Dubuque City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 14

PARKING

16-14-1: PARKING REQUIRED:

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to uses within all zoning districts of the city. No such use shall be commenced, expanded or enlarged in any manner unless the off street parking and loading provisions of this chapter are met. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-2: SITE PLAN REQUIRED:

A site plan shall be required for the construction or creation of any parking lot or the expansion of any existing parking lot in accordance with the site plan provisions of chapter 12 of this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-3: PARKING SPACE CALCULATIONS:

The following provisions shall govern the computation of required off street parking spaces:

A. Where computation of required off street parking spaces results in a fractional number, the required spaces for the use shall be the next higher whole number.

B. Where more than one use is established on a single lot, the off street parking requirements for the lot shall be the sum of the separate requirements for each use established on the lot. A proposal for shared parking may be made in conformance with section 16-14-10 of this chapter.

C. Where a lawful use exists at the time of adoption of this title that is deficient in the provision of required off street parking, any new use hereafter established in its place shall conform to the parking requirements of this title. However, in computing the off street parking requirements for any new use, such new use shall be credited for the number of off street parking spaces that the previous use was in deficit.

D. No structure(s) containing lawful uses existing at the time of adoption of this title shall hereafter be expanded by twenty five percent (25%) or more of the building area existing at the time of adoption of this title, unless parking spaces are provided in full so as to bring the entire expanded use into conformity with this section. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-4: LOCATION OF PARKING SPACES:

All off street parking spaces required by this title shall be located on the same zoning lot as the use for which such spaces are required, except that:

A. Within an office, commercial, or industrial district, when an increase in the number of off street parking spaces is required by an alteration, enlargement, or change of a use, the required off street parking spaces may be located off site, provided they are not located farther than three hundred feet (300') from the use served.

B. Within an ID institutional district, parking spaces may be located on a separate lot within the ID district boundaries, unless further restricted by the ordinance establishing the district.

C. Payment in lieu of parking. Reserved for future use. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-5: OFF STREET PARKING AND STORAGE OF VEHICLES IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS:

A. Statement Of Intent: The intent of this section is to avoid the obstruction of public streets and sidewalks, improve traffic visibility, ensure the provision of necessary light and air to residential dwellings, and maintain the visual harmony and character appropriate in residential neighborhoods within the city.

B. Accessory Use: The provisions of this section shall govern the off street parking and storage of vehicles as an accessory use within any R-1, R-2, R-2A, R-3, R-4, or OR residential district, or for property principally used as a residence. Accessory off street parking or storage of vehicles within any such district shall be permitted only in conformance with these provisions.

C. Definitions: The following definitions shall govern the interpretation of this section:

INOPERABLE VEHICLE: Any vehicle:

1. That does not display current state registration.

2. With a missing window, windshield, headlight, or any other missing glass.

3. With a broken, loose, or missing fender, door, wheel, bumper, hood, roof, steering wheel, trunk lid, muffler or tailpipe.

4. That is the habitat of rats, mice, snakes or any other vermin or insects.

5. That lacks an engine, one or more wheels or other structural part that renders the vehicle inoperable, such as a truck without an engine or a trailer missing a wheel.

6. That is not capable of moving in both forward and reverse gears.

PARKING: The placement on a residential lot of a vehicle for any substantially uninterrupted period of time not exceeding forty eight (48) hours.

STORAGE: The substantially uninterrupted placement on a residential lot of any vehicle for any consecutive period of time exceeding forty eight (48) hours.

VEHICLE: Any implement of conveyance designed or used for the transportation of people or materials on land, water or air, including, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, airplanes, helicopters, trailers, campers, tractors, equipment, etc.

D. Standards Governing Off Street Parking Or Storage Of Vehicles As Accessory Use In Residential Districts:

1. Maximum Number Of Vehicles Allowed To Be Stored: Not more than one vehicle may be stored outside a fully enclosed structure anywhere on a residential lot.

2. Front Yard Storage Prohibited: No vehicle may be stored in the front yard of a residential dwelling under any circumstances. Front yard parking of vehicles may be permitted in conformance with the other standards of this section.

3. Rear Yard Storage Required If Accessible: A vehicle shall be stored only in a rear yard, where a rear yard exists. Where no rear yard exists, or where the city planner determines that an existing rear yard is not reasonably accessible, a vehicle may be stored in a side yard. A vehicle may not be stored within a required side yard.

4. Current State Registration Required For All Vehicles Stored: No vehicle may be stored as an accessory use on a residential lot unless such vehicle displays a current state certificate of motor vehicle registration.

5. Storage In Required Parking Spaces For Multiple-Family Dwellings Prohibited: No vehicle storage shall be permitted in required parking spaces for a multiple-family dwelling. Off street vehicle storage space may be provided for a multiple- family dwelling, if a site plan for such space is approved in accordance with chapter 12 of this title.

6. Front Yard Setback For Garages Required: In zoning districts requiring less than twenty foot (20') front yard setbacks, where a garage opens onto or faces the street, a minimum setback of twenty feet (20') shall be required.

7. Paved Parking And Storage Areas: All vehicles shall be parked and stored on a hard surface driveway or pad paved as defined in chapter 2 of this title. The paved area shall be at least the same size as the outside dimensions of the vehicle.

8. Storage Of Inoperable Vehicles Prohibited: No inoperable vehicle, vehicle parts or camper toppers may be stored outside a fully enclosed structure anywhere on a residential lot.

9. Storage On Vacant Lot: No vehicle or vehicle parts shall be stored on any vacant lot in a residential district. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-6: OFF STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS:

The minimum numbers of required off street parking spaces for this title are shown in the following table:

Land Use	Off Street Parking Spaces Required
Agricultural supply sales	1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Animal hospital or clinic	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 100 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the general public
Appliance sales or service	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Art gallery, museum or library	1 per 500 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Artist studio	1 per tenant
Athletic field, stadium or sports arena	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 4 seats
Auditorium or assembly hall	1 per 4 seats, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area for assembly
Auto supply sales	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Automated gas station	2 spaces for each employee on maximum shift
Bakery (retail only)	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Bakery (wholesale or commercial)	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Bank, savings and loan or credit union	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Bar or tavern	1 per 4 seats, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area for assembly
Barbershop or beauty shop	3 per employee on maximum shift
Bed and breakfast home	1 per guestroom
Bed and breakfast inn	1 per guestroom
Bowling alley	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 4 per lane
Business/secretarial school:
Dormitories	1 space for each bed
Employees	0.75 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Gymnasiums	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Lecture halls	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Business services	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per service vehicle, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Campground or recreational vehicle park operation	As determined by the city planner
Car wash	1 per employee on maximum shift
Catalog center	1 space for each employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 100 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Cemetery, mausoleum, columbarium	As determined by the city planner
Cold storage or locker plant	1.5 per employee on maximum shift
Commercial greenhouse	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per service vehicle, plus 1 per 250 square feet GFA accessible to the public
Construction supply sales or service	1 space for each employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Contractor shop or yard	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per service vehicle, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Convenience store	2 per employee on maximum shift
Convention center	1 per 5 seats
Crematorium, reduction plant, foundry, forge or smelter	1.5 per employee on maximum shift
Dental or medical lab	1 per employee on maximum shift
Department store (60,000 square feet maximum)	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Dog and horse racing or track operation:
Dog track	1 space for each 4 permanent seats, plus 1 space for each employee on maximum shift
Horse track	1 space for each 400 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Farm implement sales or service	1 space for each employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 4,000 square feet of outdoor display area, plus 2 spaces for each service bay
Flower, garden, nursery or greenhouse	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Flower or garden store	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Freight transfer facility	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per service vehicle, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Fuel or ice dealer	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Furniture or home furnishing sales	1 space for each 400 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Furniture upholstery or repair	2 spaces for each employee on maximum shift
Gambling facility licensed by the state	As determined by the city planner
Gas station	2 per employee on maximum shift
Gas station (not including service station)	2 per employee on maximum shift
General office	1 per 400 square feet of office floor area, or 1 per employee on maximum shift, whichever is greater
Golf course	50 per 9 holes
Golf driving range	1 per 2 tees
Grain or barge terminal	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Grocery or drug store (3,500 square feet maximum)	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Grocery store	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Group home	0.33 per tenant
Health, sports, recreation or athletic club or organization	1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area
Hospice	1.5 per bed
Hotel	1 per room, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift
Housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities	0.5 space for each dwelling unit
Indoor amusement arcade	1 space for each employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 100 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Indoor recreation facility:
Bowling alley	4 spaces for each lane
Excursion craft operation and service	1 space for each 4 permanent seats on the craft, plus 1 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Golf course	50 spaces for each 9 holes
Gymnasium (with no seating provided)	1 space for each 100 square feet of athletic floor area
Miniature golf	15 spaces for each 9 holes
Pleasure craft harbor	1.5 spaces for each docking slip
Pool hall/billiard parlor	1 per employee on the maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 100 square feet of area accessible to the general public
Shooting/archery range	1 space for each firing point, plus 1 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Swimming pool	1 space for each 30 square feet of gross pool area
Tennis/handball/racquetball courts	3 spaces for each court
Weight training/exercise room	1 space for each 100 square feet of floor area devoted to such use
Indoor theater	1 space for each 6 permanent seats, plus 1 space for each employee on maximum shift
Junkyard or salvage yard	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Kennel	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Laboratory for research or engineering	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Landfill	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Landscaping services (not including retail sales as primary use)	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each service vehicle, plus 1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Laundromat	1 space per 4 washing machines
Laundry or dry cleaner	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Licensed adult daycare	1 per employee on maximum shift
Licensed childcare center	1 per employee on maximum shift
Lumberyards or building material sales	1 space for each employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Mail order house	1 space for each employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 100 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Manufacturing, primary	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Manufacturing, secondary	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Marine vehicle body shop	1 per employee on largest shift, plus 3 per service bay
Marine vehicle sales or rental	1 per employee on largest shift, plus 1 per 500 square feet of gross floor area of indoor display area, plus 1 per 2,000 square feet of gross floor area of outdoor display area, plus 2 per service bay
Marine vehicle service or repair	1 per employee on largest shift, plus 3 per service bay
Medical office or clinic	1 per employee, not including doctors, on maximum shift, plus 3.5 per doctor
Miniature golf	15 per 9 holes
Miniwarehousing	As determined by the city planner
Mobile or manufactured home sales or service	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 500 square feet of gross floor area of indoor display area, plus 1 per 5,000 square feet of gross floor area of outdoor display area
Mortuary or funeral home	1 per 50 square feet viewing area, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift
Multiple-family dwelling	1.5 per unit
Multiple-family dwelling (3 to 12 units)	1.5 per unit
Multiple-family dwelling (maximum 6 units)	1.5 per unit
Multiple-family dwelling (more than 12 units)	1.5 per unit
Museum or library	1 space for each 500 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Neighborhood shopping center	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Nursing or convalescent home	0.25 per bed, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift
Nursing or convalescent home for institutional residents or affiliates	0.25 per bed, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift
Office supply	1 space for each employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Offices for administrative personnel or other institutional employees or affiliates	1 per 4,500 square feet office floor area, or 1 per employee on largest shift, whichever is greater
Outdoor recreation or outdoor amusement center:
Bowling alley	4 spaces for each lane
Excursion craft operation and service	1 space for each 4 permanent seats on the craft, plus 1 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Golf course	50 spaces for each 9 holes
Gymnasium (with no seating provided)	1 space for each 100 square feet of athletic floor area
Miniature golf	15 spaces for each 9 holes
Pleasure craft harbor	1.5 spaces for each docking slip
Shooting/archery range	1 space for each firing point, plus 1 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Swimming pool	1 space for each 30 square feet of gross pool area
Tennis/handball/racquetball courts	3 spaces for each court
Weight training/exercise room	1 space for each 100 square feet of floor area devoted to such use
Outpatient care facility	1 per employee, not including doctors, on maximum shift, plus 3.5 per doctor
Parks, public or private, and similar natural recreation areas	As determined by the city planner
Passenger transfer facility	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Personnel services	1 space for each 400 square feet devoted to office use, or 1 space for each employee on maximum shift, whichever is greater
Pet daycare	1 per employee on maximum shift
Photographic studio	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Place of religious exercise or religious assembly	1 per 4 seats
Printing or publishing	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public, plus 1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of general office space
Private club	1 per 4 seats, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area for assembly
Processing or assembly	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Processing, packaging, or storing meat, dairy or food products	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Processing, packaging, or storing meat, dairy or food products, but not including slaughterhouse or stockyard	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Public or private/parochial schools approved by state board of public instruction (K – 12)	1.5 spaces per employee on maximum shift for grades K – 12, plus 1 per 10 students for grades 9 – 12
Recreational or athletic facility for the primary use and benefit of institutional residents and affiliates:
Dormitories	1 space for each bed
Employees	0.75 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Gymnasiums	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Lecture halls	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Refrigeration equipment sales or services	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Regional shopping center	1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Residential care facility	2 spaces for each employee on maximum shift
Residential uses above first floor only	1 space for each dwelling unit
Resource recovery/recycling center (indoor only)	1 space per employee on maximum shift
Restaurant, carryout not including drive- in	1 per 4 seats, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area for customer service
Restaurant, drive-in or carryout	1 per 4 seats, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area for customer service
Restaurant, indoor	1 per 4 seats, plus 1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area for customer service
Retail sales and service	1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Rooming or boarding house with an on site resident manager	0.5 per tenant
School of private instruction	0.75 per student
Seminary:
Dormitories	1 space for each bed
Employees	0.75 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Gymnasiums	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Lecture halls	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Service station	2 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per service bay
Sewage treatment plant	As determined by the city planner
Shoe repair	2 spaces for each employee on maximum shift
Shooting or archery range	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per firing station
Single-family attached dwelling	2 per dwelling unit
Single-family detached dwelling	2 per dwelling unit
Slaughterhouse or stockyard	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Supermarket	1 space for each 250 square feet of floor area accessible to the general public
Swimming pool	1 per 30 square feet of gross pool area
Tailor or alterations shop	2 spaces for each employee on maximum shift
Tennis, handball or racquetball courts	3 per court
Tool, die, or pattern making	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Tour home	As per zoning board of adjustment as part of a conditional use permit
Tourist home	2 spaces per dwelling unit
Townhouse	2 per dwelling unit
Two-family dwelling (duplex)	2 per dwelling unit
Upholstery shop	1.5 spaces for each employee on the maximum shift, plus 1 space for each service bay and/or service vehicle
Vehicle body shop	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 3 per service bay
Vehicle sales or rental	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 500 square feet of gross floor area of indoor display area, plus 1 per 2,000 square feet of gross floor area of outdoor display area, plus 2 per service bay
Vehicle service or repair	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 3 per service bay
Vending or game machine sales or service	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Vocational school:
Dormitories	1 space for each bed
Employees	0.75 space for each employee on the maximum shift
Gymnasiums	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Lecture halls	1 space for each 6 permanent seats
Warehousing, packaging, distribution or storage facility	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Welding services	1 space per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per company vehicle
Wholesale sales or distribution	1 per employee on maximum shift, plus 1 per service vehicle, plus 1 per 250 square feet of gross floor area accessible to the public
Winery	As per zoning board of adjustment as part of a conditional use permit

(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009; amd. Ord. 17-13, 3-18-2013; Ord. 3-22, 1-18-2022)

16-14-7: ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

Accessible parking spaces shall be provided as required by state or federal law. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-8: NONCONFORMING PARKING LOTS:

A. All parking lots lawfully existing on the effective date of this title may be continued, although such parking lots do not conform to the provisions hereof. Such lots shall be maintained in conformance with this title and any other city regulations. Such nonconforming parking lot may not be enlarged or extended, except as provided herein. In the event that such parking lots are discontinued or the normal operation thereof is stopped for a period of two (2) years, any resumption of the use of said parking lot shall thereafter conform to all of the requirements of this title.

B. The following provisions shall apply to extension and enlargement of nonconforming parking lots:

1. If an existing nonconforming parking lot having less than twenty (20) spaces on the effective date of this title is expanded fifty percent (50%) or more in area, the entire parking lot shall be surfaced in conformance with the appropriate design standards.

2. If an existing nonconforming parking lot having twenty (20) spaces or more on the effective date of this title is expanded twenty five percent (25%) or more in area, the entire parking lot shall be surfaced in conformance with the appropriate design standards.

C. In the event that the main use of a lot served by a nonconforming parking lot is changed in whole or in part to another use, any continued use or resumption of the use of said nonconforming parking lot for parking shall thereafter conform to all the requirements of this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-9: BICYCLE PARKING REQUIRED:

Within all zoning districts, each parking facility providing fifty (50) or more motor vehicle parking spaces shall provide accommodations for bicycles as follows:

A. Parking lots with fifty (50) to one hundred (100) motor vehicle parking spaces shall provide five (5) bicycle spaces.

B. Parking lots with one hundred (100) to one hundred fifty (150) motor vehicle parking spaces shall provide eight (8) bicycle spaces.

C. Parking lots with one hundred fifty (150) to two hundred (200) motor vehicle parking spaces shall provide ten (10) bicycle spaces.

D. Parking lots with more than two hundred (200) motor vehicle parking spaces shall provide ten (10) bicycle spaces, plus two (2) additional bicycle spaces for each fifty (50) parking spaces over two hundred (200). (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-14-10: SHARED PARKING REDUCTION:

A. Where more than one use is established on a single lot or within a single development in a nonresidential district, the total number of off street parking spaces required for each use may be combined and shared between uses. Where the uses have nonconcurrent parking demands, a proposal for sharing a reduced number of off street parking spaces may be presented to the planning services department as part of the site plan review process. Conditional use applications for which sharing a reduced number of off street parking spaces is being proposed shall have shared parking approved as part of the conditional use permit.

B. In determining the total requirements for shared parking facilities, the following guidelines shall be followed:

1. For each applicable general land use category, calculate the number of spaces required for a use as if it were the only use (refer to the schedule of minimum off street parking requirements).

2. Use the figures for each individual land use to calculate the number of spaces required for that use for each time period specified in the table (6 time periods per use).

3. For each time period, add the number of spaces required for all applicable land uses to obtain a grand total for each of the six (6) time periods.

4. Select the time period with the highest total parking requirement and use that as the total number of parking spaces required for the site on a shared parking basis.

C. For general land use categories not listed below, the planning services department shall determine the required parking for the six (6) time periods.

General Land Use Category	Weekday			Weekend
General Land Use Category	Midnight To 7:00 A.M.	7:00 A.M. To 6:00 P.M.	6:00 P.M. To Midnight	Midnight To 7:00 A.M.	7:00 A.M. To 6:00 P.M.	6:00 P.M. To Midnight
Hotel	100%	65%	100%	100%	65%	100%
Office and industrial	5%	100%	5%	0%	5%	0%
Place of assembly	0%	30%	50%	0%	100%	75%
Residential	100%	50%	80%	100%	75%	75%
Restaurant	50%	70%	100%	70%	50%	100%
Retail	5%	100%	80%	5%	100%	60%
Theater	5%	20%	100%	5%	50%	100%

(Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)