§ 255-249. Parking and loading requirements.

[Amended 8-11-2020, by Ord. No. 20-1361, § 6]

   A.   Required parking and loading. When there is more than one building on a lot and/or within a development , the total amount of required parking shall be divided into discreet sections. The buildings shall be directly accessible to pedestrians from all parking areas. Entrance drives leading into a parking area shall be multi-functional, serving for both pedestrian and vehicular access and providing a limited amount of parking when feasible.

      (1)   Minimum parking requirements shall be calculated utilizing the standards set forth in Article XIX, except for in a Mixed Use development where residential units require 1.5 spaces per unit.

      (2)   Two way parking aisle widths may be reduced to a minimum of 22 feet, by conditional use , provided emergency, service and delivery vehicles can safely service buildings on the property as determined by the Township Engineer.

      (3)   Areas used for loading or trash receptacle purposes proximate to residential uses /zoning districts shall be screened from view. Noise, sound and odors associated with these uses shall not be discernable at the property line.

      (4)   Buildings and structures , excluding parking structures , must provide adequate area for loading/unloading entirely within the property lines of the premises.

      (5)   Bicycle storage. Sufficient area for the storage of bicycles shall be provided as approved by the Township Engineer, including racks or other permanently affixed storage devices to accommodate one bicycle for each five required vehicular parking spaces , at a minimum. Bicycle storage facilities may be held in reserve upon approval of the Township Engineer upon a finding that the requirements set forth herein exceed the foreseeable need therefor.

   B.   Shared access. In an effort to reduce the total number of curb cuts within the district, as well as to enhance internal vehicular circulation, promote traffic safety and reduce congestion on adjacent public roads , applicants shall as part of any proposed development , either eliminate two or more existing curb cuts by the merger of properties, or allow for future access to adjacent properties with the FWVD by seeking agreements for shared vehicular access.

      (1)   When two or more abutting lots share an access driveway, that driveway shall be designed as the main access to those lots .

      (2)   Shared access may be located entirely on one lot or be split across a common lot line .

      (3)   Access easements and maintenance agreements or other suitable legal mechanisms shall be submitted to the Board of Commissioners with the application for land development approval.

      (4)   Impervious cover limits may be increased by 5% over the percentage limit applicable to each parcel that is party to a shared access agreement.

   C.   Shared parking. Required parking may be located on an abutting lot and along or across a common lot line , provided both properties are commercially zoned and/or are developed in accordance with the FWVD regulations.

      (1)   The required aggregate parking capacity may be reduced up to 50% by the Board of Commissioners and held in reserve, where shared parking allows greater efficiency for the uses proposed, subject to review and recommendation by the Township Engineer.

         (a)   Regardless of the number of spaces actually developed, the parking area shall be designed to accommodate the aggregate number of parking spaces normally required. The area which is proposed to be left undeveloped shall be shown on the land development plan as “reserved parking area.” This area shall be planted with vegetative cover and integrated into the site’s landscaping plan. Such area shall be developed as designed if and when the Zoning Officer determines the spaces are needed.

   D.   Parking location.

      (1)   Surface parking lots shall be located behind or to the side of the principle buildings .

      (2)   If surface parking is visible from the street frontage, then a fence, wall or plantings shall be provided to maintain the street edge and to buffer views of the parked cars. (§ 255-252.B)

         (a)   In no case shall surface parking lots occupy more than of the parcel’s frontage along a pedestrian oriented street or street segment.

      (3)   Curb cuts. Each lot shall have no more than one curb cut per street frontage for a two- way driveway for vehicular access. If sufficient room is not available for one two-way driveway, the Board of Commissioners may approve two curb cuts for two one-way driveways, subject to approval by PennDOT where required.

      (4)   Parking setbacks. The following setback requirements shall apply for parking spaces and aisles:

         (a)   There shall be no minimum side or rear yard parking setback for a parcel(s) being developed in accordance with these overlay provisions if that property line is adjacent to a nonresidentially zoned and/or used property.

         (b)   When a property being developed in accordance with these overlay provisions is adjacent to a residentially zoned and/or used property which is not made part of the senior assisted living residence  development pursuant to § 255-246.1 .B, there shall be a minimum setback of 35 feet from the residential property line. This setback may be reduced to a distance of no less than 15 feet by the Board of Commissioners as part of any conditional use approval provided the applicant can demonstrate additional buffering is utilized, including (without limitation) plant material, existing vegetation, berming, fencing, retaining walls, and/or changes in grade to provide a complete visual screen of the developed property. Permanent maintenance of the additional buffering shall be guaranteed by the recording of a covenant in a form approved by the Township Solicitor.

         (c)   If any parking is along the right of way , the parking setback shall be 10 feet from the ultimate right-of-way .

         (d)   Parking shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any building . This area shall be used for pedestrian accessways and planting beds.