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Carlsbad City Zoning Code

ARTICLE IV

- DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

Sec. 56-100. - Off-street parking and loading regulations.

(a)

General.

1.

Applicability. The off-street parking standards of this section apply to:

(a)

All new structures and uses; and

(b)

The expansion or enlargement of an existing structure or use where the expansion or enlargement is greater than 200 square feet. When expanding and enlarging, additional off-street parking spaces will be required only to serve the enlarged or expanded area, not the entire structure or use, provided that in all cases the number of off-street parking spaces provided for the entire use (pre-existing plus expansion) shall equal at least 75 percent of the minimum number of spaces established in Tables 4.1.2A through F.

2.

No reduction below minimums. Existing and proposed parking spaces may not be reduced below the minimum requirements established in this section.

3.

Shared parking and shared access is required. Where access to a structure, use or property is limited by topographical features, city or state roadway restrictions, safety or traffic concerns the city shall require and the developer shall provide shared access and/or shared parking.

4.

Shared parking and shared access is encouraged. Where access to a structure, use or property is not limited by topographical features, city or state roadway restrictions, safety or traffic concerns the developer is encouraged to provide shared access and/or shared parking.

5.

All new and restriped/repaved parking spaces and areas shall comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)and/or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards, whichever is more restrictive.

(b)

Minimum required off-street parking. Tables 7 through 12 establish the minimum parking area requirements and number of off-street parking spaces to be provided for the various land use categories. Unless the applicable standard addresses employee parking, additional off-street parking spaces shall be provided to meet the projected demand for employee parking. Where shared parking or access is provided the total number of required off-street parking spaces may be decreased by 20 percent. The number of accessible parking spaces, required for ADA compliance, is in addition to the requirements below and is based on the total number of required spaces prior to a shared access or shared parking reduction.

TABLE 7: PARKING AREA REGULATIONS - RESIDENTIAL USES

GENERAL USE
CATEGORY		SPECIFIC USE TYPEMINIMUM NUMBER OF
VEHICLE SPACES
(SEE SUBSECTION (E)(1)(A) MEASUREMENT RULES)
1. Household Living a. Business Residence 2 for each dwelling unit
b. Employee Housing 2 for each dwelling unit
c. Manufactured Home/Multi-Section 2 for each dwelling unit
d. Mobile Home 2 for each mobile home space
e. Mobile Home Park 2 for each mobile home space, plus 1 visitor space for every 4 mobile home spaces
f. Mobile Home Subdivision 2 for each dwelling unit
g. Multi-Generational Dwelling 2 for each dwelling unit
h. Multiple-Family Dwelling 2 for each dwelling unit, plus 1 visitor space for every 4 dwelling units
i. Rooming/Boarding House 1 for every 2 beds, plus 1 for every 2 employees on largest shift
j. Single-Family Attached Dwelling, including Condominiums and Duplexes 2 for each dwelling unit
k. Single-Family Detached Dwelling 2 for each dwelling unit
l. All Other Household Living 2 for each dwelling unit
2. Group Living a. Community Home 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 4 residents
b. Community Living Setting 1 for each resident bed and 1 for every 2 guest beds
c. Congregate Residence 1 for each resident bed and 1 for every 2 guest beds
d. Residential Care Facility 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 3 residents
e. All Other Group Living 1 for every 200 square feet of living space
3. Other a. Carport 1 space

 

TABLE 8 - PARKING AREA REGULATIONS - INSTITUTIONAL AND CIVIC USES

GENERAL USE
CATEGORY		SPECIFIC USE TYPEMINIMUM NUMBER OF VEHICLE SPACES
(SEE SUBSECTION (e)(1)(a) MEASUREMENT RULES)
1. Care Facility, Inpatient a. Hospice Facility 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 2 residents
b. Hospital 1 for every 2 beds, plus 1 for each employee on the largest shift, plus 1 for every 5 outpatients, plus 1 for each hospital vehicle (bassinets shall not be counted as beds for the purpose of computing parking)
c. ICF/MR 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 4 patients
d. Physical and Mental Rehabilitation Facility 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 3 patients
e. Nursing Facility 1 for every 2 beds, plus 1 for each employee on largest shift
f. Residential Facility 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 4 patients
g. Residential Treatment Center, Accredited 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 4 patients
h. Residential Treatment Facility 1 for each employee plus one for every 4 residents
i. All Other Inpatient Care Facilities As approved by the planning director
2. Care Facility, Outpatient a. Adult Day Care Center 1 for each employee and 1 unobstructed pick-up/drop-off space for every 3 clients
b. Adult Day Care Home 1 for each employee and 1 unobstructed pick-up/drop-off space for every 3 clients
c. Ambulatory Surgical Center 1 for each employee plus 1 for every patient
d. Birthing Center 1 for each employee plus 1 for every patient
e. Child Day Care 1 for each employee and 1 unobstructed pick-up/drop-off space for every 3 clients
f. Community Living Setting 1 for each employee plus 1 for every resident
g. Community Mental Health Center 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 3 patients
h. Counseling Center 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 2 patients
i. Family Child Care Home 1 for each employee and 1 unobstructed pick-up/drop-off space for every 3 clients
j. Health Facility 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 2 patients
k. Renal Dialysis Facility 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 2 patients
l. All Other Outpatient Care Facilities 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 2 patients
3. Church/Religious Assembly a. Church/Religious Assembly 1 for every 3 seats or seating spaces in the main assembly room
4. Community Services a. Detention Facility/Temporary Shelter 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 3 detention cells
b. Shelter, Emergency As Needed
c. Shelter, Homeless 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 3 beds
d. All Other Community Services 1 for each employee on the largest shift, plus either, 1 for every 250 square feet of gross floor area, or 1 for every 4 patrons to the maximum capacity
5. Park and Open Space a. Cemetery 1 for each 200 square feet of common area used for gathering
b. Golf Course/Golf Driving Range 1 for every 2 employees, and 3 for each hole, plus 50% of the requirements for any accessory uses
c. Miniature Golf Course 1 per 200 square feet of common area and 1 per hole
d. Park/Lake/ Reservoir/Open Space Parking area equal to 1% of total land area
e. Playing Field or Court 1 per 200 square feet of common area and where recreation is observed or occurs
f. Shooting Range, Indoor 1 for each shooting station plus 1 for each 200 square feet of indoor common area
g. Shooting Range, Outdoor 1 for each shooting station plus 1 for each 200 square feet of outdoor common area
h. Swimming Pool 1 for each 4 persons per maximum occupant load
i. All Other Parks and Open Spaces Parking area equal to 1% of total land area, plus 1 for every 2 employees
6. Police, Ambulance, & Fire Services a. Police, Ambulance, & Fire Services 1 for every employee on normal shift duty, plus 1 for each emergency/police/fire vehicle, plus 1 for every 300 square feet of business office space
7. Private Recreation and Entertainment a. Club/Lodge 1 for each 200 square feet of common area
b. All Other Private Recreation and Entertainment 33% of maximum occupancy load, plus 1 for each employee; plus a minimum of 1 loading space
8. School a. Boarding School 1 for each employee plus 1 for every 8 students
b. Schools
Elementary 1 for every 25 classroom seats and 1 for each teacher, aide, employee, or administrator
Junior High 1 for every 15 classroom seats and 1 for each teacher, aide, employee, or administrator
High School 1 for every 8 classroom seats and 1 for each teacher, aide, employee, or administrator
c. University/College 1 for every 2 students and 1 for each teacher, aide, employee or administrator
d. Vocational/Technical/Trade School 1 for every 2 students and 1 for each teacher, aide, employee or administrator
e. All Other Schools 1 for every 2 students and 1 for each teacher, aide, employee or administrator
9. Utility a. Basic Utility 1 for service vehicle - utility easement may count as space
b. Intermediate Utility 1 for service vehicle - utility easement may count as space; or 1 for each 200 feet of common area
c. Utility Corridor 1 for service vehicle - utility easement may count as space
d. All Other Utilities 1 for service vehicle - utility easement may count as space

 

TABLE 9 - PARKING AREA REGULATIONS - COMMERCIAL USES

USE CATEGORYSPECIFIC USE TYPEMINIMUM NUMBER OF VEHICLE SPACES
(SEE SUBSECTION (E)(1)(A) MEASUREMENT RULES)
1. Office a. Business Office 1 for every 200 square feet of gross floor area
b. Professional Office 1 for every 200 square feet of gross floor area
c. Home Occupation, Office No additional spaces required
d. All Other Offices 1 for every 200 square feet of gross floor area
2. Parking, Commercial a. Parking Structure or Lot 1 for each vehicle
3. Recreation and Entertainment a. Amusement Park 1 for each 3 persons in designed capacity, plus 1 for each employee on largest shift
b. Campground 1 for each RV space and 1 for each camp space, plus an additional 1 for every 4 RV or camp spaces
c. Golf Course/ Golf Driving Range 1 for every 2 employees, and 3 for each hole, plus 50% of the requirements for any accessory uses
d. Miniature Golf Course 1 per 200 square feet of common area and 1 per hole
e. Playing Field or Court 1 per 200 square feet of common area and where recreation is observed or occurs
f. Pool Hall/Bowling Alley 3 for every lane, plus 1 for each employee, plus 50% of the spaces required for accessory uses
g. Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park 1 for each RV space and 1 for each camp space, plus an additional 1 for every 4 RV or camp spaces
h. Swimming Pool/Water Park 1 for each 4 persons per maximum occupant load
i. Shooting Range, Indoor 1 for each shooting station plus 1 for each 200 square feet of indoor common area
j. Shooting Range, Outdoor 1 for each shooting station plus 1 for each 200 square feet of outdoor common area
k. Theater/Dance Hall 1 for each 3 seats and 1 for each 200 square feet of common area
l. All Other Recreation and Entertainment 1 for each 200 square feet of common area
4. Retail Sales and Service a. Adult Business Uses 1 for each person equal to 33% of maximum occupancy load, plus 1 for each employee; plus a minimum of 1 loading space
b. Animal Care/Boarding/Sales 1 for each 200 square feet of common area
c. Appliance and/or Small Engine Repair and Service 1 for each employee on largest shift and 1 for each 200 square feet of common area
d. Artisan/Craftsman Shop 1 for each employee on largest shift
e. Bar 1 for every 4 seats, plus 1 for each employee on largest shift
f. Brewery, Small 1 for every 4 seats, plus 1 for each employee on largest shift
g. Catering 1 for each employee on largest shift
h. Convenience Store 1 for every 250 square feet of gross floor area, plus 1 for each employee per shift (maximum total of 12 spaces); plus a minimum of 1 loading space for general deliveries and a minimum of 1 loading space for delivery of gasoline, if gasoline is sold on the property
i. Delivery and Dispatch Service 1 for each delivery vehicle, plus 1 for each employee on the largest shift
j. Distillery, Small 1 for every 4 seats, plus 1 for each employee on largest shift
k. Drive-Through Facility 1 for each employee, plus adequate stacking area for eight (8) cars before the first pull-up window and six (6) stacking spaces for each additional window. The window space shall count as one (1) stacking space. Plus 1 space for every four seats. Such spaces shall be designed so as not to impede pedestrian or vehicular circulation on the site or any abutting street or alley.
l. Farmers' Market/Flea Market 1 for each vendor plus 1 for each 200 square feet of common area
m. Feed Store 1 for each 200 square feet of common area plus 1 loading space
n. Financial Services 1 for each employee, plus 1 for every 250 square feet of gross floor area; drive-in window requires a minimum of 6 stacking spaces for each drive-in window (window space counts as a stacking space), in addition to parking spaces.
o. Grocery Store 1 space per 200 square feet for the first 15,000 square feet of gross floor area; then, one space per 250 square feet for the next 45,000 square feet of gross floor area; then, one space per 300 square feet for the gross floor area that exceeds 60,000 square feet, plus a minimum of 1 loading space
p. Home Occupation, Bed and Breakfast 1 for each room, plus 2 for every permanent residence; plus specified requirements for any other accessory uses. Meeting room requires 33% of maximum occupancy load.
q. Home Occupation, Sales and Service Maximum of 2 permanent spaces in addition to requirement for dwelling
r. Hotel/Motel 1 for each room, plus 2 for every permanent residence; plus specified requirements for any other accessory uses. Meeting room requires 33% of maximum occupancy load.
s. Industrial Equipment and Supplies 1 for every 500 square feet of gross floor area; plus a minimum of 1 loading space
t. Laboratory, Medical 1 for each employee on the largest shift
u. Laboratory, Scientific/Research 1 for each employee on the largest shift
v. Landscaping Material Sales/Nursery 1 for each employee on the largest shift, 1 for every 200 square feet of sales and display area
w. Manufactured Homes and Buildings/Mobile Homes, Sales and Service 1 for every 200 square feet of office space, plus 1 for each employee
x. Outdoor Sales, Repairs and Activities 1 for every 200 square feet of office space, plus 1 for each employee
y. Personal Service 2 for every personal service station (e.g. chair, table), or, if there are no personal service stations, 33% of maximum occupancy load, plus 1 for each employee
z. Rentals and Sales of Farm Implements, Equipment and Vehicles 1 for each employee, plus 1 for every 600 square feet of gross floor area (this shall not include the space provided for vehicles for sale or lease)
aa. Restaurant, fixed 1 for every 4 seats, plus 1 for each employee on largest shift
bb. Retail Sales Establishment, Community Scale 1 space per 200 square feet for the first 15,000 square feet of gross floor area; then, one space per 250 square feet for the next 45,000 square feet of gross floor area; then, one space per 300 square feet for the gross floor area that exceeds 60,000 square feet, plus a minimum of 1 loading space
cc. Retail Sales Establishment, Neighborhood Scale 1 space for each employee per shift, plus 1 for each 400 square feet of gross floor area, plus 1 loading space
dd. Retail Sales Establishment, Regional Scale 1 space per 200 square feet for the first 15,000 square feet of gross floor area; then, one space per 250 square feet for the next 45,000 square feet of gross floor area; then, one space per 300 square feet for the gross floor area that exceeds 60,000 square feet, plus a minimum of 2 loading spaces
ee. Shopping Center 1 space per 200 square feet for the first 15,000 square feet of net leasable area; then, one space per 250 square feet for the next 45,000 square feet of net leasable area; then, one space per 300 square feet for the net leasable area that exceeds 60,000 square feet, plus a minimum of 1 loading space.
ff. Self Service Storage/RV Storage 1 for every 250 square feet of net floor area of office space associated with the use, plus 1 for each employee, and 2 for a resident manager
gg. Veterinary Clinic/Office 1 for every 200 square feet of common area
hh. All Other Retail Sales and Services 1 for each employee per shift, plus 1 for each 200 square feet of gross floor area, plus 1 loading space
5. Temporary Uses (Temporary Use Permit is Required) a. Carnivals, Fairs and Other Public Gatherings 1 for each 3 person in designed capacity
b. Garage, Estate and Yard Sales No parking required - right-of-way may be used for parking unless prohibited
c. Parking Lot Sales 1 for every 200 square feet of sales area
d. Pushcart As Needed
e. Real Estate Sales Office 1 for each employee on largest shift and 1 for every 200 square feet of office area
f. Recreational Vehicle for Dwelling 1 space
g. Recreational Vehicle for Office 1 for each employee
h. Recreational Vehicle for Night Watchmen or on-site Security Dwelling 1 space
i. Restaurant, Mobile As Needed
j. Temporary Housing/RV Park 1 space per sleeping unit or recreational vehicle space; and 1 space for every 4 sleeping units as visitor parking.
k. All Other Temporary uses 1 for each employee on largest shift and 1 for every 200 square feet of common area
6. Vehicle Uses
Repairs, Sales, Service 		a. Auto Mechanical Repair 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each vehicle used in the operation of the business
b. Body Shop 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each vehicle used in the operation of the business
c. Car Wash Manual - 1 washing bay plus 1 stacking space for each washing bay Automatic - 1 drying space plus, 1 washing bay plus 3 stacking spaces for each washing bay Vacuum/Air - 2 for each vacuum stall and 2 for each air pump
d. Fuel Service Facility 2 for each pumping station, plus 1 for each employee per shift, plus 1 for every 250 square feet of gross floor area; plus additional requirements for accessory uses - 2 for each vacuum stall; 2 for each air pump
e. Oil Change/Quick Lubrication 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each vehicle used in the operation of the business
f. Tire Recapping and Storage 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each vehicle used in the operation of the business
g. Truck Repair 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each vehicle used in the operation of the business
h. Truck Stop/Travel Plaza 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each 200 square feet of sales and service area
i. Vehicle Sales, New and Used 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each 200 square feet of sales and service area
j. All Other Vehicle Repairs, Sales and Service 1 for each employee, plus 1 for each service bay, plus 1 for each vehicle used in the operation of the business
7. Wholesale Sales Establishment a. Wholesale Sales Establishment 1 for each employee plus sufficient spaces for loading

 

TABLE 10 - PARKING AREA REGULATIONS - INDUSTRIAL USES

USE CATEGORYSPECIFIC USE TYPEMINIMUM NUMBER OF VEHICLE SPACES
(SEE SUBSECTION (E)(1)(A) MEASUREMENT RULES)
1. Manufacturing, Production, Warehousing, Trucking, and Freight Movement a. Brewery, Large 1 for each employee plus sufficient spaces for loading
b. Distillery, Large 1 for each employee plus sufficient spaces for loading
c. Indoor Operations with Indoor Storage/Loading Only 1 for each employee plus sufficient spaces for loading
d. Indoor/Outdoor Operations with Indoor/Outdoor Storage/Loading 1 for each employee plus sufficient spaces for loading
e. Trucking/Truck Storage 1 for each employee plus sufficient spaces for truck parking
f. All Other 1 for each employee plus sufficient spaces for loading
2. Natural Resource Production and Storage and Mining and Extractive Uses a. Batch or Asphalt Plant 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles
b. Oil/Gas Extraction 1 per service vehicle
c. Petroleum Products Refining or Wholesale Storage 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles
d. Refining or Smelting 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles
e. Sand, Gravel and Caliche Mining and Storage 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles
f. Solar Energy Conversion System/Solar Panels 1 per employee or service vehicle
g. Wind Energy Conversion System/Wind Turbine 1 per employee or service vehicle
h. Windmill 1 per employee or service vehicle
i. All Other 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles
3. Waste-Related Storage or Use a. Junkyard or Motor Vehicle Salvage/Wrecking Yard
b. Hazardous Materials treatment, storage, or disposal facility 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles
c. Transfer Station 1 for each disposal container and 1 for each employee on largest shift
d. Solid Waste Disposal Site 1 for each disposal container and 1 for each employee on largest shift
e. All Other 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles

 

TABLE 11 - PARKING AREA REGULATIONS - OTHER USES

USE CATEGORYSPECIFIC USE TYPEMINIMUM NUMBER OF VEHICLE SPACES
(SEE SUBSECTION (E)(1)(A) MEASUREMENT RULES)
1. Agriculture and Livestock a. Dairy 1 for each employee on largest shift plus adequate parking for all facility vehicles
b. Feed Lot Not an allowed use
c. Livestock/Poultry/Fowl/Rabbits No parking required
d. Pasture No parking required
e. All Other 1 for every 400 square feet of gross floor area
2. Aviation or Surface Passenger Terminal a. Airport/Heliport 1 per employee
b. Bus/Commuter Stop No parking required
c. Bus/Railroad Depot 1 for each employee on largest shift plus spaces adequate for anticipated passenger loads
Carpool Lot 1 for each vehicle
e. All Other 1 for each employee on largest shift plus spaces adequate for anticipated passenger loads
3. Communication Facilities a. Amateur Radio Facilities 1 for each employee on largest shift
b. Communications Facilities, Attached 1 for service vehicle
c. Communications Facilities, Free-standing 1 for service vehicle
d. Communications Facilities, Concealed 1 for service vehicle
e. All Other 1 for each employee or service vehicle

 

TABLE 12: ADDITIONAL PARKING REGULATIONS

USE
CATEGORY		MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES
Accessible Parking Total Required Off-Street Parking Spaces:
1 to 25
26 to 50
51 to 75
76 to 100
101 to 150
151 to 200
201 to 300
301 to 400
401 to 500
501 to 1,000
1,001 and over 		Minimum Required
Accessible Spaces:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2 percent of total
20 plus 1 for each 100, or fraction thereof, over 1,000 		Minimum Required
Van Accessible Spaces:
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1 for every 6 accessible spaces, or fraction thereof
Bicycle Parking 1 space minimum plus 1 space for every 20 required parking spaces. Bicycle parking shall be provided by means of a secure and maintained bicycle rack located in close proximity to the primary building entrance.
Motorcycle Parking Total Required Off-Street
Parking Spaces:
1—25
26—50
51—100
100+ 		Minimum Designated
Motorcycle Spaces:
1
2
3
4 		Motorcycle spaces shall be identified by a sign and pavement striping and located in close proximity to the primary building entrance.

 

(c)

Rules for computing parking requirements. The following rules apply when computing off-street parking requirements.

1.

Multiple uses. Shared parking is encouraged. Lots containing more than one use shall provide parking in an amount equal to the total of the requirements for all uses however, a 20 percent reduction is allowed if parking is shared, except for shopping centers, which are required to provide parking according to the preceding table.

2.

Fractions. When calculating parking space requirements, fractional numbers shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

3.

Area measurements. Unless otherwise specifically noted, all square footage-based parking standards shall be computed on the basis of gross floor area.

4.

Employment and occupancy-based standards. For the purpose of computing parking requirements based on employees, students, residents, or occupants, calculations shall be based on the largest number of persons working on any single shift, the maximum enrollment or the maximum fire-rated capacity, whichever is applicable and whichever results in the greater number of spaces.

5.

Unlisted uses. Upon receiving a development application for a use not specifically listed in Tables 56-41(1—5), the planning director shall apply the off-street parking standard specified for the listed use that is most similar to the proposed use. If the planning director determines that the proposed use is unlike any other in Tables 56-41 (1—5), in terms of its potential parking impacts, the planning director may require the applicant to produce a parking impact study and an alternative parking plan, at the applicant's expense, and shall consider such study/plan in determining required off-street parking.

6.

Transit access. For uses with a primary entrance within 300 feet of an existing transit bus stop, or uses that provide a public transit bus stop within 300 feet of the primary entrance, a 20 percent reduction in the required off-street parking requirements may be taken.

7.

On-street parking. Because the intent of uses located in a C-1 commercial district is to provide goods and services on a neighborhood scale and in order to encourage pedestrian activity in neighborhoods, where on-street parking is available or may be accommodated, and based on the overall width of the public-right-of-way, one on-street parking space may be substituted for every two required off-street parking spaces. In such cases, an alternative parking plan that identifies the required off-street parking spaces and the proposed on-street parking spaces shall be submitted to the planning director for review and approval.

(d)

Location of required parking spaces. Except as specifically required in this section, or as approved by the city administrator in an alternative parking plan, the required off-street parking area must be located on the same lot or parcel as the principal use. No off-street parking shall be allowed within the required street setback, including the public right-of-way between a public sidewalk and a public street except that parking for single-family, multi-family and duplex dwellings may be located in residential driveways.

(e)

Parking area layout design.

1.

Parking area dimensions.

(a)

The minimum dimensions of required off-street parking spaces shall be nine feet wide, 18 feet long, and if covered, at least ten feet high, and shall be contained entirely within the property lines.

(b)

The minimum dimensions of required motorcycle parking spaces shall be four and one-half feet wide, 18 feet long and if covered, at least eight feet high, and shall be contained entirely within the property lines.

(c)

The minimum dimensions of a loading space shall be ten feet wide, and 40 feet long, and, if covered, at least 14 feet high, and shall not extend onto or over an alley, sidewalk, street or public right-of-way.

(d)

Accessible parking spaces shall meet the following minimum requirements:

(i)

For car spaces, the minimum width shall be nine feet.

(ii)

For van spaces, the minimum width shall be 11 feet.

(iii)

Access aisles shall be provided for each space. The minimum width of an access aisle is five feet. One access aisle may be shared by two spaces.

(e)

Passenger loading zones, where provided, shall be a minimum of eight feet wide and 20 feet long. Access aisles serving passenger loading zones shall be a minimum of five feet wide. Passenger loading zones shall be marked so as to discourage parking in them.

2.

Protective curbing. Parking spaces adjacent to a property line that abuts a street and where the entrance into the parking space is not from a public street, shall be provided with bumper blocks or curbing to prevent vehicle overhang into the public right-of-way, street or over any sidewalk.

3.

Paving and striping. The required off-street parking areas shall be paved with an all-weather surface (e.g., asphalt, brick pavers, porous pavement, concrete), in accordance with construction specifications of the city engineer. Alternative parking area treatments may be approved by the city engineer if it can be demonstrated that the surface can be maintained dust free.

(Ord. No. 2011-15, 10-11-11; Ord. No. 2016-18, Att., 9-13-16)

Sec. 56-110. - Landscaping and buffering requirements.

(a)

Purpose. The intent of this section is to establish standards to protect and enhance the city's appearance by the installation of appropriate landscaping and screening materials; to maintain and increase the value of land; and to encourage the use of native vegetation and xeriscaping techniques to conserve water usage.

(b)

Landscaping and protection of exposed surfaces. To improve the visual appearance and to reduce sediment movement from a site onto neighboring properties and in addition to any other landscaping requirements, exposed soil surfaces shall be revegetated with low-water use turf or plantings or otherwise protected from erosion. Areas of land temporarily exposed due to grading or other development shall be protected from erosion and blowing dust either by covering and/or wetting the soil, or silt fencing.

(c)

Requirement to landscape. The following types of developments are required to provide and maintain landscaping:

1.

New single-family residential development at the point of sale and as part of an approved subdivision of greater than five lots;

2.

Multiple-family residential;

3.

Manufactured home parks and subdivisions;

4.

Mobile home parks and subdivisions;

5.

Office;

6.

Commercial;

Commercial uses in the "downtown area", which for purposes of this section is defined as Halagueno Street to the west, Main Street to the east, Greene Street to the south and Shaw Street to the north. In this case, the landscaping requirement may be met by flower baskets, public art, street furniture, or other such items;

7.

Industrial; and

8.

PUD.

(d)

Landscaping plan. All applicants for building permits for new construction or for commercial additions over 500 square feet shall submit a landscape plan to the building inspector. The landscape plan shall include:

1.

Scale;

2.

Bar scale;

3.

North arrow;

4.

Property lines;

5.

Total lot area;

6.

Net lot area;

7.

Required landscape area;

8.

Adjacent and proposed right-of-way;

9.

Existing and proposed utility lines;

10.

Existing and proposed easements;

11.

Location of all drive aisles;

12.

Location of all buildings;

13.

The scientific and common name of all vegetative material;

14.

The size, location and number of plantings of each type of vegetative material;

15.

Irrigation system description and phasing plan, if applicable

16.

Topography in the form of finished contour lines at five foot minimum intervals;

17.

Water conservation description; and

18.

Maintenance responsibility statement.

(e)

Required landscaping. At a minimum, 20 percent of the net lot area shall be landscaped as described herein. Net lot area means the total area of the lot minus:

1.

The area of the lot covered by buildings; and

2.

The area of the lot for required off-street parking.

(f)

Required buffering. Landscape buffer areas are required to separate off-street parking and circulation areas from front, side, and rear boundaries of a parcel or lot. Landscape buffers may be crossed by driveways connecting to adjacent land. No parking is permitted within a required landscape buffer area. Landscaping approved within adjacent public right-of-way may be counted toward this requirement if there is no existing or planned public sidewalk between such landscaping and the premises, but in no case shall the width of the on-site landscape buffer be less than five feet. Specific required landscape buffer locations, minimum widths, vegetation type, size and location shall be as follows:

1.

Front - Ten feet.

2.

Side - Five feet. The landscape buffer may be relocated if the lot line is within a common access easement.

3.

Rear - Five feet. The landscape buffer may be relocated if the lot line is within a common access easement.

4.

Where a nonresidential zone is developed for a nonresidential purpose and abuts a residential zone, the minimum landscape buffer on the abutting side(s) shall be a minimum of ten feet. The buffer landscaping is required in order to minimize noise and visual impacts of the non-residential use on the abutting residential use. Where parking or vehicle circulation areas abut a residential zone, in addition to the landscaping buffer, a minimum three feet high opaque wall or fence shall also be required to visually screen the parking or circulation area from the adjacent residential zone; chain link fence with slats shall not constitute acceptable screening.

5.

Buffer landscaping shall consist primarily of low water use trees, shrubs and grasses. Trees shall be at least six feet high or two-inch caliper at time of planting and capable of reaching a height at maturity of at least 25 feet. Shrubs shall be a minimum of one gallon at time of planting. Where trees are utilized solely, spacing of the trees shall be a minimum of 25 feet on-center. Where trees, shrubs, and grasses are used collectively, tree spacing shall be a minimum of 35 feet on-center.

6.

Where the required landscape buffering cannot be provided due to lot restrictions, an internal courtyard or landscaped area shall provide the required landscaping. Potted plants and window boxes may be used as required landscaping.

(g)

Required landscaping materials and practices.

1.

Minimum plantings. For each 125 square feet or fraction thereof of net lot area, the required landscape area shall include the following trees and/or vegetation:

(a)

At least one low-water-use tree or other woody plant which is a minimum of six feet in height and two inches in caliper at the time of planting; and

(b)

At least two cacti, perennial flowers, shrubs or other herbaceous or woody plants a minimum of one gallon in size at time of planting and not to exceed two feet in height when mature.

(c)

The remaining required landscape area shall be covered with live low water use groundcover, native grasses, or other alternative plantings and groundcovers.

2.

Alternate plantings and groundcovers. Where ground plantings are not feasible and upon written approval of the planning director, the following items may be used in place of other landscaping provided that such items shall not interfere with lines of sight, pedestrian movement or signs and shall be constructed of weather-resistant materials:

(a)

Container planters, hanging baskets and window boxes; or

(b)

Street art which may consist of inlay work within walkways, sculptures, monuments or similar artwork; or

(c)

Ground cover such as rock, stone, and mulch if appropriately designed, installed, and maintained so as to prevent invasive or nuisance plants or growth.

3.

Prevention of obstructions. All landscaping shall be designed, installed and maintained so as to prevent the obstruction of or interference with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. At a minimum:

(a)

All artwork, bushes, trees, or other vegetation extending on or over a sidewalk or other pedestrian way shall have a clearance of no less than eight feet above the sidewalk or other pedestrian way.

(b)

All bushes, trees, or other vegetation extending on or over a street or other vehicular way shall have a clearance of no less than 14 feet above the street or other vehicular way.

(c)

All bushes, trees, or other vegetation shall be kept trimmed so that they do not obstruct any traffic control device, sign, signal, or traffic line of sight.

4.

Irrigation. An automated irrigation system sufficient to promote and sustain the growth and health of all vegetation is required for all planting areas. Irrigation water shall be retained on-site. Rain and moisture sensing devices are encouraged.

5.

Maintenance. The property owner is responsible for maintenance of landscaping and irrigation systems. Landscaped areas shall remain free of invasive or nuisance plants, junk, litter, rubbish and other nuisances or obstructions. To prevent blowing dust, erosion and invasive plant growth, areas not covered by vegetation shall be covered with bark chips, mulch, wood chips or decorative cobble or rocks or similar natural materials providing a clean, uniform appearance. Bark chips, mulch, wood chips, decorative cobble, rocks, or similar natural materials shall be replaced and supplemented as needed to maintain the landscaping. All plants shall be maintained in a live and healthy condition or replaced, as needed. Non-vegetative landscaping shall be maintained so as to present a clean and well maintained appearance as is appropriate for the item.

6.

Prohibited vegetation. The following vegetation is prohibited in all developed areas within the city:

(a)

Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven);

(b)

Tamarix ramosissima (Salt Cedar);

(c)

Any plant listed on the New Mexico Noxious Weed List, as amended from time to time, published by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

7.

Storm water detention. On-site detention of storm water is required where existing public drainage facilities are insufficient or non-existent, as determined by the city engineer. The developer shall provide a drainage plan showing that on-site detention areas are sufficient to detain the difference between pre-development and post-development runoff for the ten-year storm. If on-site detention is not feasible due to topography, the developer shall provide a hydrologic study to justify off-site storm water runoff.

(h)

Bonus for use of low-water use vegetation. Development applicants are strongly encouraged to use only trees and/or vegetation listed on the list of approved low-water use and native vegetation, maintained in the licensing and permits department, to comply with the requirements of this section. Applicants who use only trees and/or vegetation included on the list shall be permitted to reduce the total area to be landscaped pursuant to this section by ten percent.

(i)

Alternative landscaping plans. Applicants for developments that are required to install landscaping pursuant to this section may request that the planning director approve an alternative landscaping plan that does not meet the dimensional or landscaping requirements set forth above. Such alternative plans may include opaque fencing, natural earth berms, or other features designed to buffer uses or improve appearance. The planning director shall be authorized to approve such alternative landscaping plan if the required landscaping cannot be provided due to existing topographical features of the land and if the proposed landscaping provides an equivalent buffer between adjacent land uses or an equivalent improvement in the appearance of the development as seen from the street in front of the property.

(j)

Use of existing landscaping. Existing landscaping may be used to meet the requirements of this section.

(k)

Use of public rights-of-way. Unless explicitly stated in this section or approved by the planning director as part of an alternative landscaping plan, no portion of the public right-of-way shall be used to meet landscaping requirements of this section.

(l)

Public art. Public art such as statutes, murals, tile work, mosaics, sculptures and other art installations are encouraged as part of new and re-development throughout the city. Art installations proposed within the public right-of-way shall be reviewed for acceptable location and appropriateness of content by the museum/art director and the public works director.

(Ord. No. 2011-15, 10-11-11; Ord. No. 2016-18, Att., 9-13-16)

Sec. 56-120. - Exterior lighting.

(a)

Purpose. The intent of this section is to provide standards to minimize the actual physical effects of lighting, as well as the effect that lighting may have on the surrounding neighborhood and the night sky. The goal is to ensure that exterior lighting meets the functional and security needs of the subject development in a way that does not adversely affect the adjacent properties, neighborhood or night sky. Lighting shall further and be in compliance with the State of New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act, [74-12-1 NMSA 1978].

(b)

Applicability. All residential and non-residential development shall comply with the standards set forth in this section. For new single-family residential developments with more than five lots and all multi-family residential and non-residential developments, the developer shall submit a proposed exterior lighting plan. This plan must be submitted concurrently with the subdivision application or the site plan. The exterior lighting plan shall include plans and specifications for streetlights, parking lot lights, flood lights and other exterior structure lights. The specifications shall include details of the design, fixture height, lamp type, pole, wattage, location and spacing of lights.

(c)

Design standards. All exterior lighting, including public street lighting, if applicable, shall meet the following design standards:

1.

General standards.

(a)

No flashing or flickering lights shall be permitted.

(b)

Parking areas and other open spaces shall be illuminated as unobtrusively as possible to meet the functional needs of safe circulation and of protecting people and property. Spaces such as building entrances and outside seating areas shall utilize local lighting that defines the space without glare.

(c)

Light sources shall be concealed or shielded to minimize the potential for glare and unnecessary diffusion on to adjacent properties or into public rights-of-way. Undercanopy lighting shall be recessed and shall not extend below canopy.

(d)

Light fixtures used to illuminate flags, statues, or any other objects mounted on a pedestal, platform or pole shall be lit from above by a downward projecting light source or use a narrow cone beam of light that will not extend beyond the illuminated object.

(e)

Street lighting shall be installed by the developer with nominal spacing of one light fixture every 300 linear feet, unless an alternative lighting plan is approved by the planning director.

(f)

In the R-R, R-1, R-2 and C-1 zone districts, light fixtures shall not exceed 20 feet in height above ground level except for security lighting.

(g)

In the C-2, I, and PUD zone districts, light fixtures shall not exceed 30 feet in height above ground level.

(h)

The planning director may approve an alternative lighting plan if safety or security cannot be maintained by the exterior lighting requirements. The developer shall submit a proposed exterior lighting plan. The specifications shall include details of each fixture's design and height, lamp type, spacing and wattage.

2.

Exceptions.

(a)

Outdoor recreational uses. Because of their unique requirements for nighttime visibility and their limited hours of operation, sports playing fields, tennis courts, and other similar outdoor recreational uses are exempt from the exterior lighting standards and shall only be required to meet the following standards:

(i)

Maximum permitted light post height: Eighty feet.

(ii)

A lighting source that illuminates an outdoor recreational use may exceed a cutoff angle of 90 degrees, provided that the luminaries are shielded to prevent light and glare spill over on to adjacent properties.

(iii)

Exterior lighting for an outdoor recreational use shall be extinguished no later than 11:00 p.m. unless otherwise permitted by the city council. Routine recreation use that occurs due to unscheduled overtime play or unscheduled delays does not require a permit.

(b)

Holiday lighting. Because of its festive nature, holiday lighting may twinkle, flash, change color or have other visual effects provided it does not interfere with traffic signs or signals or adversely impact adjacent properties. Holiday lighting may be installed 60 days prior to the holiday and must be removed within 60 days after the holiday.

(c)

Accent lighting. Accent lighting is permitted provided it does not interfere with traffic signs or signals and does not adversely impact adjacent properties, or the night sky, by causing light and glare spill over. Flood lights are not considered accent lighting.

(d)

Security lighting. Security lighting is permitted in all zones provided it does not interfere with traffic signs or signals and does not shine onto adjacent properties. Security lighting shall be shielded to prevent light and glare spill over on to adjacent properties and into the night sky. Security lighting shall not exceed 35 feet in height. Flood lights are considered security lighting.

(e)

Alternative lighting plans. Applicants for developments that are required to install lighting pursuant to this section may request that the planning director approve an alternative lighting plan that does not meet the requirements set forth above. The planning director shall be authorized to approve such alternative lighting plan if the required lighting cannot be provided due to existing topographical features of the land or other property irregularity, and if the proposed lighting demonstrates due diligence with respect to night sky protection, public safety, and shielding.

(Ord. No. 2011-15, 10-11-11; Ord. No. 2016-18, Att., 9-13-16)