The purpose of this chapter is to alleviate or prevent congestion of the public streets and so promote the safety and welfare of the public by establishing minimum requirements for the off street parking and loading and unloading of motor vehicles in accordance with the usage of the property. (1996 Code app. A § 10.1)

The term "floor area", as employed in this chapter, in the case of office, merchandising or service types of use, shall mean the gross floor area of a building or structure used or intended to be used for service to the public as customers, patrons, clients, patients or tenants, including areas occupied by fixtures and equipment used for display or sale of merchandise. "Floor area", for the purposes of this chapter, shall not include any area used for:

   A.   Storage accessory to the principal use of a building.

   B.   Incidental repairs.

   C.   Processing or packaging of merchandise.

   D.   Show windows or offices incidental to the management or maintenance of a store or building.

   E.   Restrooms.

   F.   Utilities.

   G.   Dressing, fitting or alteration rooms. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-6.2)

   A.   Procedure: An application for a building permit for a new or enlarged building, structure or use shall include therewith a plot plan, drawn to scale and fully dimensioned, showing any parking or loading facilities to be provided in compliance with the requirements of this title. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-1)

   B.   Application Of Provisions; Exemptions: The off street parking and loading requirements of this title shall apply as follows:

      1.   All buildings and structures erected and land uses initiated after the effective date hereof shall provide accessory off street parking or loading facilities as required hereinafter for the use thereof. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-2; amd. 2010 Code)

      2.   When a building or structure erected prior to or after the effective date hereof shall undergo a decrease in number of dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity, number of employees, or other unit of measurement specified hereinafter for required parking or loading facilities, and further, when said decrease would result in a requirement for fewer total parking or loading spaces through application of the provisions of this title thereto, parking and loading facilities may be reduced accordingly; provided, that existing parking or loading facilities remaining would at least equal or exceed the parking or loading requirements resulting from application of the provisions of this title to the entire building or structure as modified.

      3.   When a building or structure shall undergo any increase in the number of dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity or other unit of measurement specified hereinafter as the basis for determining the number of parking or loading facilities, and further, when said increase would result in a requirement for additional total parking or loading spaces through application of the provisions of this title thereto, parking and loading facilities would at least equal or exceed the parking or loading requirements resulting from application of the provisions of this title to the entire building or structure as modified.

      4.   The off street parking and loading requirements of this chapter shall not apply to any new buildings or structures or any existing building or structure which is enlarged or increased in capacity after the effective date hereof (February 3, 1959) when said new or existing buildings or structures are located within the area described as follows: Bounded on the north by the south line of Pine Street; on the east by the west line of Jefferson Street; on the south by the north line of Prairie Street; on the west by the east line of Washington Street. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-2)

   C.   Existing Parking And Loading Spaces: Accessory off street parking and loading spaces in existence on the effective date hereof may not be reduced in number unless already exceeding the requirements of this chapter for equivalent new construction; in which event, said spaces shall not be reduced below the number required herein for such equivalent new construction. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-3)

   D.   Permitted Parking And Loading Spaces: Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the establishment of off street automobile parking or loading facilities to serve any existing use of land or buildings, subject to full compliance with the provisions of this chapter; except, that off street parking areas accessory to existing multiple-family structures cannot be located off the premises containing the main use, unless on a lot adjacent thereto, without authorization by the city council. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-4)

   E.   Damage Or Destruction: Any building, structure or use which is in existence and is a conforming use on the effective date hereof, and which subsequently shall be damaged or destroyed by fire, collapse, explosion or other cause, may be reconstructed, reestablished or repaired with or without off street parking or loading facilities; except, that parking or loading facilities equivalent to any maintained at the time of such damage or destruction shall be restored or continued in operation. However, it shall not be necessary to restore or maintain parking or loading facilities in excess of those required by this title for equivalent new construction. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-5)

   A.   Use Of Parking Facilities: Off street parking facilities accessory to a residential use and developed in any residential district in accordance with the requirements of this chapter shall be used solely for the parking of passenger automobiles owned by occupants of the dwelling structures to which such facilities are accessory or by guests of said occupants. Under no circumstances shall required parking facilities accessory to residential structures be used for the storage of commercial vehicles or for the parking of automobiles belonging to the employees, owners, tenants, visitors or customers of business or manufacturing establishments, except as permitted in subsection D of this section. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-1)

   B.   Joint Parking Facilities: Off street parking facilities for different buildings, structures or uses, or for mixed uses, may be provided collectively in any zoning district in which separate parking facilities for each constituent use would be permitted; provided, that the total number of spaces so located together shall not be less than the sum of the separate requirements for each use. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-2)

   C.   Off Site Parking Facilities:

      1.   When required accessory off street parking facilities are provided elsewhere than on the lot on which the principal use served is located, they shall be in the same possession, either by deed or long term lease, as the property occupied by such principal use, and the owner shall be bound by covenants filed of record in the office of the recorder of deeds or the registrar of titles of Jersey County, requiring the owner and his or her heirs and assigns to maintain the required number of parking spaces during the existence of said principal use. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-3)

      2.   Accessory parking facilities provided elsewhere than on the same zoning lot with the principal use served in accordance with subsection C1 of this section may be located in any zoning district except as follows:

         a.   No parking facilities accessory to an apartment use shall be located in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 district.

         b.   No parking facilities accessory to a business or manufacturing use shall be located in a residential district, except when authorized by the city council as prescribed hereinafter. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-4)

         c.   No parking facilities accessory to a manufacturing use shall be permitted in a B-1, B-2 or B-3 district. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-4; amd. 2010 Code)

   D.   Nonresidential Parking In Residential Districts: Accessory off street parking facilities serving nonresidential uses of property may be permitted in an R-4 and R-5 district when authorized by the city council, subject to the following requirements in addition to all other relevant requirements of this chapter:

      1.   The parking lot shall be accessory to, and for use in connection with, one or more nonresidential establishments located in adjoining districts or in connection with one or more existing professional or institutional office buildings or institutions.

      2.   Said parking lot shall be used solely for the parking of passenger automobiles.

      3.   No commercial repair work or service of any kind shall be conducted on said parking lot.

      4.   No sign of any kind, other than signs designating entrances, exits and conditions of use, shall be maintained on said parking lot.

      5.   Each entrance to and exit from said parking lot shall be at least twenty feet (20') distant from any adjacent property located in any residential district, except where ingress and egress to the parking lot is provided from a public alley or public way separating the residential areas from the proposed parking lot.

      6.   In addition to the foregoing requirements, such parking lots shall conform to any further requirements and conditions as may be prescribed by the city council for the protection of properties adjacent to and in the vicinity of the proposed parking lot. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-5; amd. 2010 Code)

   E.   Design And Maintenance:

      1.   Description Of Parking Space:

         a.   Every parking space shall conform to the following requirements. Such spaces shall be clearly designated by markings that delineate each space and shall be relaid or restored as often as necessary to maintain such delineation, at the owner's expense.

   MINIMUM PARKING SPACE WIDTHS, LENGTHS

   AND VERTICAL CLEARANCE

 

 

         b.   Every parking space shall be situated so that no part of any parked vehicle can overhang the right of way, aisleways, public or private sidewalks or property lines.

      2.   Parking Spaces For Handicapped Persons: The minimum number of parking spaces for handicapped persons shall be provided in accordance with the Americans with disabilities act accessibility guidelines (ADAAG) and the Illinois accessibility code, latest edition.

      3.   Interior Aisles: Aisles within parking lots in multi-family residential, business and manufacturing districts shall be sufficiently wide to permit safe and efficient vehicular movement in the aisles, and into and out of parking spaces.

   AISLE WIDTHS

 

 

      4.   Accessways:

         a.   Parking areas in the multi-family residential, business, and manufacturing districts shall be designed so that ingress to and egress from a parking space is from an aisle or driveway, not directly from the public right of way.

         b.   All entrance construction shall be in conformance with the Illinois department of transportation manual, "Standard Specifications For Road And Bridge Construction" (latest edition), and in conformance with the Illinois department of transportation policy handbook, "Access To State Highways" (latest edition).

      5.   Lighting:

         a.   Every off street parking facility regularly utilized during nighttime hours shall be lighted to enable safe access to parked vehicles. Such lighting must be erected on private property, unless the administrator provides written permission for the lights to be located on the city right of way.

         b.   Lights on commercial premises must not constitute a nuisance to passing motorists. Such lights must not be similar to traffic control devices (i.e., signals or flashing beacons). No flashing, oscillating or rotating lights visible from any public highway may be placed on any building or structure located within two hundred feet (200') of the street.

         c.   Any light(s) utilized to illuminate any parking facility shall be configured or shielded so as to confine and direct light rays within the parking area boundary lines to the greatest extent practicable.

         d.   In commercial areas, "shoe box" type fixtures are encouraged to avoid stray and ineffective lighting. (2010 Code)

      6.   Open And Enclosed Spaces: Parking areas may be open or enclosed; except, that when parking facilities accessory to a multiple-family dwelling are located in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 district elsewhere than on the same zoning lot with the principal use served, such parking facilities shall be open to the sky. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-6.3; amd. 2010 Code)

      7.   Signs: No signs shall be displayed in any parking area within any residential district except entrance, exit and parking regulations signs. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-6.5; amd. 2010 Code)

      8.   Required Setbacks: No parking space or portion thereof established on the same zoning lot with a building shall be located within a required front yard except in the driveway or an off street boulevard area parking which has been installed between the sidewalk and the street, as long as the sidewalk is not blocked. Further, any wall or fence developed around any parking area shall be subject to the front yard setback requirements of this title in the same manner as a building or structure. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-6.6; amd. 2010 Code)

      9.   Surfacing: All open off street parking areas, except those accessory to single-family dwellings, shall be improved with a compacted crushed stone or clean gravel base, not less than four inches (4") thick, surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or clean gravel dustless material. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-6.7; amd. 2010 Code)

      10.   Screening And Landscaping: All open off street parking areas for six (6) or more cars shall be effectively screened by a wall, a solid fence or a densely planted compact hedge along any side which adjoins or is directly across a street or alley from a property in a residential district or an institutional property. Such wall, fence or hedge shall be at least four feet (4') but not more than eight feet (8') in height and shall be maintained in good condition. (1996 Code app. A § 10.3-6.8; amd. 2010 Code)

   F.   Location Of Parking Areas:

      1.   Residential Districts:

         a.   Parking spaces accessory to dwellings in any residential zoning district shall be located on the same lot as the dwelling. Each parking space accessory to a multi-family dwelling shall be unobstructed so that no vehicle need be moved in order to allow another vehicle to enter/exit the parking area.

         b.   No personal or company vehicles shall be parked on any yard that abuts a street, except on a driveway. When any of these vehicles are parked in any rear yard or side yard abutting a lot, such parking shall have access by means of an approved driveway consisting of at least four inches (4") of crushed stone.

         c.   All parking spaces accessory to permitted nondwelling uses in the residential zoning districts generally shall be located on the same lot as the use served. However, by special use permit, such parking facilities may be located on another parcel within two hundred feet (200') of the use served. No vehicle exceeding one ton cargo capacity shall be parked anywhere in a residential district (except for normal loading, unloading and service calls). This includes on the street and on private lots unless a special use permit has been obtained.

      2.   Business And Manufacturing Districts:

         a.   Required parking spaces accessory to any permitted use in any business or manufacturing district shall be located within two hundred feet (200') of the use served, if not located on the same lot.

         b.   No parking space accessory to any use in any business or manufacturing district shall be located in any residential district except by special use permit.

         c.   In any business or manufacturing district, off street parking facilities for different buildings or uses may be provided collectively if the total number of spaces so located together is not less than the sum of the separate requirements for each use, and if all regulations governing location of parking spaces in relation to the use served are observed.

   G.   Landscaping Of Parking Lots: In order to reduce heat and glare and minimize the loss of natural vegetation common to the construction of parking facilities, landscaping shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the following provisions:

      1.   A landscaping plan, either as a separate document or as an element of a more inclusive development plan, shall accompany every application and set of plans and include the following:

         a.   Perimeter Buffer Strip:

            (1)   A strip of land at least six feet (6') in width abutting and paralleling the perimeter of the off street parking lot shall be landscaped. Such landscaping shall include grass, ground cover, and/or other landscape treatment, excluding paving, and one medium size canopy tree, or if space is limited, one small size canopy tree, for every fifty (50) linear feet or major fraction thereof.

            (2)   In B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 and M-1 districts, a planting strip of ten feet (10'), not including sidewalks, shall be provided and maintained within the required front yard and shall separate vehicle parking and drive areas from any public or private street or right of way.

            (3)   Landscaping requirements shall include grass, ground cover, and/or other landscape treatments, and shall include at least one medium size canopy tree for each fifty feet (50') of frontage of any public or private street right of way. Care should be taken with the placement of these trees so they do not obstruct the view of traffic or interfere with the flow of traffic in any way.

         b.   Perimeter Parking Spaces: Rows of parking spaces adjoining the perimeter of the parking lot having fewer than twenty five (25) (24 and less) parking spaces need not be interrupted by a landscaping island. Rows of parking spaces adjoining the perimeter of the parking lot having twenty five (25) or greater number of parking spaces shall be interrupted by the intrusion of a landscaping island; no greater than twenty five (25) contiguous, side by side parking spaces shall be permitted. Each landscaping island shall be a minimum width of six feet (6') and a minimum depth of twenty feet (20').

         c.   Interior Parking Spaces:

            (1)   Interior parking rows, parking rows that are not adjacent to the parking lot perimeter, shall have a landscaping island at each end of the parking row. Interior parking rows having twenty five (25) or greater number of contiguous side by side parking spaces shall be interrupted by the intrusion of a landscaping island; not greater than twenty four (24) contiguous, side by side parking spaces shall be permitted. Parking islands shall have a minimum width of six feet (6') and a minimum length of twenty feet (20') if for a single parking row, or not less than forty feet (40') if for two (2) contiguous, interfacing, parallel rows.

            (2)   The landscaping of the islands shall include grass, ground cover, and/or other landscape treatment, excluding paving, and include at least one small size canopy tree per island. Proper drainage shall be provided for each landscaped parking island.

      2.   Every landscaping plan shall at least include the proposed type, amount, size and spacing of all plantings, including trees, shrubbery and ground cover. (2010 Code)

   A.   Size And Clearance: Every loading space shall conform to the following requirements, exclusive of any aisle or maneuvering area that may be required. Such spaces shall be clearly designated by markings that delineate each space, and shall be relaid or restored as often as necessary to maintain such delineation.

      1.   Minimum loading space width: Twelve feet (12').

      2.   Minimum loading space length: Fifty five feet (55').

      3.   Minimum vertical clearance: Fifteen feet (15').

   B.   Access: Every off street loading space shall have a safe means of vehicular access and shall be located on the same parcel of land as the use served. It shall not be located closer than fifty feet (50') to an intersection of the rights of way of two (2) or more streets.

   C.   Surface Requirements: All newly constructed off street loading areas shall be improved with either of the following:

      Subbase: Crushed stone CA-6, eight inches (8") deep (compacted thickness).

      Surface: I-11, four inches (4") deep asphalt (compacted thickness).

      Subbase: Crushed stone, four inches (4") deep (compacted thickness) or lime modified.

      Surface: Six inches (6") deep concrete.

   D.   Buffer Strips: No loading space designed for vehicles exceeding a two (2) ton cargo capacity shall be developed closer than fifty feet (50') to any lot line in any residential district unless such loading space is completely enclosed by a wall, a solid fence, or a privacy screen. (2010 Code)

Requirements governing the number and location of off street parking and off street loading facilities in relation to the use of property are established in this section. The parking and loading requirements for any use not specified herein shall be the same as for a similar specified use, as determined by this section. (1996 Code app. A § 10.2-6.1)

 

(1996 Code app. A § 10.6; amd. 2010 Code)

In all districts where property uses include the loading and unloading of materials or merchandise from vehicles, off street loading and unloading facilities shall be provided in accordance with the following requirements:

 

 

(1996 Code app. A § 10.7; amd. 2010 Code)

In computing the number of parking and loading spaces required by this chapter, the building official shall apply the following rules:

   A.   In computing the parking spaces required for a building or structure containing mixed uses, the building official shall calculate the required number of parking spaces for each use, and add the sums of those calculations in order to determine the total number of spaces required for the building.

   B.   If, in computing the number of parking or loading spaces required by this chapter, the calculation results in the requirement of a fractional space, a fraction of less than one- half (1/2) may be disregarded, while a fraction of one-half (1/2) or more shall be counted as one space.

   C.   If, in computing the number of parking or loading spaces required for a building or structure under one roof containing mixed uses, the developer is building shell space for tenants to be determined later, the building official shall calculate the required number of spaces based on one space for each one hundred twenty five (125) square feet of gross floor area.

   D.   If, in reviewing the uses and zoning districts in section 11-13-6 of this chapter, a particular use is not found, the building official shall classify the use with other similar uses and calculate parking space requirements according to the provisions for that classification. (2010 Code)