(a)

Except as may be modified by Section 20.76.120 (Retention and protection of significant trees), Section 20.72.084 (Reductions in parking space requirements for provision of alternative transportation) or Section 20.72.086 (Maximum cumulative reduction of required parking spaces), and except as exempted by Subsection (b), all developments in all zoning districts shall provide a sufficient number of parking spaces to accommodate the number of vehicles that ordinarily are likely to be attracted to the development in question. Whenever feasible, low impact development must be used.

(b)

Except for residential uses or the residential portion of mixed uses, developments in the old town business district 1 are not required to provide parking as per Subsection (a). Residential developments (or portions) in the OTBD 1, however, must comply with Subsection (a).

(c)

The presumptions established by this chapter are that: (i) a development must comply with the parking standards set forth in Subsection (f) to satisfy the requirement stated in Subsection (a), and (ii) any development that does meet these standards is in compliance. However, Table 20.72-1: Table of Parking Requirements is only intended to establish a presumption and should be flexibly administered, as provided in Section 20.72.020 (Flexibility in administration required).

(d)

Uses in the Table 20.72-1: Table of Parking Requirements (Subsection (f)), are indicated by the Table of Permissible Uses (Chapter 20.40 (Permissible Uses). When determination of the number of parking spaces required by this table results in a requirement of a fractional space, any fraction shall be counted as one parking space.

(e)

The council recognizes that Table 20.72-1: Table of Parking Requirements set forth in Subsection (f) cannot and does not cover every possible situation that may arise. Therefore, in cases not specifically covered, the permit issuing authority is authorized to determine the parking requirements using this table as a guide.

(f)

Table of Parking Requirements—Table 20.72-1, below, describes the number of off-street parking stalls required for the various permissible uses. Required accessible parking spaces are not included with this calculation and are required in addition to the parking stalls for a particular use.

(g)

Except as may be modified by Section 20.72.020 (Flexibility in Administration required), Parking shall be limited to a maximum of twice the minimum required spaces found in Table 20.72-1.

Table 20.72-1: Table of Parking Requirements

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003; Ord. 1312 § 21, 2003; Ord. 1411 §§ 22—25, 2007; Ord. 1438 § 18, 2007; Ord. No. 2010-001, § 11, 1-8-2010; Ord. No. 2015-025, § 10, 10-19-2015;Ord. No. 2022-026, §§ 1, 2, 10-17-2022; Ord. No. 2025-015, § 1, 7-21-2025)

(a)

The council recognizes that, due to the particularities of any given development, the inflexible application of the parking standards set forth in Subsection 20.72.010(f) (Table of parking requirements) may result in a development either with inadequate parking space or parking space far in excess of its needs. The former situation may lead to traffic congestion or parking violations in adjacent streets as well as unauthorized parking in nearby private lots. The latter situation wastes money as well as space that could more desirably be used for valuable development or environmentally useful open space. Therefore, as suggested in Section 20.72.010 (Number of parking spaces required), the permit-issuing authority may permit deviations from the presumptive requirements of Subsection 20.72.010(f) (Table of parking requirements) and may require more parking or allow less parking whenever it finds that such deviations are more likely to satisfy the standard set forth in Subsection 20.72.010(a).

(b)

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the permit-issuing authority may allow deviations from the parking requirements set forth in Subsection 20.72.010(f) (Table of parking requirements) when it finds that:

(1)

A residential development is irrevocably oriented toward the elderly or other demographic group that, due to the driving characteristics of the group, requires fewer or more parking stalls than the general populace; or,

(2)

A sole business (not part of a larger mall) is primarily oriented to walk-in trade.

(c)

Whenever the permit-issuing authority allows or requires a deviation from the presumptive parking requirements set forth in Subsection 20.72.010(f) (Table of parking requirements), it shall enter on the face of the permit the parking requirement that it imposes and the reasons for allowing or requiring the deviation.

(d)

If the permit-issuing authority concludes, based upon information it receives in the consideration of a specific development proposal, that the presumption established by Subsection 20.72.010(f) (Table of parking requirements) for a particular use classification is erroneous, it shall initiate a request for an amendment to the Table of Parking Requirements in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 20.96 (Amendments).

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(a)

Subject to Subsection (b), and except accessible parking spaces as per Section 20.72.064 (Accessible parking spaces), each parking space shall contain a rectangular area at least nineteen feet long and nine feet wide. Lines separating parking spaces may be drawn at various angles in relation to curbs or aisles, so long as the parking spaces so created contain within them the rectangular area required by this section. In parking areas containing ten or more parking spaces, twenty percent of the parking spaces may contain a rectangular area of only eight feet in width by fifteen feet in length. If such spaces are provided, they shall be conspicuously designated as reserved for small or compact cars only. When feasible parking stalls shall be provided for motorcycles and electric cars.

(b)

Wherever parking areas consist of spaces set aside for parallel parking, the dimensions of such parking spaces shall be not less than twenty-two feet by eight feet.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 2015-025, § 11, 10-19-2015;Ord. No. 2022-026, § 3, 10-17-2022)

(a)

Drive aisle widths shall conform to Table 20.72-2, Drive Aisle Widths, which varies the width requirement according to the angle of parking.

Table 20.72-2: Parking Aisle Widths

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 2015-025, § 12, 10-19-2015;Ord. No. 2022-026, § 4, 10-17-2022)

(a)

Unless no other practicable alternative is available, parking areas shall be designed so that, without resorting to extraordinary movements, vehicles may exit such areas without backing onto a public street. This requirement does not apply to parking areas consisting of driveways that serve one or two dwelling units, although backing onto arterial streets is discouraged.

(b)

Parking areas of all developments shall be designed so that sanitation, emergency, and other public service vehicles can serve such developments without the necessity of backing unreasonable distances or making other dangerous or hazardous turning movements.

(c)

Every parking area shall be designed so that vehicles cannot extend beyond the perimeter of such area onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way. Such areas shall also be designed so that vehicles do not extend over sidewalks or tend to bump against or damage any wall, vegetation, or other obstruction. However, in order to reduce total impervious surfaces parking spaces may be designed so that vehicles overhang perimeter landscape areas, and the overhang, though landscaped, may count toward the parking space dimension required by Section 20.72.030 (Parking Space Dimensions) except that that portion of the landscaped area may not count toward the landscape or screening requirements referenced in Subsection (e). Such landscaped area shall be planted with appropriate materials such that vehicles do not cause damage to the landscaping, nor vice-versa.

(d)

Circulation areas shall be designed so that vehicles can proceed safely without posing a danger to pedestrians or other vehicles and without interfering with parking areas.

(e)

Other requirements affecting the design can be found in Section 20.76.124 (Shade Trees on Lots), Section 20.76.030 (Compliance With Screening Standard) and Section 20.76.130 (Shade Trees in Parking Areas).

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(a)

All parking areas shall be graded and surfaced with asphalt, concrete or other material that will provide equivalent protection against potholes, erosion, and dust. Specifications for surfaces meeting the standard set forth in this Subsection are contained in the Public Works Construction Standards and Specifications.

(b)

Parking spaces shall be appropriately demarcated with painted lines or other markings.

(c)

Parking areas shall be properly maintained in all respects. In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, parking area surfaces shall be kept in good condition (free from potholes, etc.) and parking space lines or markings shall be kept clearly visible and distinct.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(a)

Handicap Standards: All handicapped parking spaces shall be designed in accordance with the following standards: American National Standard Institute, International Code Council Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (ICC A117.1-2017) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

(b)

Number: The number of handicapped parking spaces to be provided in any lot or facility shall be according to the current state standard and the International Building Code (Table 20.72-3[: Minimum Number of Accessible Parking Spaces]). Accessible parking spaces are to be calculated in addition to the required off-street parking spaces required and not included in the parking calculations in Table 20.72-1. Accessible parking spaces shall not be required in mechanical or valet/attendant park facilities except that a minimum of one accessible space shall be provided to allow the owner/driver of a vehicle with special hand or other controls to park the vehicle. The designation of handicapped parking stalls shall constitute consent by the property owner to the enforcement of the restriction of such spaces to handicapped users by the city.

(c)

Size: Parking spaces for disabled people shall be at least eight feet - zero inches wide and shall have an adjacent access aisle at least five feet - zero inches wide. A single space thirteen feet - zero inches wide may also be provided. Parking access aisles when a part of the accessible route to the building or facility entrance shall comply with ICC A117.1-2017. Two adjacent accessible parking spaces may share a common access aisle only if a vehicle can reasonably back into a space to ensure that the access aisle is on the preferred side or if the space may be reasonably used by handicapped vans. Parked vehicle overhangs shall not reduce the clear width of an accessible route. Specific conditions as established in state code may require modifications of these standards to ensure compliance.

(d)

Signage: A sign displaying the symbol of accessibility, the restriction to use by permit-holders and the fine for violation shall be provided at each handicapped stall in accordance with state law.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 2022-0026, § 5, 10-17-2022)

(a)

One parking area may contain required spaces for several different uses, but except as otherwise provided in this section, the required space assigned to one use may not be credited to any other use.

(b)

To the extent that developments that wish to make joint use of the same parking spaces operate at different times, the same spaces may be credited to both uses. For example, if a parking lot is used in connection with an office building on Monday through Friday but is generally ninety percent vacant on weekends, another development that operates only on weekends could be credited with ninety percent of the spaces on that lot. Alternatively, if a church parking lot is generally occupied only to fifty percent of capacity on days other than Sunday, another development could make use of fifty percent of the church lot's spaces on those other days.

(c)

The developer wishing to take advantage of the provisions of this section must present a contract as evidence that he has the permission of the owner or other person in charge of the satellite parking spaces to use such spaces. The developer must also sign an acknowledgement that the continuing validity of his permit depends upon his continuing ability to provide the requisite number of parking spaces. These documents shall be recorded with the Snohomish County auditor.

(d)

If the joint use of the same parking spaces by two or more principal uses involves satellite parking spaces, then the provisions of Section 20.72.080 (Satellite Parking) are also applicable.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(a)

If the number of off-street parking spaces required by this title cannot reasonably be provided on the same lot where the principal use associated with these parking spaces is located, then spaces may be provided on adjacent or nearby lots in accordance with the provisions of this section. These off-site spaces are referred to in this section as satellite parking spaces.

(b)

All such satellite parking spaces (except spaces intended for employee use) must be located within four hundred feet of a public entrance of a principal building housing the use associated with such parking, or within four hundred feet of the lot on which the use associated with such parking is located if the use is not housed within any principal building. Satellite parking spaces intended for employee use may be located within any reasonable distance.

(c)

The developer wishing to take advantage of the provisions of this section must present a contract as evidence that he has the permission of the owner or other person in charge of the satellite parking spaces to use such spaces. The developer must also sign an acknowledgement that the continuing validity of his permit depends upon his continuing ability to provide the requisite number of parking spaces. These documents shall be recorded with the Snohomish County auditor.

(d)

Persons who obtain satellite parking spaces in accordance with this section shall not be held accountable for ensuring that the satellite parking areas from which they obtain their spaces satisfy the design requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

Shall be interpreted to mean having two or more vehicles, one in font of or behind the others with a single means of ingress and egress.

(a)

All residential uses may utilize tandem parking. Tandem parking may use a driveway, garage, or carport to accomplish the required parking. Tandem parking may be utilized for multi-family apartments when the tandem parking spaces are assigned to the same unit.

(b)

Residential tandem parking counts towards meeting minimum parking requirements at a rate of one space for every twenty linear feet with any necessary provisions for turning radius.

(c)

Commercial tandem parking shall not be allowed, except when valet parking is provided. In the case where valet parking is provided, it shall be a continuing condition of the permit authorizing development on such parcel(s) that should the valet parking discontinue then the permit-holder is obligated to provide the parking required pursuant to this chapter.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003; Ord. No. 2025-015, § 2, 7-21-2025)

(a)

Transit: Subject to Section 20.72.086 (Maximum Cumulative Reduction of Required Parking Spaces), a reduction of up to ten percent of the required parking spaces may be granted for any use, building or complex other than for convenience or retail use categories located within four hundred feet of any stop on a regularly scheduled transit route. The reduction in parking space supply applicable to the provision of transit services may be further modified by conditions in any community, as these may be reviewed and reported by a qualified parking consultant or by the responsible official at his or her discretion.

(b)

Car Pooling/Van Pooling: Subject to Section 20.72.086 (Maximum Cumulative Reduction of Required Parking Spaces), a reduction of up to ten percent of required parking, based on substantiated projections of reduction in parking demand, may be granted for any building or use exceeding fifty thousand square feet GLA that institutes and maintains a locally approved carpooling/vanpooling program. Such reduction may be terminated immediately upon failure of the owner, operator, tenant, or others responsible for such programs to maintain such programs in an ongoing and acceptable manner.

(c)

Shuttle Service: Subject to Section 20.72.086 (Maximum Cumulative Reduction of Required Parking Spaces), a reduction of up to fifteen percent of required parking, based on substantiated projections of reduction in parking demand, may be granted for any building or use that institutes and maintains a continuous, personalized shuttle service. Said reduction may be terminated immediately upon failure of the owner, operator, tenant or others responsible for such program to maintain such program in an ongoing and acceptable manner.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(a)

Reduction in the total number of required parking spaces granted for the provision of alternative transportation services (Section 20.72.084, Reductions in parking space requirements for provision of alternative transportation) or for protecting significant trees (Section 20.76.120(g) (Retention and protection of significant trees) shall not exceed a total of thirty percent.

(b)

Utilizing reductions to parking spaces may result in the submittal of a traffic demand management study to substantiate the request.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 2022-026, § 6, 10-17-2022)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title, whenever (i) there exists a lot with one or more structures on it constructed before the effective date of this title, and (ii) a change in use that does not involve any enlargement of a structure is proposed for such lot, and (iii) such change in use does not require more parking spaces than the previous use, and (iv) the parking requirements of Section 20.72.010 (Number of Parking Spaces Required) that would be applicable as a result of the proposed change cannot be satisfied on such lot because there is not sufficient area available on the lot that can practicably be used for parking, then the developer need only comply with the requirements of Section 20.72.010 to the extent that (i) parking space is practicably available on the lot where the development is located, and (ii) satellite parking space is reasonably available as provided in Section 20.72.070 (Joint Use of Required Parking Spaces). However, if satellite parking subsequently becomes reasonably available, then it shall be a continuing condition of the permit authorizing development on such lot that the developer obtain satellite parking when it does become available.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(a)

Subject to Subsection (e), and except in the OTBD-1 District, whenever the normal operation of any development requires that goods, merchandise, or equipment be routinely delivered to or shipped from that development, a sufficient off-street loading and unloading area must be provided in accordance with this section to accommodate the delivery or shipment operations in a safe and convenient manner.

(b)

The loading and unloading area must be of sufficient size to accommodate the numbers and types of vehicles that are likely to use this area, given the nature of the development in question. Table 20.72-3: Loading Area Requirements indicates the number and size of spaces that, presumptively, satisfy the standard set forth in this Subsection. However, the permit-issuing authority may require more or less loading and unloading area if reasonably necessary to satisfy the foregoing standard.

(c)

Loading and unloading areas shall be so located and designed that the vehicles intended to use them can (i) maneuver safely and conveniently to and from a public right-of-way, and (ii) complete the loading and unloading operations without obstructing or interfering with any public right-of-way or—unless properly managed (e.g., night deliveries only)—any parking space or parking lot aisle.

(d)

No area allocated to loading and unloading facilities may be used to satisfy the area requirements for off-street parking, nor shall any portion of any off-street parking area be used to satisfy the area requirements for loading and unloading facilities unless the delivery operations are managed so as to preclude conflicts with automobiles (e.g., night deliveries only) or unless additional parking spaces beyond those required are provided and used as such temporarily.

(e)

Whenever (i) there exists a lot with one or more structures on it constructed before the effective date of this title, and (ii) a change in use that does not involve any enlargement of a structure is proposed for such lot, and (iii) such change in use does not require more parking spaces than the previous use, and (iv) the loading area requirements of this section cannot be satisfied because there is not sufficient area available on the lot that can practicably be used for loading and unloading, then the developer need only comply with this section to the extent reasonably possible.

Table 20.72-3: Loading Area Requirements

*Minimum dimensions of twelve feet × fifty-five feet and overhead clearance of fourteen feet from street grade required.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)

(Ord. No. 2022-026, § 7, 10-17-2022)

(a)

All multi-family uses in excess of four units shall provide parking facilities for bicycles at a ratio of one "stall" per every ten required parking spaces.

(b)

Except in the Old Town Business District 1, where bicycle parking facilities are anticipated to be provided as part of public/private redevelopment projects, all commercial and public uses shall provide "stalls" for bicycles at a ratio of ten percent of the required automobile parking spaces required for a business or group of businesses. After twenty "stalls" have been provided by any business or group of businesses, the ratio shall be five percent of the total required automobile parking spaces.

(c)

A bicycle "stall" shall include a delineated and safe parking area, and an appropriate structure to which bicycles can be locked.

(d)

The permit-issuing authority may reduce the above requirements if they can be shown to be unwarranted.

(Ord. 1309 § 5(part), 2003)