Charlestown Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
PART 13
OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
§ 27-1301 Purposes.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
All structures and uses shall be provided with a sufficient amount of off-street parking and loading spaces to meet the needs of employees, residents, visitors, clients, patrons and other persons at such structures or uses, but not less than the minimum requirements of this chapter. No certificate of use and occupancy shall be issued for any structure or use, whether for a new structure or a change of use of an existing structure, until such off-street parking and loading spaces have been established in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
§ 27-1302 Schedule of Parking and Loading Requirements.
[Ord. 6/20/1979; amended by Ord. No. 2017-204, 8/7/2017]
The schedule of off-street parking and loading requirements presents the minimum parking space and loading space requirements of this chapter. Where a lot contains more than one use, the minimum requirements must be satisfied or each and every such use. For uses that do not fall within the categories listed, the Board of Supervisors shall set the minimum parking space and loading space requirements, based on the specific nature of the facility.
Schedule of Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Uses | Minimum Number of Parking Spaces | Minimum Number of Loading Spaces | |
Per 1,000 square feet or major portion thereof of "gross floor area" | Other | ||
Residential | |||
One-family dwelling | — | 2 per such use | — |
Two-family dwelling | — | 2 per dwelling unit | — |
Multi-family dwelling | — | 1 per dwelling unit | — |
Recreation | |||
Membership clubs | Meeting or banquet rooms — 10 Offices — 4 Bars — 15 | — | 1 |
Golf and country clubs | — | 5.0 per hole, and clubs as above | — |
Semi-Public | |||
Hospitals or sanitaria | — | 1 per bed plus 1 per 400 square feet GFA of any out-patient clinic | 1 per 100,000 square feet GFA |
Churches or other places of worship | — | 0.33 per seat. If no seats, 10 per 1,000 square feet of floor space used for public assembly | — |
Community Facilities | |||
Private secondary or elementary schools | 0.5 | — | — |
Nursery schools or day care centers | 1.0 | — | — |
Universities or colleges | 6.0 | — | — |
Dormitories as accessory uses | — | 1.0 per bedroom | — |
Libraries, museums, art galleries or other uses not operated for profit | 4.0 | — | — |
Office | |||
Business or professional offices, except physicians and dentists | 5.0 but in no case less than 5 spaces | — | — |
Office in residence of a professional person | — | 3.0 | — |
Business, administrative or headquarters offices for philanthropic institutions | 4.0 | — | — |
Business | |||
Stores for sales at retail or performance of customary personal services or services clearly incident to retail sales | 6.0 | — | Up to 8,000 square feet — 1 8,000 to 16,000 square feet — 1 16,000 to 50,000 square feet — 2 Each additional 50,000 square feet — 1 |
Restaurants, Cafeterias, Cafes, or Bars | — | 1 | |
Up to 4,000 SF GFA | 10 (see Notes 1-5 below) | — | 1 |
4,000 SF GFA up to 8,000 SF GFA | 12 (see Notes 1-5 below) | — | 1 |
8,000 SF GFA and greater | 14 (see Notes 1-5 below) | — | 1 |
Banks | 6.0 | — | — |
Libraries, Museums or Art Galleries | 4.0 | — | — |
Restaurants, Cafeterias, Cafe or Bars | 5.0 | — | 1 |
Veterinary hospitals, including boarding or care of small animals | 5.0 | — | — |
Industrial | |||
Manufacturing, fabrication finishing or assembling of products | 3.0 | Plus 1 per commercial vehicle garaged on lot | Over 1,500 square feet — 1 For each additional 10,000 square feet — 1 |
Research, experimental, medical or testing laboratories | 3.0 | Plus 1 per commercial vehicle garaged on lot | Over 1,500 square feet — 1 For each additional 10,000 square feet — 1 |
Printing plants | 3.0 | Plus 1 per commercial vehicle garaged on lot | Over 1,500 square feet — 1 For each additional 10,000 square feet — 1 |
Wholesale businesses, storage or warehousing | 2.0 | Plus 1 per commercial vehicle garaged on lot | Over 1,500 square feet — 1 For each additional 10,000 square feet — 1 |
Flex Space | 1.0 Warehouse 4.0 Office | — — | 1 per 8,000 square feet GFA or portion thereof 1 per 8,000 square feet GFA or portion thereof |
Key: GFA — "Gross floor area" |
NOTES: | |
1. | The Board of Supervisors may allow for lesser quantities of parking if the applicant can demonstrate that a lesser amount of parking is needed, based upon empirical data from other like-type restaurants. Any approval of a lesser quantity of parking by the Board of Supervisors shall be conditioned upon a post-occupancy inspection by the Zoning Officer. |
2. | Any difference between the required quantity and a lesser quantity shall be designated on a plan as reserved parking. |
3. | Any reserved parking area shall be landscaped with turfgrass or other plantings until such time that such parking spaces may be needed. |
4. | The Zoning Officer shall inspect the property after the restaurant, cafeteria, cafe, or bar becomes operational and shall determine if any of the reserved parking spaces are needed. The owner shall convert reserved parking spaces to paved parking spaces within 120 days of the issuance of a report by the Zoning Officer. |
5. | Reserved parking areas shall be computed as impervious surfaces for the purpose of stormwater management calculations. |
§ 27-1303 Location.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
1.
Required off-street parking spaces shall be provided on the same lot with the structure or use they serve and shall be located only within a building or in that portion of a lot not between the street line and building line and in all events at least 20 feet from a lot line. In nonresidential districts, all parking area and loading spaces shall be paved.
2.
Off-street loading spaces shall be located only within any building, within a side or rear yard or within a required off-street parking area, provided such spaces do not block access to such parking area or any parking space.
§ 27-1304 Design.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
1.
All parking areas shall be designed in accordance with the following requirements:
A.
Unobstructed access to and from a street, so designed as not to allow or require the backing of any vehicle across a sidewalk or into a street, shall be provided for all parking and loading spaces. Access to parking spaces shall consist of at least a twenty-foot wide aisle, except that the Board of Supervisors may set dimensions different from the above, based on the specific nature of the facility or accepted engineering practice confirmed by the Township Engineer.
B.
For one- and two-family dwellings, no required parking spaces for each dwelling unit may have access obstructed by any other parking space provided for that same dwelling unit. In addition, access for such dwellings may not be designed so that it allows the backing of a vehicle across a sidewalk or into a street.
C.
In order to provide maximum efficiency, minimize curb cuts and encourage safe and convenient traffic circulation the Board of Supervisors may require the interconnection of parking areas via access drives within and between adjacent parking areas and may require written assurance such as deed restrictions, satisfactory to the Township Solicitor, binding the landowner and its, his, her and their heirs, successors, assigns and grantees to permit and maintain such interconnection of parking areas.
D.
Each off-street loading space shall measure at least 15 feet in width, at least 40 feet in length and at least 14 feet clear in height, exclusive of access and turning areas, except that loading spaces adjacent lengthwise may be each 12 feet in width.
E.
Each parking space shall measure, for 90-degree parking, at least 10 feet in width and 20 feet in length, except for the handicapped spaces in which case the width shall be 12 feet, except that the Board of Supervisors may set dimensions different from the above, based on consideration of expected estimated turnover, nature of occupancy, volume and pattern of traffic circulation, vehicle size, angle of parking, nature of the structure and accepted engineering practice confirmed by the Township Engineer.
F.
Except where accessory to one and two family dwellings, parking spaces shall be marked with double striped painted lines unless the Board of Supervisors set a standard different from the above, based on the particular circumstances of the parking facility.
§ 27-1305 Improvement.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
1.
All off-street parking areas shall be graded, surfaced, drained and suitably maintained. All such parking areas shall be paved using at least a four-inch base and two-inch bituminous surface course or the equivalent except for parking areas for single family detached dwellings.
2.
Where the Board of Supervisors determines, in connection with its review of any plan, that less than the required number of parking or loading spaces will satisfy the intent of this chapter, because of variations in the probable time of maximum use by joint users, use of attendant parking or for any other reason, the Board of Supervisors may reduce the number of said spaces, but by not more than one-fourth of the total number of parking or loading spaces required by this chapter. In all cases, it shall be expressly demonstrated on the submitted plan that sufficient space remains for the provision of the total amount of off-street parking required and the plan shall bear such designation. Unimproved portions of parking areas shall be used and maintained as additional landscaped grounds until required for parking. Written guarantees, satisfactory to the Township Solicitor, shall be submitted by the applicant to the Board of Supervisors as part of any application insuring the improvement of such spaces within six months of the date of written notice to the property owner by the Board of Supervisors, stating that all or a portion of such spaces have now been determined to be necessary and must be improved in accordance with this chapter, permits and approvals for use therefor.
§ 27-1306 Landscaping.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
1.
Except for parking areas accessory to a one or two family dwelling, the perimeter of all off-street parking areas and loading spaces shall be curbed (poured in place concrete), screened and landscaped with appropriate trees, shrubs, ground cover and other plant materials to assure the establishment of a safe, convenient and attractive facility. Such landscaping shall be planted and maintained in accordance with the following requirements:
A.
In all off-street parking areas which contain 25 or more parking spaces and which are not located in parking garages, no more than 10 parking spaces shall be contiguous to each other and in such cases, such spaces shall terminate with raised planting islands described in Subsection 1B.
B.
Raised planting islands at least eight feet in width shall be provided as necessary to guide vehicle movement, to separate rows of parking spaces and to provide adequate space for plant growth, pedestrian circulation and vehicle overhang. Such raised planting islands and the landscaping within them shall be designed and arranged so as to provide vertical definition to major traffic circulation aisles, entrances and exits, to channel internal traffic flow, to prevent indiscriminate diagonal movement of vehicles and provide cooling shade and visual relief from the visual monotony and summer heat of a large paved parking area. Curbs of such islands shall be designed so as to facilitate surface drainage. There shall be tire stops to prevent vehicles from overhanging sidewalks or damaging landscaping materials.
C.
Suitable landscaping shall be provided, as required by the Board of Supervisors, along the periphery of parking areas, parking garages and loading spaces where they abut streets, public spaces and residential districts. Such screening shall be in accordance with the requirements of § 27-1312.
D.
The selection, amount and location of all landscaping materials shall be subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors, based upon considerations of the adequacy of the proposed landscaping to serve its intended purpose with minimal maintenance problems, including plant care, snow plowing and leaf removal.
E.
All landscaping shall continue to be maintained in a healthy growing condition throughout the duration of the structure or use which it is intended to serve. Any planting not so maintained shall be replaced with new plants at the beginning of the next and ensuing planting seasons.
F.
The placement of landscaping shall create no obstruction to driver vision at critical traffic intersection areas or interfere with storm drainage.
§ 27-1307 Signage.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
Appropriate signs shall be provided in parking areas and parking garages to direct internal traffic flow. Such signs shall not exceed one square foot in area except that the Board of Supervisors may set a standard different from the above, where it determines such to be appropriate, based on the particular circumstances involved and based on accepted engineering practice confirmed by the Township Engineer.
§ 27-1308 Illumination.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
Illumination of parking areas and parking garages shall be of such type and location and have such shielding as will prevent the source of the light from being seen from any adjoining streets and lots of abutting owners and which shall prevent objectionable glare observable from such streets or lots of abutting owners.
§ 27-1309 Board of Supervisors or Land Development Plan Review.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
1.
The Board of Supervisors may refer any plan providing for parking to the Township Engineer for review or report prior to acting on any plan. The Township Engineer, after considering, in addition to any other appropriate matters, the standards of this Part and their applicability to the particular circumstances, may recommend revisions to the plan and may recommend any other revisions to the plan necessary to achieve safe and proper internal traffic circulation, convenient ingress and egress, safe pedestrian movement to and through the parking area and criteria for design for the handicapped.
2.
For any use which requires an aggregate of more than five parking spaces or which will have a gross floor area in excess of 2,000 square feet, a land development application and plans shall be filed as required by, and shall be subject to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance of 1982 [Chapter 22].
§ 27-1310 Operation and Maintenance.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
All off-street parking facilities shall be maintained by the landowner so long as the use or structure exists which the facilities are designed to serve. All parking spaces for specific structures and uses shall be reserved at all times to persons who are employed at or make use of such structures and uses.
§ 27-1311 Access for Off-Street Parking Loading Areas.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
1.
Access to and from all off-street parking, loading and vehicle service areas along public rights-of-way shall consist of well defined separate or common entrances and exists and shall comply with the following provisions:
A.
Access drives shall not open upon any public right-of-way within 80 feet of the nearest right-of-way line of any intersecting street or highway.
B.
The required sight distance for access drives which open upon any street or highway shall be in accordance with those specified in the table below unless otherwise approved by the Board of Supervisors:
Posted or Implied Speed (MPH) | Required Sight Distance in Feet | |
|---|---|---|
20 | 210 | |
25 | 290 | |
30 | 360 | |
35 | 470 | |
40 | 570 | |
45 | 700 | |
50 | 840 | |
55 | 980 |
§ 27-1312 Screening and Landscape Requirements.
[Ord. 6/20/1979]
1.
Required screening shall be installed prior to the issuance of any certificate of use and occupancy, subject to the following provisions:
A.
All off-street parking areas which provide more than five parking spaces shall be screened from any abutting lot.
B.
Effective screens may be accomplished through the use of the following: plant materials, fencing or walls and/or mounding through the use of earthen berms forming a continuous visual buffer.
C.
The area for planting, fencing walls or earthen berms shall not extend beyond the street line. No off-street parking or loading and unloading facilities shall be located within 20 feet of the street line.
D.
When planting screens are employed, the following shall apply:
(1)
Any area for planting shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width.
(2)
The type of plant materials to be used shall be subject to review and approval by the Board of Supervisors upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
(3)
Planting screens shall be of sufficient height and sufficient density to constitute a continuous visual buffer four feet in height within 24 months after planting, except no screening shall intrude upon the clear sight triangle required in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance of 1982 [Chapter 22]. The spacing of plant materials shall be subject to review and approval by the Board of Supervisors upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
(4)
Shade trees shall be provided along all streets where there are no existing shade trees. When planted, shade trees shall be no closer than eight feet from the street line. No less than one three-inch caliper tree shall be planted at the average interval of 30 feet per street side.
(5)
Trees and shrubs shall be typical of their species and variety; have normal growth habits, well developed branches, densely foliated, vigorous, fibrous root systems.
(6)
Trees and shrubs shall be free from defects and injuries and certified by appropriate federal and state authorities to be free from diseases and insect infestations.
(7)
Trees and shrubs shall be freshly dug and nursery grown. They shall have been grown under climatic conditions similar to those in locality of the project or properly acclimated to conditions of the locality of the project.
(8)
Any tree or shrub which dies within one year of planting shall be replaced. Any tree or shrub which within one year of planting, or replanting, is determined by the Board of Supervisors not to have survived or grown in a manner characteristic of its type, shall be replaced.
E.
Whenever fencing or walls are employed, the effective height of the continuous visual buffer shall be no less than six feet, subject to the provisions of § 27-1606.
F.
Whenever earthen berms are employed, the effective height of the continuous visual buffer shall be no less than four feet in height.
2.
Landscaping within any parking area which provides more than five parking spaces shall be subject to the following provisions:
A.
Off-street parking areas and parking lots shall be landscaped to reduce wind and air turbulence, heat and noise, and the glare of automobile lights; to disperse concentrations of carbon monoxide; to provide shade; to ameliorate stormwater drainage problems; to replenish the groundwater table; and to provide for a more attractive setting.
B.
The interior of each parking lot shall have one three-inch caliper shade tree for every five parking spaces, if there are no existing shade trees. Shrubs and other plant materials shall be used to complement the trees, but shall not be the sole contribution to the landscaping.