Parking should be limited to structured facilities and on street parking. Parking structures located on pedestrian routes should accommodate streetscape related improvements such as entertainment, storefronts/retail, and/or landscaped treatments to soften the structure. Existing Surface Parking Lots, public or private, permitted by this Code shall be subject to the following standards:
A. Surface Parking Lots that are permitted by this Code or are created after the effective date of this Section shall comply with the standards set forth herein prior to storage or parking occurring on the Surface Parking Lot.
B. Surface Parking Lots in the Downtown Overlay district shall be bordered along public rights of way by black wrought iron or black heavy gauge aluminum tube fencing that is at least four feet high with brick or thin brick columns that are at least 4'6" high and at least 18'' wide or greater. Brick columns shall meet the requirements for brick as defined in Sec. 1109.0502.A. Columns shall be constructed using earth tone colors. On primary streets, spacing of columns shall be at least every 24' for small lots (120' x 120' and under) and at least every 60' for large lots (with frontage of more than 120'). On non-primary streets, spacing of columns may be spaced no more than 90' apart. The Plan Director may approve greater distance spacing of columns where recommended by Toledo Downtown Parking Lot Review and Improvement Advisory Committee. Measurement as to placement of columns, new entrances, and exits will take into consideration turning radius needed for motor vehicles as well as two-way traffic. Fencing may connect to adjacent buildings rather than installing a pillar in instances where such connections are practical and do not detract from the purposes of this Chapter. The fences shall be clear of signage or other obstructions. The specifications for the fencing are as follows:
1. Sections: Standard sections are 6' wide.
2. Pickets: Commercial ¾" square x .055
3. Spacing between Pickets: Commercial standard 3-5/8" and optional 1-1/2"
4. Fasteners: Stainless steel
5. Horizontal Rails: Commercial 1-1/4" x 1-3/8" with .088'' side walls and .065'' top walls
6. Posts: Commercial 2'' square x .080, or .125; 2-1/2" square x .100; and 3" square x.125
7. Alloy: High-strength Ultrum™ 6005-T5 alloy, min. strength 35,000 PSI Finish: Powercoat. When applied, Powercoat is twice the thickness and hardness of a typical acrylic, baked enamel or "wet paint" finish, making it more durable, fade-resistant and scratch-resistant than other coatings.
8. Color: Black
C. Parking spaces in Surface Parking Lots in the Downtown Overlay District that abut fencing required by this Section shall have wheel stops of 4" high or a continuous 4 inch concrete inside the fence placed as to prevent cars from hitting or damaging the fence or columns.
D. Guard rails, bollards, chains, wires, ropes or similar type barriers are not permitted on any Surface Parking Lot in the Downtown Overlay District - even inside the black metal fences unless they are to protect electrical boxes/ conduit, drains, honor boxes, machines, or large investments within the lot.
E. Lighting fixtures located on the brick columns are encouraged, but not required.
F. Landscaping is encouraged but not required. Landscaping shall not be a substitute or replacement for the Fencing & Columns required above.
H. These provisions apply to all properties within the Downtown Overlay District with the exception of the area bounded by Woodruff Avenue, Cherry Street, Spielbusch Avenue, Southard Street, 12th Street, Jackson Street and 13th Street.
(Ord. 170-04. Passed 3-23-04; Ord. 355-19. Passed 7-23-19; Ord. 403-21. Passed 7-20-21.)