feet (3') to a side lot line or to a rear lot line of a reversed corner lot.
(4) The city manager or designee may permit outside storage of a special vehicle in the required front setback or the required side setback along a street, provided:
(A) Storage space is not available in the side or rear setback or there is no access to either the side or rear setback. For purposes of this provision, a corner lot will always be deemed to have access to the rear setback. Accessory structures and buildings less than one hundred sixty (160) square feet in area and vegetation that is transplantable are not deemed to prevent access.
(B) Inside storage is not possible because the size of the special vehicle exceeds either the space available or the size of the entrance available in any existing building, or both.
(C) The special vehicle is parked perpendicular to the street.
(D) The special vehicle storage area is screened from view of the street using landscaping, a fence or a wall. Fences, walls, and hedges must meet the applicable standards specified in chapter 4, article C, "Accessory Uses And Buildings", of this title.
(E) No part of the special vehicle extends beyond the property line or over a public right of way. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005; amd. Ord. 06-4220, 7-18-2006; Ord. 06-4245, 12-12-2006; Ord. 14-4586, 6-3-2014; Ord. 16-4675, 9-20-2016; Ord. 17-4703, 5-2-2017; Ord. 19-4779, 2-19-2019; Ord. 21-4866, 11-16-2021; Ord. 22-4882, 6-21-2022; Ord. 23-4914, 11-6-2023)
A. Applicability: In all zones, except the CB-5 and CB-10 zones, off street loading spaces must be provided and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this section.
B. Off Street Loading Requirements: Any nonresidential use that receives or distributes materials or merchandise by trucks or vans and that has an aggregate gross floor area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more must provide the minimum number of loading spaces as indicated in table 5A-4 of this section. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005)
Aggregate Gross Floor Area (Square Feet) | Required Number Of Loading Spaces |
10,000 to 20,000 | 1 |
20,001 to 40,000 | 2 |
40,001 to 80,000 | 3 |
80,001 to 120,000 | 4 |
120,001 to 160,000 | 5 |
For each additional 80,000 | 1 additional |
(Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005; amd. Ord. 14-4586, 6-3-2014)
C. Rules For Computing Minimum Loading Requirements:
1. Where a fractional space results, the number of loading spaces required is the closest whole number. A half space will be rounded down.
2. Any use that is nonconforming with regard to the number of required loading spaces is subject to the applicable provisions of chapter 4, article E, "Nonconforming Situations", of this title.
D. Use And Restrictions:
1. The use of required loading spaces is reserved for loading. Other uses of required loading areas are not permitted, except as approved for a temporary use. (See chapter 4, article D, "Temporary Uses", of this title.)
2. The storage of merchandise, materials, equipment, refuse containers, obsolete or junk vehicles or the major repair of vehicles in required loading areas is prohibited.
E. Design And Maintenance Requirements: All loading spaces must be constructed of asphalt, concrete or similar permanent dust free surface and in accordance with the following requirements:
1. Loading spaces must be a minimum of ten feet (10') wide, twenty five feet (25') long and twelve feet (12') high, exclusive of aisles. When more than two (2) spaces are required, the spaces, other than the first two (2), must be at least twelve feet (12') wide, seventy two feet (72') long and fourteen feet (14') high.
2. All loading spaces must be pitched and drained to prevent the flow of water from such areas onto streets and alleys that do not have adequate drainage facilities as determined by the city engineer.
F. General Location Standards:
1. Loading spaces must be located so that trucks or vans loading or unloading do not back onto or out of a street.
2. Off street loading areas are subject to the location and setback requirements specified in the base zone.
G. Screening Requirements: Loading areas must be screened from view according to applicable screening provisions of the base zone. (Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005)
SECTION:
14-5B-1: Findings, Purpose And Interpretation
14-5B-2: General Rules And Applicability
14-5B-3: General Location Standards
14-5B-4: Construction And Maintenance Requirements
14-5B-5: Nonconforming Situations
14-5B-6: Prohibited Signs
14-5B-7: Measurement Standards
14-5B-8: Signs Permitted By Zone
14-5B-9: Off Premises And Temporary Signs
14-5B-10: Privately Owned Signs In Public Places
Signs can obstruct views, distract motorists, displace alternative uses for land and pose other problems that legitimately call for regulation.
The purpose of this article is to regulate the size, illumination, movement, materials, location, height and condition of all signs placed on private property meant to be visible to the public from a street or other public right of way thus enhancing and protecting the physical appearance and safety of the community, protecting property values and the character of the various neighborhoods, and preserving Iowa City's areas of natural, historic and scenic beauty.
These regulations are intended to reduce distractions and obstructions contributing to traffic accidents; reduce hazards caused by signs projecting over the public right of way; provide a reasonable opportunity for all sign users to display signs without interference from other signage.
These regulations are further intended to provide fair and equitable treatment for all sign users; to allow for creative design; to encourage economic development; to distinguish between areas designed primarily for auto oriented commerce and areas designed for residential living or pedestrian oriented commerce; and to establish a reasonable period of time for the elimination of nonconforming signs.
This article allows adequate communication through signage while encouraging aesthetic quality and creativity in the design, location, size and purpose of all signs. This article must be interpreted in a manner consistent with the first amendment guarantee of free speech. A sign placed on land or on a building for the purpose of identification, protection or directing persons to a use conducted therein must be deemed to be an integral but accessory and subordinate part of the principal use of land or building. Therefore, the intention of this article is to establish limitations on signs in order to ensure they are appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are appurtenant and are adequate for their intended purpose while balancing the individual and community interests identified above. These regulations are intended to promote signs that are compatible with the use of the property to which they are appurtenant, landscape and architecture of surrounding buildings, are legible and appropriate to the activity to which they pertain, are not distracting to motorists, and are constructed and maintained in a structurally sound and attractive condition.
The regulations are not intended to and do not apply to signs erected, maintained or otherwise posted, owned or leased by the city, state or federal government.
A sign displaying a noncommercial message of any type is allowed anywhere that commercial signs are allowed, subject to the same regulations applicable to such commercial signs to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular commercial message over any other noncommercial message. (Ord. 16-4685, 11-15-2016)
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