Louisville City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1158
Off-Street Parking, Loading and Access Management
1158.01 OFF-STREET PARKING/LOADING REQUIRED; PROXIMITY TO BUILDING.
In all districts, in connection with every new building or use or expansion of an existing building or use part thereof hereafter created, sufficient parking and loading facilities shall be provided off-street in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter to meet all the parking needs; the edge of such facilities shall be within 500 feet of the principal permitted use or building. No development permit shall be issued except in conformance to the requirements of this Chapter and all applicable requirements of this Chapter shall be satisfied prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance.
1158.02 PARKING, LOADING AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN.
A Parking, Loading and Access Management Plan shall be provided for all developments that require Site Plan review, in accordance with Chapter 1132. This Parking, Loading and Access Management Plan shall identify the following:
(a) Location, layout and dimensions, and characteristics of all parking areas including; dimensions and layout of proposed parking spaces, loading and unloading areas and circulation areas.
(b) All surface materials to be used within such parking areas.
(c) Dimensions and direction of travel of lanes, fire lanes, aisles, loading areas and driveways
(d) All the proposed lighting thereof pursuant to Section 1155.02.
(e) The location of handicapped parking spaces, trash receptacles, fire lanes, or other special areas as may be required by other local, state, or federal laws shall be illustrated.
1158.03 FLEXIBILITY IN REQUIREMENTS.
Due to variations in access and distance to public transit, ride-sharing patterns, and/or proximity of shared-parking facilities, and in situations where the Planning Commission is satisfied that the location, uniqueness, or expected need for off-street parking facilities for a particular use is uncertain, or in circumstances where the need for off-street parking facilities is considered to be less than the minimum requirements set forth in this Chapter, a waiver in the parking requirement may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the required parking area may remain unimproved and retained in a landscaped area. The Planning Commission may require, at any time it deems appropriate, that some or all of the land be improved as a parking area to meet increasing parking demands. The land area of the deferred required parking shall be maintained in an open space reserve and shall be landscaped pursuant to an approved Landscaping Plan and all regulations and requirements set forth in Chapter 1161.
1158.04 USE OF OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING AREAS.
Off-street parking and loading areas, as required by this Chapter, shall be used solely for loading, unloading, and parking of licensed, motor vehicles in operating condition. Required spaces and areas shall not be used for outdoor display of goods for sale or lease, or for long-term storage of utility or recreational vehicles or equipment.
1158.05 PARKING REQUIREMENTS/DESIGN MATRIX.
Land uses are required to have off-street parking as specified in the following matrix. Where uses are not specified, the use most closely associated should be used.
(a) Units of Measurement.
(1) Square footage of usable floor area measurement. For the purpose of determining parking space requirements in this Chapter, the unit of measurement used in the Parking Space Matrix termed "square feet" refers to the total square footage of "usable floor area". This means the area used for service to the public and excludes area used principally for nonpublic purposes such as storage, incidental repair, processing, show window, rest rooms and dressing rooms.
(2) Employee measurement. For the purpose of determining parking space requirements in this Chapter, the unit of measurement used in the Parking Space Matrix termed "employee(s)" refers to the total number of employees during the shift of greatest employment.
(3) Any derived number with a fractional value of more than one-half (½) shall be rounded to the next highest whole number.
(4) Required parking is determined by one or more measurements of characteristics of the land use. The total number of parking spaces is determined by adding all associated units of measurements.
Types of Uses | Number of Spaces | Per Unit of Measurement | |
Residential | |||
Dwelling, single family | 2 | 1 dwelling unit | |
Dwelling, two family | 2 | 1 dwelling unit | |
Dwelling, multi-family | 1 | 1 bedroom | |
Boarding/rooming house accommodations | 1 | 1 bedroom | |
Bed and breakfast facilities | 0.75 | 1 bedroom | |
+2 | |||
Hotel or motel | 1 | 1 bedroom | |
Institutional Residence or Care Facilities | |||
Group residential facilities, as listed in Section 1151.02 (Matrix of Permitted and Conditional Land Uses) | 1 | 2 residents | |
Child day care centers, pursuant to ORC 5104 | 4 | ||
+1 | 1 employee | ||
+1 | 10 children cared for | ||
Hospitals, clinics and other institutions for human medical care | 1 | 2 beds | |
Nursing homes and care institutions, intermediate care institutions, handicapped or infirm institutions, or child care institutions | 0.5 | 1 beds | |
Institutions (other than halfway houses) where mentally ill persons receive care | 1 | 3 beds | |
Penal and correctional facilities | 1 | 20 inmates | |
Educational, Cultural, Religious, Philanthropic, Social and Fraternal | |||
Educational institutions | 1 | 1 employee | |
+.25 | 1Person design capacity | ||
Universities or other uses of public-educational character | 1 | 1 parking permit issued | |
plus 25% | total spaces | ||
Churches and other buildings for the purpose of worship | 1 | 5 seats in auditorium | |
Types of Uses | Number of Spaces | Per Unit of Measurement | |
Libraries, museums, art galleries, art centers, and similar uses (including associated educational and instructional activities) | 1 | 500 square feet | |
Government owned buildings (public, or municipal/county/state or federal) | 1 | 100 square feet | |
Clubs, lodges, fraternal, charitable or social organizations | 1 | 150 square feet | |
Recreation, Amusement and Entertainment | |||
Recreational areas and facilities including: government owned and/or other operated parks and playgrounds and wildlife refuges and game preserves | 10 | ||
+2 | 1 acre | ||
Government or privately owned and/or operated parks, picnic areas, campgrounds, camps, swimming facilities, golf course, tennis clubs, country clubs, riding academies, and/or any other recreational uses which include seating as part of the usable floor area | 1 | 4 seats or | |
1 | 9 lineal feet of bench | ||
Auditoriums or stadiums | 1 | 4 seats | |
Indoor theaters | 1 | 4 seats | |
Bowling establishments | 3 | 1 lane | |
Sales and Rental of Goods, Merchandise and/or Equipment | |||
Shopping Center under 15,000 square feet | 4 | 1,000 square feet | |
Shopping Center over 15,000 square feet | 4 | 1,000 sq. feet up to 15,000 | |
3.5 | 1,000 sq. feet over 15,000 | ||
Retail businesses less than 5,000 square feet | 4 | 1,000 square feet | |
Retail businesses more than 5,000 square feet | 5 | 1,000 sq. feet up to 5,000 | |
plus 3.5 | 1,000 sq. feet over 5,000 | ||
Wholesale establishments | 1 | 1,000 square feet | |
Types of Uses | Number of Spaces | Per Unit of Measurement | |
Professional and Personal Services | |||
Medical or dental offices | 1 | 150 square feet | |
Personal Services | 1 | 200 square feet | |
Professional Offices | 1 | 250 square feet | |
Banks and studios | 1 | 250 square feet | |
Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs | 1 | 4 seats | |
Manufacturing, Processing, Creating, Repairing, Renovating, Painting, Cleaning, Assembling of Goods, Merchandise and Equipment | |||
All uses, facilities, and activities as listed under this heading in Section 1151.02 (Matrix of Permitted and Conditional Land Uses) or similar to those uses listed | 1 | 1,000 square feet | |
Automotive-Related Sales and Services | |||
Automobile, truck, trailer, boat and farm implement sales and/or rental, services, and/or storage, both new and used | 1 | 200 square feet | |
+1 | 1 service bay | ||
Sales, repair, maintenance, or installation of motor vehicle parts or accessories (e.g., tires, mufflers, oil and lube) and motor vehicle painting and body work | 1 | 500 square feet | |
Gasoline service stations/repair garage | 2 | 1 service bay | |
Gasoline filling station/convenience store | 1 | 2 filling pumps | |
Miscellaneous | |||
Post Offices | 1 | 400 square feet | |
Airports, airfields and landing strips | 1 | 4 seats for waiting passengers | |
+1 | 2 employees | ||
Open-air markets | 1 | 600 square feet of lot area | |
Roadside stands selling only agricultural products produced on site | 2 | ||
Cemeteries | 1 | 1 full time employee | |
Funeral homes/crematories, or mortuaries | 25 | 1 parlor | |
Multi-Modal Transportation Centers | 1 | 4 seats for waiting passengers | |
1158.06 DISPROPORTIONATE PARKING.
Where off-street parking proposed for a use exceeds the minimum requirements defined in this Chapter by fifty (50) percent or more, the Planning Commission may require that the design of the parking area incorporate additional landscaping elements (landscaped islands, perimeter screening areas, etc) and to visually break-up expanses of parking areas and may also require low impact development (LID) techniques such as rain gardens and bio swales to absorb and manage storm water.
1158.07 PARKING AREA JOINT USE.
In all zoning districts, the joint use of an off-street parking area to meet or facilitate the minimum parking space requirements may be approved by the Planning Commission. For example, parking spaces already provided to meet off-street parking requirements for places of public assembly, commercial and industrial establishments, located near a place of religious worship may be used to meet a portion of the off-street parking requirements of a religious institution, and vice versa.
1158.08 PARKING SPACE SIZE.
The required minimum size of a parking space is indicated in the following table. All dimensions for parking spaces shall be exclusive of driveways, aisles, and other circulation areas.
Minimum Parking Space Size | |||
Parking Angle | Width | Length | Width of Driveway Aisle |
90º parking | 9 feet | 18 feet | 25 feet |
60º parking | 9 feet | 21 feet | 18 feet |
45º parking | 12 feet | 19 feet | 13 feet |
Parallel parking | 9 feet | 23 feet | 12 feet |
1158.09 PARKING AREA DESIGN.
The design and construction of parking areas, service areas and access drives shall be approved by the Planning Commission in accordance with specific requirements of the City Engineer. General parking area standards include the following:
(a) Parking areas must be designed to allow for the access turning area needs of emergency vehicles. Parking area slopes shall not exceed five (5) percent.
(b) Parking areas, including refuse containers and driveways adjacent to or within residential districts, shall be screened pursuant to Chapter 1161.
(c) Lighting shall meet all the standards and requirements as set forth in Section 1155.02.
(d) All parking areas, regardless of size, shall be hard surfaced. Pavement type and thickness shall be approved by the Planning Commission taking into consideration soil conditions and traffic loadings. Alternative surfacing and design methods may be utilized pursuant to the Low Impact Development Design (LID) design standards as described in Chapter 1165 and subject to Planning Commission approval.
(e) Sufficient turning radii shall be provided in accordance with approved engineering standards so as to be adequate for all vehicle movement, including that of fire and safety vehicles or other oversize vehicles which may make use of the area.
(f) Storm water runoff created as a result of improvements to a parking area shall be controlled in accordance with Chapter 1164.
(g) All off-street parking areas shall be continually maintained in satisfactory condition so as to be safe, attractive and free of any hazard, nuisance or other unsafe condition.
(h) To provide adequate screening between on-street parking areas and abutting properties, the Planning Commission shall have the power to require additional planting/landscaping, materials, walls, fences or any combination of these as deemed necessary in addition to the minimum standards set forth in Chapter 1161.
(i) Subject to the specific results and recommendations of a traffic impact study as may be required pursuant to Section 1158. access drives shall be located to minimize traffic congestion.
(j) The Planning Commission may issue a conditional zoning certificate, for parking lots in residential districts subject to Chapter 1133 and the following conditions:
(1) The parking lot shall be accessory to and for the use in connection with one or more permitted or conditionally permissible uses in an adjoining business or industrial district.
(2) Such parking lot shall abut at least fifty feet, either directly or across an alley or street in the district in which the use for which the parking is provided, permitted or conditionally permissible.
(3) Such parking lot shall be used solely for the parking of passenger vehicles and no commercial repair work or service of any kind shall be conducted on such parking lot.
(4) No sign of any kind, other than those designating entrances, exits and conditions of use shall be maintained on such parking lot.
(5) Such parking lot shall be efficiently screened on each side by a fence of acceptable design, a wall or compact hedge. Such fence, wall or hedge shall be not less than four feet in height and no solid portion shall be more than six feet in height and shall be maintained in good condition. The planting strip for hedges shall be no less than three feet in width. At least one water outlet shall be provided not more than fifty feet from the lot for maintenance of plant materials. The space between such fence, wall or hedge and the side lot line of adjoining premises in any residential district shall be landscaped with grass, hardy shrubs or evergreen ground cover and maintained in good condition.
(6) The Planning Commission may modify the foregoing requirements in specific cases where desirable or warranted, owing to unusual topography, physical conditions and the use and character of adjacent properties. The Planning Commission may also impose such additional requirements as it may deem necessary in view of the aforesaid consideration.
1158.10 RESIDENTIAL VEHICLE PARKING.
(a) Parking or storage of any motor vehicle, trailer, recreational vehicle, boat or boat trailer, in a wrecked, inoperable, dismantled or abandoned condition or without current, legally displayed license plates is prohibited in any residential district unless it is parked or stored completely within an enclosed building.
(b) The outdoor parking of the vehicles described below is not permitted to exceed twenty-four (24) hours in any residential zoning district and no such vehicle shall overhang in the public right-of-way, be parked or stored on a public street or alley right-of-way, be located in the required front yard, be located in a required side yard abutting a public right-of-way, or be located less than ten (10) feet from any property line. A driveway or parking space may not be constructed in the required front yard, side yard abutting a public right-of-way or less than ten (10) feet from any property line for the sole purpose of parking or storing of such vehicles.
(1) Straight trucks with a capacity greater than one (1) ton.
(2) Farm tractors or powered vehicles designed to pull farm machinery, haul loads, or perform any type of agricultural work.
(3) Semi-tractors or motor vehicles with a driver cab and no body, and designed for hauling semi-trailers.
(4) Semi-trailers or detachable trailers designed to be attached to a coupling at the rear of a tractor.
(5) Semi-trailer or detachable trailer for the purpose of storage shall not be permitted in any district when not in association with a construction site or any permitted use within the applicable zoning district.
(c) Parking or storage of recreational vehicles, boats, or trailers for hauling a recreational vehicle not specifically prohibited by paragraph 1158.10(a) or (b), are permitted to be parked in the rear and side yard on a lot in any residential district with a principal residential dwelling unit or on a lot that is contiguous to, and has common ownership, and is used in conjunction with the lot that has the principal use. This is permitted provided that no such vehicle shall overhang in the public right-of-way, be parked or stored on a public street or alley right-of- way, be located in the required front yard, be located in a required side yard abutting a public right-of-way, or be located less than ten (10) feet from any property line. A driveway or parking space may not be constructed in the required front yard, side yard abutting a public right-of-way or less than ten (10) feet from any property line for the sole purpose of parking or storing of such vehicles.
(d) The parking, only of one (1) commercial vehicle in connection with the residential use of the property within any residential district shall be permitted provided said vehicle does not exceed 9,000 lbs. GVW (gross vehicle weight) and the maximum height of the vehicle body does not exceed seven (7) feet in height and is currently used by the occupant of the dwelling as transportation to or from work. The parking and storage of excavating equipment in any residential district is prohibited.
(Ord. 17-03. Passed 1-23-17.)
1158.11 PORTABLE STORAGE UNITS.
Any enclosed portable storage unit made of metal or other durable construction material designed for permanent or temporary storage of personal property which is designed to be transported by vehicle may be permitted as temporary use for a period not to exceed thirty days within a one year period, subject to the following requirements:
(a) Location. Portable storage units must be located on a paved surface and outside the right-of-way.
(b) Size. Portable storage units may not exceed 1,200 cubic feet on the interior.
(c) Calamity Exception. If the portable storage unit is being used to store personal property as a result of a major calamity (e.g. fire, flood or other event where there is significant property damage), the City Manager or his designee may extend the time period allowed in subsection (a) hereof.
1158.12 PARKING OF TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
It shall be unlawful for tractors and semi-trailers to be parked on any public street, whether dedicated or undedicated, or on any private driveway; or on public or private properties in any non-industrial zoning district. Nothing described herein shall prevent the parking of the above described vehicles that are an integral function of the operation of a business in the city and parked on the business property for the stated purpose.
1158.13 DRIVEWAY DIMENSIONS.
The following table lists minimum and maximum widths (in feet) and turning radii for various types of driveways:
Nominal Width | Agricultural | Residential | Commercial | Industrial/Retail | ||||
Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | |
One Way | - | - | 12 | 14 | 14 | 20 | 14 | 26 |
Two Way | 14 | 20 | 12 | 24 | 26 | 30 | 26 | 30 |
Right Turn Radius | 25 | 35 | 15 | 25 | 25 | 35 | 35 | 75 |
This table assumes one lane for ingress and one lane for egress.
Driveway widths shall be measured perpendicular to the centerline of the driveway at the street right-of-way line. Driveways that enter a public roadway at traffic signals shall have the number of lanes as determined by a capacity analysis.
1158.14 LOADING AREA REQUIREMENTS.
Every building used for nonresidential purposes which customarily receives or distributes goods by motor vehicle shall provide sufficient space on the premises for all loading and service purposes on the basis of the following minimum regulations:
(a) Every building having over 5,000 square feet of gross floor area shall be provided with at least one truck loading and unloading space not less than twelve feet in width, forty feet in length, and fourteen feet clearance. An additional truck space of these dimensions shall be provided for every additional 20,000 square feet or fraction thereof, of gross floor area in the building.
(b) Access to truck loading and unloading space shall be provided directly from a public street or alley or from any right of way that will not interfere with public convenience and that will permit the orderly and safe movement of such trucks.
(c) Loading space as required under this section shall be provided as area additional to off-street parking spaces as required under Section 1157.02 and shall not be considered as supplying off-street parking space.
1158.15 ACCESS MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS.
A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) is required to be submitted by an applicant as part of a proposed Site Plan whenever the proposed development will generate more than one hundred (100) vehicle trip ends during the peak hour of generation according to the most recent version of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) trip generation manual. A TIS shall also be required for new phases or changes to an existing development where a traffic study is more than two (2) years old and when roadway conditions have changed significantly in the opinion of the Planning Director. A TIS is also required for a change to or expansion of an existing site where such change or expansion is expected to increase traffic volume to more than one hundred (100) vehicle trip ends during the peak hour of generation according to the most recent version of the ITE trip generation manual.
Traffic Impact Studies shall contain the following elements:
(a) Description of the Site, Surroundings, and Study Area. Illustrations and a narrative should describe the characteristics of the site and the adjacent roadway system (e.g. functional classification, lanes, speed limits, etc.).
(b) Description of the Proposed Development. A description of the proposed development shall be provided (such as the number and types of dwelling units) the gross and usable floor area, the number of employees, and shift-change factors. Any intended phasing or future expansion shall also be noted.
(c) Design Years. The Design Year Horizon shall be twenty (20) years regardless of the size of the proposed development.
(d) Background Traffic Growth. The Traffic Impact Study shall examine "before and after" conditions in order to evaluate traffic impacts associated with the proposed development. The impacts of all access alternatives on highway capacity and throughput shall be calculated for the opening-year Build and No-Build conditions and for the design year Build and No-Build conditions using appropriate computer analysis software as agreed to by the City.
(e) Description of Existing Traffic Conditions. This includes existing traffic conditions including existing peak-hour traffic volumes (and daily volumes if applicable) on street(s) adjacent to the site. Existing counts, including turn movement counts, for intersections in the vicinity which are expected to be impacted should be provided. Traffic-count data shall not be more than two (2) years old. Roadway characteristics shall be described and illustrated. Features to be addressed include lane configurations, geometries, signal timing, traffic control devices, posted speed limits, average running speeds, and any sight distance limitations. Existing levels of service shall be calculated for intersections included within the study area. Existing driveways and potential turning movement conflicts in the vicinity of the site shall be illustrated and described. The existing right-of-way shall be identified along with any planned expansion of the right-of-way.
(f) Trip Generation: Forecasted trip generation for the proposed development during the morning (if applicable) and evening peak hour, and average day shall be calculated. This forecast shall be based on the data and procedures outlined in the most recent edition of the ITE Trip Generation Manual. Any trip reduction for such reasons as pass-by trips, transit, ride sharing, other modes, internal capture rates, et cetera, shall be based both on ITE findings and documented survey results acceptable to the City reviewers. The City may elect to reduce the trip-reduction rates used. For projects intended to be developed in phases, the trip-generation rates by phase shall be described.
(g) Trip Distribution: The projected traffic generation shall be distributed (inbound v. outbound, left turn v. right turn) onto the existing street network to project turning movements at site access points and nearby intersections. A description of the application of standard engineering procedures for determining the trip distribution shall be included (e.g. trip distribution model, market studies, counts at existing driveways, etc.).
(h) Impact Analysis: A Level-of-Service (LOS) or capacity analysis at the proposed access points shall be included. Such analysis shall use the procedures outlined in the most recent edition of the Highway Capacity Manual published by the Transportation Research Board. Before and after capacity analyses shall be performed for all street intersections where the expected traffic generation will comprise at least five (5) percent of the existing intersection capacity.
(i) Access Design and Access Management Standards: The Traffic Impact Study shall include a map and description of the location and design of proposed access (driveways or new street intersections) including: any sight distance limitations, dimensions from adjacent driveways and intersections within one thousand (1,000) feet on either side of the main roadway, data to demonstrate that the number of driveways proposed is the fewest necessary, and support that the access points will provide safe and efficient traffic operation.
(j) Mitigation/Alternatives. The Traffic Impact Study shall outline mitigation measures and demonstrate any changes to the level of service achieved by these measures. Any alternatives or suggested phasing of improvements should be described. The mitigation measures may include items such as roadway widening, turn-lane geometries, changes to signalization, elimination or combination of access points, or reduction in the proposed intensity of use. The construction and timing of roadway improvements shall be described.
(k) Qualifications of Traffic Impact Study Preparer. The preparation of a thorough Traffic Impact Study requires extensive background and experience in traffic analysis.
1158.16 ACCESS MANAGEMENT STANDARDS.
To preserve and maintain efficient traffic movement, permitted access to all thoroughfares shall be limited as defined herein. A goal of these access management standards is to limit and reduce the number of driveways in favor of combined driveways and the construction of service roads to handle access to multiple parcels.
For every new or converted multifamily dwelling, rooming house, commercial building, or industrial use, the following standards shall apply for the design of ingress, egress, or accessways:
(a) Number of Driveways: Each lot is permitted to have a single, two-way driveway except in cases where a Traffic Impact Study clearly demonstrates the benefits of a second driveway from the standpoint of traffic movement. Examples of where a second drive may be justified include large corner lots where driveways on both streets may be desirable and instances where two, one-way drives are preferred more than one, two-way drive. There shall not be more than two accessways abutting on any one street.
(b) Location: Each point of ingress and/or egress shall not be closer than thirty (30) feet to an intersecting street right-of-way line. For driveways that serve more than one commercial, multifamily, office, or industrial development, or driveways that intersect with a collector or arterial street, all points of ingress and/or egress shall be located no closer than one hundred (100) feet to the intersection of two thoroughfares, unless such a distance is shown to be undesirable in a Traffic Impact Study.
(c) (EDITOR’S NOTE: Former subsection (c) was repealed by Ordinance 24-56, passed December 2, 2024.)
(d) Construction Materials. Each ingress and/or egress driveway shall be improved with hard surface materials (excluding gravel) from the street apron to the entrance of the parking area.
(e) Conditional Approval of Driveways. As part of the Site Plan review process, a Site Plan may be approved with a specific driveway location under the condition that an agreement is reached between the property owner and the City requiring that such driveway(s) be closed when specific circumstances are met. Such circumstances may include the future construction of a service road on adjacent property, the opportunity for a shared driveway with development of adjacent property, or other site-specific circumstances. This conditional approval may be required even if the driveway(s) conforms to all other requirements of this Section.