The purposes of the off street parking and loading requirements are to:

   A.   Require the provision of off street parking and loading facilities at the time of construction, reconstruction, expansion and/or change in use, for all land use types within the city;

   B.   Specify the minimum off street parking and loading facility requirements for each of the permitted uses;

   C.   Mitigate traffic congestion on public streets;

   D.   Reduce the practice of using public streets for the purpose of loading and unloading goods; and

   E.   Provide design standards for storage and display lots. (Ord. 201, 11-15-2013)

At the time of construction, reconstruction (excluding remodeling), expansion of any structure or use, the change in use or increase in intensity of use, or at the time of site improvement, off street parking, loading spaces, storage and display lots shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of this title and this chapter. (Ord. 201, 11-15-2013)

   A.   Off Street Parking And Loading Requirements:

      1.   Number Required: For all new construction, reconstruction, expansions and changes in use within the city, off street parking and loading spaces meeting the standards detailed in this chapter shall be required. The number of required off street parking and loading spaces shall be determined based upon parking ratios detailed in section 8-13-4 of this chapter, or as determined by the city engineer, as provided in this section.

      2.   Square Footage Calculation: When the number of parking spaces is based upon square footage, the calculation shall utilize the gross square footage of all floor space of buildings enclosed and subject to heating, excluding:

         a.   Any space occupied by central mechanical and/or electrical equipment, elevator, escalator, public access stairways, lifts, chutes, trash disposal units and fuel storage spaces;

         b.   For multitenanted structures, shared public lobbies, hallways and entries, arcades and similar enclosed spaces open to the general public.

      3.   Multiple Uses Within Single Structure: When several uses are encompassed within a single structure, parking requirements shall be prorated as based upon the relative proportion of gross floor space attributable to each use encompassed.

      4.   Number Of Employees: When the number of spaces is based on the number of employees, the number of employees shall represent the largest shift during the peak season.

      5.   Number Of Practitioners: When the number of spaces is based on the number of practitioners, the number of practitioners shall represent the maximum number engaged at any given time.

      6.   Fractional Numbers: Whenever the resulting number of spaces includes a fractional space, the closest whole number shall be used.

      7.   ADA Accessible Parking Spaces: Where off street parking spaces are required by this title, there shall also be required parking spaces for persons with disabilities as provided in the Americans with disabilities act. The required number of accessible parking spaces shall be in addition to the required number of spaces determined by facility use.

      8.   Bicycle Racks Required: Permanently installed bicycle racks shall be required for all buildings required to have a minimum of twenty (20) parking spaces.

      9.   Access And Maneuvering:

         a.   All parking and loading areas shall be designed in such a manner that a vehicle entering or exiting the parking area from or onto a public or private street shall be traveling in a forward motion. Single-family residential uses and multi- family residential parking lots of less than five (5) stalls are exempt from this requirement.

         b.   All maneuvering areas, ramps, access drives, etc., shall be provided on the property which the parking facility is located, unless documentation of a recorded easement is provided with the site plan application; however, if such a facility adjoins an alley, such alley may be used as a maneuvering area.

   B.   Determination By City Engineer:

      1.   Considerations: If any of the provisions, regulations or standards of this chapter do not specifically pertain to a particular use, or if they are not clearly stated for a particular use or uses, the city engineer shall determine the regulations and standards to be required. In making such a determination, the following shall be considered:

         a.   Parking generation, giving particular attention to attendance potential at any facility.

         b.   Location of the facility and the peak hours of operation.

         c.   Extent and frequency of loading/unloading operations.

         d.   The number of employees and patrons during peak period(s).

         e.   If shared use parking is proposed:

            (1)   The hours and days of operation of the respective uses.

            (2)   The combined projected traffic generated by each use.

            (3)   The required number of spaces for each use.

            (4)   The average distance of the parking area to the entrance of the facility being served.

         f.   Any other factors that would affect parking and loading requirements.

      2.   Exceptions: Application for an exception from a particular provision, regulation or standard of this chapter may be made in writing to the city council.

         a.   Exceptions may be considered for the number and/or type of required parking space and loading spaces, the location of the parking area with respect to the facility being served and/or design requirements for the parking, loading or storage area.

         b.   Exceptions may only be granted by the city council based upon the following findings:

            (1)   The requested exception is based upon a unique character or feature of the property or use, which does not generally apply to other properties or similar uses subject to the requirement from which an exception is sought;

            (2)   The requested exception will not be injurious to the public safety and welfare;

            (3)   If approved, the requested exception will be equally protective of the public interest, and will otherwise achieve the identified purposes of this chapter; and

            (4)   If a reduction in required parking is requested, the applicant has provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the off street parking proposed will be adequate to meet the needs of the present use, and likely future uses; such evidence may include, but is not limited to, a consideration of on street parking available to serve the subject property.

   C.   Change In Use Or Increase In Intensity Of Use: Parking spaces meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be provided whenever the use of a facility is changed such that the intensity of the parking demand for that facility is increased.

   D.   Street Parking Excluded: No portion of any public right of way shall be used in satisfying the minimum parking requirements established by this title, except as provided in subsection B of this section.

   E.   Reduction To Existing Parking And Loading: Neither the number, size, location, nor maintenance of existing parking and loading spaces shall be altered or reduced below the requirements specified for the use in this chapter.

   F.   Parking Spaces Must Be Available: Required off street parking areas shall not be used for any purpose that would at any time prevent their intended use as parking spaces by occupants and patrons of the facility being served. No required parking area may be used for both parking and loading.

   G.   Tandem Parking And Loading Prohibited: Except for single- family dwelling units, the design and development of tandem parking and loading spaces shall not be allowed in meeting the minimum space requirements of this chapter. A required space shall not be blocked by another space such that a vehicle will be able to enter and leave the space at any time without having to cross another required space and without having to make unreasonable turning movements.

   H.   Easement Agreement For Off Site Space: Whenever any required parking or loading areas are located on a site which is not within the property limits of the facility being served, the owners of the facility and the land providing the off site space shall prepare and execute an easement agreement for approval by the city attorney and filing with the county recorder.

      1.   The easement agreement shall be acceptable to the city attorney and shall guarantee the maintenance and reservation of the off site areas for the duration of the use of the facility being served.

      2.   The easement agreement between the parties sharing use shall run with the land. The agreement shall not be terminable without notice to the zoning administrator.

      3.   Termination of the easement agreement, or any change in use or increase in use during the term of the agreement, shall require reevaluation of parking requirements for the subject properties.

   I.   Maintenance Of All Parking And Loading Areas Required: All parking and loading areas intended for use by the owners, employees and the general public and required by this chapter shall be maintained on a regular basis. Regular maintenance shall include, but not be limited to: pavement repair and seal coating; pavement marking and striping; removal of dust, leaves and litter; removal of snow and ice; maintaining landscaped areas; and maintaining signs, fences, wheel stops, curbs, walks, drainage facilities and any other appurtenances pertinent to the requirements of this chapter and this title. (Ord. 201, 11-15-2013)

   A.   Residential Uses: The following number of paved off street parking spaces shall be required as specified for each residential use, in accordance with the provisions of subsection 8-13-3A of this chapter:

 

   B.   Civic Uses: The following number of paved off street parking spaces shall be required as specified for each civic use, in accordance with the provisions of subsection 8-13-3A of this chapter:

 

   C.   Commercial, Recreational And Industrial Uses: The following number of paved off street parking spaces shall be required as specified for each commercial, recreational and industrial use in accordance with the provisions of subsection 8-13-3A of this chapter: (Ord. 201, 11-15-2013)

 

(Ord. 201, 11-15-2013; amd. 2017 Code)

   A.   Off Street Parking, Loading Berth, Storage And Display Lot Design Standards: The layout and design of off street parking, bicycle parking, loading berths and storage and display lot areas shall meet the requirements of this section.

   B.   Paving Requirements:

      1.   Type Required: All driveways, parking, loading and maneuvering areas required of this chapter shall be paved with hot asphaltic cement, portland cement concrete or approved paving blocks or bricks, unless otherwise expressly exempted within this chapter.

      2.   Driveways: Single-family and two-family residential uses served by individual or shared driveways shall be exempted from the paving requirements; provided, that:

         a.   Apron: The driveway is served by an asphaltic concrete or concrete apron, as appropriate, extending ten feet (10') from the street; and

         b.   Surfacing: The remainder of the driveway and required parking area are surfaced with compacted crushed aggregate; provided, that the unpaved area is maintained in a neat, dustless and weedless condition. The gravel shall meet the city regulations for three-fourths inch (3/4") minus crushed aggregate and shall be spread and compacted to a uniform layer having a minimum depth of four inches (4") after all topsoil and other unsuitable material have been removed.

      3.   Paving Of Outdoor Storage And Display Lots: Outdoor storage and display lots shall be paved, as herein provided:

         a.   Required: All storage and display lots, including, but not limited to, those used for the purpose of storage, sale, lease or rental of cars, trucks, boats, manufactured homes, mobile homes, lumber and building supplies and materials, recreational vehicles or trailers shall be paved according to the requirements of this chapter, except as provided below.

         b.   Heavy Mobile Equipment Lots: Storage and display lots used for landscaping sales and those lots where heavy mobile equipment (including, but not limited to, farming implements, logging equipment and/or construction equipment, tracked equipment, skid-steer loaders and forklifts) is displayed, stored or used for the movement of materials:

            (1)   The actual area used for the storage, display or use of the heavy equipment may be surfaced with compacted crushed aggregate; provided, that the unpaved area is maintained in a neat, dustless and weedless condition. The gravel shall meet the city regulations for three-fourths inch (3/4") minus crushed aggregate and shall be spread and compacted to a uniform layer having a minimum depth of four inches (4") after all topsoil and other unsuitable material have been removed.

            (2)   Said lots shall be served by paved approaches, driveways, vehicular maneuvering areas and parking spaces meeting the requirements of this chapter.

   C.   Parking Lot Grades And Drainage:

      1.   Paving; Grade: All off street parking shall be paved such that no surface shall exceed five percent (5%) and no longitudinal drainage gradient shall be flatter than one-half percent (0.5%).

      2.   Approaches: Approach grades shall be safe and convenient.

      3.   Disabled Parking Spaces: Parking spaces for persons with disabilities shall be as level as possible but in no case shall the parking space, adjacent aisle, driveway or designated pathways exceed a gradient of two percent (2%) in any direction.

      4.   Surface Water: All parking and loading areas shall provide for proper drainage of surface water to approved drainage areas or structures. Surface drainage shall be retained on site to the extent that site runoff shall not exceed runoff from the site in its undeveloped condition.

      5.   Culverts: Culverts of a minimum size of twelve inches (12") shall be installed under all driveway approaches.

   D.   Parking Lot Location Requirements:

      1.   Residential: Required parking shall be located on site for residential uses.

      2.   All Other Uses: Required parking shall be located not farther than three hundred feet (300') from the entrance to the facility being served, as measured from the edge of the paved parking area, unless continuous parking is provided.

      3.   Location Of Facilities: No portion of any parking facility, except driveways, shall be located within five feet (5') of the front or side property lines.

   E.   Parking Space Requirements:

      1.   Standard Dimensions: Off street parking spaces shall meet the minimum dimensions for the following types of spaces and conditions:

         a.   Nonparallel: Standard nonparallel parking spaces shall be nine feet (9') wide by twenty feet (20') long.

         b.   Parallel: Parallel parking spaces shall be eight feet (8') wide by twenty three feet (23') long for all vehicles.

         c.   Additional Width: Where a side of a parking area abuts a building or other obstruction, an additional width of two feet (2') shall be added to the adjacent parking.

      2.   ADA Accessible Parking Spaces:

         a.   Number Required: The required number of ADA accessible parking spaces shall be determined based upon the total parking in the lot, as detailed in the table below (unless ADA requirements are found to be more restrictive):

 

         b.   Van Accessible Parking Spaces: One out of every eight (8) required accessible parking spaces shall comply with van accessibility requirements; in no case, however, shall there be provided less than one van accessible space.

         c.   Access Aisles:

            (1)   Every designated accessible space requires an adjacent access aisle. This aisle must be on the passenger side of each space unless it is located between, and is shared by, two (2) designated accessible spaces.

            (2)   Access aisles must be a minimum of sixty inches (60") wide, and run parallel to the length of the designated accessible parking space. Van accessible parking spaces must provide a minimum aisle width of ninety six inches (96").

         d.   Location: The spaces for persons with disabilities shall be located as near as practical to a primary accessible entrance.

         e.   Signage: All designated accessible spaces shall be signed in accordance with the ADA requirements as may be in effect at the time of parking lot construction.

   F.   Aisleways And Driveways:

      1.   Access Requirements And Standards: All required off street parking areas shall be located, designed, constructed and maintained to provide access at all times. Driveway approaches shall be located, designed and constructed according to the city's current standards and policies.

         a.   Encroachment Permit; Guarantee: Access to a public street shall require an encroachment permit and a guarantee for work to be performed in a public right of way, as required by the city, the independent highway district and/or Idaho transportation department (ITD).

         b.   Number: The number of approaches serving an individual lot or parcel may be restricted to a single two-way approach, and in some cases, joint use approaches serving two (2) or more lots may be required.

         c.   Width: The width of an approach shall be determined according to the city standards, and shall meet the requirements of the local fire protection district.

         d.   Location, Design: The location and design of approaches shall be approved by the city engineer and ITD, where applicable.

      2.   Dimensions And Turning Radii: All dimensional requirements detailed herein shall be considered to be minimum standards. All off street parking areas shall be reviewed and approved by the local fire department, which may require wider driveways and parking aisles and larger vehicular turning radii as prescribed by the effective fire code.

         a.   Width: The minimum driveway and approach widths shall be determined from the operating speed and the classification of the street providing access, the volume of traffic being generated, the potential for truck use, and fire protection requirements.

            (1)   Parking aisle widths shall vary with the angle of vehicular turning required to access the required space on one-way aisles, but shall be a minimum of twenty four feet (24') wide on two-way aisles.

            (2)   The minimum driveway approach for single-family residential shall be twenty feet (20'), and the minimum paved driveway approach for a commercial use shall be twenty four feet (24'), with a maximum allowed two-way approach and driveway width of sixty feet (60') as measured at the throat of the approach, where it can be demonstrated that generated traffic warrants a separate left turn lane for exiting vehicles, and where heavy truck use prevails.

         b.   Exiting Vehicle Space: There shall be at least twenty four feet (24') separating a parking aisle from the edge of the adjacent street to provide space for one exiting vehicle.

      3.   Drive-Through And Queuing Lane Standards: Where drive- through lanes are provided or queuing is required, the following standards shall apply:

         a.   Width: Drive-through and queuing lane widths shall be a minimum of twelve feet (12'), with said lane widths required to be clear of any physical obstructions;

         b.   Length: Each required queuing space shall be minimum length of twenty feet (20');

         c.   Entrance, Exit: The entrance and exit to any drive-through or queuing lanes shall be internal to the site, not a separate entrance and/or exit to or from the street. Drive-throughs and queuing shall be separated from circulation lanes needed for access and parking. No drive-through/queuing lanes shall be located within ten feet (10') of any residentially zoned property.

         d.   Obstructions: Drive-through lanes and required queuing shall not obstruct driveway approaches providing ingress/egress to the site, nor shall such queuing obstruct ingress/egress to any required parking spaces.

   G.   Pavement Markings And Striping: Each parking space shall be delineated with four inch (4") wide pavement striping. Other pavement markings for spaces for persons with disabilities, pathways, crosswalks, stop bars, delineations, turning arrows, bicycles, etc., may be required.

   H.   Bicycle Parking Requirements:

      1.   When Required: Permanently installed bicycle racks shall be required for all buildings required to have a minimum of twenty (20) parking spaces.

      2.   Number: Where required, bike racks shall be provided, with the number of bike spaces totaling five percent (5%) of the required off street vehicle parking spaces rounded to the nearest even number, or the minimum of two (2) bike spaces, whichever is greater, up to a maximum requirement of eight (8) bike spaces (additional bike racks may be provided at the owner's discretion). All bicycle racks shall be placed in locations that facilitate use by customers and employees riding bikes, and may be incorporated into the site's hardscape design.

      3.   Rack Criteria: A single bicycle rack element shall be designed to meet the following criteria:

         a.   Support: Support the bicycle in an upright position by its frame in two (2) places, without the use of a kickstand.

         b.   Security: Enable the frame and one or both wheels to be secured.

         c.   Front Or Back Parking: Allow either "front in" or "back in" parking where a "U-lock" or cable can secure either the front wheel and down tube or the rear wheel and seat tube of an upright bicycle.

      4.   Installation: Bicycle racks shall be installed in a manner acceptable to the city building official.

      5.   Location: Bicycle racks shall not be located within the public right of way, nor on private sidewalks/walkways with a width of less than ten feet (10').

   I.   Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements:

      1.   Minimum Buffer Landscaping: All parking areas shall include a minimum five foot (5') perimeter buffer landscaping, except as provided for in subsection I6 of this section. Parking lots of more than five (5) spaces located in or adjacent to a residential district shall include a minimum ten foot (10') buffer landscaping.

         a.   Adjacent To Residential: Buffer landscaping located in or adjacent to a residential property must meet the standards for type I landscaping, as detailed in chapter 14 of this title, to provide a visual buffer.

         b.   Other: All other perimeter buffer landscaping must meet the standards for type III landscaping, as detailed in chapter 14 of this title.

      2.   Irrigation: All landscaped areas, including buffer strips and drainage infiltration facilities, shall be provided with an automated irrigation system.

      3.   Shade Trees: Required parking lot landscaping shall incorporate shade trees, consisting of broad canopied class II or class III trees meeting the current ANSI Z60.1 standards for nursery stock unless overhead utilities indicate a class I tree. A minimum of one tree shall be required for every twenty (20) parking spaces.

      4.   Planter Surface Area: The minimum tree planter surface area shall be eighty (80) square feet, with a minimum width of eight feet (8') inside curb to inside curb. Planter locations must be incorporated into the overall parking lot design.

      5.   Soil: Soils in planters shall be scarified to undisturbed native soil, or four feet (4'), whichever occurs first.

      6.   Special Exceptions: On lots with preexisting structures, as a special exception, a reduction or elimination of the perimeter landscaping requirement may be granted, provided:

         a.   Necessity: Reducing or eliminating the five foot (5') perimeter landscaping is necessary in order to meet minimum standards for vehicular circulation and parking.

   J.   Parking Lot Lighting:

      1.   Requirements: Any parking area which is intended to be used during nondaylight hours shall be properly illuminated to avoid accidents.

         a.   Direction: The illumination of off street parking and loading areas and display lots shall be designed such that lighting is directed away from the street and adjacent properties and toward the interior of the property.

         b.   Fully Shielded: All such lighting shall be fully shielded, and all lighting shall be contained on the lot. "Fully shielded" lighting shall be defined as lighting that is constructed in such a manner that all light emitted by the fixture, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the luminaire, is projected below horizontal.

      2.   Exemptions: Single-family residential uses and multi-family residential parking lots of less than five (5) parking stalls are exempt from required parking lot lighting, however, installed lighting shall comply with lighting standards detailed in subsection J1 of this section. (Ord. 201, 11-15-2013)