It is the purpose of this chapter to regulate off street parking and loading spaces, vehicle traffic and access, in order to provide orderly and adequate development of these facilities, and, in so doing, promote the safety and welfare of the citizens of the county. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

There shall be provided, at the time of the erection of any main building, or at the time any main building is enlarged, off street parking spaces, in accordance with the design standards herein. The number of off street parking spaces required in connection with any particular land use shall be not less than that set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

Every building, structure, improvement or use hereafter constructed, reconstructed or enlarged, shall be provided with permanently maintained parking spaces, as specified in this chapter, for the area of the construction, reconstruction or enlargement. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

The required off street parking facilities shall be a continuing obligation of the property owner, so long as the use requiring vehicle parking or vehicle loading facilities continues. It is unlawful for any owner of any building or use to discontinue or dispense with the required vehicle parking facilities without providing some other vehicle parking area that meets the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

None of the requirements of this chapter shall apply to a building in existence before the effective date hereof. No building, as it exists at the time of said effective date, shall be deemed to be nonconforming solely by reason of the lack of off street parking spaces; provided, that any portion of the premises being used for off street parking in connection with any such building shall not be reduced below existing parking levels or the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

Off street parking spaces shall be provided at the rate of two (2) spaces per dwelling unit. Exception: Housing exclusively for elderly and/or handicapped shall provide one space per unit. Residential facilities for the elderly, as defined in section 8-2-1 of this title, shall be treated as a single- family dwelling. In addition to the above parking space requirements, one space shall be provided for each paying guest residing in a dwelling unit. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

Except as otherwise provided in this title, the number of off street parking spaces for various uses shall be as follows:

 

(Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

When measurements determining the number of required parking spaces result in a fractional space, any fraction up to one-half (1/2) shall be disregarded, and fractions including one-half (1/2) and over shall require one parking space. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

The parking requirements for land uses which are not specified in this chapter shall be determined by the zoning administrator, or planning commission on appeal. The determination shall be based upon the requirements for the most comparable use specified in this chapter. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008; amd. 2010 Code)

If a building, structure or improvement requiring parking is located upon a separate lot from that upon which the required parking is provided, whether in the same or separate ownership, there shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder a legal instrument by such owner or owners for the benefit of the county stating that such owner or owners will continue to maintain such parking space as long as the building, structure or improvement is maintained within the county. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

   A.   Off street parking facilities shall be located as specified in this section. Where distance is specified, such distance shall be walking distance measured from the nearest point of the building that such facilities are required to serve.

   B.   For any type of dwelling, parking facilities shall be located on the same lot or building site as the building that they are required to serve.

   C.   For uses other than those specified above, parking facilities shall be located not over three hundred feet (300') from the building they are required to serve. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

Any lights provided to illuminate any parking area permitted by this chapter shall be shielded and arranged to direct light away from adjacent premises. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

In the case of mixed uses in a building or on a lot, the total requirements for off street parking spaces shall be the sum of the requirements for various uses computed separately. Off street parking facilities for one use shall not be considered as providing required parking facilities for any other use, except as specified in section 8-12-14 of this chapter for joint use. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

The zoning administrator may, upon application by the owner or lessee of any property, authorize the joint use of parking facilities by the following uses or activities under conditions specified in this section. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the parking facilities required by this chapter for a use considered to be primarily a daytime use may be provided by the parking facilities of a use considered to be primarily a nighttime use, or vice versa; provided such reciprocal parking area shall be continuous, and the joint use of such facilities is assured by written agreement filed in the office of the county recorder. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008; amd. 2010 Code)

Common parking facilities may be provided in lieu of the individual requirements contained herein, provided the total of such off street parking spaces, when used together, shall not be less than the sum of the various uses computed separately. If the common facilities are located on more than one lot, a recorded instrument for the preservation of the parking facilities must be filed in accordance with the provisions of section 8-12-10 of this chapter. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)

The plans for any proposed parking area shall be submitted to the zoning administrator at the time of the application for a building permit for the building to which the parking area is accessory. The plan shall clearly indicate the proposed development, including location, size, shape, design, driveways, lighting, landscaping and other features and appurtenances of the proposed parking lot. Where required by the provisions of the respective zone, the plans shall also be submitted and approved by the planning commission. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008; amd. 2010 Code)

   A.   Dimensions: All angled or perpendicular parking spaces shall have minimum dimensions of nine feet by twenty feet (9' x 20'). Parallel parking spaces shall have minimum dimensions of nine feet by twenty six feet (9' x 26'). The width of each parking space shall be measured at a right angle to the side lines of the parking space.

   B.   Handicapped Spaces: Handicapped parking spaces shall be designed in accordance with the applicable building code.

   C.   Access: Adequate automobile access to a garage, carport or parking area shall be provided. Minimum width of the access drive shall be twenty four feet (24') for two-way traffic and fourteen feet (14') for one-way traffic. A greater width of access drive may be required, as determined by the zoning administrator, if the parking area will serve large vehicles.

   D.   Backing Space: Backing space shall be provided for parking areas which are composed of five (5) or more spaces so that cars need not back into a public road. Public sidewalks shall not be permitted to be used as part of the required backing area.

   E.   Tandem Parking: Tandem parking (front to rear) shall not be permitted, except for single-family or two-family dwellings when the front and rear spaces are both designated to serve the same dwelling unit.

   F.   Surfacing; Bumper Guards: Every parcel of land hereafter used as a public parking area shall be surfaced with asphalt, concrete or other durable and dustless surface and shall have appropriate bumper guards or curbs where needed, as determined by the zoning administrator, to protect adjacent property owners or persons using a sidewalk.

   G.   Landscaping: Parking areas shall be landscaped as approved by the zoning administrator or planning commission. Where irrigation water is available, traditional landscaping shall be provided. On sites without irrigation water available, xeriscape landscaping is required. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008; amd. 2010 Code)

On the same premises with every building or use involved in the receipt or distribution by truck of materials or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained on the lot adequate space for loading and unloading services, in order to avoid undue interference with public use of streets or alleys. (Ord. 08-270, 12-15-2008)