(Ord. No. 2023-53, § 1(Exh. A), 11-6-23)

Effective on: 11/6/2023

2. B.
   Off-street parking minimum and maximum vehicle parking ratios:

3. C.
   Calculation of off-street vehicle parking spaces:

   1. 1.
      Vehicle parking spaces are calculated based on the principal use of the lot. When more than one principal use occupies the same lot, the number of spaces is the sum of separate requirements for each principal use.
   2. 2.

      When measurements of the number of required spaces result in a fractional number, the result is rounded to the nearest whole number.

   3. 3.

      Unless otherwise expressly stated, all area-based (square footage) parking standards must be computed on the basis of gross floor area. 

4. D.
   Uses without minimum and maximum off-street vehicle parking spaces:

   1. 1.
      Some uses or combination of uses (some types of group developments, mixed-use projects, etc.) have widely varying parking demand characteristics making it impossible to specify a single off-street parking standard. For these uses, the administrator shall determine the appropriate requirements with one of the following methods:

      1. a.
         Apply the off-street parking requirement specified for the listed use that is deemed most similar to the proposed use; or
      2. b.
         Establish off-street parking requirements based on a parking study prepared by a qualified professional and provided by the applicant.

         1. i.
            Such a study must include estimates of parking demand based on recommendations of the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE), or other acceptable estimates as approved by the administrator, and should include other reliable data collected from uses or combinations of uses that are the same as, or comparable with, the proposed use.
         2. ii.
            Comparability will be determined by density, scale, bulk, area, type of activity, and location.
5. E.
    Minimum off-street vehicle parking exceptions:

   1. 1.
      Public parking credit:

      1. a.
         Public parking facilities located within 1,760 feet (1/3-mile) walking distance of the development site may be credited toward the minimum parking requirement at a rate of 1 space for every 5 public parking spaces.
      2. b.
         Signage shall be provided that indicates the location of the public use spaces.
      3. c.
         Residential uses are not eligible for this exemption.
   2. 2.
       Shared / combined parking:

      1. a.
         The joint use of shared off-street parking between two uses may be made by contract between two or more adjacent property owners. The administrator may adjust the minimum parking requirements at a rate of 1 space for every 2 shared spaces.
   3. 3.
      Tree preservation:

      1. a.
         The minimum number of spaces required may be adjusted by the administrator when it has been determined that the reductions are necessary to preserve a healthy tree or trees (with a 12-inch or greater diameter) from being damage or removed, and where the site plan provides for the retention of said tree or trees.
      2. b.
         The reduction shall not exceed 25% of the total minimum parking spaces required.
      3. c.
         Invasive tree species as outlined in Section 8.2 of this ordinance are not eligible for this exemption.
   4. 4.
      Additional bicycle parking:

      1. a.
         Additional bicycle parking spaces above the minimum required bicycle parking may reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces at a rate of 1 parking space for every 2 additional bicycle parking spaces.
      2. b.
         The reduction of spaces granted with this exception shall not exceed 25% of the minimum off-street parking requirement.
   5. 5.
      Electric vehicle parking:

      1. a.
         Off-street vehicle parking with EVSE-installed vehicular charging stations shall count toward satisfying the minimum off-street vehicle parking requirements.
      2. b.
         All off-street vehicle parking with EVSE-installed vehicular charging stations shall meet the general provisions of Section 10.6.
   6. 6.
      Payment in lieu of parking spaces:

      1. a.
         The minimum number of parking spaces required may, at the administrator’s discretion, be reduced by up to 50% with a fee paid to the city in lieu of developing the parking space(s).
      2. b.
         Payments in lieu of parking spaces may be approved as part of the development plan.
      3. c.
         All payments made in lieu of parking spaces shall be made at the time of construction document approval. Failure to submit the required fee along with such applications will delay approval of such submissions until payment is rendered.
      4. d.
         All funds received for payment in lieu of parking spaces shall be used for the acquisition, improvement, development, or redevelopment of public parking spaces within the city.
   7. 7.
      Upgrading preexisting non-conforming parking facilities:

      1. a.
         The minimum number of spaces required may be reduced by up to 25% to allow an existing development to retrofit parking to conform to the existing parking area design and landscaping regulations.
6. F.
   Maximum off-street vehicle parking exceptions: 

   1. 1.
       Spaces reserved for the following are not included in calculating off-street vehicle parking maximums:

      1. a.
         Required accessible parking spaces in compliance with City, state and federal standards
      2. b.
         Parking spaces with EVSE-installed electric vehicle charging stations
      3. c.
         Loading / unloading spaces as required by this ordinance
   2. 2.
      The administrator may grant exceptions to the maximum off-street parking up to 25% when the following conditions are met: 

      1. a.
         Parking spaces constructed with porous monolithic, pavers, or other pervious paving materials.

         1. i.
            Pervious paving shall be considered surface improvements such as interlocking concrete paving blocks, brick pavers, grid pavers, or other similar improvements which permit the infiltration of water through the improved surface.
         2. ii.
            Sub-surface preparation to accommodate the water infiltration allowed through the surface material shall be required.
         3. iii.
            Gravel shall not be considered a pervious paving surface.
      2. b.
         Parking spaces located in a parking area that is designed to control for stormwater run-off generated by a 25-year, 24-hour rain event, and in compliance with Section 6.6 of this ordinance.
   3. 3.
      Underground or above-grade parking:

      1. a.
         The maximum off-street parking may be increased by up to 100% if the additional parking spaces are located underground, on a roof-top, or within a multi-story parking structure.
   4. 4.
      Satellite parking:

      1. a.
         Satellite parking may be permitted, subject to certification by the administrator that the following requirements have been met

         1. i.
            Satellite parking lots shall only be permitted in zoning districts where parking lots are permitted as a by-right primary use, as established in CHAPTER 2 and CHAPTER 3.
         2. ii.
            The satellite parking spaces shall be located within 1,760 feet (1/3-mile) walking distance of a public entrance to the structure or lot containing the use for which such spaces are required.
         3. iii.
            A safe, direct, attractive, lighted and convenient pedestrian route shall exist or be provided between the satellite parking and the use being served.
         4. iv.
            The continued availability of satellite parking spaces necessary to meet the requirements of this section shall be ensured by an appropriate condition that the continued validity of the zoning compliance or special use permit shall be dependent upon the permit holder’s continued ability to provide the requisite number of parking spaces.
7. G.
   Accessible parking:

   1. 1.
      Accessible parking shall be provided in accordance with the North Carolina State Accessibility Code. 
8. H.
   Compact car parking spaces:

   1. 1.
      For parking areas and structures with 20 or more off-street vehicle parking spaces, up to 25% of required vehicle parking spaces may be designed for compact vehicles and designated with the appropriate signage and/or markings.

(Ord. No. 3-07, § 9, 2-5-07; Ord. No. 13-07, § 1, 9-17-07; Ord. No. 2017-08, § 1(Exh. A), 3-20-17; Ord. No. 2018-04, § 1(Att. C), 2-19-18; Ord. No. 2020-12 , § 1(Exh. A), 6-29-20; Ord. No. 2020-27 , § 1(Exh. A), 10-19-20; Ord. No. 2021-44 , § 1(Exh. A), 9-20-21; Ord. No. 2023-53, § 1(Exh. A), 11-6-23; Ord. No. 2023-60, § 1(Exh. A), 12-18-23; Ord. No. 2024-23, § 1(Exh. A), 6-3-24; Ord. No. 2024-43, § 1(Exh. A), 11-18-24; Ord. No. 2025-04, § 1(Exh. A), 1-21-25)

Effective on: 1/21/2025

3. C.
   Required loading spaces shall be available for the loading and unloading of vehicles, and shall not be used for the storage of vehicles or materials or to meet off-street parking requirements. 
4. D.
   Location:

   1. 1.
      Required off-street loading spaces shall be located to the sides and/or rear of the lot to maximize the street exposure of the primary structure(s). The administrator may grant exceptions to this requirement if deemed impractical or impossible given the layout of the existing structures and vehicular access.
   2. 2.
      Where a loading space is adjacent to a public sidewalk or other public pedestrian way, it shall be so located, arranged and improved with curbs or other barriers, as to provide adequate protection for pedestrians.
   3. 3.
      All off-street loading spaces shall be provided with adequate off-street maneuvering areas so that vehicles do not obstruct traffic during maneuvering.
   4. 4.
      Such space shall have access to an alley or commercial service street or, if there is no alley or service street, to a street.
   5. 5.
      No loading space or bay may intrude into any portion of a required setback, required parking space, parking area aisle, or driveway.
   6. 6.
      An off-street loading space shall have the minimum dimensions of 12 feet by 25 feet and be free and clear of obstruction at all times.
5. E.
   Exceptions to loading space requirements: The administrator may adjust the minimum loading space requirements in the following instances:

   1. 1.
      The joint use of shared off-street loading spaces between up to 4 uses is made by contract between adjacent property owners.
   2. 2.
      On-street loading spaces are provided for public use within 1,760 feet (1/3-mile) walking distance.

Effective on: 11/6/2023

(Ord. No. 2023-53, § 1(Exh. A), 11-6-23)

Effective on: 11/6/2023

(Ord. No. 2023-53, § 1(Exh. A), 11-6-23)

Effective on: 11/6/2023

FIGURE 10.7-A: ILLUSTRATIVE PARKING ARRANGEMENT

FIGURE 10.7-A: ILLUSTRATIVE PARKING ARRANGEMENT

FIGURE 10.7-A: ILLUSTRATIVE PARKING ARRANGEMENT

FIGURE 10.7-A: ILLUSTRATIVE PARKING ARRANGEMENT

3. C.
   Location of off-street parking:

   1. 1.
      Off-street parking areas shall be designed so that parked vehicles do not encroach upon or extend onto public rights-of-way, sidewalks or strike against or damage any wall, vegetation, utility, or other structure.
   2. 2.
      For non-residential uses and multi-family development with more than 4 dwelling units, access configurations which require backing directly onto a street from a required off-street vehicle parking space are prohibited. Alleys and commercial service lanes are not considered streets for the purposes of this requirement.
   3. 3.
      Off-street parking shall not be permitted within any front yard setback area and shall not be permitted between a principal structure and the street upon which such structure fronts. Where a structure fronts upon two or more streets, parking may be permitted between the principal structure and the adjacent street of lesser classification when parking cannot reasonably be placed in another location.

      1. a.
         The following uses and parking types shall be exempt from this requirement above:

         1. i.
            Single-family and duplex residential structures in zoning districts with Tier 1 and Tier 2 off-street parking requirements, according to Section 10.3.
         2. ii.
            Handicapped parking spaces as required by the North Carolina Accessibility Code or other federal, state, or local regulations.
         3. iii.
            Bicycle parking spaces required by this ordinance.
         4. iv.
            Structures developed as a permitted group development, provided the parking conforms with the relevant subsections of Section 2.4.
         5. v.
            Existing non-residential and multi-family development undergoing significant improvement, substantial improvement or change of use, provided that all newly created parking spaces associated with such redevelopment shall conform with this requirement.
      2. b.
         The approving authority, in consultation with the Technical Review Committee, may waive this requirement if it deems that compliance would be impractical due to existing site constraints, provided the development comes into compliance to the greatest extent possible.
   4. 4.
      Off-street parking shall not be permitted within any required open space or common areas. 
4. D.
   Surfacing: All off-street vehicle parking area surfacing shall be constructed in accordance with the following specifications:

   1. 1.
      Hard surface required: All off-street parking areas including drives connecting such areas with the public street rights-of-way shall be constructed of permanent non-erodible surface treatment as follows:

      1. a.
         Poured concrete or asphalt.
      2. b.
         Masonry or concrete pavers; or
      3. c.
         Porous or semi-porous monolithic or paver materials;
   2. 2.
      The administrator may require the use of porous paving materials in all or a portion of the parking areas. Such instances may pertain to the following, without limitation

      1. a.
         To protect the root system of an existing tree or trees from damage
      2. b.
         To reduce the amount of impervious surface for stormwater calculation purposes, or
      3. c.
         To protect environmentally sensitive areas 
   3. 3.
      Exceptions to hard surface requirement: The following situations are exempted from the hard surface requirement.

      1. a.
         Parking for a single-family or duplex dwelling in GR districts;
      2. b.
         Parking for agricultural uses;
      3. c.
         A parking area used only as part of a permitted special event or temporary use permit;
      4. d.
         Outdoor recreational facilities that are open to the public;
   4. 4.
      Non-paved areas: Whenever an off-street parking area is exempt from the hard surface requirements, the administrator shall require the following:

      1. a.
         The non-paved parking areas shall be in compliance with the parking lot landscaping requirements in CHAPTER 8.
      2. b.
         Landscape aisles, space markings, or other spatial separations shall be provided to ensure that the parking spaces will be readily identifiable to the users.
      3. c.
         The perimeter of off-street parking areas encompassing the parking stalls and the side of any unpaved drive or aisle leading to said stalls, shall be edged with brick, pressure treated timbers, or cast in place concrete, and anchored into place. Alternate borders may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
      4. d.
         Landscaping or other measures shall be utilized to prevent the discharge of sediment off-site or into any body of water from an unpaved parking area.
5. E.
   Parking dimensions:

   1. 1.
      Parking areas shall meet the following minimum dimensional requirements

FIGURE 10.7-B: PARKING STALL AND AISLE DIMENSIONS DIAGRAM

FIGURE 10.7-B: PARKING STALL AND AISLE DIMENSIONS DIAGRAM

FIGURE 10.7-B: PARKING STALL AND AISLE DIMENSIONS DIAGRAM

FIGURE 10.7-B: PARKING STALL AND AISLE DIMENSIONS DIAGRAM

5.  
   2. 2.
      Other parking angles, aisle widths, and traffic flows will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the administrator and/or the Technical Review Committee.
   3. 3.
      All parking lots with one-way aisle are required to have the appropriate directional signage, permitted in accordance with Section 12.9, and at least two driveways, permitted in accordance with Section 9.3.
   4. 4.
      Nothing in this section shall be construed as an exemption from local Fire Code access requirements.
   5. 5.
      All parking areas with a hard surface shall delineate parking spaces with paint or other permanent materials. Pavement markings shall be white, at least 4” wide, and maintained in clearly visible condition.
   6. 6.
      Tandem parking space: Two spaces stacked (i.e., tandem) may be permitted provided all of the following criteria are met:
   7.  
      3.  
         7. vii.
            The development is a Household Living Use and does not contain more than 4 dwelling units per building.
         8. viii.
            Both spaces are assigned to one dwelling unit.
         9. ix.
            The two vehicle parking spaces in tandem must have a combined minimum dimension of 9 feet in width by 36 feet in length.
         10. x.
             The proposed layout is functional and will not create pedestrian or traffic hazards.
         11. xi.
             The spaces comply with all other standards in this ordinance.
6. F.
   Curbing required:

   1. 1.
      All parking areas and circulation drives shall be curbed using a vertical curb with a minimum width of 1'6". Landscape islands and areas shall be similarly curbed to protect vegetation.
   2. 2.
      This requirement may be waived to permit sheet flow drainage into pervious areas as part of an approved engineered stormwater retention system.
7. G.
   Barriers:

   1. 1.
      Barriers, such as wheel blocks, bollards, and curbs, shall be located along the perimeter of parking lots, internal sidewalks and pedestrian connections that abut parking spaces or driveways.
   2. 2.
      Such barriers shall be designed and located to prevent parked vehicles from extending beyond designated parking areas.  
8. H.
   Maintenance: Parking lots shall be maintained to a reasonable drivable standard with visible pavement markings.
9. I.
   Landscaping: Parking lots shall be subject to the parking lot landscaping standards of Section 8.7.
10. J.
    Lighting: Parking lots shall be subject to the outdoor lighting standards of Section 11.2.
11. K.
    Stormwater management:

    1. 1.
       Parking areas are subject to stormwater management requirements set forth in CHAPTER 6 of this ordinance.
    2. 2.
       It is strongly encouraged that parking area landscaping be incorporated into the approved stormwater management system for any project.

12. L.
    Connectivity:

    1. 1.
       Adjacent parking areas shall be interconnected. Exceptions may be granted by the administrator in the case of existing natural barriers such as steep slopes, surface water protection areas, etc. between the sites.
    2. 2.
       Each parking area that is interconnected may reduce their minimum parking requirement by 10%.
13. M.
    Circulation drives:

    1. 1.
       A circulation drive may be permitted around the front of the building but may not encroach into any required landscape area.
    2. 2.
       If provided, this drive shall be one-way and designed to be the minimal width required (not to exceed 12 feet in width) and shall be constructed using alternative paving treatments such as unit pavers or stamped concrete.

FIGURE 10.7-C: CIRCULATION DRIVES
Note: Circulation drives, if provided, should be minimized and treated with pedestrian-scaled materials.

FIGURE 10.7-C: CIRCULATION DRIVES
Note: Circulation drives, if provided, should be minimized and treated with pedestrian-scaled materials.

FIGURE 10.7-C: CIRCULATION DRIVES
Note: Circulation drives, if provided, should be minimized and treated with pedestrian-scaled materials.

FIGURE 10.7-C: CIRCULATION DRIVES
Note: Circulation drives, if provided, should be minimized and treated with pedestrian-scaled materials.

14. N.
    Pedestrian connections:

    1. 1.
       Off-street parking areas shall be designed to allow pedestrians to safely move from their vehicles to the building. Barrier free access shall be provided across parking areas and between adjacent pedestrian generators such as commercial or public buildings.
    2. 2.
       All structures (other than single-family and duplex structures) shall be connected to the street and, if available, an adjacent public sidewalk, by a sidewalk. Sidewalks shall also connect other phases of the same development, and adjacent developments, as required by the administrator
    3. 3.
       In addition to any required sidewalk, barrier free access shall also include providing ramps at curbs, clear walkways between pre-cast wheel stops, and clearly delineated walkways on the parking area surface across travel lanes.
    4. 4.
       For lots of 36 spaces or greater, no parking space shall be more than 65 feet from a sidewalk that provide access to the entrance of the building or to other sidewalks connecting to the building. Sidewalk corridors a minimum of five feet in width shall be provided within the parking area or along the perimeter to provide safe building access for pedestrians.

FIGURE 10.7-D: PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
Note: Sidewalks must connect parking areas and streets to principal structures.

FIGURE 10.7-D: PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
Note: Sidewalks must connect parking areas and streets to principal structures.

FIGURE 10.7-D: PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
Note: Sidewalks must connect parking areas and streets to principal structures.

FIGURE 10.7-D: PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
Note: Sidewalks must connect parking areas and streets to principal structures.

(Ord. No. 8-07, § 1(H), 5-21-07; Ord. No. 2015-24, § 01, 9-21-15; Ord. No. 2017-08, § 1(Exh. A), 3-20-17; Ord. No. 2018-04, § 1(Att. C), 2-19-18; Ord. No. 2021-41, § 1(Exh. A), 9-20-21; Ord. No. 2023-53, § 1(Exh. A), 11-6-23; Ord. No. 2024-23, § 1(Exh. A), 6-3-24)

Editor's Note - Ord. No. 2023-53 effectively combined the prior Section 10.5 [General off-street parking area design standards] and Section 10.6 [Parking area construction standards] into this new section.

Effective on: 6/3/2024

(Ord. No. 2023-53, § 1(Exh. A), 11-6-23)

Effective on: 11/6/2023