A.

Scope of off-street parking requirements. Compliance with the off-street parking regulations shall be required as follows:

1.

General applicability. For all buildings and uses established after the effective date of this Ordinance, off-street parking shall be provided as required in this section. However, where a building permit has been issued prior to the effective date of the ordinance and construction has been diligently carried on, compliance with the parking requirements at the time of issuance of the building permit shall be required.

2.

Change in use or user or intensity of use.

a.

Whenever the use or user of a building, structure, or lot is changed, parking facilities shall be provided as required by this Ordinance for the new use, regardless of any variance which may have been in effect prior to change of use.

b.

If the intensity of use of any building, structure, or lot is increased through the addition of dwelling units, increase in floor area, increase in seating capacity, or through other means, additional off-street parking shall be provided for such increase in intensity of use.

3.

Existing parking facilities.

a.

Off-street parking facilities in existence on the effective date of this Ordinance shall not thereafter be reduced below, or if already less than, shall not be further reduced below the requirements for the use being served as set forth in this Ordinance.

b.

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

4.

Additional off-street parking. Nothing in this Ordinance shall be deemed to prevent voluntary establishment of off-street parking facilities to serve an existing use of land or buildings, or to prevent provision of additional parking facilities beyond what is required by the ordinance, provided all such parking is in conformance with the regulations herein.

B.

General requirements. Off-street vehicle parking facilities shall be provided and maintained as herein prescribed:

1.

Location.

a.

Proximity to building or use being served. Off-street parking for multiple-family and nonresidential uses shall be located on the same lot or parcel as the building or use being served or within 300 feet of the building it is intended to serve (measured from the nearest point of the building or use to the nearest point of the parking), except as otherwise permitted for collective use of off-street parking.

b.

Within yards. Off-street parking shall comply with the minimum setback requirements specified in section 36.02, schedule of regulations. However, in the O-1, B-2, and B-3 districts, off-street parking in commercial and office districts (but not including the research office district) may be located in a front, side, or rear yard, subject to the landscaping requirements in article 15.00, and subject further to the following minimum setbacks:

i.

Off-street parking shall be located at least 20 feet from any residentially-zoned or used parcel.

ii.

Off-street parking shall comply with the following front setback requirements (measured from the existing right-of-way line):

2.

Residential parking.

a.

Off-street parking spaces in single-family residential districts shall consist of a parking strip, driveway, garage, or combination thereof, and shall be located on the premises they are intended to serve. No parking shall be permitted on a regular basis on lawns or other unpaved areas on residential lots, with the exception of approved gravel parking areas.

b.

Commercial and recreational vehicle parking in residential districts shall comply with the standards in section 14.01, subsection E.

3.

Control of off-site parking. It shall be unlawful to park or store any motor vehicle on private property without the expressed or implied consent of the owner, holder, occupant, lessee, agent, or trustee of said private property. Where required parking is permitted on land other than on the same lot as the building or use being served, the land on which the parking is located shall be under the same ownership and control as the lot occupied by said building or use.

4.

Access to parking. Each off-street parking space shall open directly onto an aisle or driveway of sufficient width and design as to provide safe and efficient access to or from a public street or alley in a manner that will least interfere with the smooth flow of traffic. Access to off-street parking which serves a nonresidential use shall not be permitted across land that is zoned or used for residential purposes.

5.

Collective use of off-street parking. Off-street parking for separate buildings or uses may be provided collectively subject to the following:

a.

The total number of spaces provided collectively shall not be less than the sum of spaces required for each separate use. However, the planning commission may reduce the total number of spaces by up to 25 percent upon making the determination that the parking demands of the uses being served do not overlap.

b.

Each use served by collective off-street parking shall have direct access to the parking without crossing streets.

c.

The collective off-street parking shall not be located farther than 500 feet from the building or use being served.

d.

Written easements which provide for continued use and maintenance of the parking shall be submitted to the township for approval.

6.

Storage and repair prohibited. The storage of merchandise, sale of motor vehicles, storage of inoperable vehicles, or repair of vehicles are prohibited in required off-street parking lots or areas. Emergency service required to start vehicles shall be permitted.

7.

Duration. Except when land is used as permitted storage space in direct connection with a legitimate business, a 24-hour time limit for parking in nonresidential off-street parking areas shall prevail; provided that it shall be unlawful to permit the storage of wrecked, inoperable, or junked vehicles in any parking area in any district for any period of time.

8.

Parking structures. Parking structures shall be permitted subject to the following standards:

a.

Any parking structure shall comply with the required setbacks for the district in which it is located.

b.

Parking structures shall be designed as integral elements of the overall site plan, taking into account the relationship to the principal building and other structures on the site.

c.

The facade of the parking structure shall be compatible in design, color, and type of material to the principal building(s) on the site.

d.

Landscaping shall be placed around the parking structure in accordance with an approved landscape plan. Any such landscaping shall be compatible with the overall landscape plan for the entire site.

C.

Minimum number of spaces required. The following standards shall be used in determining the required number of parking spaces:

1.

Definition of floor area. For the purposes of determining required number of parking spaces, "floor area" shall be measured in accordance with the definitions provided in article 3.00.

2.

Units of measurement.

a.

Fractional spaces. When calculations for determining the required number of parking spaces results in a fractional space, any fraction of less than one-half may be disregarded, while a fraction of one-half or more shall be counted as one space.

b.

Employee parking. Parking spaces required for employees shall be based on the maximum number of employees on the premises at any one time.

3.

Uses not cited. For those uses not specifically mentioned, the requirements for off-street parking for a similar use shall apply, subject to review by the planning commission.

4.

Parking during construction. Temporary off-street parking shall be provided for workers during construction at a rate of one space per employee. Gravel surfacing may be permitted for such temporary parking.

5.

Parking for the physically handicapped. Each parking lot that serves a building, except single- and two-family dwelling units, shall have a number of level parking spaces, identified by an above-grade sign which indicates the spaces are reserved for physically handicapped persons. Parking for the handicapped shall comply with the State of Michigan Barrier-Free Rules, Michigan Public Act No. 1 of 1966, as amended, and the adopted township building code. The number of barrier-free spaces required is as follows:

7.

Use of loading space. Required loading space shall not be counted or used for required parking.

8.

Minimum number of spaces for each use. The amount of required off-street parking space shall be determined in accordance with the schedule which follows. The planning commission may modify the numerical requirements for off-street parking, based on evidence that another standard would be more reasonable, because of the level of current or future employment and/or level of current or future customer traffic.

SCHEDULE OF OFF-STREET PARKING

D.

Layout and construction. Off-street parking facilities containing four or more spaces shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following requirements:

1.

Review and approval requirements.

a.

Plans for the construction of any parking lot in conjunction with a new development shall be submitted for review and approval according to the normal site plan review procedures. Plans for expansion of an existing parking lot that is not associated with other new development shall be submitted to the building official for review and approval prior to the start of construction. Upon completion of construction, the parking lot must be inspected and approved by the building official before a certificate of occupancy can be issued for the parking lot and for the building or use the parking is intended to serve.

b.

Plans shall be prepared at a scale of not less than 50 feet equal to one inch. Plans shall indicate existing and proposed grades, drainage, water mains and sewers, surfacing and base materials, and the proposed parking layout. The plans shall conform to the construction and design standards formally established by the township engineer.

In the event that required parking cannot be constructed because of cold or inclement weather, a temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued by the building official, provided the applicant first deposits a performance guarantee in accordance with article 17.00.

2.

Dimensions. Off-street parking shall be designed in conformance with the following standards and diagram:

OFF-STREET PARKING STANDARDS
(All Dimensions in Feet)

*Dimensions shall apply to all parking spaces, including accessible parking spaces. should state or federal regulations require larger dimensions, spaces shall be designed to achieve the larger minimum.

Driveways providing access to residential, commercial or industrial uses shall comply with the standards in section 12.09.

3.

Ingress and egress. All spaces shall be provided with adequate access by means of clearly defined maneuvering lanes and driveways. Spaces backing directly onto a street shall be prohibited. Entrances and exits from off-street parking lots shall be located at least 25 feet from the nearest point of any property zoned for single-family residential use.

4.

Surfacing and drainage. Grading, surfacing, and drainage plans shall comply with township engineering standards and shall be subject to review and approval by the township engineer. All off-street parking areas, access lanes, driveways and other vehicle maneuvering areas shall be hard-surfaced with concrete or plant-mixed bituminous material. However, the planning commission may permit a gravel surface for heavy machinery storage areas, provided the applicant or property owner provides sufficient evidence that a paved surface could not support the heavy machinery without being damaged.

Off-street parking areas, access lanes, and driveways shall be graded and drained so as to dispose of surface waters. Surface water shall not be permitted to drain onto adjoining property, unless in accordance with an approved drainage plan.

5.

Curbs, wheel chocks. A curb of at least six inches in height shall be installed to prevent motor vehicles from being driven or parked so that any part of the vehicle extends within two feet of abutting landscaped areas, sidewalks, streets, buildings, or adjoining property. In lieu of a curb, wheel chocks may be provided to prevent vehicles from extending over grass areas, setback lines, or lot lines.

6.

Lighting. All parking areas, driveways, and walkways shall be illuminated to ensure the security of property and the safety of persons using such areas, in accordance with the requirements set forth in section 12.11. Parking lot entrances shall be illuminated.

7.

Buildings. No building or structure shall be permitted on an off-street parking lot, except for a maintenance building/attendant shelter, which shall not be more than 50 square feet in area and not more than 15 feet in height.

8.

Signs. Accessory directional signs shall be permitted in parking areas in accordance with article 16.00.

9.

Screening and landscaping. All off-street parking areas, except those serving single- and two-family residences, shall be screened and landscaped in accordance with the provisions set forth in article 15.00.

10.

Maintenance. All parking areas shall be maintained free of dust, trash, and debris. Surfacing, curbing, lighting fixtures, signage, and related appurtances shall be maintained in good condition.

E.

Commercial and recreational vehicle parking in residential districts.

1.

Commercial vehicle parking.

One commercial vehicle only, with a rated capacity of one ton or less, may be parked on a residential lot, provided that the vehicle is not a service vehicle, such as but not limited to a wrecker, septic tank pumper, or truck that carries flammable or toxic materials.

The parking or storage of vehicles with a rated capacity of over one ton may be permitted where such vehicles are used in conjunction with a bonafide agricultural operation on a farm that is five acres or greater in size.

The parking of no more than one commercial vehicle with a rated capacity of over one ton may be permitted on a residential parcel subject to the following conditions and review and approval by the planning commission:

a.

The parcel of land must be at least five acres in size and shall not be part of a recorded plat or other single- or multiple-family residential development.

b.

The parcel of land shall have a minimum width of at least 330 feet.

c.

The commercial vehicle must be owned and operated by a resident of the premises.

d.

The vehicle shall be fully screened when parked. Such screening may be provided by parking the vehicle in a garage, or by parking the vehicle in a rear yard which provides complete screening from adjacent properties. Screening of vehicles located outdoors may be accomplished with existing or new landscaping, topographic barriers, or through construction of screening walls or fences.

e.

Approval to park a commercial vehicle shall not constitute approval to park additional trailers, parts, or other equipment or materials associated with the operation of the commercial vehicle.

f.

In considering whether to permit parking of a commercial vehicle on a site, the planning commission shall consider the potential off-site impacts, including: The impact from additional dust, odors, fumes, and noise generated by the vehicle; the disruption from additional vehicular traffic at various times during the day; and, possible safety hazards related to operation of a commercial vehicle on public or private residential roads.

2.

Recreational vehicle parking. Recreational vehicles as defined in article 3.00, including campers and other recreational equipment, may be parked or stored by the owner on residentially-used property subject to the following conditions:

a.

Connection to utilities. Recreational vehicles parked or stored shall not be connected to electricity, water, gas or sanitary sewer facilities.

b.

Use as living quarters. At no time shall recreational vehicles parked or stored in residential districts be used for living or housekeeping purposes.

c.

Location. Any recreational vehicle may be parked within a fully enclosed structure. Storage of recreational vehicles in the rear or side yard may be allowed as long as the recreational vehicle is no closer than five feet to a side or rear property line.

(1)

Front yard storage. On a parcel of land that is not part of a recorded plat or other single- or multiple-family residential development, a maximum of one recreational vehicle may be stored in the front yard. A recreational vehicle stored in the front yard shall be parked in the driveway set back a minimum of the required front yard setback for the applicable zoning district and no closer than five feet to a side property line. No portion of any recreational vehicle or trailer may extend over a sidewalk, pathway, or into the road right-of-way.

d.

Lot coverage. Recreational vehicles may occupy no more than 20 percent (existing standards) of the required rear yard.

e.

Temporary parking. Notwithstanding the above provisions concerning "location", recreational vehicles may be parked elsewhere on the premises prior to or after a trip for loading or unloading purposes for a period of not more than 48 hours prior to and 48 hours after use of the vehicle within a seven-day period.

f.

Condition. Parked or stored recreational vehicles must be kept in good repair. Vehicles capable of being moved from place to place under their own power must be maintained in good running condition. All such vehicles must be properly registered in the name of the occupant of the dwelling unit.

g.

Storage of mobile homes. The parking or storage of an unoccupied mobile home as defined in article 3.00, being designed as a permanent structure for residential occupancy, is prohibited, except as may be permitted in the mobile home park district.

h.

Waiver of regulations. The provisions concerning connection to utilities, use as living quarters, and location may be waived for a period of up to two weeks to permit repair of the occupant's or owner's equipment or to permit the parking of a recreational vehicle of a guest. Permits for any such waiver shall be obtained from the building department. No more than one permit shall be issued for each activity (repair, storage of guest vehicle) per calendar year.

i.

Multiple-family complexes and mobile home parks. The planning commission may require that a screened storage area be provided on the site of a multiple-family complex or mobile home park for parking and storage of recreational vehicles.

j.

Ownership. Only recreational vehicles owned by and titled to a permanent resident of the residential parcel may be stored on the property.

F.

Vehicle (EV) charging stations.

1.

Permitted locations. When accessory to a permitted use, EV charging stations are permitted in all zoning districts. When constructed as a primary use, electric vehicle charging stations shall be permitted in filling stations or in a public right-of-way with permission from the governmental entity having jurisdiction for the right-of-way.

2.

Parking standards. EV charging stations may be included in the calculation of minimum required parking spaces. Each station counts as one parking space. EV charging stations shall be sized to meet the same minimum parking space size requirements as a traditional parking space.

3.

Charging equipment and signage. Charging equipment shall not impede safe and accessible routes for pedestrians or users of a site. Electronic message screens up to one square foot in area are permitted and shall be installed facing away from any public right-of-way. Incidental signage on chargers shall comply with the standards of article 16 of this Ordinance.

4.

Contact information shall be provided on the equipment for reporting service outages or other maintenance issues.

5.

Emergency shutoff. Non-residential EV charging stations shall have a clearly visible and accessible power shutoff switch for use by emergency responders in the event of an electrical emergency. The location and method of securing the switch shall be approved by the fire department.

(Ord. No. 10-16, pt. 5, 11-9-2016; Ord. No. 03-17, pt. 7, 6-5-2017; Ord. No. 01-22, § 1, 1-4-2022; Ord. No. 08-22, § 6, 9-6-2022; Ord. No. 12-22, § 2, 11-1-2022; Ord. No. 13-22, § 3, 11-1-2022; Ord. No. 06-24, § 3, 11-6-2024)

A.

Scope of loading space requirements. Compliance with the loading space regulations set forth herein shall be required in order to avoid interference with the public use of streets, alleys, parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, and other public areas.

1.

General applicability. On the same premises with every building, or part thereof, erected and occupied for manufacturing, storage, warehousing, display and sale of goods, including department stores, wholesale stores, markets, hotels, hospitals, mortuaries, laundries, dry-cleaning establishments, and other uses involving the receipt or distribution of materials, merchandise, or vehicles, there shall be provided and maintained adequate space for loading and unloading as required in this section.

2.

Change in use or user or intensity of use. Whenever the use or user of a building, structure, or lot is changed, loading space shall be provided as required by this Ordinance for the change, regardless of any variance which may have been in effect prior to change of use.

B.

General requirements.

1.

Location. Required loading space shall be located to the rear of the building being served such that it is screened from view from adjoining roads. Loading/unloading operations shall not interfere with traffic on public streets or off-street parking.

2.

Size. Unless otherwise specified, each required loading space shall be a minimum of ten feet in width and 50 feet in length, with a vertical clearance of 15 feet.

3.

Surfacing and drainage. Loading areas shall be hard-surfaced with concrete or plant-mixed bituminous material. Loading areas shall be graded and drained so as to dispose of surface waters. Surface water shall not be permitted to drain onto adjoining property, unless in accordance with an approved drainage plan. Grading, surfacing, and drainage plans shall be subject to review and approval by the township engineer.

4.

Storage and repair prohibited. The storage of merchandise, sale of motor vehicles, storage of inoperable vehicles, or repair of vehicles is prohibited in required loading space.

5.

Use of loading space. Required loading space shall not be counted or used for required parking.

6.

Central loading. Central loading facilities may be substituted for individual loading spaces serving businesses on separate lots provided that all of the following conditions are fulfilled:

a.

Each business served shall have direct access to the central loading area without crossing streets or alleys.

b.

Total loading space provided shall meet the minimum requirements specified herein, in consideration of total floor area of all businesses served by the central loading space.

c.

No building served shall be more than 300 feet from the central loading area.

7.

Minimum loading space. The amount of required loading space shall be determined in accordance with the schedule which follows. The planning commission may modify these requirements upon making the determination that another standard would be more appropriate because of the number or type of deliveries experienced by a particular business or use.

SCHEDULE OF LOADING SPACE REQUIREMENTS

FOOTNOTE TO SCHEDULE OF LOADING SPACE REQUIREMENTS:

1.

Establishments containing less than 5,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area shall be provided with adequate off-street loading space that is accessible by motor vehicle, but which does not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The size of any such loading space shall be based on the types of delivery vehicles typically utilized by the establishment, provided that in industrial districts sufficient land area must be available to provide a ten-ft. by 50-ft. space in the event that the use of the property changes.

(Ord. No. 06-24, § 3, 11-6-2024)