Meridian Charter Township
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VIII
Off-Street Parking and Loading
§ 86-721 Loading and unloading space requirements.
[Code 1974, § 85-2]
(a)
In order to prevent undue interference with public use of streets and alleys, every manufacturing, storage warehouse, department store, wholesale store, and retail store, market, hotel, hospital, laundry, dry-cleaning, dairy, mortuary, and other uses similarly and customarily receiving or distributing goods by motor vehicle shall provide space on the premises for that number of vehicles that will be at the premises at the same time on an average day of full use.
(b)
Every building housing such a use and having over 500 square feet of gross floor area shall be provided with at least one truck standing, loading, and unloading space on the premises not less than 12 feet in width, 25 feet in length, and 14 feet in height. One additional truck space of these dimensions shall be provided for every additional 120,000 square feet or fraction thereof of gross floor area in the building.
(c)
Access to a truck standing, 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 orderly and safe movement of truck vehicles.
(d)
Loading space as required under this section shall be provided as area additional to off-street parking space as required under Division 2 of this article and shall not be considered as supplying off-street parking space.
§ 86-746 Purpose.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.1]
(a)
It is the purpose of this division that parking spaces shall be provided and adequately maintained by each property owner in every zoning district for the off-street storage of motor vehicles for the use of occupants, employees, and patrons of each building and premises constructed, altered, or enlarged after the effective date of this chapter. All vehicles shall preferably be stored on the premises occupied by the principal building but may be stored on premises located outside the premises within specifically limited walking distances as scheduled in § 86-750.
(b)
The proper number of parking spaces for any given use as specified in § 86-755 are based on consideration of the maximum number of motor vehicles that can be expected to be at the premises at the same time or an average day of full use of the premises.
§ 86-747 Floor area defined.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.2]
As used in this division, the term "floor area," as applied to offices, merchandising, or service types of uses, shall mean the gross floor area used or intended to be used for services to the public as customers, patrons, clients, patient, or tenants, including areas occupied for fixtures and equipment used for display or sale of merchandise, but excluding floor areas which are used exclusively for storage, for housing of mechanical equipment integral with the building, for maintenance facilities, or for those areas so restricted that customers, patients, clients, salesmen, and the general public are denied access.
Cross reference: Definitions generally, § 1-2. |
§ 86-748 Requirements for a use not mentioned.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.3]
The requirements for an off-street parking facility for a use not specifically mentioned are those requirements for a use which is mentioned and which is most similar to the use not mentioned shall apply.
§ 86-749 Fractional spaces.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.4]
The number of parking spaces required for any particular building or land use shall be calculated on the basis of specific need. A calculation of the number of spaces needed resulting in a fraction of a space shall be corrected by deleting any space less than 1/2 of a full space or by adding one space for any space over 1/2 of a full space.
§ 86-750 Location of parking area.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.5]
Off-street parking areas shall be located in relation to the use they are intended to serve. Parking shall be on the same property as the use in all districts, except the following uses may have parking off the premises, provided that no parking is farther than 500 feet from an entrance to the building:
(1)
Public and quasipublic buildings, assembly halls, private clubs, associations, or institutions.
(2)
Uses in research or industrial districts.
(3)
Commercial and office uses except hotels, motels or motor hotels, where parking must be on the premises.
§ 86-751 Use of parking areas.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.6]
No commercial repair work, servicing, or selling of any kind shall be conducted on any parking areas except which is specifically permitted by this division by right, by license, or by special use permit. Only those traffic directional signs necessary for the proper functioning of the parking area may be permitted. Traffic signs shall conform to the requirements of the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. No other appurtenances such as plastic animals, streamers, cloth signs, children's play areas, mechanical entertainment devices, or any other similar device shall be permitted in the parking area or outside a building.
§ 86-752 Building additions or other increases in floor area.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.7]
Any increase in effective capacity of any premises use for which off-street parking is required in accordance with this division shall be accompanied by the provisions and maintenance of parking space in proper ratio to the increased capacity.
§ 86-753 Joint use of parking areas.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.8]
(a)
The joint use of parking facilities by two or more nonresidential uses is recommended whenever such use is practicable and satisfactory to each of the uses intended to be served and when all requirements for location, design, construction, and landscaping can be satisfied, except parking setbacks from side or rear property lines shall not apply.
(b)
In computing capacities of any joint use, the total space requirement is the sum of the individual requirements that will occur at the same time. If peak space requirements for individual uses occur at distinctly different times from the peak requirements for other joint uses, the maximum capacity required for joint use will be less than the sum of total individual space requirements.
(c)
A copy of an agreement between joint users shall be filed with the application for a building permit and recorded with the county register of deeds. The agreement shall include a guarantee for continued use of the parking facility for each party to the joint use.
§ 86-754 Parking restrictions.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.9]
Parking on nonpaved open space is prohibited. Parking in driveways is prohibited, except in one-family residential districts. In one-family residential districts, no motor vehicle parking space shall be provided in the front yard, except on a paved or gravel driveway that occupies no more than 35% of the total area of the front yard.
§ 86-755 Schedule of requirements for parking space.
[Code 1974, § 85-10; amended by Ord. No. 2005-01, 1-30-2005; Ord. No. 2009-03, 4-19-2009; Ord. No. 2014-07, 12-9-2014; Ord. No. 2025-04, 7-8-2025]
Parking space shall be provided in accordance with the design standards of this chapter and according to this schedule:
Use | Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required Per Unit of Measure | |
|---|---|---|
Residential | ||
Single-family dwelling or duplex living unit | 2 for each dwelling unit | |
Multiple-family district | 1.5 for each efficiency or one-bedroom unit and 2 for each dwelling unit with 2 or more bedrooms | |
Housing for the elderly | 1 for each 2 units and 1 for each employee on peak employment shifts. Should units revert to general occupancy, then 1.5 for each efficiency or one-bedroom unit and 2 for each dwelling unit with 2 or more bedrooms. | |
Mobile home parks | 2 for each mobile home or mobile home site | |
Institutional | ||
Places of worship | 1 for each 5 fixed seats, 10 linear feet of pews, and one for each 30 square feet of assembly floor area without fixed seats | |
Hospitals | 1 for each 1 bed | |
Homes for the aged and convalescent homes | 1 for each 4 beds plus 1 for each employee on the largest working shift | |
Child care centers and adult care centers | 1 per every teacher or caregiver | |
Fire and police stations | 1 for each employee on duty during the highest staffed shift plus 25% for visitors | |
Elementary and junior and high schools | 1 for each 1 teacher and administrator in addition to the requirements of the auditorium | |
Senior high schools | 1 for each employee plus 1 for each 10 students, based on the number of students that the facility is designed to handle at any one time, in addition to the requirements of the auditorium | |
Theaters, auditoriums, and concert halls | 1 for each 4 seats at maximum capacity plus 1 for each 2 employees | |
Museums and art galleries | 1 space for every 500 square feet of gallery area, 1 space per employee, plus 1 space for every 4 seats in a theater or auditorium | |
Dance halls, civic clubs, fraternal orders, clubs, union halls or any similar type use | 1 space for each 100 square feet of usable floor area | |
Libraries | 1 space for every 250 square feet of gross floor area (GFA) plus 1 per 2 employees | |
Business and Commercial | ||
Athletic clubs and health spas | 1 per 300 square feet of usable floor space. Accessory uses shall require additional parking. | |
Business or trade schools | 1 space for each seat plus 1 space for each teacher or other employee | |
Commercial centers and shopping malls | ||
Centers less than 50,000 square feet | 1 for each 200 square feet of gross floor area | |
Centers greater than 50,000 square feet | 1 for each 400 square feet of gross area | |
All other retail businesses, unless specifically defined | ||
For businesses with a gross floor area (GFA) less than 25,000 square feet | 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet (minimum) to 5 1/2 spaces per 1,000 square feet (maximum) | |
For businesses with a gross floor area (GFA) equal to or greater than 25,000 square feet | 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet (minimum) to 4 1/2 spaces per 1,000 square feet (maximum) | |
Motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, boat, or mobile home sales or service establishments | 1 for each 200 square feet of usable floor space of sales room, 1 for each service bay, and 1 for each employee | |
Dance or music studios | 1 space for every 200 square feet of instructional area plus 1 for each teacher | |
Restaurants, taverns, bars, nightclubs, and brewpubs | 1 space per 4 seats plus 1 space per employee plus 5 stacking spaces per drive-through lane Outdoor seating areas shall count toward total parking required unless the proprietor demonstrates that outdoor seating areas do not increase the capacity of the restaurant. | |
Barber shops, beauty shops | 1.5 spaces for each chair, plus 1 for every 2 employees | |
Laundromats and coin-operated dry cleaners | 1 for each 2 washing or dry cleaning machines | |
Mini storage establishments and enclosed climate controlled storage facilities | 10 exterior spaces for the storage facility, plus 2 for the office, plus 1 space for each employee. Rows between storage buildings shall be designed to allow for simultaneous vehicle parking and passage. | |
Drive-in banks or laundries | 3 standing spaces for each drive-in window in addition to normal parking required for banks or laundries | |
Drive-in carwashes, automatic | 15 stacking spaces for each washing bay, plus 1 space for each 2 employees | |
Drive-in carwashes, self-service | 3 stacking spaces for each washing bay | |
Gasoline service stations | 1 for each bay and 1 for each employee on the largest shift. Parking shall be provided for convenience stores and other uses operated in conjunction with a gasoline service station, based on standards set forth herein. | |
Bowling alleys | 4 for each 1 alley, in addition to any requirement for other uses such as bar, restaurant, or billiard room | |
Golf courses open to the general public, except miniature or "par three" | 4 for each 1 golf hole and 1 for each employee. Additional spaces shall be provided as required for clubhouse, restaurant, pro shop, or other affiliated facilities. | |
Golf courses, miniature or "par three" | 3 for each 1 hole plus 1 for each 1 employee | |
Golf driving range, stand alone | 1 space for every two tees | |
Mortuary establishments | 1 for each 50 square feet of usable floor space | |
Motels, hotels, or other commercial lodging establishments | 1 for each 1 occupancy unit plus extra spaces for dining rooms, ball rooms, or meeting rooms as required by this division | |
Industrial | ||
Industrial or research establishments | 1 for every 2 employees on the largest working shift | |
Warehousing or wholesale establishments | 1 for every 2 employees on the largest working shift | |
Contractor's establishments | 1 for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area (GFA), but no less than 5 | |
Offices | ||
General office | 3 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area (minimum) to 4 spaces per 1,000 feet of gross floor area (maximum) | |
Dental office | 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area | |
Medical office | 5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area | |
Financial institutions (banks, credit unions, etc.) | 1 space for every 150 square feet of usable floor area and 3 stacking spaces | |
§ 86-756 Design and construction requirements.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.11; Ord. No. 2000-15, 11-9-00; Ord. No. 2004-06, 9-5-2004]
In addition to general design requirements specified in other sections of this division, the following design and construction requirements shall be satisfied in all off-street parking areas, except for single-family parking areas and as noted:
(1)
New or expanded parking lots. No parking lot shall be constructed, expanded, or hard-surfaced unless and until a permit therefor is issued by the Department of Community Planning and Development. Building permits issued for nonresidential structures shall constitute the permit necessary to construct the associated parking. Applications for a permit shall be accompanied with two sets of plans for the development and construction of the parking lot
(2)
Size and layout of off-street parking. Plans for the layout of off-street parking facilities shall be in accordance with the following minimum requirements:
Parking Pattern | Maneuvering Lane Width (feet) | Parking Space Width (feet) | Parking Space Length (feet) | Total Width of 1 Tier of Spaces plus Maneuvering Lane (feet) | Total Width of 2 Tiers of Spaces plus Maneuvering Lane (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0° (parallel parking) | 12 | 8 | 23 | 20 | 28 |
30° | 12 | 9 | 20 | 32 | 52 |
45° | 15 | 9 | 20 | 36.5 | 58 |
60° | 20 | 9 | 20 | 40 | 60 |
90° | 24 | 9 | 20 | 44 | 64 |
90° | 25 | 10 | 18 | 43 | 61 |
90° | 23 | 10 | 20 | 43 | 63 |
(3)
Minimum residential parking space size. A minimum of 180 square feet shall be provided for each vehicle parking space located within a multiple-family residential development.
[Amended 5-5-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-05]
(4)
Marking or designation. Each space shall be clearly marked and reserved for parking purposes.
(5)
Access drives. An access drive shall be provided not less than 25 feet wide and so located as to secure the most appropriate development of the individual property.
(6)
Required surfacing and drainage. The entire parking area, including parking spaces and maneuvering lanes, required under this division shall have asphaltic or concrete surfacing in accordance with specifications approved by the Township Engineer. Such facilities shall be drained so as to dispose of all surface water accumulated in the parking area in such a way as to preclude drainage of water onto adjacent property or toward buildings. Drainage systems must be approved in writing by the Township Engineer. The parking area shall be surfaced within one year of the date the permit is issued.
(7)
Curb and gutter. Concrete curb and gutter shall be required in order to control stormwater flow from the parking area and in order to protect landscaped areas such as landscape islands and other plantings. This section may be waived at the discretion of the Director of Community Planning and Development as follows:
a.
Procedure. The following procedures shall govern requests for exemptions from Subsection (7) of this section.
1.
The Director of Community Planning and Development shall review a site plan submitted in accordance with and in conjunction with the requirements of this chapter. The site plan may be referred to the County Drain Commissioner for a recommendation.
2.
The site plan shall include an estimate of the volume of runoff.
3.
The applicant shall provide a report indicating that the expected runoff can be absorbed on site.
b.
Criteria. The following criteria shall be considered in the Director's decision:
1.
The County Drain Commissioner's and/or the Director of Public Works and Engineering's recommendation (if applicable).
2.
The parking lot is drained so as to dispose of all surface water accumulated in the parking area in such a way as to preclude drainage of water onto adjacent properties or towards buildings and to ensure stormwater pretreatment and prevent erosion.
3.
The site plan provides for protection of landscaping by other means acceptable to the Township.
4.
The parking lot has 25 or fewer parking spaces.
5.
Where provided, detention and retention areas shall maintain slopes no steeper than 4:1 (horizontal:vertical).
(8)
Backing onto street. All spaces shall be provided adequate access by means of maneuvering lanes. Backing directly onto a street shall be prohibited.
(9)
Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided for use when a parking area is in operation. All lighting shall be arranged so that no source of light shall be visible beyond the parcel lot upon which the parking area is located.
(10)
Adjoining a residential district. Where a parking area with a capacity of less than 50 vehicles, or its associated internal access or service drives, adjoins a residential district, a landscaped buffer, at least 20 feet wide, shall be provided between the parking area and the adjoining property and a vertical screen shall be erected consisting of a masonry wall, plant materials, a landscaped earth berm, or a combination thereof, as appropriate for the site, no less than four feet in height. Where a parking area with a capacity of 50 or more vehicles, or its associated internal access or service drives, adjoins a residential district, a landscaped buffer, at least 40 feet wide, shall be provided between the parking area and the adjoining property and a vertical screen shall be erected consisting of a masonry wall, plant materials, a landscaped earth berm, or a combination thereof, as appropriate for the site, no less than four feet in height.
(11)
Adjoining a public street. Where a parking area, or its associated internal access or service drives, adjoins a public street, except parking areas on individual residential driveways, a landscaped buffer at least 20 feet wide shall be provided between the parking area and the adjacent right-of-way, as measured from the back of the parking lot curb to the right-of-way line. A vertical screen, consisting of a masonry wall, plant material, a landscaped earth berm, or a combination thereof, as appropriate for the site, no less than three feet in height, shall be provided to screen the parking area from view along the entire length of this buffer strip. Plantings in this buffer area shall be maintained in a healthy condition. No more than two driveway approaches may be permitted to break this buffer from an arterial or collector street, and no more than one driveway from a local street, except as provided in § 86-441, the corridor access management overlay district, no more than two driveway approaches may be permitted to break this buffer from an arterial or collector street, and no more than one driveway from a local street.
(12)
Sidewalks. When deemed necessary to provide for the public safety, the Planning Commission may require construction of sidewalks along public streets or highways.
(13)
Bicycle paths. Bicycle paths may be required when deemed necessary to provide for safe pedestrian and nonmotorized vehicular movement throughout the Township and when in conjunction with an adopted plan for parks, open space and pedestrian and bicycle paths.
(14)
Adjoining the same or any other nonresidential district. Where a parking area, or its associated internal access or service drives, adjoins the same or any other nonresidential district, a landscaped buffer, at least 15 feet wide, shall be provided between the parking area and the property line. A vertical screen shall be erected consisting of a masonry wall, plant material, a landscaped earth berm, or a combination thereof, as appropriate for the site, no less than three feet in height.
§ 86-757 Frontage roads.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.12; Ord. No. 2004-06, 9-5-2004]
In the interests of public safety a frontage road or service drive shall be required along major streets as designated in § 86-367. Additional standards pertaining to Grand River Avenue (M-43) are provided in § 86-441. The following minimum standards shall be utilized in design and construction of frontage roads and service drives:
(1)
Minimum width: 25 feet.
(2)
Setback from right-of-way: 10 feet, except along Grand River Avenue which shall be in conformance with the requirements of § 86-441.
(3)
Surfacing: Asphalt or concrete surface with concrete curb and gutter.
§ 86-758 Landscaping.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.13; amended by Ord. No. 2008-10, 7-20-2008; Ord. No. 2025-07, 9-16-2025]
In addition to any landscaping required in any particular district, all parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with the following provisions:
(1)
Landscaping. Landscaping shall be installed and designed to control traffic, provide shade, screen views into and within vehicular use areas, and separate the parking, circulation, and service areas, in accordance with the following provisions:
a.
Parking lot perimeter landscaping shall be provided surrounding the parking lot in the amount of one square foot of landscaping per 20 square feet of parking lot pavement.
1.
Street trees shall count as both street tree and parking lot perimeter landscaping.
2.
Landscaping is required to be outside of the required building and parking lot setbacks.
b.
Parking lot landscape islands shall be provided throughout the parking area in the amount of 200 square feet for each 10 parking spaces, subject to the following:
1.
No landscaped area shall have a dimension less than 10 feet nor an area less than 200 square feet.
2.
One shrub per 50 square feet shall be planted on parking lot islands in addition to a tree.
3.
These standards shall apply to all of the following:
i.
All newly constructed buildings.
ii.
Expansion of a use that anticipates a 10% or greater increase in required off-street parking spaces.
c.
A minimum of two canopy trees shall be provided for every 10 parking spaces, meeting the following standards:
1.
Canopy trees shall be a minimum of 2.5 inches in caliper at time of planting.
2.
Conifer trees shall be a minimum of eight feet in height at time of planting.
d.
Ground cover. The types of ground cover listed below are required for any parking lot landscape installation:
1.
Natural vegetation. These are listed in the Michigan State University Native Plants and Ecosystem Services Southern Lower Peninsula Regional Plant List, or those species that occurred within nearby municipal boundaries prior to European settlement, according to available historical and scientific evidence. These species shall not require pesticide and herbicide applications, to eliminate toxicity to local wildlife and aquatic habitats.
2.
Rain gardens. A non-engineered shallow landscaped depression, with compost-amended native soils and adapted plants. The depression is designed to pond and temporarily store stormwater runoff from adjacent areas, and to allow stormwater to pass through the amended soil profile.
3.
Xeriscape. Landscaping which reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation shall be encouraged.
4.
Mulch. Ten percent of a parking lot island shall be a mulch planting bed with flowers or flowering shrubs.
5.
Rocks and stones shall not be permitted as a primary ground cover and may only be used in building perimeter landscaping and in limited situations where mulching may otherwise be problematic with storm drainage plans, as approved by the Director of Community Planning and Development.
6.
Vehicles shall not be permitted to extend into landscaped areas. Landscaped areas shall be protected from encroachment by the use of curbing, wheel stops, or similar means.
(2)
Building perimeter landscaping:
a.
Shall be planted along building walls visible from a public street or from a parking lot.
b.
Shall consist of a mixture of landscaping and approved ground cover types.
c.
Must have a minimum of four feet in width.
(3)
Maintenance of landscaping.
a.
All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a healthy condition and kept free of refuse and debris.
b.
Irrigation. Irrigation of trees and shrubs is required unless xeriscape plantings have been approved by the Director of Community Development and Planning.
c.
Landscape upkeep. Dead, diseased, or missing vegetation shall be replaced within 30 days, or as soon as weather permits.
d.
Snow storage. To protect vegetation, interior landscaped islands less than 20 feet in each dimension shall not be used for snow storage.
§ 86-759 Parking deferral.
[Code 1974, § 85-1.16]
(a)
The purpose of this section is to eliminate unsightly expanses of unused paved areas, unnecessary levels of accelerated stormwater runoff, excess radiated heat from paved surfaces, and the premature loss of open space by permitting such uses to develop with reduced numbers of constructed off-street parking spaces while retaining additional site area for possible future off-street parking use, where appropriate.
(b)
The following provisions apply:
(1)
For uses requiring a special use permit, other than multiple-family projects, the Planning Commission, or the Township Board on appeal, may defer the construction of all or part of the required off-street parking during its review of the application for a special use permit, provided the requested deferral complies with the standards of this division.
(2)
For uses subject to site plan review only, the Director of Community Planning and Development, subject to appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals, may defer the construction of all or part of the required off-street parking during the review of the application for site plan review, provided the requested deferral complies with the standards of this division.
(3)
Where a parking construction deferral is requested, the applicant shall submit the following information with the application for a special use permit or site plan review:
a.
A written statement describing the characteristics of the proposed project that justify the requested parking deferral.
b.
The site plan submitted with an application for a special use permit or site plan review for the property shall indicate all required parking, parking lot landscaping, and other information necessary to determine compliance with all requirements of this article. The site plan shall also indicate that area where parking construction will be deferred, the number of parking stalls for which deferral is proposed, and the number of parking stalls to be constructed. The site plan will note that the area where parking will be deferred is to be reserved for future parking, will be maintained as landscaped open space, and may not be used for any other purposes.
(4)
Areas of land where parking construction has been deferred shall be landscaped and maintained with grass or other acceptable plant materials. If that area is not disturbed during construction, it may, with the approval of the Planning Commission, or director for site plan review only, be maintained in its natural vegetative condition existing prior to development, provided the natural vegetation is in keeping with the general appearance of the area.
(5)
Seasonal overflow parking may be permitted in reserved areas where open-cell grass pavers, or other engineered surfaces capable of maintaining grass growth and supporting vehicles, are used. Use of seasonal overflow parking areas shall not exceed 15 cumulative days in one year.
(6)
Areas where parking construction has been deferred shall not be used to satisfy interior landscaping, buffer, pervious surface, or stormwater retention or detention requirements of this article or other agency having jurisdiction.
(7)
That portion of the proposed parking lot which will be constructed shall be landscaped to comply with the parking area landscaping requirements of this article as applied to a parking lot of the size actually constructed.
(8)
In addition to the requirements in subsections (b)(1)—(7) of this section approval for deferral of parking lot construction shall be granted only upon finding that the proposal will provide adequate off-street parking for the proposed use.
(9)
In approving a parking deferral, the Planning Commission or Director of Community Planning and Development, or the Township Board or Zoning Board of Appeals on an appeal, may prescribe such conditions regarding the character, location, landscaping, and other features that will secure the objectives and purposes of this article.
(10)
The approved parking deferral and any conditions related to such deferral shall be described in a parking construction deferral agreement between the Township and the applicant and recorded with the county register of deeds. The parking construction deferral agreement shall include a provision that grants the Township a license to come on the subject property and construct the deferred parking at the property owner's cost if the property owner refuses or neglects to construct the deferred parking as directed by the Township and a provision that the cost for such construction may be added to the tax roll under Chapter 46 of this Code if not timely paid by the property owner.
(11)
The owner of property for which a parking deferral has been granted shall submit any request to increase or change the use or occupancy of the property to the Director of Community Planning and Development prior to such increase or change. If the Director of Community Planning and Development determines that the increased or changed use may affect the property's parking needs, a request to review the parking deferral shall be submitted to the Planning Commission in accordance with subsection (b)(1) of this section. The Director of Community Planning and Development may approve a request to increase or change a use subject to site plan review in accordance with subsection (b)(2) of this section. Any changes in the approved parking deferral shall be incorporated in a recorded agreement as provided in subsection (b)(10) of this section.
(12)
The owner of property for which a parking deferral has been granted may, at his discretion, construct all or part of the deferred parking if the need arises.
(13)
The Township shall require the full or partial construction of the deferred parking upon a determination of an ongoing demonstrated need for additional parking or a violation of the terms and conditions of the parking construction deferral agreement. An ongoing demonstrated need for additional parking shall include, but not be limited to, inadequate parking on the site for more than three hours or more than 15 days in a thirty-day time period.
(14)
A violation of a parking deferral agreement or failure to construct the required parking as ordered shall be considered a nuisance per se as provided in Chapter 46 of this Code.
§ 86-760 Bicycle parking.
[Ord. No. 2010-02, 2-28-2010]
(a)
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide adequate and safe facilities for the temporary placement and use of bicycles. This section is intended to specify the required type, number and location of bicycle parking spaces on a site. The regulations and requirements are designed to promote and encourage the safety and general welfare of the community by:
(1)
Promoting an alternative and energy efficient mode of transportation.
(2)
Encouraging a healthy lifestyle by promoting and accommodating the use of bicycles.
(3)
Providing adequate and safe facilities for the temporary placement of bicycles.
(b)
Applicability.
(1)
Bicycle parking shall be provided for any new building constructed after the effective date of this section. After the effective date of this section, bicycle parking shall also be provided on all sites when an addition to an existing building is constructed that results in the need for additional motor vehicle parking spaces or for any change in the use of a building that results in the need for additional motor vehicle parking spaces.
(2)
This section does not prohibit the voluntary installation of bicycle parking that conforms to the requirements set forth in this section.
(3)
Except as otherwise required, a bicycle parking area shall be treated in a similar manner as a required motor vehicle parking area.
(c)
Exemptions. Bicycle parking shall be required for all uses, with the exception of one- and two-family residential uses.
(d)
Location.
(1)
A bicycle parking area shall be located such that it is visible, safe, and convenient with adequate lighting provided. Lighting will be based on the provisions set forth in Chapter 38, Article VII, titled outdoor lighting.
(2)
Bicycle parking areas shall be located to maximize accessibility to building entrances.
(e)
Design criteria and dimensions. Bicycle parking racks and lockers are encouraged to be unique in design and appearance; however, the bicycle parking area shall be functional, operational, and shall provide for the following:
(1)
A bicycle rack, bicycle locker, or functionally equivalent structure shall be used to secure a bicycle.
(2)
Bicycle parking areas incorporating the standard inverted "U" shaped bicycle rack, or functionally equivalent structure, shall have the following dimensions:
a.
The minimum height of the bicycle rack shall be 36 inches from the base to the top of the rack.
b.
The minimum length for the bicycle rack shall be two feet.
c.
A bicycle rack shall accommodate at least two bicycles.
d.
The exterior surface of bicycle racks and bicycle lockers shall be nonabrasive, non-marring, and durable.
e.
The bicycle parking area shall comply with the dimensions designated in Figure 1:
 Figure 1: Bicycle Parking Area (Source: David Baker + Partners) |
(3)
The bicycle parking area shall be constructed with adequate space to allow operation of the locking mechanism and each bicycle parking space shall be easily accessible. A bicycle parking area shall not interfere with any designated pedestrian sidewalk or pathway, required vehicle parking spaces or vehicle maneuvering lanes, and shall not eliminate any required landscape area.
(4)
The bicycle parking rack shall be installed so that the rack supports the bicycle in an upright position and allows for the bicycle frame and front wheel to be securely locked.
(5)
The bicycle parking area shall be hard surfaced with material such as asphalt, concrete, or a brick paving system and shall be adequately maintained and kept free of mud, dust, ice, and snow.
(6)
The bicycle racks, bicycle lockers or functionally equivalent structures must be securely anchored.
(7)
Up to 1/2 of the required bicycle parking spaces on the site may be located inside of a building.
(f)
Shared bicycle parking facilities. For sites containing multiple uses or tenants, a single bicycle parking area may be provided as long as the total number of bicycle parking spaces provided is not less than the sum of all of the separate uses combined.
(g)
Bicycle parking requirements.
(1)
Unless otherwise provided, one bicycle parking space shall be provided for every ten-motor vehicle parking spaces required. The minimum number of bicycle parking spaces provided shall not be less than two. The maximum number of bicycle parking spaces shall not exceed 50.
(h)
Reduction of required motor vehicle parking spaces. The number of required motor vehicle parking spaces on a site may be reduced by one motor vehicle parking space for every two bicycle parking spaces installed on a site in compliance with this section. Motor vehicle parking spaces may not be reduced by more than 10% of the total number of required motor vehicle parking spaces.
(i)
Waiver. An individual may submit a written request to the Director of Community Planning and Development for a waiver from the requirements of this section. The request shall state the reason(s) for the waiver and contain any other applicable information related to the waiver. In making a determination regarding a waiver the Director of Community Planning and Development may consider characteristics of the site including the type of use, site layout (accessibility, maneuverability, design, and other related elements), or unique circumstances.
