Bell City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
76 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
§ 17.76.010 Off-street parking facilities and loading spaces permitted as accessory uses in all zones.
The uses permitted in each zone, as set forth in this title shall be deemed to include off-street parking facilities for automobiles and loading spaces, as accessory uses serving a principal permitted use in each such zone. Every use permitted in any zone shall be permanently provided with off-street parking facilities and loading spaces maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 964)
§ 17.76.020 Required off-street parking spaces designated.
The off-street parking spaces required for each principal use permitted by this title shall be not less than the following, provided that any fractional parking space shall be computed as a whole:
Use | Number of Parking Spaces Required |
|---|---|
1. C Zones. For any principal use permitted in any of the C zones, except for those uses specifically set forth in this section: | |
a. Space devoted to a use located in a building of less than 5,000 square feet of gross floor area | 1 space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area of the building devoted to such use |
b. Space devoted to a use located in a building or portion thereof, having more than 5,000 square feet but less than 20,000 square feet of gross floor area | 25 parking spaces, and 1 parking space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area of the building devoted to such use in excess of 5,000 square feet |
c. Space devoted to a use located in a building or portion thereof, having more than 20,000 square feet of gross floor area | 125 parking spaces, and 1 parking space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area of the buildings, devoted to such use, in excess of 20,000 square feet |
2. M Zone. For any use permitted in M zones, except for those uses specifically set forth in this section | 1 parking space for each 500 square feet of gross floor area, of the building devoted to such use |
3. Assembly buildings, including churches, stadiums, sports arenas, school auditoriums, theaters, dance halls, clubs and lodges | 1 for each 4 fixed seats; if there are no fixed seats, 1 for each 50 square feet of gross floor area devoted to such use |
4. Automotive, boat and trailer sales or rental; retail nurseries and other permitted uses expressly permitted to be conducted in the open | 1 parking space for each 1,000 square feet of gross lot area devoted to display or sales areas, provided that where such area exceeds 10,000 open square feet, only 1 parking space need be provided for each 5,000 square feet of such gross lot area in excess of 10,000 square feet |
5. Bowling alleys | 2 parking spaces for each alley |
6. Cocktail lounges, restaurants, bars and coffee shops | 1 parking space for each 100 square feet of gross floor area devoted to the use up to 4,000 square feet, and 1 parking space for each additional 50 square feet of gross floor area devoted to the use over 4,000 square feet; or 1 parking space for each 4 fixed seats, whichever is greater; or for such uses utilizing not more than 1,500 square feet of gross floor area and occupying less than 25 percent of total gross floor area of the building, shall provide 1 space for every 200 square feet of gross floor area devoted to such use |
7. Dwelling Units | |
a. Single-family dwelling units | 2 parking spaces for each single-family dwelling unit, which shall be located in a garage having minimum dimensions of 20 feet by 20 feet |
b. Multifamily dwellings | 2 parking spaces for each multifamily dwelling unit, which shall be located in a garage having minimum dimensions of 20 feet by 20 feet; and 1 guest open parking space for each 3 multifamily dwelling units having a minimum dimension of 9 feet by 20 feet |
c. There shall be a concrete apron of a minimum of 20 feet in length in front of the garage entrance within the property boundaries | |
d. The width of each individual driveway approach shall not be more than 24 feet nor less than 12 feet | |
e. The sum of all driveway widths on any lot shall not exceed 40 percent of the street frontage of the property on each abutting street | |
f. A 24-foot wide vehicle turnaround clearance shall be provided in front of the garage and open parking spaces | |
g. Garages and open parking space shall be located upon the lot so that the vehicular access thereto is not directly visible from the public right-of-way | |
h. Garages and open parking spaces shall be arranged so that cars are not required to back onto any right-of-way | |
8. Educational Institutions | |
a. Elementary and junior high | 1 parking space for each employee and each faculty member |
b. High schools and trade schools | 1 parking space for each 5 students and 1 parking space for each faculty member and employee |
c. Colleges | 1 parking space for each 3 students and 1 parking space for each faculty member and employee |
9. Food stamp distribution centers, premium redemption centers | 1 parking space for each 10 square feet of gross floor area devoted to such use |
10. Hospitals | 2 parking spaces for each bed |
11. Hotels | 1 parking space for each guest room |
12. Motels | 1 parking space for each sleeping unit |
13. Medical or dental clinics and medical and professional offices | 1 for each 200 square feet of gross floor area of the building devoted to such use |
14. Nursing, convalescent home, rest homes and sanitariums | 1 parking space for each 4 beds |
15. Rooming houses, lodging houses, clubs and fraternity houses having sleeping homes | 1 for each sleeping room |
16. Trailer parks | 1 for each trailer space |
17. Warehouses and storage facilities | 1 parking space for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area of the building devoted to the use |
18. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the off-street parking and loading space requirements for any use for which a conditional use permit is required, shall be set by the granting body as a part of the conditional use permit process | |
19. For any use not referred to in this section, and for which a conditional use permit is not required, the director shall set the number of required off-street parking and loading spaces at an amount reasonably necessary to serve the use. Any determination made by the director pursuant to this section shall be final and conclusive unless an appeal of the director's determination is filed as set forth in Chapter 2.100 of Title 2 of this code. | |
(Ord. 964; Ord. 1129, 1997; Ord. 1214 § 19, 2016)
§ 17.76.030 Required off-street parking facilities-Mixed occupancies.
In the case of mixed uses in a building or on a lot, the total requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately. Off-street parking facilities for one use shall not be considered as providing required parking facilities for any other use except as hereinafter specified for joint use.
(Ord. 964; Ord. 1129, 1997)
§ 17.76.040 Joint use of off-street parking facilities.
The director, upon application by the owner or lessee of any property, shall authorize the joint use of parking facilities by two or more uses only as is provided in this section.
A.
The parking facilities required by this chapter for a use which is primarily a daytime use may be provided by the parking facilities of a use which is primarily a nighttime and/or Sunday use. The parking facilities required by this chapter for a use which is primarily a nighttime and/or Sunday use may be provided by the parking facilities of a use which is primarily a daytime use. Such joint use parking shall be permitted subject to the provisions of this section.
B.
The following uses shall be deemed to be daytime uses: banks, business offices, retail stores, personal service shops, clothing or shoe repair or service shops, manufacturing, wholesale and similar uses. The following uses shall be deemed to be nighttime and/or Sunday uses: auditoriums incidental to a public or parochial school, churches, dancehalls, theatres and cocktail lounges.
C.
Conditions Required for Joint Use.
1.
The outer boundaries of the lot upon which the proposed use is to be located shall be located within 150 feet of such parking facilities; and
2.
The applicant shall show that there is no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the uses for which the joint use of off-street parking facilities is proposed; and
3.
The parties concerned in the joint use of off-street parking facilities shall evidence agreement for such joint use by a proper legal instrument approved by the city attorney as to form. Such instrument, when approved, shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder and copies thereof filed with the building and planning departments.
(Prior code § 9313)
§ 17.76.050 Plans for proposed parking facilities-Approval required.
The plan of any proposed parking area shall be submitted to the building department for approval at the time of submission of applications for building permits for the building which such parking facilities are to serve or, if no building permits are required, prior to the commencement of the use to be served. The plans shall clearly indicate the proposed development, including location, size, shape, design, curb cuts, lighting, landscaping and other features and appurtenances of the proposed parking facilities.
(Prior code § 9314)
§ 17.76.060 Parking areas-Installation and maintenance standards.
A.
Size. Required off-street parking spaces shall be provided as required by this section:
1.
Conventional Car Spaces. Each off-street parking space shall have a depth of not less than 20 feet, and a width of not less than nine feet; and
2.
Compact Car Spaces. Parking spaces not less than seven and one-half feet in width and 15 feet in length may serve as required off-street parking spaces where:
a.
They serve permitted uses located on a C or M zoned lot; and
b.
Not more than 20% of the required off-street parking spaces may be reduced to the size specified in compact size; and
c.
All spaces constructed in accordance with this subdivision, shall be marked and identified as being for compact cars only; and
d.
All spaces provided in excess of those required by this chapter may be developed with parking spaces whose size is that specified in this subdivision.
3.
Access. Each required space shall be provided with adequate ingress and egress.
B.
Access Driveways. Paved driveway approaches shall be installed to provide access from a public street to the required off-street parking facilities on a lot. For the purpose of this chapter, the "width of driveway" means the net driveway width thereof, exclusive of side slopes and returns, measured along the curb line or centerline of the street or highway.
1.
Width. All proposed driveways serving parking areas having eight or less off-street parking spaces on a residentially zoned lot shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide, all others shall be a minimum of 20 feet in width. Driveways located on any C or M zoned lots, shall be a minimum of 24 feet in width.
2.
Joint Use. Joint use driveways used in combination with abutting properties shall be allowed when proper easements or agreements, approved as to form by the city attorney, have been executed and filed with the city and recorded in the county recorder's office.
3.
Motion on Driveways. All parking areas located on, or servicing any lot classified in any C or M zone shall be designed so as to allow forward motion only, of all vehicles when entering a street from such parking areas.
4.
Clearance. All driveways shall be maintained with a vertical clearance of not less than 10 feet. No encroachment of any type, shall be permitted within driveway areas.
5.
Parking in Driveways.
a.
"No parking" signs with lettering not less than two inches in height shall be conspicuously placed and maintained at the entrance to, and at intervals of not less than 50 feet, along each required driveway.
b.
Where a driveway serves parking facilities for five or more vehicles, no person shall park, stand or leave any vehicle in any portion of such driveway, except for the purpose, and during the process, of loading or unloading passengers or goods.
6.
Other Access Requirements. The following additional requirements shall govern access to all off-street parking and loading facilities:
a.
All uses, including residential uses, which adjoin a major or secondary highway, shall, whenever possible, take access by way of a secondary road or alley.
b.
The location and design of all entrances and exits to streets or alleys from off-street parking facilities shall be subject to the approval of the director, to insure that such will result in a minimum of interference with the traffic flow on adjacent streets.
c.
Access driveways across sidewalks or pedestrian ways shall be designed in such a manner as to promote pedestrian safety.
d.
All abandoned or unused existing driveway approaches shall be removed and replaced with sidewalk, curb and gutters at the expense of the lot owner in accordance with adopted city standards.
C.
Surfacing. All off-street parking areas including driveways and aisles shall be paved with macadam or asphaltic pavement in accordance with adopted city standards therefor. Such surfacing shall be designed, constructed and maintained so as to dispose of all surface water. In no case shall such drainage be allowed across public sidewalks.
D.
Border Barricades. Every parking area which is not separated by a fence from any street or alley right-of-way line which it abuts, shall be provided with a suitable concrete curb or not less than six inches in height, located not less than three feet distant from such street or alley right-of-way line. Such curb shall be securely installed and maintained; provided no such curb shall be permitted across any driveway or entrance to such parking area.
E.
Screening. Every parking area for five or more vehicles which is located upon on a lot which abuts an R zoned lot shall be separated from such lot by a solid view-obscuring fence or wall, six feet in height, and 36 inches in height adjacent to front yards areas on such R zoned property, measured from the grade of the finished surface of the R zoned lot.
F.
Lights. Suitable lights shall be provided so as to properly illuminate any parking area having spaces for five or more vehicles or new or used car sales areas, permitted by this title; such lighting shall be arranged and maintained so as to reflect the light away from adjacent premises.
G.
Striping. All parking spaces shall be striped in a manner clearly showing the layout of the intended parking stalls. Such striping, not less than three inches in width, shall be maintained in a clear, visible and orderly manner.
H.
Signs. Where required for public safety, as determined by the director, appropriate exit, entrance and directional signs shall be posted and maintained at locations approved by the director.
I.
Maintenance and Irrigation. All off-street parking facilities shall be kept clean and free of dust, mud or trash, and shall be used only for the purpose of parking vehicles. Where landscaping is provided within or along parking areas, adequate irrigation and maintenance thereof shall be provided, as approved by the director.
(Prior code § 9315; Ord. 1129, 1997)
§ 17.76.070 Parking areas-Landscaping requirements.
A.
Where a C zoned lot adjoins a street, a minimum area equivalent to six percent of the gross lot area shall be suitably landscaped and maintained.
B.
Concrete curbs shall be installed along the borders of all required landscaped areas where such landscaped areas abut driveways, off-street parking and loading areas and other similar facilities.
C.
Trees located within three feet of a public sidewalk or street curb shall be installed with root guards.
D.
All trees shall be a minimum of 15 gallon size at the time of placement. Box trees shall be required on the site to enhance the appearance of the development. Shrubs shall be a minimum of five gallons in size at the time of placement.
E.
The minimum inside width of any required landscaped area or any form of fixed planter box shall be three feet.
F.
Only 10% of the required landscaped area can be in decorative gravel, rock, tree bark or other similar materials; provided such materials shall not be installed in a parkway or in a required front yard area. Exposed dirt areas are not permitted.
(Prior code § 9316)
§ 17.76.080 Location of commercial or industrial parking facilities.
Off-street parking facilities required for the uses permitted on any C and M zoned lot shall be located on the same lot as the use they are intended to serve; except, that in cases of practical difficulty, the director of community development may approve a substitute location which meets the following conditions:
A.
That all or part of substitute location is within 400 feet of the lot upon which principal use to be served is located. Such distance shall be measured as walking distance along a public street; and
B.
That the use of the substitute lot is guaranteed in a manner acceptable to the city attorney; and
C.
That 80% of the parking spaces, but no less than 10 spaces, shall be located on the same lot as the use they are intended to serve.
(Prior code § 9317)
§ 17.76.090 Location of off-street parking facilities.
A.
Off-street parking facilities may be located on any portion of any lot, in any zone, where main or accessory buildings may be placed, except as follows:
1.
No off-street parking facilities shall be located in front of any dwelling not located on an R-2 or R-3 zoned lot.
2.
If any off-street parking facility is attached to, and is a part of, a main building on any lot classified in zone R-1, not more than 50% of the total frontage of such main building, or 20 feet, whichever is the greater, may be utilized for vehicular access to such off-street parking facility.
3.
All off-street parking facilities located upon any lot classified in zones R-1, R-2 or R-3:
a.
Access to which is from a public alley, shall be set back from the lot line separating the alley from the lot a sufficient distance so as to provide for a 25 foot turning area, provided that the width of the abutting alley may be included for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not a 25 foot turning radius is available; and
b.
Access to which is from a street, shall be set back as follows:
i.
Garages shall be set back from the lot line separating the lot from the street which affords such access not less than 22 feet; and
ii.
Permitted open parking spaces shall be set back from the lot line separating the lot from the street a distance equal to the depth of the required yard area abutting the street which affords access.
4.
On reversed corner lots, permitted open parking spaces may be located in the required rear yard, except that portion of a required rear yard area directly to the rear of a required side yard area abutting the street.
5.
Permitted open parking spaces may be located in required side yard areas; except that on corner and reverse corner lots, open parking spaces shall not be located in the required side yard abutting the street.
B.
All required off-street parking facilities on lots classified in zone R-1 shall be located within garages. At least 50% of all required off-street parking facilities on lots classified in zones R-2 and R-3 shall be located within garages.
(Prior code § 9318)
§ 17.76.100 Loading space requirements.
Every use permitted in any C zone and in the M zone, shall have and maintain loading space and/or spaces as specified in this section:
A.
General Requirements. When the lot upon which the loading space is located abuts an alley such loading space shall take access from such alley and shall be maintained as follows:
1.
The length of the loading space shall be measured perpendicular to and/or parallel with the centerline of the alley. Where such loading space is parallel with the alley the loading space shall extend across the full width of the lot except that if only two spaces are required the length of the loading area need not exceed 60 feet.
2.
No loading space shall be permitted in any required off-street parking area nor shall any part of an alley and/or street be used to meet the requirements of this section.
B.
Each use in the C and M zones shall be permanently provided with the number of loading spaces as follows:
Total Square Feet of Gross Floor Area of Building | Number of Loading Spaces | Number of Passenger Loading/Unloading Spaces Required |
|---|---|---|
1. Commercial Buildings | ||
3,000—15,000 | 1 | 0 |
15,000—45,000 | 2 | 0 |
45,000—75,000 | 3 | 0 |
75,001—105,000 | 4 | 0 |
105,000 and greater | 5 | 0 |
2. Industrial Buildings | ||
3,500—20,000 | 1 | 0 |
20,001—50,000 | 2 | 0 |
50,001—80,000 | 3 | 0 |
80,001—110,000 | 4 | 0 |
110,001 and greater | 5 | 0 |
3. Hospitals and Institutions | ||
2,000—30,000 | 1 | 0 |
30,001—90,000 | 2 | 0 |
90,001 and greater | 3 | 0 |
4. Hotels, Motels, Motor Hotels, and Office Buildings | ||
3,500—40,000 | 1 | 1 |
40,001—90,000 | 2 | 2 |
90,001 and greater | 3 | 3 |
C.
Each required loading space shall be at least 40 feet in length, 10 feet in width with an unencumbered overhead clearance of at least 14 feet. Each required passenger loading/unloading space shall be at least 20 feet in length, 10 feet in width, with an unencumbered overhead clearance of at least 12 feet.
(Ord. 964)
§ 17.76.110 Off-street parking requirements-Charts, diagrams and standards adopted by reference.
Attached to the ordinance codified in this section, and incorporated herein by this reference, is that certain document entitled "Appendix A - Bell Municipal Code Off-Street Parking Requirements," dated November 16, 1987, which contains certain charts, diagrams and standards relating to off-street parking facilities. All off-street parking facilities shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the charts, diagrams and standards as set forth in Appendix A, attached to the ordinance codified in this section.
(Ord. 964)
§ 17.76.120 Expedited permitting procedures for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and direct current fast chargers (DCFC).
A.
Intent and Purpose. The intent and purpose of this section is to adopt an expedited, streamlined electric vehicle charging station permitting process that complies with Government Code Section 65850.7 to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of EVCS and DCFC. This chapter is designed to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the city, and expanding the ability of property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations. This section allows the city to facilitate convenient charging of electric vehicles and help reduce the city's reliance on environmentally damaging fossil fuels.
B. "Association" "Electronic submittal" "Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station" or direct current fast chargers "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" "Specific, adverse impact"
Definitions.
means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development.
means the utilization of one or more of the following:
means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code(OR as required by the California Green Building Standards Code), as it reads on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.
includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition or mitigation imposed by the city on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a similar permit.
means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
C.
Applicability. This section applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging stations in the city. Electric vehicle charging stations legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section are not subject to the requirements of this section unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of an electric vehicle charging station in such a way as to require a new permit.
D.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station System Requirements.
1.
All electric vehicle charging stations shall meet all applicable health and safety standards and the requirements imposed by the state and the city.
2.
Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of the applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a municipal electric utility company regarding safety and reliability.
3.
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and over current protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.
4.
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.
5.
Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the applicable provisions of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements.
E.
Duties of Building Department and Building Official.
1.
A checklist and all documents required for the submission of an expedited streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations shall be made available on the city's publicly accessible website.
2.
An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.
3.
The building department shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
4.
The electric vehicle charging stations permit process, standard plans, and checklist shall substantially conform to the recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard contained in the most current version of the Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
F.
Expedited Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.
1.
An application for an electric vehicle charging station that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, the building division shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within two weeks. The building official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health and safety. Such decisions may be appealed to the board of appeals pursuant to Section 17.92.040(B) of this code.
2.
Review of the application shall be limited to the building official's review of whether the applicant meets local, state and federal health and safety requirements.
3.
The city shall not condition the approval of an application on the approval of an association.
(Ord. 1262 § 2, 2020)