A. Existing Parking Facilities. Existing off-street parking and loading areas that do not conform to the requirements of this Chapter, but were in conformance with the requirements of this Chapter at the time the parking or loading facilities were established, are permitted to continue as a nonconforming site element. However, the existing number of off-street parking and loading spaces may not be reduced below the requirements of this Chapter and if the number of such existing spaces is already less than required, it may not be further reduced.
B. Prior Approved Building Permits. If a building permit for a structure was issued prior to the effective date of this Chapter or any amendment thereto, and if construction has begun within one year of the issuance of the permit, the number of off-street parking and loading spaces must be provided in the amount required at the issuance of the building permit, unless the amount required by this Chapter or any amendment is less, in which case the number required by this Chapter or amendment must be installed.
C. Change in Use or Intensity.
1. Change in Use. When the existing use of a structure or land is changed to a new use, parking and loading spaces must be provided as required for the new use.
2. Change in Intensity of Use. When the intensity of use of any structure or land is increased through additions, expansions, or any increase in floor area or dwelling units, additional parking and loading spaces must be provided as required herein. When the intensity of use of any structure or land is decreased by the loss of floor area or dwelling units, the number of parking and loading spaces may be reduced so long as the parking requirements of this Chapter are met for the structure or land as modified.
D. Provision of Additional Spaces. Nothing in this Chapter prevents the voluntary establishment of additional off-street parking or loading facilities, provided that all regulations governing the location, design, and construction of such facilities are met.
E. Completion of Off-Street Parking and Loading Facilities. All off-street parking and loading facilities must be completed prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the use.
F. Use of Parking Facilities.
1. The sale or display for sale of any good, vehicles, equipment, materials, or supplies, and the servicing and repair of any goods, vehicles, equipment, materials, or supplies in off-street parking facilities is prohibited.
2. The property owner is responsible for ensuring that parking facilities and loading areas are only used by tenants, employees, visitors, and/or other authorized persons.
3. Space allocated to any off-street loading space may not be used to satisfy the requirement for any off-street vehicle parking space or access aisle or portion thereof. Conversely, the area allocated to any off-street vehicle parking space may not be used to satisfy the replacement for any off-street loading space or portion thereof.
4. Off-street parking for a residential use must be used for the parking of vehicles owned by the occupants of the dwelling and their guests.
G. Parking Facility Plot Plans. Any application for a building permit or for a certificate of occupancy, when no building permit is required, must include a plot plan, drawn to scale and fully dimensioned, showing all parking facilities and/or loading areas to be provided in compliance with this Article.
(Ord. 885, passed 11-21-2023)