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(2)   Applicability.
(a)   New Construction and Additions.
The provisions of this Chapter 14-800 apply to structures that are newly-erected or expanded, except for the following:
(.1)   Development that increases by twenty-five percent (25%) or less the number of dwelling units in the structure or the gross floor area of the structure, where there is no change of use; and
(.2)   Structures that are destroyed, as set forth in § 14-305(10) (Reconstruction of Destroyed Structures).
(b)   Change of Use.
(.1)   The parking and loading requirements of this section are applicable to any change of use that requires more parking and loading spaces than the existing use as set forth by this Zoning Code, except as set forth in § 14-801(2)(b)(.2) and § 14-801(2)(d), below. 874
(.2)   The minimum parking and loading requirements listed within § 14-802 (Motor Vehicle Parking Ratios), § 14-804 (Bicycle Parking Ratios and Standards), and § 14-806 (Off-Street Loading) do not apply to any change of use within a structure constructed before the effective date of this Zoning Code, provided that the changes is to a permitted or approved special exception use for the zoning district where the lot is located. 875
(c)   More Specific Standards Elsewhere in the Zoning Code.
When an individual zoning district or the rules and exceptions for the zoning districts in another section of this Zoning Code contain parking and/or loading requirements that are different than the requirements of this section, the requirements in those sections shall take precedence over this section.
(d)   Historic Structures. 876
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Zoning Code, no parking or loading spaces shall be required for any portion of a building or structure that, pursuant to Chapter 14-1000, has been designated as historic; or that is located in a district that has been designated as historic and that contributes, in the Historical Commission's opinion, to the character of such district. Expansions to such buildings or structures, as well as portions of such buildings or structures that are not designated as historic or considered contributing by the Historical Commission, shall be subject to a reduction of fifty percent (50%) of the minimum parking or loading requirement, which may be met off-site under the conditions of § 14-802(9) (Off-Site Parking).
(e)   Parking Landscape and Screening.  877
The requirements of § 14-803(5) (Parking Landscape and Screening) shall apply to the entirety of all principal or accessory use parking lots, loading spaces, and drive-through driveways, as well as all outdoor Personal/Commercial Vehicle Sales and Rentals uses, except for any of the following:
(.a)   Those accessory to single-family and two-family uses.
(.b)   Where development increases by twenty-five percent (25%) or less the number of dwelling units or the gross floor area on the property.
(.c)   Where there is a change of use, but no associated development:
(.1)   The property is 50,000 sq. ft. or less in area; or
(.2)   The property is greater than 50,000 sq. ft. in area, but the change of use affects less than seventy-five percent (75%) of existing gross floor area;
(.d)   Parking lots that are the subject of a Philadelphia Water Department stormwater retrofit grant project.
(.e)   In no case shall newly constructed parking spaces or lots be subject to the exemptions in (.a), (.b), or (.c), above.

 

Notes

874
   Amended, Bill No. 190611-A (approved November 12, 2019), effective January 1, 2020.
875
   Amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022).
876
   Added, Bill No. 190611-A (approved November 12, 2019), effective January 1, 2020; amended, Bill No. 210637 (approved November 17, 2021).
877
   Added, Bill No. 220414 (approved September 13, 2022). For effective date provisions, see note 165.
(3)   Location.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Zoning Code, required off-street parking, loading, and vehicle stacking spaces shall be located on the same lot as the principal use and must have adequate access to a street or driveway connecting to a street.
(4)   Use of Required Parking Areas for Parking Only.
Required accessory off-street parking spaces in any district shall not be used for open storage, sale, or rental of goods, or storage of inoperable vehicles, unless otherwise permitted in this Code.
(5)   Rules of Parking Measurement.
See § 14-202 (Rules of Measurement). 878

 

Notes

878
   Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012; amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
§ 14-802. Motor Vehicle Parking Ratios.
(1)   General Provisions.
(a)   Parking Tables.
Off-street parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 14-802-1, Table 14-802-2, or Table 14-802-3, as applicable. Additional standards for certain uses and specific areas are listed in § 14-802(5) (Parking for Persons with Disabilities) through § 14-802(7) (Regulations Applicable to Specific Areas).
(b)   Permitted Adjustments.
Permitted parking alternatives and adjustments to the requirements of this Chapter 14-800, are provided in § 14-802(8) (Adjustments and Alternatives).
(c)   Using the Parking Tables.
Parking requirements are listed by the use categories of § 14-601 (Use Categories). Where a specific use is not listed here, the general parking requirement for the use category shall be applicable. Tables 14-802-1, 14-802-2 and 14-803-3 do not indicate that the uses listed are permitted in specific zoning districts.
(2)   Required Parking in Residential Districts.
Table 14-802-1 lists the parking requirements for Residential districts.
Table 14-802-1: Required Parking in Residential Districts 879
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Minimum Required Parking Spaces
(spaces per unit/sq. ft. of gross floor area/beds/seats)
RSD-1/2/3
RSA-1/2/3
RTA-1
RMX-1
RSA-4/5/6
RM-1
RM-2/3/4
RMX-2/3
Minimum Required Parking Spaces
(spaces per unit/sq. ft. of gross floor area/beds/seats)
RSD-1/2/3
RSA-1/2/3
RTA-1
RMX-1
RSA-4/5/6
RM-1
RM-2/3/4
RMX-2/3
Residential Use Category (as noted below)
Household Living (as noted below)
Single-Family
1/unit
0
0
Two-Family
1/unit
0
1/2 units
Multi-Family
1/unit
0
3/10 units
Group Living (except as noted below)
1/10 permanent beds
1/10 permanent beds
1/10 permanent beds
Single-Room Residence
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
Public, Civic, and Institutional Use Category (as noted below)
Religious Assembly
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
Wireless Service Facility
0
0
2
Commercial Services Use Category (as noted below)
Assembly and Entertainment
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
The greater of (a) none for first 100 seats then 1/10 seats or (b) none for first 2,500 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
The greater of (a) none for the first 200 seats then 1/10 seats or (b) none for first 4,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Urban Agriculture Use Category (as noted below)
Market or Community-Supported Farm
None if lot area is less than 5,000 sq. ft., otherwise 2
None if lot area is less than 5,000 sq. ft., otherwise 2
None if lot area is less than 5,000 sq. ft., otherwise 2
All Other Uses
All Other Uses
1/1,000 sq. ft.
None for first 2,500 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
None for first 4,000 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
 

 

Notes

879
   Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021); amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021).
(3)   Required Parking in Commercial Districts.
Table 14-802-2 lists the parking requirements for Commercial districts, except CMX-1, CA-1, and CA-2. The CMX-1 parking requirements are set forth in § 14-802(7)(a) (CMX-1 Parking). The CA-1 and CA-2 parking requirements are set forth in § 14-802(7)(b) (CA-1 and CA-2 Parking). 880
Table 14-802-2: Required Parking in Commercial Districts (Except CMX-1, CA-1, and CA-2) 881
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Minimum Required Parking Spaces
(spaces per unit/sq. ft. of gross floor area/beds/seats/room)
CMX-2/2.5
CMX-3
CMX-4/5
Minimum Required Parking Spaces
(spaces per unit/sq. ft. of gross floor area/beds/seats/room)
CMX-2/2.5
CMX-3
CMX-4/5
Residential Use Category (as noted below)
Household Living (except as noted below)
0
3/10 units
0
Multi-Family
0
3/10 units
3/10 units
Caretaker Quarters
0
0
0
Group Living (except as noted below)
1/10 permanent beds
1/10 permanent beds
0
Single-Room Residence
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
0
Public, Civic, and Institutional Use Category (as noted below)
Detention and Correctional Facilities
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Educational Facilities
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
0
Fraternal Organization
1/300 sq. ft.
1/500 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Hospital
1/4 bed design capacity
1/4 bed design capacity
1/4 bed design capacity
Libraries and Cultural Exhibits
1/1000 sq. ft.
None for the first 4,000 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 10,000 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Religious Assembly
1/10 seats or
1/1,000 sq. ft.,
whichever is greater
1/10 seats or
1/1,000 sq. ft.,
whichever is greater
The greater of (a) none for the first 400 seats then 1/10 seats or (b) none for the first 10,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Safety Services
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Transit Station
0
0
0
Utilities and Services, Basic
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
Utilities and Services, Major
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
Wireless Service Facility
0
0
0
Office Use Category (as noted below)
All Office Uses
0
0
0
Retail Sales Use Category (as noted below)
All Retail Sales Uses
0
0
0
Commercial Services (as noted below)
Assembly and Entertainment
1/10 seats or
1/1,000 sq. ft.,
whichever is greater
1/10 seats or
1/1,000 sq. ft.,
whichever is greater
The greater of (a) none for the first 400 seats then 1/10 seats or (b) none for the first 10,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
All Other Commercial Services Uses
0
0
0
Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Sales and Services Use Category (as noted below)
Commercial Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
0
Personal Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
0
All Other Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Sales and Services Uses
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
0
Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Use Category (as noted below)
All Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Uses
1/1,500 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/3,000 sq. ft.
Industrial Use Category (as noted below)
Artist Studios and Artisan Manufacturing
None for the first 7,500 sq. ft. then 1/2,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 7,500 sq. ft. then 1/2,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 7,500 sq. ft. then 1/2,000 sq. ft.
Research and Development
None for the first 7,500 sq. ft. then 1/2,000 sq. ft.
0
0
All Other Industrial Uses
1/800 sq. ft.
1/800 sq. ft.
1/800 sq. ft.
Urban Agriculture Use Category (as noted below)
Market and Community-Supported Farm
None if lot area is less than 5,000 sq. ft., otherwise 2
None if lot area is less than 5,000 sq. ft., otherwise 2
None if lot area is less than 5,000 sq. ft., otherwise 2
 

 

Notes

880
   Subsection (a) added, Bill No. 130448 (approved January 8, 2014); subsection (a) deleted, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
881
   Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012; amended, Bill No. 130448 (approved January 8, 2014); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017); amended, Bill No. 190253 (approved July 24, 2019); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021); amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021).
(4)   Required Parking in Industrial Districts.
Table 14-802-3 lists the parking requirements for Industrial districts.
Table 14-802-3: Required Parking in Industrial Districts 882
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Minimum Required Parking Spaces
(spaces per unit/sq. ft. of gross floor area/beds/seats/room)
Minimum Required Parking Spaces
(spaces per unit/sq. ft. of gross floor area/beds/seats/room)
IRMX
ICMX
I-1
I-2/3
I-P
Residential Use Category (as noted below)
Household Living (except as noted below)
3/10 units
1/2 units
1/2 units
Multi-Family Building
3/10 units
1/2 units
1/2 units
Caretaker Quarters
0
1/unit
0
Group Living (as noted below)
1/10 permanent beds
1/10 permanent beds
1/10 permanent beds
Single-Room Residence
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
1/20 sleeping units + 1; min. 2
Public, Civic, and Institutional Use Category (as noted below)
Detention and Correctional Facilities
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Educational Facilities
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Fraternal Organization
1/300 sq. ft.
1/300 sq. ft.
1/500 sq. ft.
Hospital
1/4 bed design capacity
1/4 bed design capacity
1/4 bed design capacity
Libraries and Cultural Exhibits
None for the first 4,000 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 4,000 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 4,000 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Religious Assembly
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
The greater of (a) none for the first 400 seats then 1/10 seats or (b) none for the first 10,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Safety Services
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Transit Station
0
0
0
Utilities and Services, Basic
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
Utilities and Services, Major
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
Wireless Service Facility
0
0
0
Office Use Category (as noted below)
All Office Uses
0
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Retail Sales Use Category (as noted below)
Adult-Oriented Merchandise
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Building Supplies and Equipment
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
3/2,000 sq. ft.
All Other Retail Sales Uses
0
None for first 2,500 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
None for first 2,500 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Commercial Services Use Category (as noted below)
Assembly and Entertainment
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
1/10 seats or 1/1,000 sq. ft., whichever is greater
The greater of (a) none for the first 200 seats then 1/10 seats or (b) none for the first 4,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Eating and Drinking Establishments
0
5/2,000 sq. ft.
5/2,000 sq. ft.
Parking, Non-Accessory
0
0
0
Personal Services
0
None for first 2,500 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
None for first 2,500 sq. ft., then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
Visitor Accommodations
1/3 rooms
1/3 rooms
1/3 rooms
All other Commercial Services Uses
0
1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/1,000 sq. ft.
Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Sales Services Use Category (as noted below)
Commercial Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
Personal Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
2/repair bay or
300 sq. ft. of repair space, whichever is greater
All Other Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Sales and Services
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Use Category (as noted below)
All Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage Uses
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
1/2,000 sq. ft.
Industrial Use Category (as noted below)
All Industrial Uses (except as noted below)
1/800 sq. ft.
1/800 sq. ft.
1/800 sq. ft.
Artist Studios and Artisan Manufacturing
None for the first 7,500 sq. ft. then 1/2,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 5,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/800 sq. ft.
Research and Development
None for the first 7,500 sq. ft. then 1/2,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 5,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/800 sq. ft.
Limited Industrial
None for the first 7,500 sq. ft. then 1/2,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 5,000 sq. ft. then 1/1,000 sq. ft.
1/800 sq. ft.
Urban Agriculture Use Category (as noted below)
Horticulture Nurseries and Greenhouses
1/4,000 sq. ft.
1/4,000 sq. ft.
None for the first 2,000 sq. ft. then 1/4,000 sq. ft.
 

 

Notes

882
   Amended, Bill No. 120431 (approved June 27, 2012), effective August 22, 2012; amended, Bill No. 150168 (approved April 21, 2015); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021); amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021).
(5)   Parking for Persons with Disabilities.
(a)   Required Spaces. 883
Where off-street parking is provided, accessible parking spaces complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1 shall be provided in compliance with Table 14-802-4. For every six or fraction of six accessible parking spaces required by Table 14-802-4, at least one shall be a van-accessible parking space complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1.
Table 14-802-4: Required Parking for Persons with Disabilities 884
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Total Parking Spaces Provided
Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
Total Parking Spaces Provided
Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
1 to 5
1 must be provided, but need not be reserved for disabled
6 to 25
1
26 to 50
2
51 to 75
3
76 to 100
4
101 to 150
5
151 to 200
6
201 to 300
7
301 to 400
8
401 to 500
9
501 to 1,000
2% of total
more than 1,000
20 plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000
 
(b)   Exceptions.
(.1)   Single- and Two-Family Uses.
Single- and two-family uses are exempt from this requirement.
(.2)   Multi-Family Uses. 885
Two percent (2%) of the parking spaces, but not less than one parking space, provided for multi- family uses that are required by City, state or federal law or regulation to have accessible/adaptable dwelling units shall be accessible. Where fifty-one percent (51%) or more of parking is provided within or beneath a building, accessible parking spaces shall also be provided within or beneath the building.
(.3)   Medical Facilities.
Ten percent (10%) of parking spaces provided for medical outpatient facilities shall be accessible. Twenty percent (20%) of parking spaces provided for medical facilities that specialize in treatment or services for persons with mobility impairments shall be accessible.
(c)   Location.
Accessible parking spaces shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible building entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking spaces shall be located on the shortest route to an accessible pedestrian entrance to the parking facility. Where buildings have multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces except for van-accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located near the accessible entrances.
(d)   Signs.
Designated accessible spaces shall be provided with vertical signage. The sign shall conform to the Federal Highway Administration's "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices". Accessible parking spaces shall also be equipped with the "Reserved Parking Penalties Sign" in accordance with the Pennsylvania Traffic Engineering provisions for Sign R7-8B.

 

Notes

883
   Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015).
884
   Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015).
885
   Amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).
(6)   Preferential Parking.
Buildings with a principal use in the public, civic, or institutional, office, retail sales, commercial services, or vehicle and vehicular equipment sales and service use categories with 30 or more parking spaces shall designate at least five percent (5%) of the parking spaces for carpool, vanpool parking, and hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles. These preferential parking spaces shall be located closer to the principal building than other parking with the exception of accessible parking.
(7)   Regulations Applicable to Specific Areas.
The following additional parking regulations are applicable to specific areas of the City. When the regulations of Chapter 14-800 (Parking and Loading) are inconsistent with the requirements of this § 14-802(7) (Regulations Applicable to Specific Areas), the requirements of this § 14-802(7) shall control.
(a)   CMX-1 Parking.
All buildings in the CMX-1 district shall comply with the parking requirements of the most restrictive adjacent district; provided, however, that when the proposed building is attached to another building in an adjacent district, the regulations of that district shall apply.
(b)   CA-1 and CA-2 Parking.
(.1)   The number of parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with the following schedule, except as provided in § 14-802(7)(b)(.1)(.a) and § 14-802(7)(b)(.1)(.b), below:
Table 14-802-5: CA-1 and CA-2 Required Parking
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
 
Net Leasable Area of Building
Spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of Net Leasable Area
First 100,000 sq. ft. of Net Leasable Area
4
Net Leasable Area in excess of 100,000 sq. ft. up to 200,000 sq. ft.
3.5
Net Leasable Area in excess of 200,000 sq. ft.
3
 
(.a)   For any building in a CA-2 district that contains two or more stories, the number of parking spaces required shall be as stated above for the first floor, plus fifty percent (50%) of the stated requirements for any floors above the first floor.
(.b)   Assembly and entertainment uses and religious assembly uses that are constructed or expanded, shall provide one parking space for every four permanent seats. In the case of a building expansion, this ratio shall be met for the existing assembly and entertainment or religious assembly space as well as the addition.
(.2)   Where a CA-1 or CA-2 district is located on the same block frontage as a Residential district, all parking spaces and aisles shall be located behind the minimum setback required by the most restrictive Residential district on the same block.
(c)   Delaware River Waterfront. 886
Parking for sit-down restaurants and nightclubs and public entertainment venues on a commercially-zoned lot within the area bounded by Rhawn street, the Delaware River, Allegheny Avenue, and the Delaware Expressway (I-95) as well as the area bounded by the Delaware Expressway (I-95), Frankford Avenue, Delaware Avenue, and Columbia Avenue as shown on the following maps for illustrative purposes only, shall meet the following standards, notwithstanding any other parking requirements set forth in this Chapter 14-800 or elsewhere in this Zoning Code.
Delaware River Waterfront Parking for “Sit-Down Restaurants” and “Nightclubs and Public Entertainment Venues”
(Only applies to commercially-zoned lots)
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}
Delaware River Waterfront Parking for “Sit-Down Restaurants” and “Nightclubs and Public Entertainment Venues”
(Only applies to commercially-zoned lots)
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}
(.1)   Required Parking Spaces.
The minimum number of required parking spaces for any sit-down restaurants or nightclubs and public entertainment venues in Commercial districts shall be determined by the legal occupancy (pursuant to the Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code) of the use as follows:
(.a)   Sit-Down Restaurant: one space per four occupants; and
(.b)   Nightclubs and public entertainment venues: one space per two occupants.
(.2)   Location of Parking.
All required parking shall be located either on:
(.a)   the same lot as the sit-down restaurants or nightclubs and public entertainment venues;
(.b)   on an abutting lot; or
(.c)   on a non-abutting lot (where parking is a permitted principal use) that is within 1,000 ft. of the sit-down restaurant or nightclub and public entertainment venue;  887 provided that a special exception approval is obtained.

 

Notes

886
   Amended, Bill No. 130636 (approved January 8, 2014); amended, Bill No. 160335 (approved June 28, 2016); amended, Bill No. 230764 (approved December 20, 2023). Bill No. 230764 failed to replace “Nightclubs and Private Clubs” with “Nightclubs and Public Entertainment Venues” under the maps in this subsection; revised by Code editor.
887
   Bill No. 230764 (approved December 20, 2023) replaced the phrase "private club" with "public entertainment venue"; however, in this subsection (.2)(.c), the enrolled bill deleted "public club" but failed to replace it with "public entertainment venue"; phrase added by Code editor.
(8)   Adjustments and Alternatives.
The minimum parking requirements listed in this Chapter 14-800 may be adjusted as follows:
(a)   Sharing of Parking Spaces. 888
(.1)   Where two land uses listed in separate use categories in § 14-601 (Use Categories) share a parking lot, parking lots, or structure, the total off-street parking required for those uses may be reduced by the factors shown in Table 14-802-6. Total off-street parking required shall be the sum of the two parking requirements for the two uses divided by the factors in Table 14-802-6. For example, where a development includes both (a) public, civic, and institutional uses and (b) retail sales uses, the amount of parking required is the sum of the parking required for the two uses divided by 1.3.
(.2)   Only those use categories shown in Table 14-802-6 shall be eligible for a reduction under § 14-802(8)(a)(.1).
(.3)   Where more than two land uses shown in Table 14-802-6 share a parking lot, parking lots, or structure, only the two uses with the greatest off-street parking requirement shall be eligible for a reduction under § 14-802(8)(a)(.1).
Table 14-802-6: Shared Parking Reduction Factors
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Add the two parking requirements and divide by these factors
 
Property Use
(as stated in § 14-601 (Use Categories))
Multi-Family or Group Living
Public, Civic, and Institutional
Eating & Drinking, Assembly & Entertainment, or Visitor Accommodation
Retail Sales
Office or Commercial Services
Multi-Family or Group Living
1.1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Public, Civic, and Institutional
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.3
Eating & Drinking, Assembly & Entertainment, or Visitor Accommodation
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.7
Retail Sales
1.2
1.3
1.3
1.2
Office or Commercial Services
1.3
1.5
1.7
1.2
 
(b)   Auto-Share Parking Spaces.
The required minimum number of off-street parking spaces for a residential use may be reduced by four spaces for each automobile parking space reserved as an auto-share parking space, up to a maximum of a forty percent (40%) reduction in the required minimum number of parking spaces in any one surface parking lot or parking garage. The calculation of maximum surface parking spaces shall not be affected by this reduction.
(c)   Reduced Need Populations.
(.1)   The required minimum number of off-street parking spaces may be reduced by thirty-three percent (33%) for any group living use or multi-family use in which occupancy of at least eighty percent (80%) of the units is restricted for use by those 60 years of age or older. In making the determination as to whether this reduction is available, L&I may rely on an affidavit from the applicant as presumptive evidence, absent evidence to the contrary.  889
(.2)   The required minimum number of off-street parking spaces may be reduced by fifty percent (50%) for any group living use or multi-family use in which occupancy of more than eighty percent (80%) of the units is restricted for use by those meeting the definition of "handicapped" individuals under the federal Fair Housing Act Amendments
(d)   Proximity to Transit. 890
In addition to the parking adjustments permitted in subsections (a) through (c), above, a reduction in the required minimum number of off-street parking spaces is available under § 14-513 (/TOD, Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District).
(e)   Provision of Bicycle Parking.
For every five Class 1 bicycle parking spaces that are provided on a lot, the number of required off- street automobile parking spaces may be reduced by one space, up to a maximum reduction of ten percent (10%) of the required automobile parking spaces, provided that the bicycle parking spaces comply with § 14-804(2) (Location of Bicycle Parking Spaces) and § 14-804(3) (Security).

 

Notes

888
   Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
889
   Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
890
   Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013).
(9)   Off-Site Parking.  891
Required accessory parking for any lot in an RMX-1, RMX-2, RMX-3, CMX-3, CMX-4, or CMX-5 zoning district, and for any building or structure that meets the conditions of § 14-801(2)(d) (Historic Structures) may be provided on a lot separate from the lot on which the principal use is located; provided that the parking complies with all of the following standards.
(a)   Off-site accessory parking must be within 1,000 ft. of an entrance to the principal use that the parking serves, as measured along the shortest legal pedestrian route.
(b)   Off-site accessory parking must be located in a district where either non-accessory parking is a permitted use or the proposed location has zoning approval for non-accessory parking, except in the RMX-1 or RMX-2 district where off-site accessory parking must be located within the RMX-1 or RMX-2 district. 892
(c)   Off-site parking shall only serve occupants of or visitors to the principal use.
(d)   In the event that the off-site parking is not under the same ownership as the principal use served, a written agreement between the record owners shall be submitted to L&I with the zoning permit application.
(e)   If any parking is provided on-site, it shall include required accessory parking for persons with disabilities, in accordance with § 14-802(5), before providing other parking spaces. 893
(f)   Any parking provided pursuant to this section shall be reviewed under the standards for accessory parking in the zoning district and overlay districts of the lot on which it is provided. 894

 

Notes

891
   Added, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017); amended, Bill No. 210637 (approved November 17, 2021); amended, Bill No. 220358 (approved August 31, 2022); amended, Bill No. 240421 (approved September 4, 2024).
892
   Amended, Bill No. 130804 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).
893
   Added, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
894
   Added, Bill No. 220358 (approved August 31, 2022).
§ 14-803. Motor Vehicle Parking Standards.
(1)   Accessory Parking Standards.
(a)   Permitted Types.
Accessory parking may be provided as follows:
(.1)   A surface parking lot, provided that mechanical access surface parking lots are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(.2)   A parking garage, including a mechanical access parking garage.
(.3)   Private residence parking garages and carports, provided that: 895
(.a)   Private residence garages and carports may not exceed a maximum depth of 25 ft. and a maximum width of 35 ft.
(.b)   Private residence garages and carports with flat or shed roofs are subject to a maximum height limit of 10 ft. Private residence garages and carports with gable, hip or gambrel roofs are subject to a maximum height limit of 15 ft.
(b)   Location of Accessory Parking.
(.1)   Residential and Commercial Districts.
(.a)   General.
Except as specified in § 14-803(1)(b)(.1)(.b) (Exceptions) below, accessory parking in Residential and Commercial Districts must comply with the requirements in this § 14-803(1)(b)(.1)(.a).
(i)   Garages and carports which are attached to the principal building shall be governed by the same setback and yard provisions as the building itself. 896
(ii)   Surface parking spaces and detached garages and carports are prohibited in required front, side, and rear yards.
(iii)   Driveways that provide vehicular access to accessory parking spaces may be located in required front, side, or rear yards.
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}
(.b)   Exceptions.
(i)   Residential parking shall be permitted in the required rear yard of an attached building where the parking is accessed by a rear alley or shared driveway with a minimum width of 12 ft. 897
(ii)   Private residence garages and carports are permitted in any part of the rear yard provided that:
(A)   The permitted occupied area of the lot is not exceeded;
(B)   Any private residence garage or carport shall maintain a minimum setback of 3 ft. between the garage or carport and any property line; and  898
(C)   Any private residence garage or carport shall be set back at least 18 ft. from the edge of the sidewalk (or if there is no sidewalk, then the street) closest to the residence. 899
(iii)   Reserved. 900
(iv)   In Commercial districts, where a building with a primary use in the public, civic, and institutional, office, retail sales, or commercial services use categories is located on a lot whose side or rear lot line is abutting a Residential district, no more than one driving aisle with parking spaces on both sides of the aisle may be located between the primary structure and any lot line boundary abutting the Residential district.
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}
(.2)   Industrial Districts.
Surface parking lots or parking structures in any Industrial district may be located anywhere upon the lot, except in required front yards in the IRMX, ICMX, and I-1 districts.
(c)   Additional Regulations Applicable to Specific Zoning Districts. 901
The regulations of this § 14-803(1)(c) apply to the specified zoning districts. Should these regulations conflict with any other standard of this § 14-803, the stricter provision shall apply.
(.1)   Additional Regulations for RSA-5, RSA-6, RM-1, and CMX-2 Districts. 902
In the RSA-5, RSA-6, RM-1, and CMX-2 districts, accessory parking for any single-family, two-family or multi-family use in an attached or semi-detached building shall be prohibited unless it can be accessed from a shared driveway, alley, or rear street on which no on-street parking is permitted on the side of the rear street directly abutting the lot. In making a determination of whether on-street parking is permitted, L&I may rely on certification and documentation from the applicant.
(.2)   Additional Regulations for the CMX-2.5 District.
In the CMX-2.5 district:
(.a)   Accessory parking for any single-family, two-family, or multi-family use in an attached or semi-detached building shall be prohibited unless it can be accessed from a shared driveway, alley, or a rear street on which no on-street parking is permitted on the side of the rear street directly abutting the lot. In making a determination of whether on-street parking is permitted, L&I may rely on certification and documentation from the applicant. 903
(.b)   Accessory parking is not permitted between the building line and the street line.
(.3)   Additional Regulations for the CMX-3 District. 904
In the CMX-3 district:
(.a)   The vehicular entryways of private residence parking garages and carports shall be prohibited from fronting on any street.
(.b)   Accessory surface parking shall be prohibited for any single-family or two-family use unless it can be accessed from a shared driveway or alley.
(.c)   Accessory surface parking between the building line and the street line shall require special exception approval for lots less than 75,000 sq. ft. in area.
(.4)   Additional Regulations for RMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 Districts. 905
In the RMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 districts, special exception approval is required for the following:
(.a)   Surface accessory parking lots.
(.b)   Aboveground accessory parking garages, except that: 906
(i)   in the area bounded by Cherry Street, 23rd Street, John F. Kennedy Boulevard and the right-of-way of CSX Railroad, aboveground accessory parking garages are permitted. 907
(.c)   New accessory parking areas, except for underground parking garages.
(.d)   Additions to existing accessory parking areas, except for underground parking garages.

 

Notes

895
   Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130804 (approved December 14, 2013).
896
   Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013).
897
   Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
898
   Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).
899
   Amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).
900
   Deleted, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).
901
   Amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).
902
   Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 120656-AA (approved February 6, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130804 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 190380 (approved July 24, 2019); amended, Bill No. 210078-A (approved April 28, 2021).
903
   Amended, Bill No. 190380 (approved July 24, 2019).
904
   Added, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
905
   Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
906
   Amended, Bill No. 170306-A (approved July 11, 2017). Section 4 of Bill No. 170306-A provides: "Sunset Provision. This Ordinance shall lapse on December 31, 2020, except as to any building permit then in effect."
907
   Enrolled bill numbered this as subsection (.a); renumbered by Code editor.
(2)   Parking Space, Drive Aisle, and Reservoir Space Standards.
The standards of this section apply to all accessory and non-accessory parking areas, regardless of whether such parking is provided to meet minimum off-street parking requirements.
(a)   Minimum Area for Driveways and Aisles.
Parking lots and garages, except for those accessory to single-family and two-family uses, must provide an additional area of the parking lot or parking garage equal to not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total area of the lot or garage for access driveways and aisles.
(b)   Parking Space and Drive Aisle Dimensions. 908
Off-street parking spaces shall comply with the dimensional standards shown in Table 14-803-1 based on the angle of parking and/or parking space type.
Table 14-803-1: Dimensional Standards for Parking Spaces and Aisles 909
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Parking Angle/Type
Min. Stall Width (ft.)
[1]
Min. Stall Depth (ft.)
[2]
Minimum Aisle Width (ft.)
[5]
Parking Angle/Type
Min. Stall Width (ft.)
[1]
Min. Stall Depth (ft.)
[2]
Minimum Aisle Width (ft.)
[5]
Regular Space – Parallel
8.5
20 for end spaces,
22 for interior spaces
10 ft. for one way traffic
20 ft. for two way traffic
Regular Space – 45 degrees
8.5
18
12 ft. [3]
Regular Space – 60 degrees
8.5
18
15 ft.
Regular Space – 90 degrees
8.5
18
18 ft.
Compact Parking Spaces [4]
8
16
Same as for regular spaces
Spaces for Buildings where occupancy is age-restricted to those 60 years of age or older
10
Same as for regular spaces
Same as for regular spaces
Handicapped Spaces
Shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 12101 et seq.)
Table Notes:
[1]   As measured by a line perpendicular to the stall line at a point on the outside end of the stall, except when the stall is on the inside edge of a curve, in which case the point of measurement shall be on the inside end of the stall.
[2]   As measured from required curb on the inside edge of the stall.
[3]   20 ft. minimum is required where needed as a fire line.
[4]   Limited to 25% of all parking spaces in lots and garages with more than 25 spaces. All compact spaces must be clearly identified.
[5]   Residential uses with 10 or fewer dwelling units are exempt from this provision.
 
(c)   Reservoir Space.
All surface parking lots and garages in RMX-3, CMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 districts shall provide the number of off-street reservoir spaces required by Table 14-803-2 between the street line and valet pick-up point, or the ticket issuing mechanisms or booths. If the parking lot or garage has two or more points of ingress, the total number of reservoir spaces required at all points of ingress together shall be at least the number required by Table 14-803-2, and there shall be at least one reservoir space at each point of ingress:
Table 14-803-2: Required Reservoir Space 910
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
 
Number of Parking Spaces Provided
Off-Street Reservoir Space Required (7 ft. by 15 ft.)
1 to 50
2
51 to 100
3
101 to 200
5
Over 200 spaces
6 + 1 additional for every 100 spaces over 200
 

 

Notes

908
   Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013).
909
   Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130448 (approved January 8, 2014); amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
910
   Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013).
(3)   Mechanical Access Parking.
(a)   Mechanical access parking lots are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(b)   Mechanical access parking garages must provide required reservoir spaces.
(c)   Automated valet-type mechanical access parking garages are exempt from any aisle, driveway width, and parking space size requirements.
(d)   Self park-type and tandem parking-type mechanical access parking garages are exempt from parking space size requirements, but must meet any aisle and driveway width requirements.
(4)   Parking Design Standards.
(a)   Design Requirements for Surface Parking Lots.
Surface parking lots, except those accessory to single-family and two-family uses, shall comply with the requirements of this § 14-803(4)(a) (Design Requirements for Surface Parking Lots).
(.1)   Grades.
All surface parking spaces shall be situated on ground that does not contain any grades in excess of ten percent (10%).
(.2)   Materials.
Surface parking lots shall be covered with a hard top surface of cement concrete, bituminous concrete, asphalt, or pervious pavement, including all accessways and/or driveways from the street. If parking is provided in a surface parking lot and the applicant provides more than 20 spaces beyond the minimum off-street parking required by this Zoning Code, all surface spaces beyond the minimum required shall be surfaced with pervious paving materials that meet the design standards of the Philadelphia Stormwater Management Guidance Manual.
(.3)   Approval by the Streets Department.
Surface parking lots that provide more than three vehicle parking spaces shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 9-601 of The Philadelphia Code and shall be approved by the Department of Streets before L&I may issue a zoning permit.
(.4)   Walkways.
Except in Industrial districts, where a parking lot contains more than 25 spaces and is located between a building and a public street, pedestrian walkways at least five ft. wide shall be provided and shall comply with the following standards:
(.a)   Each walkway shall be located within or along the edge of the parking lot and shall connect the street and the building.
(.b)   One pedestrian walkway meeting these standards shall be provided for each 300 ft. of street frontage.
(.c)   Where a walkway crosses a driveway or aisle, the driveway or aisle shall be clearly marked and signed so as to indicate the location of the walkway and to require vehicles to stop for individuals using the walkway.
(.5)   Vehicle Access Points. 911
Along any street frontage in a Residential district, a surface parking lot shall have no more than one curb cut for both ingress and egress, the maximum width of which shall not exceed 24 ft., or two one-way curb cuts the maximum width of which shall not exceed 12 ft., provided that the curb cuts shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the street frontage.
(.6)   Delineation. 912
Parking spaces shall be clearly delineated on the lot.
(b)   Design Standards for Garage Structures. 913
Accessory and non-accessory parking in garage structures on lots in or adjacent to any Residential district or any Commercial district, except private residence parking garages or those accessory to single-family and two-family uses, shall meet the following standards.
(.1)   Vehicle Access Points.
(.a)   Along any street frontage, a parking garage shall have no more than one curb cut for both ingress and egress, the maximum width of which shall not exceed 24 ft., or two one-way curb cuts the maximum width of which shall not exceed 12 ft., provided that the curb cuts shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the street frontage.
(.b)   Driveways that cross the public sidewalk must be at the same level as the sidewalk. The driveway material must change at the building line to demarcate the transition to the sidewalk. Sidewalks should be visually continuous across driveways to indicate pedestrians have the right-of-way.
(.2)   Facades.
All above ground portions of accessory or non-accessory parking garages or portions of structures occupied by automobile parking shall meet the following standards:
(.a)   Facade openings that face any public street or publicly accessible open space shall be vertically and horizontally aligned and all floors fronting on those facades shall be level (not inclined).
(.b)   At least thirty percent (30%) of each facade facing a public street or publicly accessible open space shall be occupied by doors (on the ground floor), windows, screens, grills, louvers, or other non-opaque facade elements that resemble those features.
(.c)   The remainder of each facade facing a public street or publicly accessible open space shall be designed to conceal the view of all parked cars and internal light sources when viewed from the public street or publicly accessible open space.
(.3)   Ground Floor Use.
(.a)   In the RMX-3 district and commercial districts any portion of the ground floor facade that abuts a sidewalk or a public space and that is not occupied by entrances, exits, or waiting areas shall be designed and constructed to permit a finished ceiling height of at least 10.5 ft. in order to allow occupancy by a use in the office, retail sales, commercial services, or public, civic, and institutional use category.  914
(.b)   Uses in the office, retail sales, commercial services, or public, civic, and institutional use category, except the regulated uses that are listed in § 14-603(13) (Regulated Uses), are allowed as accessory uses in parking garages that are subject to the ground floor use provisions of § 14-803(4)(b)(.3)(.a). 915
(.4)   Delineation. 916
Parking spaces shall be clearly delineated in the garage.
(.5)   Parking Garage Review. 917
Parking garages in the RMX-3, CMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 districts, in the /CDO, Central Delaware Riverfront Overlay District, and parking garages of at least 250 parking spaces on lots in or adjacent to any other residential or commercial district, shall be subject to the following review:
(.a)   L&I shall not issue any building permits for parking garages unless the facade of the proposed garage has been reviewed and approved by the Commission. The Commission shall have 30 days upon receipt of an application to review the proposed parking garage; after the 30-day review period has passed, the approval of the Commission shall be presumed.
(.b)   L&I shall not issue any building permits for parking garages unless the internal circulation patterns and points of ingress and egress have been reviewed and approved by the Streets Department. The Streets Department shall have 30 days upon receipt of an application to review the proposed parking garage; after the 30-day review period has passed, the approval of the Streets Department shall be presumed.

 

Notes

911
   Amended, Bill No. 130137-A (approved May 8, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130242 (approved May 21, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
912
   Added, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
913
   Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
914
   Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
915
   Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015). Incorrect reference to § 14-802(4)(b)(.3)(.a) revised by Code editor.
916
   Added, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
917
   Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); renumbered, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021); amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022).
(5)   Parking Landscape and Screening.  918
(a)   Landscape and Tree Preservation Plan.
Zoning permit applications must, if subject to the provisions of this § 14-803(5) (Parking Landscape and Screening), include a landscape and tree preservation plan prepared by a licensed architect, licensed landscape architect, licensed professional civil engineer, or a certified arborist that demonstrates compliance with these provisions. L&I shall not issue a zoning permit for an application that is subject to the provisions of this § 14-803(5) (Parking Landscape and Screening) until the Commission approves a landscape and tree preservation plan as meeting all applicable requirements of this Zoning Code and issues waivers for any requirements it deems impracticable, as described in the regulations of the Commission.
(b)   General Standards.
All parking landscape and screening required by this § 14-803(5) (Parking Landscape and Screening) shall comply with the general landscape standards set forth in § 14-705(1)(c) (General Standards) and the installation and maintenance requirements set forth in § 14-705(3) (Installation and Maintenance of Landscape and Trees). If the Commission determines that it would be impracticable to meet any parking landscape or screening requirements provided in this § 14-803(5), it may waive these requirements in part or in their entirety. Such waivers shall only be issued pursuant to the process set forth in § 14-705(1)(c)(.8) (Waivers). Any trees that would be required, but for the issuance of a waiver, shall be subject to a mandatory in-lieu fee, as listed in § 14-705(1)(c)(.9) (In-lieu Fee).
(c)   Perimeter Screening From Abutting Residential Zoning District.
When a parking lot, loading space, or drive-through (including driveways and aisles) abuts a lot in a Residential zoning district, a continuous screen shall be provided between the parking lot, loading space, or drive-through driveway and the abutting lot for the following:
(.1)   On lots 5,000 sq. ft. in size or greater, the applicant shall provide a minimum 8-foot wide buffer. Such buffer shall consist of at least one tree per 20 linear feet, four shrubs per 20 linear feet, and a minimum 5-foot high opaque fence, wall, or berm.
(.2)   On lots less than 5,000 sq. ft. in size, the applicant shall provide a minimum 5-foot high opaque fence, wall, or berm.
(.3)   Tree Selection.
A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required buffer trees shall be of an evergreen tree species.
(.4)   Fences.
Buffer fencing shall be constructed of wood or ornamental metal; chain-link and barbed wire are prohibited as a material for any fences used to meet the requirements of this section.
(d)   Perimeter Screening from Public Streets for Parking Lots.
Where there is no structure located between a parking lot, loading space, or drive-through (including driveways and aisles) and a street frontage, a landscaped area shall be installed so as to screen the view of the parking area from the street. The landscaped area shall be constructed along the entire length of the side of the parking lot, loading space, drive-through, driveway, or drive aisle that faces the street frontage except for any vehicle access points and shall be further provided as follows:
(.1)   For all parcels:
(.a)   Along all street frontages, the applicant shall provide a minimum 5-foot wide buffer. Such buffer shall consist of at least one shade tree per 20 linear feet and four shrubs per 20 linear feet.
(.b)   As an alternative to the tree and shrub plantings required by (.a), above, uses in the Personal/Commercial Vehicle Sales and Rentals category may install a decorative masonry wall or ornamental fence that meets the standards of (.4) (Decorative Walls and Ornamental Fences), below.
(.2)   For parcels 50,000 sq. ft. in size or greater, along primary frontages, the buffer provided pursuant to (.1) shall be at least 10 feet wide and shall include a minimum 3-foot high fence, wall, or berm and that meets all the conditions of (.1)(.a), above.
(.3)   For parcels less than 5,000 sq. ft., the alternative to tree and shrub plantings described in (.1)(.b), above, shall be available for all use categories.
(.4)   Decorative Walls and Ornamental Fences.
(.a)   Decorative walls or ornamental fences may be installed on a berm if the combined height of berm and wall or fence is at least three ft. in height.
(.b)   The decorative masonry wall must be constructed of brick, stone, decorative block wall, or concrete block with stucco finish, but shall not be constructed of uncolored or painted concrete block.
(.c)   Ornamental fences must be alternated with masonry piers at least every 25 feet.
(e)   Interior Landscape Requirements for Parking Lots and Off-Street Loading Areas.  919
(.1)   Interior parking lots and off-street loading areas shall provide an interior landscaped area calculated as a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the total area of all parking spaces, loading spaces, driveways that provide access to parking spaces and loading spaces, and drive aisles. Lots less than 5,000 sq. ft. and uses in the Personal/Commercial Vehicle Sales and Rentals category shall be exempt from this requirement. Lots less than 5,000 sq. ft. are required to provide trees according to the provisions of § 14-803(5)(e)(.5)(.b).
(.2)   Perimeter landscape required by § 14-803(5)(d) (Perimeter Screening from Public Streets for Parking Lots) and § 14-803(5)(c) (Perimeter Screening From Abutting Residential Zoning District) is not counted towards the minimum interior landscape requirement.
(.3)   Interior landscaped areas shall be dispersed on the site to break up the perception of large uninterrupted expanse of pavement. In surface parking lots containing more than 50 parking spaces, interior landscaped areas should be used to break up those spaces into groups of no more than 20 contiguous parking spaces.  920
(.4)   Required interior landscape shall be planted within islands or on the perimeter of a parking lot or loading space.
(.a)   Landscape islands shall have a minimum width of 8 feet, minimum area of 100 sq. ft., and a minimum soil volume as specified in the regulations of the Commission. Where an abutting parking space is greater than 250 sq. ft. in size, islands shall have a minimum width of 15 feet, a minimum area of 225 sq. ft., and a minimum soil volume as specified in the regulations of the Commission.
(.b)   A portion of each landscaped area at the perimeter of a parking lot or loading space shall be located within 10 feet of a parking or loading space or drive aisle, except where the nearest parking or loading space is greater than 250 sq. ft. in size. In such circumstances, a portion of the landscaped area shall be located within 20 feet, no trees shall be planted within 8 feet of that space, and no shrubs shall be planted within 5 feet of that space.
(.5)   Shade trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover shall be provided as follows:
(.a)   For lots greater than or equal to 5,000 sq. ft., the applicant shall provide one shade tree per 200 sq. ft., three shrubs per 200 sq. ft., and 15 perennials or ground cover per 200 sq. ft. of interior landscaped area. A maximum of twenty percent (20%) of required shrubs may be replaced one-for-one with a tall grass species.
(.b)   For lots less than 5,000 sq. ft., the applicant shall provide one shade tree per five parking spaces.
(.6)   Required perimeter and interior landscaped areas shall maximize effective stormwater management by incorporating any one of the following:
(.a)   A bioretention system that is designed in accordance with the Philadelphia Stormwater Management Guidance Manual; or
(.b)   Curbs at the edge of the required perimeter and interior landscaped areas to protect the plants, with planted areas installed at a lower grade than the parking lot pavement, and curbing shall have openings allowing drainage from the pavement to enter and percolate through the landscaped areas.
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}

 

Notes

918
   Amended, Bill No. 130764 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 220414 (approved September 13, 2022). For effective date provisions, see note 165.
919
   Amended, Bill No. 130137-A (approved May 8, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
920
   Amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022).
(6)   Electric Vehicle Supply Wiring.  921
For the purpose of providing for the charging of electric vehicles, as defined in Section 12-1131 (Electric Vehicle Parking), any development, as defined in § 14-203(94), that contains a residential use and is providing 20 or more parking spaces in connection with the development shall provide electric vehicle parking spaces in accordance with Table 14-803-3. An electric vehicle parking space is a parking space provided with one or more branch circuit capable of supplying electric vehicle supply equipment at such space rated at 208/240 V 40 amperes. For purposes of this subsection (6) and Table 14-803-3, parking spaces do not include mechanical or valet parking spaces.
Table 14-803-3: Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
 
Number of Parking Spaces Provided
Minimum Number of Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces
20 - 29
1
30 - 39
2
40 - 49
3
50 - 99
4
100 and above
5% of the total parking spaces provided
 

 

Notes

921
   Added, Bill No. 150814 (approved December 23, 2015), effective July 1, 2016.
§ 14-804. Bicycle Parking Ratios and Standards.
(1)   Required Bicycle Parking Spaces.
Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 14-804-1:
Table 14-804-1: Required Bicycle Parking 922
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
All uses except single-, two-, and multi-family uses, low occupancy facilities, and public parking lots
Gross Floor Area
Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces
0 - 7,500 sq. ft.
0
7,501 - 20,000 sq. ft.
2
Over 20,000 sq. ft.
1 per every 10,000 sq. ft. or fraction thereof
Multi-Family Buildings
Number of Dwelling Units
Minimum Number of Class 1A Bicycle Parking Spaces
Fewer than 12 dwelling units
0
12 or more dwelling units
1 per every 3 dwelling units or fraction thereof
12 or more dwelling units, where building occupancy is age-restricted to those 60 years of age or older
1 per every 10 dwelling units or fraction thereof
Low-Occupancy Facilities
Number of Employees
Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces
0 - 5
0
6 - 20
2
21 - 80
4
Over 80
1 per every 20 employees or fraction thereof
Public Parking Lots
Number of Automobile Spaces
Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces
0 - 3
0
4 - 20
2
21 - 40
4
41 or more
1 per every 10 spaces or fraction thereof
 

 

Notes

922
   Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015).
(2)   Location of Bicycle Parking Spaces.
(a)   All required bicycle parking on the lot shall be located along an accessible route as defined by the Philadelphia Building Code. Accessible routes shall be provided between the required on-lot bicycle parking and any public bicycle lanes, paths, or routes on adjacent streets.
(b)   Bicycle racks may be placed in the public right-of-way to achieve the required number of spaces under this subsection, provided that the building owner enters into a maintenance agreement with the Streets Department and an approval for the installation is obtained from the Streets Department prior to the issuance of any required zoning permit. No additional encroachment ordinance shall be required.
(c)   All required bicycle parking spaces outside a building shall be located within a 50 ft. radius of the primary building entrance except in the following circumstances:
(.1)   When bicycle parking spaces are to be located on the lot outside a building, L&I may modify or waive this requirement if it would cause a conflict with any other code provision, but all required spaces shall be located as close to the primary building entrance as site conditions allow.
(.2)   When bicycle parking spaces are to be located in the public right-of-way, the Department of Streets may modify or waive this requirement if it would result in excessive sidewalk clutter, impede pedestrian circulation, or cause a conflict with any other code or regulation, but all required spaces shall have convenient access to building entrances that are typically open to intended users.
(.3)   Bicycle parking spaces located in attended parking facilities shall be located next to the attendant booth or within an area under regular surveillance.
(3)   Security.
(a)   Rack elements, or the part of the bike rack that supports one bicycle, shall comply with standards established by L&I and the Streets Department and shall support the bicycle frame at two locations, prevent the bicycle from tipping over, and enable the frame and one or both wheels to be secured with a user-supplied locking device.
(b)   If provided, bicycle storage facilities shall be provided with tamper-proof locks. When multiple bicycles are stored together, provisions shall be made for locking bicycles individually.
(4)   Regulations.
L&I and the Streets Department are authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or appropriate to implement the provisions of this subsection.
§ 14-805. Drive-Throughs and Vehicle Stacking Areas.
The following standards shall apply to drive-throughs, regardless if the drive-through is part of another use (e.g., restaurant or financial institution) or if it is a stand-alone use (e.g., automatic teller machine).
(1)   General Standards.
(a)   Audible electronic devices such as loudspeakers, automobile service order devices, and similar instruments shall not be located within 50 ft. of any residential property line and shall be subject to Chapter 10-400 of The Philadelphia Code.
(b)   No service shall be rendered, deliveries made, or sales conducted within the required front yard or corner side yard. Customers served in vehicles shall be stopped to the side or rear of the drive- through.
(c)   All areas associated with the drive-through, including but not limited to menu boards, stacking lanes, trash receptacles, loudspeakers, drive up windows, and other objects, shall be located in the side or rear yard of a property to the maximum extent feasible.
(d)   Any drive-through shall provide landscape in accordance with the requirements of § 14-803(5) (Parking Landscape and Screening), not including § 14-803(5)(e) (Interior Landscape Requirements for Parking Lots and Off-Street Loading Areas). 923
(e)   Unless otherwise provided by this Zoning Code, drive-throughs shall: 924
(.1)   Be prohibited in all residential districts and the CMX-1, CMX-2.5, CMX-4, CMX-5, and IRMX districts.
(.2)   Require special exception approval in the CMX-2 and CMX-3 districts in accordance with § 14-303(7) (Special Exception Approval).

 

Notes

923
   Amended, Bill No. 220414 (approved September 13, 2022). For effective date provisions, see note 165.
924
   Added, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
(2)   Stacking Lanes.
(a)   Design.
Stacking lanes shall be provided for any use having a drive-through establishment and shall comply with the following standards:
(.1)   Drive-through stacking lanes shall have a minimum width of 10 ft.
(.2)   When stacking lanes are separated from other stacking lanes, from bypass lanes, or from other site areas, the separation shall be by means of a raised concrete median, concrete curb, or landscape area.
(.3)   Stacking lanes shall be set back 20 ft. from any property line.
(b)   Stacking Space and Lane Requirements.
The number of required stacking spaces shall be as provided for in the following Table 14-805-1.
Table 14-805-1: Stacking Space Requirements 925
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
 
Activity
Minimum Stacking Spaces (per lane)
Measured From:
Financial Services or Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
3
Window or ATM
Eating and Drinking Establishments
5
Order Board
Personal Vehicle Repair and Maintenance – full service car wash
6
Outside of Washing Bay
Personal Vehicle Repair and Maintenance – self service car wash
2
Outside of Washing Bay
Vehicle Fueling Stations
2
End of Pump Island
 
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}

 

Notes

925
   Amended, Bill No. 150264 (approved June 16, 2015).
§ 14-806. Off-Street Loading.
All development shall comply with the off-street loading standards in this section. Uses that are not permitted in a particular zoning district shall provide off-street loading in accordance with the zoning district in Table 14-806-1 that has the strictest requirements for that use at the gross floor area occupied by that use. In the case of mixed-use buildings or developments, off-street loading requirements shall be calculated by determining the required loading spaces for the cumulative gross floor area occupied by each group of uses listed in each row of Table 14-806-1 or Table 14-806-2, as applicable, and then taking the highest result of these calculations. 926

 

Notes

926
   Amended, Bill No. 130804 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015).
(1)   General Requirement for All Districts Except RMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5.
Every building on a property that is abutting two or more streets shall provide off-street loading spaces in accordance with Table 14-806-1.
Table 14-806-1: Off-Street Loading 927
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Use
Gross Floor Area (Sq. Ft.)
Required Loading Spaces
Use
Gross Floor Area (Sq. Ft.)
Required Loading Spaces
Residential Districts except RMX-3
Office, Hospital, Public, Civic, and Institutional, Visitor Accommodation, or Residential
100,000 - 150,000
1
150,001 - 400,000
2
400,001 - 660,000
3
660,001 - 970,000
4
970,001 - 1,300,000
5
Over 1,300,000
1 additional space per each additional 350,000 sq. ft.
Commercial Districts except CMX-4 and CMX-5
Office, Hospital, Public, Civic, and Institutional, Visitor Accommodation, or Residential
100,000 - 150,000
1
150,001 - 400,000
2
400,001 - 660,000
3
660,001 - 970,000
4
970,001 - 1,300,000
5
Over 1,300,000
1 additional space per each additional 350,000 sq. ft.
All other permitted uses, except non-accessory parking
20,000 - 40,000
1
40,001 - 100,000
2
100,001 - 160,000
3
160,001 - 240,000
4
240,001 - 320,000
5
Over 320,000
1 additional space per each additional 90,000 sq. ft.
Industrial Districts except IRMX
All permitted uses, except non-accessory parking
10,000 - 20,000
1
20,001 - 40,000
2
40,001 - 60,000
3
60,001 - 80,000
4
80,001 - 100,000
5
Over 100,000
1 additional space per each additional 50,000 sq. ft.
IRMX
Office, Hospital, Public, Civic, and Institutional, Visitor Accommodation, or Residential
100,000 - 150,000
1
150,001 - 400,000
2
400,001 - 660,000
3
660,001 - 970,000
4
970,001 - 1,300,000
5
Over 1,300,000
1 additional space per each additional 350,000 sq. ft.
All other permitted uses, except non-accessory parking
20,000 - 40,000
1
40,001 - 60,000
2
60,001 - 80,000
3
80,001 - 100,000
4
100,001 - 120,000
5
Over 120,000
1 additional space per each additional 50,000 sq. ft.
 

 

Notes

927
   Amended, Bill No. 120774-A (approved January 14, 2013); amended, Bill No. 130804 (approved December 18, 2013); amended, Bill No. 150168 (approved April 21, 2015); amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022).
(2)   RMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 Districts.
(a)   Required Spaces. 928
Off-street loading in RMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 districts shall be provided in accordance with Table 14-806-2.
Table 14-806-2: Off-Street Loading in RMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 929
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Use
Gross Floor Area (Sq. Ft.)
Required Loading Spaces
Use
Gross Floor Area (Sq. Ft.)
Required Loading Spaces
Office and Visitor Accommodation
100,000 - 150,000
1
150,001 - 400,000
2
400,001 - 660,000
3
660,001 - 970,000
4
970,001 - 1,300,000
5
Over 1,300,000
1 additional space per each additional 400,000 sq. ft.
Residential
100,000 - 200,000
1
200,001 - 500,000
2
Over 500,000
3
All other permitted uses, except non-accessory parking
40,000 - 100,000
1
100,001 - 160,000
2
160,001 - 240,000
3
240,001 - 320,000
4
Over 320,000
1 additional space per each additional 90,000 sq. ft.
 
(b)   Minimum Dimensions. 930
Loading spaces shall be designed to meet the dimensions in Table 14-806-3.
Table 14-806-3: Required Loading Space Dimensions 931
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
Required Loading Space
Dimensions
Required Loading Space
Dimensions
1
10 ft. wide, 40 ft. long, 14 ft. high
2 [1]
11 ft. wide, 60 ft. long, 14 ft. high
3
10 ft. wide, 30 ft. long, 14 ft. high
4
10 ft. wide, 40 ft. long, 14 ft. high
5 [1]
11 ft. wide, 60 ft. long, 14 ft. high
Each additional
10 ft. wide, 30 ft. long, 14 ft. high
Table Notes:
[1]   Except where access to the loading space is by a street which is less than 35 ft. wide in which case, such space may be at least 10 ft. wide, 40 ft. long, 14 ft. high.
 
(c)   Enclosed Structure Required.
Every off-street loading space shall be located either (1) within the building it serves, or (2) in an enclosed structure with direct access to each building the loading spaces serve.
(d)   Ingress and Egress. 932
(.1)   Each individual loading space or group of loading spaces shall be limited to one two-way curb cut with a maximum width of 24 ft. on the street frontage or two one-way curb cuts with a maximum width of 16 ft. on each street frontage; provided that, for curb cuts on the south side of Fairmount Avenue, between Broad Street and Thirteenth Street, on lots designated "CMX-4", the 24 ft. maximum width shall not apply to a two-way curb cut and a maximum of two two-way curb cuts shall be allowed if the curb cuts are intended to be used for a mixed use development with at least 50,000 gross sq. ft. of space for retail use.
(.2)   As an exception to § 14-806(2)(d)(.1), when the loading spaces or their access drives have direct access to a street of less than 40 ft. wide, there shall not be a limit imposed on the size of the curb cut(s) to that street.  933
(.3)   Driveways that cross the public sidewalk must be at the same level as the sidewalk. The driveway material must change at the building line to demarcate the transition to the sidewalk. Sidewalks should be visually continuous across driveways to indicate pedestrians have the right-of-way.  934
(e)   Common Loading.
Two or more buildings may share a common loading area provided that the loading area is located within a commonly accessible structure and that the total number of loading spaces provided is calculated on the basis of the sum of the loading spaces required for each building that the common spaces are intended to serve.
(f)   Trash Storage.
All trash storage areas shall be located within the building, within a completely enclosed trash storage area located on the same lot as the building it serves, or within a common loading area as provided in § 14-806(2)(e) (Common Loading).

 

Notes

928
   Amended, Bill No. 130908-A (approved March 31, 2014); amended, Bill No. 140858 (approved October 20, 2015); subsection (a)(.2) deleted, Bill No. 160096 (approved May 10, 2016); amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021).
929
   Amended, Bill No. 150766 (approved December 8, 2015); amended, Bill No. 220418 (approved November 30, 2022).
930
   Amended, Bill No. 130908-A (approved March 31, 2014); amended, Bill No. 160096 (approved May 10, 2016).
931
   Amended, Bill No. 140009 (approved March 31, 2014).
932
   Amended, Bill No. 130908-A (approved March 31, 2014); amended, Bill No. 150492 (approved June 30, 2015); amended, Bill No. 160096 (approved May 10, 2016); amended, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).
933
   Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021)
934
   Amended, Bill No. 210075 (approved March 29, 2021)
(3)   General Design and Access Standards.
Except as provided in § 14-806(2) (RMX-3, CMX-4, and CMX-5 Districts), the following standards apply to all required off-street loading spaces.
(a)   Where off-street loading spaces do not adjoin the street, convenient access at least 12 ft. wide to each space shall be provided.
(b)   Access driveways across sidewalks shall be subject to the approval of the Streets Department.
(c)   Each required off-street loading space shall be at least 11 ft. wide, 60 ft. long, and have at least 14 ft. of unobstructed height unless otherwise stated in another provision of this Zoning Code for a specific location.
(d)   No required off-street loading space may be located in a required front setback or rear or side yard area.
(4)   Adjustments to Loading Requirements.  935
(a)   Subject to the determination of the Commission and the Streets Department that the proposed adjustments would provide an adequate number of off-street loading spaces for the proposed use and are necessary given certain constraints that would preclude the provision of loading as required in this § 14-806 (Off-Street Loading), one or more of the following adjustments may be permitted to the off-street loading requirements of this § 14-806 (Off-Street Loading).
(.1)   A reduction in the number of required off-street loading spaces by no more than two loading spaces, except at least one required off-street loading space shall be provided.
(.2)   A reduction in the required loading space width for one or more required off-street loading spaces such that each required off-street loading space shall be at least 10 ft. wide.
(.3)   A reduction in the required loading space length for one or more required off-street loading spaces such that each required off-street loading space shall be at least 30 ft. long.
(.4)   An increase in the maximum width of any curb cut otherwise permitted for off-street loading by no more than 12 ft.
(b)   The applicant shall provide the Commission and Streets Department with any requested documentation of those constraints that would preclude the provision of loading as required in this § 14-806 (Off-Street Loading) before the approval of any adjustment under § 14-806(4)(a).

 

Notes

935
   Added, Bill No. 161003-A (approved May 8, 2017).