1161.05 MODIFICATION OF STANDARDS.
    (a)   Allowance For Shared Parking. The Planning Commission may approve a development plan with a reduction in the number of parking spaces required if it can be shown that the lesser number of spaces is appropriate and consistent with these regulations under the following provisions:
      (1)   Shared On-Site Parking. In a mixed use project, when it is determined that because of varying peak demands, the uses can be adequately accommodated with a lesser number of parking spaces than what would be required based on the sum of the various uses computed separately, the Planning Commission may approve a site plan with a reduction in the required spaces. Up to seventy-five percent (75%) of the requirements for the least dominant use may be waived by the Planning Commission if the applicant can demonstrate that the peak demands for two (2) or more of the uses do not overlap.
      (2)   Off-Site Parking. When the required parking spaces for a proposed use can be accommodated on an adjacent or nearby site, arrangements can be made between the businesses and other property owners that are not normally open, used or operated during the same hours to share parking facilities in order to meet their parking requirements, provided not more than fifty percent (50%) of the required parking spaces are shared.
         A.   A shared use agreement is required in accordance with Section 1161.07(c).
         B.   Off-site parking may only be approved if the off-site lot has an excess number of spaces or if the applicant can demonstrate that the on-site and off-site uses have non-competing peak demands.
      (3)   An applicant may use the latest peak demand analyses published by the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) or other source acceptable to the Planning Commission to demonstrate the ability to share parking spaces due to varying peak demand periods.
   (b)   Reduced Standards for D-B, Downtown Business District and L-G, Lakeshore Gateway District. In recognition of the historic, compact character of buildings in the Downtown Business District and the unique layout and combination of permitted uses in the Lakeshore Gateway District, as well as the less efficient use of the floor area of those buildings, the Planning Commission may approve a development plan with a reduction in the requirements of Schedule 1161.04, Off Street Parking Spaces Required. In making a determination, the Planning Commission shall consider the following criteria.
      (1)   D-B, Downtown Business District. 
         A.   The character of the proposed use, the design of the building and the ability of the proposed use to reinforce the downtown environment.
         B.   The availability and accessibility of public parking spaces, both on-street and within public parking lots.
         C.   The availability of parking areas on adjacent sites, considering the hours of operation of the proposed use compared to adjacent uses.
         D.   The potential negative impact to the character of the downtown district if the requisite number of parking spaces are provided.
      (2)   L-G, Lakeshore Gateway District.
         A.   The character of the proposed use, the design of the building and the ability of the proposed use to improve the area.
         B.   The availability of parking areas on adjacent sites, considering the hours of operation of the proposed use compared to adjacent uses.
         C.   The overall plan does not interfere with the existing residential uses in the district.
   (c)   Additional Factors for Reduced Standards Citywide. Off-street parking requirements may be reduced based on the provisions of this section.
      (1)   A reduction of up to ten percent (10%) of the number of required parking spaces may be permitted administratively when the applicant demonstrates that the reduction in parking will not impact adjacent uses.
      (2)   The Planning Commission may approve a reduction in required parking spaces by up to forty percent 40%) as a conditional use in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 1109, when the applicant demonstrates in a parking study prepared by a traffic consultant or in parking data from comparable sites provided that:
         A.   The use of transit, demand management programs, and/or special characteristics of the customer, client, employee or resident population will reduce expected vehicle use and parking space demand for this development, as compared to the minimum City parking requirements, and
         B.   The reduction in parking will not impact adjacent uses.
(Ord. 2020-21. Passed 2-18-20.)