The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe regulations for off-street parking of motor vehicles in residential and non-residential zoning districts; to ensure by the provision of these regulations that adequate parking and access are provided in a safe and convenient manner; and to afford reasonable protection to adjacent land uses from light, noise, air pollution and other affects of parking areas.

(Ord. 14-29. Passed 10-27-14.)

(a)

Applicability of Parking Requirements. For all buildings and uses established after the effective date of this code, off-street parking shall be provided as required by this chapter. In addition, the following shall also apply:

(1)

Whenever use of a building or lot is changed to another classification of use, off-street parking facilities shall be provided, as required by this chapter.

(2)

If the intensity of use of any building or lot is increased, through the addition of floor area, increase in seating capacity, number of employees or other means, additional off-street parking shall be provided, as required by this chapter.

(3)

Off-street parking facilities in existence on the effective date of this code shall not be reduced below the requirements of this chapter, nor shall nonconforming parking facilities that exist as of the effective date of this code be further reduced or made more nonconforming.

(4)

An area designated as required off-street parking shall not be changed to another use, unless equal facilities are provided elsewhere in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(b)

Location. Off-street parking facilities required for all uses other than single and two-family dwellings shall be located on the lot or within 300 feet of the building(s) or use they are intended to serve, as measured from the nearest point of the parking facility to the nearest public entry of the building(s) or use served. Off-street parking facilities required for single- and two-family dwellings shall be located on the same lot or plot of ground as the building they are intended to serve, and shall consist of a parking strip, parking apron, and/or garage. All residential driveways shall meet City engineering standards. In the Old Hilliard District, parking facilities shall be located within 600 feet of the building or use to be served.

(c)

Shared/Common Parking.

(1)

Two or more buildings or uses may share a common parking facility, provided the number of parking spaces available equals the required number of spaces for all the uses computed separately. Cumulative parking requirements for mixed-use developments or shared facilities may be reduced by the Planning and Zoning Commission where it can be determined that one or more of the factors listed in subsection (d) below apply.

(2)

Parking facilities for a church or place of worship may be used to meet not more than 50 percent of the off-street parking for theaters, stadiums and other places of public assembly, stores, office buildings and industrial establishments lying within 600 feet of the church or place of worship, as measured from the nearest edge of the parking area to the nearest public entry point of the building or use; provided, the church or place of worship makes the spaces available and there is no conflict between times when the uses are in need of the parking facilities.

(d)

Modification of Parking Requirements. The Planning and Zoning Commission may reduce the parking space requirements of this chapter for any use, based upon a finding that other forms of travel (such as transit, bicycle or pedestrian) are available and likely to be used and, in particular, the site design will incorporate both bicycle parking facilities and pedestrian connections. In addition, one or more of the following conditions shall also be met:

(1)

Shared parking is available to multiple uses where there will be a high proportion of multipurpose visits or where uses have peak parking demands during differing times of the day or days of the week and meeting the following requirements:

A.

Pedestrian connections shall be maintained between the uses.

B.

For separate lots, shared parking areas shall be adjacent to each other, with pedestrian and vehicular connections maintained between the lots.

C.

Unless the multiple uses are all within a unified business center, office park or industrial park all under the same ownership, shared parking agreements shall be filed with the City Clerk after approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

(2)

Convenient municipal off-street parking or on-street spaces are located adjacent to the subject property.

(3)

Expectation of walk-in patrons is reasonable due to sidewalk connections to adjacent residential neighborhoods or employment centers. To allow for a parking space reduction, the site design shall incorporate pedestrian connections to the site and on-site pedestrian circulation, providing safe and convenient access to the building entrance.

(4)

Where the applicant has provided a parking study, conducted by a qualified traffic engineer, demonstrating that another standard would be more appropriate based on actual number of employees, expected level of customer traffic, or actual counts at a similar establishment.

(5)

The Planning and Zoning Commission may require a parking study to document that any one or more of the criteria (1) through (4) above would be met.

(e)

Deferred Parking.

(1)

Where a reduction in the number of parking spaces is not warranted, but an applicant demonstrates that the immediate parking requirements for a proposed use would be excessive, the Planning and Zoning Commission may defer some of the required parking. A site plan shall designate portions of the site for future construction of the required parking spaces, meeting the design and dimensional requirements of this chapter. Any area so designated shall be maintained in a landscaped appearance and not occupy required buffers, greenbelts or parking lot setbacks, or be used for any other purpose. Landscaping, such as parking lot trees, that would otherwise be required shall be installed within the deferred parking area.

(2)

The deferred parking shall meet the requirements of this chapter, if constructed. Construction of the additional parking spaces within the deferred parking area may be initiated by the owner or required by the City, based on parking needs or observation, and shall require approval of an amended site plan which may be approved by the Planning Director or designee.

(f)

Temporary Parking. It is recognized that there may be special events or situations that occur infrequently which would result in a temporary reduction in the availability of required parking spaces or create a need for temporary off-site parking. Such events could include outdoor vehicle sales, seasonal lawn and garden sales, festivals, fairs, church/school car washes or garage sales. In those instances, the zoning inspector may authorize the use of the required parking area for other purposes on a temporary basis or permit temporary off-site parking, upon a demonstration by the applicant that one or more of the following circumstances will mitigate the temporary loss of parking:

(1)

The loss of the required parking spaces may be off-set by requiring employees or customers to park elsewhere or that due to the time of year or nature of the on-site business, the required spaces are not needed;

(2)

Permission has been granted by neighboring property owners or operators to use their parking facilities;

(3)

The duration of the special event is so short or of such a nature as to not create any parking problems for the normal operation of the existing on-site use;

(4)

Temporary off-site parking is located and designed to ensure safe and efficient circulation for both pedestrians and vehicles (a site plan may be required to demonstrate this); and

(5)

The proposed special event satisfies all other applicable City regulations.

(g)

Maximum Allowed Parking. In order to minimize excessive areas of pavement that detract from aesthetics, contribute to high rates of stormwater runoff and generate reflective heat, the minimum parking space requirements of this section shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent, unless approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission as part of site plan review. In approving additional parking space, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine that the parking is necessary, based on documented evidence, to accommodate the use on a typical day.

(h)

Old Hilliard Parking. The minimum off-street parking spaces required for any non-residential use in the Old Hilliard District shall be reduced by 50 percent from the requirements of Table 1127.03. These requirements may be further reduced by the Planning and Zoning Commission in conformance with the provisions of Section 1127.02(d).

(i)

Bicycle Parking. Accommodation for bicycle parking is encouraged in all districts, but especially in the Old Hilliard District. In order to promote the use of bicycles within the city as a viable and desirable alternative mode of travel, incentives are offered as follows:

(1)

The number of required vehicle parking spaces (excluding those required for persons with disabilities) may be reduced by one for each four designated bicycle parking spaces, up to a maximum of 20 percent of the required vehicle parking spaces.

(2)

In order to qualify for the reduction credit, the following shall apply:

A.

No fee shall be charged for bicycle parking;

B.

Bicycle parking shall be provided in designated spaces a minimum of four feet by six feet for each two bicycles; and

C.

Each designated space shall contain approved secure bicycle racks or enclosed bicycle lockers.

(3)

This parking reduction provision shall not apply to the following uses: single and two-family dwellings, veterinary clinics and pet daycare, child daycare, vehicle wash establishments, vehicle service stations and vehicle repair establishments.

(Ord. 14-29. Passed 10-27-14; Ord. No. 21-09, § 1(Exh. A), 3-22-21.)

The minimum number of required off-street parking spaces shall be provided and maintained on the premises or as otherwise allowed by this chapter, on the basis of the applicable requirements of Table 1127.03. As a condition of approval, the City Council or Planning and Zoning Commission may require that a performance guarantee be posted, in accordance with the provisions of Section 1141.05.

(a)

When units or measurements determining the number of required parking spaces result in a fraction over one-half, a full parking space shall be required.

(b)

In the case of a use not specifically mentioned the requirement for off-street parking facilities for a specified use which is most similar, as determined by the Planning Director or designee, shall apply.

(c)

Each 24 inches of bench, pew, or similar seating facilities shall be counted as one seat, except if specifications and plans filed in conjunction with a building permit application specify a maximum seating capacity, that number may be used as the basis for required parking spaces.

(d)

Where parking requirements are based upon maximum seating or occupancy capacity, the capacity shall be as determined by the building code and fire code.

(e)

Unless otherwise indicated, floor area shall be usable floor area (UFA).

(Ord. 14-29. Passed 10-27-14; Ord. 15-26. Passed 7-13-15; Ord. No. 21-09, § 1(Exh. A), 3-22-21.)

(a)

Location and Setbacks. Off-street parking lots shall meet the setback requirements applicable to parking, as specified in the zoning district or requirements which may be specified for individual uses.

(b)

Parking Construction and Development. The construction of any parking lot shall require approval of a site plan, in accordance with Chapter 1131. Construction shall be completed and approved by the Designated Code Enforcement Officer before a certificate of occupancy is issued and the parking lot is used.

(1)

Pavement. All parking lots and vehicle and equipment storage areas shall be paved with an asphalt or concrete binder, and shall be graded and drained so as to dispose of surface water which might accumulate. The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve alternative paving materials, such as permeable/grass pavers, for all or a portion of the parking areas, based upon credible evidence of the durability and appearance of the proposed materials. For storage areas, the Planning and Zoning Commission may approve a substitute for hard-surfaced pavement upon a determination that there are no adverse effects on adjoining properties.

(2)

Drainage. Surface water from parking areas shall be managed in accordance with the City engineering standards. The City engineer shall determine the appropriate detention treatment.

(3)

Dimensions. Parking space and aisle dimensions shall meet the applicable requirements specified in Table 1127.04.

A.

Angled parking between these ranges shall be to the nearest degree.

B.

Space length may be reduced by up to two feet if an unobstructed overhang, such as a landscaped area or sidewalk, is provided. A sidewalk shall have a minimum width of seven feet where abutting a parking area. There shall be a minimum distance of seven feet between the parking lot curb and building. Where curbing does not exist, bumper blocks shall be provided to protect pedestrian space adjacent to the building.

C.

All parking lots shall be striped and maintained showing individual parking bays, in accordance with the following dimensions:

¹ Applies to one-way aisle. Two-way aisle shall be 22 feet.

² Two-way aisle and parking shall be 38 feet.

(4)

Stacking Spaces. Waiting/stacking spaces for drive-through uses (such as banks, restaurants, car washes, pharmacies, dry cleaners and oil change establishments) shall be at least 24 feet long and 10 feet wide. Stacking spaces shall not block required off-street parking spaces. Where the drive-through waiting lane provides for a single lane for five or more vehicles an escape/by-pass lane shall be provided to allow vehicles to exit the waiting lane.

(5)

Ingress and Egress. Adequate vehicular ingress and egress to the parking area shall be provided by means of clearly limited and defined drives. All parking lots shall provide interior access and circulation aisles for all parking spaces. The use of public streets for maneuvering into or out of off-street parking spaces shall be prohibited. Ingress and egress to a parking lot in a non-residential zoning district shall not be through a residential district, except in instances where access is provided by means of an alley that forms the boundary between a residential and non-residential district.

(6)

Driveway Spacing Standards. The following minimum spacing requirements shall apply to all driveways within any "B" District, except the Old Hilliard District.

A.

Spacing between a proposed driveway and a street intersection, either adjacent to or on the opposite side of the street, may be set on a case-by-case basis, but in no instance shall the spacing be less than the distances listed in Table 1127-4a. Measurements are from the near edge of the proposed driveway, measured at the throat perpendicular to the street, to the near lane edge of the intersecting street or pavement edge for uncurbed sections.

B.

Minimum spacing between two driveways on the same side of the street shall be determined based upon posted speed limits along the parcel frontage. The minimum spacing indicated in Table 1127-4b shall be measured from centerline to centerline.

C.

To reduce left-turn conflicts, new driveways shall be aligned with those across the street, where possible. If alignment is not possible, driveways shall be offset from those on the opposite side of the street a minimum of 250 feet along arterial streets and 150 feet along collector and local streets. These standards may be reduced by the Planning and Zoning Commission where there is insufficient frontage and shared access with an adjacent site is not feasible. Longer offsets may be required depending on the expected inbound left-turn volumes of the driveways.

D.

In the case of expansion, alteration or redesign of an existing development where it can be demonstrated that preexisting conditions prohibit adherence to the minimum commercial driveway spacing standards, the Planning and Zoning Commission may modify the driveway spacing requirements. Modifications shall be the minimum relief necessary, but in no case shall spacing of a full-access driveway from another driveway be less than 60 feet, measured centerline to centerline.

(7)

Commercial Driveways Permitted.

A.

The number of driveways serving a property in any "B" District shall be the minimum number necessary to provide reasonable access and access for emergency vehicles, while preserving traffic operations and safety along the public street.

B.

Access shall be provided for each separately owned parcel. Access may be via an individual driveway, shared driveway or service drive. Additional driveways may be permitted for property only as follows:

1.

One additional driveway may be allowed for properties with a continuous frontage greater than 300 feet, if the Planning and Zoning Commission determines there are no other reasonable access alternatives;

2.

The Planning and Zoning Commission determines additional access is justified without compromising traffic operations along the public street; and

3.

The minimum spacing requirements, specified in Table 1127-4b can be met.

(8)

Curbing. A six inch concrete curb, or alternative as determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission, shall be provided around all sides of any parking lot of five or more spaces to protect landscaped areas, sidewalks, buildings, or adjacent property from vehicles that might otherwise extend beyond the edge of the parking lot. Curb openings are allowed for stormwater drainage, as recommended by the city engineer. Plantings shall be set back two feet from curbs to allow for bumper overhang.

(9)

Landscaping. Off-street parking areas shall be landscaped and/or buffered, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1125.

(10)

Lighting. For purposes of safety, parking lots shall be illuminated at, or not more than one-half hour prior to, sundown, and until one-half hour after the close of business or until sunrise if the business is open for 24 hours, and lights shall be programmed to turn on, or shall be manually turned on, during periods of rain or fog that limit visibility. Light fixtures used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be arranged to deflect the light away from adjoining properties and adjacent streets. Lighting fixtures in parking areas adjacent to any residentially zoned or used property shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Fixtures in all other parking areas shall not exceed 35 feet in height. Light fixtures shall be designed to achieve 90 degree luminary cutoff.

(11)

Fire Lanes. Fire lanes shall be designated on the site and posted with signage prior to occupancy. Vehicle circulation shall meet turning radius requirements set by the fire department.

(c)

Barrier Free Parking in Parking Lots. Within each parking lot, signed and marked barrier free spaces shall be provided at a convenient location, in accordance with the Barrier Free Parking Space Requirements of the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Barrier free spaces shall be located as close as possible to building entrances. Where a curb exists between a parking lot surface and a sidewalk entrance, an inclined approach or curb cut with a gradient of not more than a 1:12 slope and width of a minimum four feet shall be provided for wheelchair access.

(d)

Maintenance. All parking areas shall be maintained free of trash and debris. Surface, curbing, light fixtures and signage shall be maintained in good condition (see Section 1141.06 for penalty and enforcement).

(e)

Limitations on Use of Parking Lots.

(1)

Off-street parking areas are intended only for temporary vehicle parking for public safety. Except when land is used as storage space in connection with the business of a repair or service garage, use of parking areas or open land is not permitted for the storage or parking of wrecked or junked cars, or for creating a junk yard or nuisance.

(2)

Loading spaces, as required in Section 1127.05, and parking spaces, required in Section 1127.03, shall be considered separate and distinct requirements and shall be provided as individual components on the site. In no case shall one component be construed as meeting the requirements of the other.

(3)

Parking lots and loading areas shall not be used for the long-term storage of trucks or trailers, except where such outdoor storage is specifically permitted in the zoning district. Overnight parking or storage of commercial vehicles shall be prohibited, except for uses and locations approved for vehicle storage. This shall not be construed to prohibit the parking overnight of commercial fleet vehicles or the short-term parking of trailers in loading bays or staging areas in Business or Industrial districts.

(4)

It shall be unlawful to use a parking lot or open area to store or park any vehicle for the purpose of displaying vehicles for sale, except in an approved vehicle sales dealership.

(Ord. 14-29. Passed 10-27-14; Ord. 15-26. Passed 7-13-15; Res. 19-R-08. Passed 2-25-19; Ord. No. 21-09, § 1(Exh. A), 3-22-21.)

(a)

Uses Requiring Loading Area. On the same premises with every building, structure or part thereof, erected and occupied for manufacturing, storage, warehouse, retails sales, consumer services or other uses similarly involving the receipt or distribution of vehicles, materials or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained on the lot adequate space for standing, loading and unloading services in order to avoid undue interference with public use of the streets, alleys and parking spaces. This provision shall not apply to uses in the Old Hilliard District.

(b)

Loading Area Requirements. Loading and unloading spaces shall be paved and, unless otherwise adequately provided for, shall be ten feet by 50 feet, with 15 foot height clearance, according to the following schedule:

(c)

Orientation of Overhead Doors. Overhead doors for truck loading areas shall not face a public right-of-way and shall be screened to not be visible from a public street or an adjacent Residential District.

(d)

Residential Setback. Loading and unloading spaces shall not be located closer than 50 feet to any Residential Use or District boundary, unless the spaces are wholly within a completely enclosed building or completely screened from the residential use or District by a solid, sight-obscuring wall or fence at least six feet in height and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

(Ord. 14-29. Passed 10-27-14; Ord. 15-26. Passed 7-13-15.)