Ionia City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1282
Off-Street Parking and Loading
1282.01 OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
There shall be provided in all districts at the time of erection or enlargement of any main building or structure, automobile off-street parking space with adequate access to all spaces. The number of off-street parking spaces in conjunction with all land or building uses shall be provided, prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, as hereinafter prescribed.
(a) All off-street parking areas except for single and two-family dwellings shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the rear and side lot lines, and a minimum of ten feet from the front lot line. The Planning Commission may approve a setback of less than ten feet from the front lot line if the minimum number of parking spaces required by the Zoning Code for the proposed use is no more than ten or if the applicant can demonstrate that there is insufficient space on site to provide the ten-foot setback and still allow for the efficient operation of the proposed use. In approving a lesser setback, the Planning Commission may require additional landscaping.
The Planning Commission may also permit parking aisles or vehicle maneuvering areas to encroach within the required setback and may require additional screening or landscaping.
(b) Off-street parking for other than residentially zoned properties shall be either on the same lot or within 300 feet of the building it is intended to serve, measured from the nearest point of the building to the nearest point of the off-street parking lot. Ownership shall be shown of all lots or parcels intended for use as parking by the applicant.
(c) Required residential off-street parking spaces shall consist of a parking strip, parking bay, driveway, garage, or combination thereof and shall be located on the premises they are intended to serve, and subject to the provisions of Section 1286.01, Accessory Buildings.
(d) Any area once designated as required off-street parking shall never be changed to any other use unless and until equal facilities are provided elsewhere in conformance with this Zoning Code.
(e) Off-street parking existing on the effective date of this Zoning Code, in connection with the operation of an existing building or use, shall not be reduced to an amount less than hereinafter required for a similar new building or new use.
(f) Two or more buildings or uses may collectively provide the required off-street parking, in which case the required number of parking spaces shall not be less than the sum of the requirements for the several individual uses computed separately.
(g) In the instance of dual function of off-street parking spaces where operating hours of buildings do not overlap, the Planning Commission may approve a lesser parking requirement for such uses if evidence of a signed agreement between the owners of both properties agreeing to such joint use is provided to the Planning Commission.
(h) The storage of merchandise, motor vehicles for sale, trucks, or the repair of vehicles is prohibited.
(i) For uses not specifically listed in division (l) of this section, the Community Development Director may establish the parking requirements by making the determination that the proposed use is similar in parking requirements to a use which is listed in division (l). The Community Development Director shall refer to engineering or planning manuals, publications and reports, or to the parking requirements used by other municipalities in order to determine the minimum parking requirements.
(j) When units or measurements determining the number of required parking spaces result in the requirements of a fractional space, any fraction up to and including one-half shall be disregarded and fractions over one-half shall require one parking space. For requirements stated in terms of employees, the calculation shall be based upon the maximum number of employees likely to be on the premises during the largest shift.
(k) For the purpose of computing the number of parking spaces required, the definition of Usable Floor Area in Section 1240.11(29) shall govern.
(l) The minimum number of off-street parking spaces by type of use shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule:
Use | Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required per Unit of Measure | ||
Use | Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required per Unit of Measure | ||
(1) | Residential | ||
A. | Single-unit, two-unit, and three-unit dwellings | Two spaces for each dwelling unit. | |
1. | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) detached single-family lots only. | One additional space for the ADU. | |
B. | Multiple-unit dwellings | 1.5 spaces for each dwelling unit | |
C. | Senior Housing and Retirement Communities | One for each dwelling unit plus one for each employee. | |
D. | Assisted Living and Congregate Care Facilities | One for every three dwelling units, plus one per employee. | |
E. | Bed and Breakfasts, Boarding Houses | One for each guest room plus two additional spaces for the dwelling unit. | |
(2) | Institutional/Public Assembly | ||
A. | Churches, temples, mosques, synagogues, or similar types of facilities. | One space per each four seats in the worship room. | |
B. | Hospitals. | One for each four beds plus one for each staff doctor, plus one for each two employees other than doctors. | |
C. | Outpatient care stations. | Two spaces per exam room/station or procedure/operating room, plus one space per laboratory or recovery room plus one per employee. | |
D. | Child care centers. | One space for every four children of licensed capacity, plus one space for each employee. | |
E. | Elementary, junior high, middle schools. | Two spaces per classroom, plus one space for each three seats of maximum seating capacity for that indoor place of assembly having the greatest seating capacity or 0.12 spaces per student, whichever is greater. | |
F. | High schools, trade schools. | 0.25 spaces per student. | |
G. | Private club and lodges. | One space per 2.5 persons allowed within the maximum occupancy load as established by the appropriate fire, health, or building code. | |
H. | Auditoriums (non-school), stadiums, and sports arenas. | One space per each three seats. | |
I. | Conference rooms, exhibit halls, halls, ballrooms, civic clubs, or similar places of assembly without fixed seats whether public or private. | One space per each four persons allowed within the banquet maximum occupancy load as determined by the City building or fire codes. | |
J. | Libraries, museums, and non-commercial art galleries. | One parking space per 400 square feet of gross floor area. | |
(3) | Offices | ||
A. | Medical/dental clinics or offices. | Four spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. A minimum of six spaces shall be required. | |
B. | General office buildings. | Three spaces per 1000 square feet of gross floor area. A minimum of four spaces shall be required. | |
C. | Banks, credit unions, or savings and loans. | Four spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, plus four on-site waiting spaces for each drive up window or drive through automatic teller. | |
(4) | Retail and Service Uses | ||
A. | Retail shopping centers, discount stores, and department stores containing between 25,000 and 400,000 square feet. | Four spaces per 1,000 square feet of usable floor area. | |
B. | Retail centers containing between 400,000 and 600,000 square feet. | Four and one-half spaces per 1,000 square feet of usable floor area. | |
C. | Retail centers containing greater than 600,000 square feet. | Five spaces per 1,000 square feet of usable floor area. | |
D. | Other retail uses not otherwise specified herein. | One space per 200 square feet of usable floor area plus one per employee. | |
E. | Supermarkets and grocery stores. | One space per 200 square feet of usable floor area. | |
F. | Personal service establishments not otherwise provided herein. | One space per each 300 square feet of usable floor area plus one per employee. | |
G. | Appliance stores. | Four spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. A minimum of six spaces shall be required. | |
H. | Automobile service stations. | Two parking spaces per each service bay, plus one per each per each employee, plus one per each 200 square feet of retail area. A service bay and the area on each side of a gas pump may count as a parking space. | |
I. | Vehicle wash establishments (automatic). | One parking space per each employee, plus 15 on-site waiting spaces at each wash-bay entrance, plus two drying spaces at the exit. | |
J. | Vehicle wash establishments (self-service or "touchless" facilities). | One parking space per each employee, plus two on-site waiting spaces at each wash-bay entrance. | |
K. | Barber shops, beauty salons. | Two for each barber or beauty operator chair/station plus one for every two employees. | |
L. | Building supply store, home improvement store, paint and hardware store containing up to 25,000 square feet of gross floor area. | Two spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area plus one for each employee. | |
M. | Building supply store, home improvement store, paint and hardware store with more than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area. | Three spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area plus one for each employee. | |
N. | Convenience stores. | Four spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. A minimum of six spaces shall be required. | |
O. | Dry cleaners. | Two spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. A minimum of four spaces shall be required. | |
P. | Funeral homes and mortuaries. | One space per 50 square feet of parlor and chapel areas. | |
Q. | Furniture, carpet, and home furnishing stores. | One space per 800 square feet of usable floor area. | |
R. | Hotel, motel, or other commercial lodging establishment. | One space for each guest room, plus one for each two employees. | |
S. | Laundromats. | One space per each three washing machines. | |
T. | Mini-storage houses/ warehouses. | Six spaces. | |
U. | Motor vehicle dealerships. | One space per 5,000 square feet of outdoor sales area, plus one space per sales desk/office, plus three spaces per service bay. A minimum of six spaces shall be required. | |
V. | Quick oil change establishments. | Two spaces per bay plus one per each employee. | |
W. | Recreational vehicle and boat dealerships. | One space per 800 square feet of gross floor area, plus two spaces per each vehicle service bay. A minimum of six spaces shall be required. | |
X. | Restaurants that serve non-fast food and have no drive-through window. | Twelve spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, or 0.4 spaces per seat, whichever is greater. | |
Y. | Restaurants that serve mostly take-out, with six or less booths or tables. | Six spaces plus one for each employee. | |
Z. | Restaurants that serve fast food and have no drive-through window. | Eight spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. | |
AA. | Restaurants that serve fast food and have a drive-through window and indoor seating. | Ten spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, plus three designated drive-through waiting spaces. | |
BB. | Pharmacies with or without a drive-up window | Two and one-half spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. | |
CC. | Video rental stores. | Three spaces per each 100 square feet of gross floor area plus one per each employee. | |
DD. | Service companies doing repair. | Two spaces per 1,000 square feet of work gross floor area. A minimum of five spaces shall be required. | |
(5) | Recreational Entertainment | ||
A. | Arcades. | One space for every 70 square feet of gross floor area. A minimum of six spaces shall be required. | |
B. | Batting cage facilities. | Three spaces per cage. | |
C. | Bowling centers. | Five spaces per bowling lane plus 50% of the spaces otherwise required for accessory uses such as restaurants, bars, banquet facilities, etc. | |
D. | Golf driving ranges. | One and one-half spaces per tee. | |
E. | Golf courses, miniature. | One and one-half spaces per each hole. | |
F. | Golf courses, par-three. | Three spaces per hole. | |
G. | Golf courses. | Five spaces per hole. | |
H. | Health fitness centers. | Five spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. | |
I. | Movie theaters. | One space per each four seats. | |
J. | Racquetball and tennis centers. | Five spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area or six spaces per court, whichever is greater. | |
K. | Public recreation centers. | Five spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. | |
L. | Roller/ice skating rink. | Six spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. | |
(6) | Industrial Uses | ||
A. | Manufacturing, light industrial, and research establishments and other industrial uses not otherwise specified herein. | One and one-half parking space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. | |
B. | Wholesale, warehouses, or distribution facilities, and trucking terminals. | One half parking space per each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area or one per employee whichever is greater. | |
(1975 Code § 5.124; Ord. 276. Passed 3-4-80; Ord. 08-2002-02. Passed 9-3-02; Ord. 518. Passed 3-3-15; Ord. 588. Passed 7-2-24.)
1282.02 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE LAYOUT, STANDARDS, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.
Whenever the off-street parking requirements in Section 1282.01 require the building of an off-street parking facility, such off-street parking lots shall be laid out, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards and regulations:
(a) No parking lot shall be constructed unless and until a permit therefor is issued by the Community Development Director. Applications for a permit shall be submitted to the Building Department in such form as may be determined by the Director and shall be accompanied with three sets of site plans for the development and construction of the parking lot showing that the provisions of this section will be fully complied with.
(b) Plans for the layout of off-street parking facilities shall be in accord with the following minimum requirements:
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR SIZE OF PARKING AISLES AND DRIVEWAYS | ||||||
Parking Angle | Maneuvering Aisle Width | Parking Stall Width | Parking Stall Length | Total Width of Two Stalls of Parking Plus Maneuvering Aisle | ||
One Way | Two Way | One Way | Two Way | |||
0° parallel | 12 feet | 22 feet | 9 feet | 22 feet | 29 feet | 39 feet |
Up to 53° | 13 feet | 22 feet | 10 feet | 18 feet | 49 feet | 58 feet |
54° to 74° | 16 feet | 22 feet | 10 feet | 18 feet | 52 feet | 58 feet |
75° to 90° | 12 feet | 25 feet | 10 feet | 18 feet | 48 feet | 60 feet |
(c) All spaces shall be provided adequate access by means of maneuvering lanes. Backing directly onto a street shall be prohibited.
(d) Adequate ingress and egress to the parking lot by means of clearly limited and defined drives shall be provided for all vehicles.
Ingress and egress to a parking lot lying in an area zoned for other than single-family residential use shall not be across land zoned for single-family residential use.
(e) All maneuvering lane widths shall permit one-way traffic movement, except that the 90-degree pattern may permit two-way movement.
(f) Each entrance and exit to and from any off-street parking lot located in an area zoned for other than single-family residential use shall be at least 25 feet distant from adjacent property located in any Single-Family Residential District.
(g) The entire parking area, including parking spaces and maneuvering lanes, required under this section, shall be provided with asphaltic or concrete surfacing in accordance with specifications approved by the City Engineer. The parking area shall be surfaced within one year of the date the occupancy permit is issued.
Off-street parking areas shall be drained so as to dispose of all surface water accumulated in the parking area in such a way as to preclude drainage of water onto adjacent property or toward buildings.
(h) The Planning Commission may approve alternate parking lot surfaces which are dustless and which allow for storm water drainage directly through the parking surface or other similar surface.
(i) In order to reduce the amount of impervious surface and the corresponding storm water runoff and reduce heat given off by paved surfaces, the Planning Commission may approve alternate parking lot surfaces for overflow parking, or employee parking, or parking or maneuvering areas devoted to loading activities or parking for trucks or similar heavy equipment. Such surface may include but shall not be limited to gravel, crushed stone, or products which are installed in the ground to support vehicles but allow grass to grow within the supporting spaces or similar dustless material.
(j) Lighting fixtures used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be so arranged as to deflect the light away from any adjoining residential properties or streets and highways. Lighting fixtures for the parking lots serving non-residential uses which are located within 50 feet of any residentially zoned property or residential use shall not exceed 20 feet in height. All other fixtures shall not exceed 35 feet in height. Light fixtures shall be designed to achieve total luminary cutoff.
(k) In all cases where a wall extends to an alley which is a means of ingress and egress to an off-street parking area, it shall be permissible to end the wall not more than ten feet from such alley line in order to permit a wider means of access to the parking area.
(l) Traffic Islands. Parking areas shall be designed to delineate access aisles or drives and to provide drivers proper sight distance at the end of parking rows where such rows intersect access aisles or drives. The Planning Commission may require traffic islands, striped pavement or other methods to achieve this requirement.
(m) Pedestrian Protection. Parking lots shall be designed to limit the number of points where pedestrians must cross in front of vehicles. In particular, vehicle access in front of building entrances and exits should be minimized. Landscaped pedestrian walkways to and from parking areas may be required to enhance pedestrian safety.
(n) Screening of Parking Area. Where off-street parking areas for non-residential uses abut residentially zoned property, a greenbelt not less than 15 feet wide shall be provided between the parking area and the residentially zoned property. The greenbelt shall be landscaped according to the landscape requirements of Section 1286.03(f) of the Zoning Code.
(o) Driveways. Driveways serving off-street non-residential parking areas shall be a minimum of 24 feet wide for two-way traffic and a minimum of 13 feet wide for one-way traffic.
(p) Snow Storage. Snow shall not be stored in areas with plantings or where it may create visibility problems for drivers or pedestrians.
(q) Barrier-free parking shall be provided as follows:
Total Parking in Lot
|
Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces Required
|
Total Parking in Lot
|
Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces Required
|
1 to 25 | 1 |
26 to 50 | 2 |
51 to 75 | 3 |
76 to 100 | 4 |
101 to 150 | 5 |
151 to 200 | 6 |
201 to 300 | 8 |
301 to 400 | 12 |
401 to 700 | 14 |
701 to 1,000 | 1 per 50 spaces provided or fraction thereof |
Over 1,000 | 20 plus 1 per 100 over 1,000 or fraction thereof |
Requirements for barrier-free parking spaces, curbs, ramps, and signs shall be as required by local building code and the Michigan Barrier Free Rules.
(1975 Code §5.125) (Ord. 518. Passed 3-3-15.)
1282.03 OFF-STREET LOADING AND UNLOADING.
On the same premises with every building, structure, or part thereof, 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 in order to avoid undue interference with public use of a dedicated right-of-way. Such space shall be provided as follows:
(a) Off-street loading spaces shall be provided in size and quantity sufficient to prevent interference with adjacent streets or required off-street parking areas.
(b) Required loading spaces shall not be included in the county of off-street parking spaces.
(c) Loading space shall not use any portion of any public right-of-way.
(d) Maneuvering space for trucks using the loading spaces shall be provided on premise, and shall not necessitate the use of public right-of-way.
(e) The design, location, and screening of off-street loading areas shall be reviewed at the same time of site plan approval to ensure adequate protection is afforded adjacent properties, especially residential districts.
(f) Off-street parking loading spaces shall be no closer than 50 feet to any residential zone unless such space is wholly within a completely enclosed building or enclosed on all sides by a wall or uniformly painted solid board or masonry fence of uniform appearance not less than six feet in height.
(g) No off-street loading space or dock in the B-3 and I-1 Zoning Districts shall be located in a required front yard areas within the required 30-foot setback. However, off-street loading space or dock may be located in a front yard area provided the front setback is increased to 60 feet. Should the 60-foot setback be met, the front yard area shall be screened from view from all adjacent streets or side yard areas. The screening location shall be at a point 30 feet from the front property line for the area affected by the front yard loading space or dock.
(1975 Code § 5.126) (Ord. 518. Passed 3-3-15.)
1282.04 REQUIRED PARKING VARIATION.
In order to avoid excessive amounts of impervious surface and to allow for an opportunity to provide parking which meets the demonstrated needs of a proposed use, the Planning Commission may approve a development which provides less than the minimum number of parking spaces required herein according to the following requirements:
(a) The applicant must provide written evidence to the Planning Commission that the parking proposed on the site for the use is sufficient to meet the parking needs of those who will patronize the use as well as the parking needs for employees during the largest working shift.
Such evidence may consist of: arrangements for nearby shared parking; evidence that the proposed use will also be patronized by pedestrians or by those using bus service; or evidence from the parking history of the proposed use or a use similar to the proposed use at other locations; or that there is sufficient space on the site for the required parking to be provided if it becomes necessary at a later time.
(b) If a plan is approved to allow fewer parking spaces than required by this section such parking plan shall only apply to the stated use. Any other use shall comply with the requirements of this section before any occupancy permit is issued or such use shall first obtain approval from the Planning Commission in accordance with this section before any occupancy permit is issued.
(Ord. 518. Passed 3-3-15.)
1282.05 MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF PARKING.
In order to minimize excess areas of pavement which may result in adverse aesthetic impacts and contributed to high rates of storm water runoff, off-street parking lots exceeding the minimum parking space requirements by greater than 20% shall be prohibited, unless the applicant can demonstrate that additional parking is necessary to the operation of the proposed use.
Factors to be considered in such documentation shall include but need not be limited to the type of use proposed, examples of similar uses, requiring such additional parking and whether such additional parking is for seasonal or peak periods only.
(Ord. 518. Passed 3-3-15.)