20-1.1

Scope of provisions. Except as provided in this section, no application for a building/zoning permit shall be approved unless there is included with the plan for such building, improvement, or use a plot plan showing the required space reserved for off-street parking and service purposes. An occupancy permit shall not be issued unless the required off-street parking and service facilities have been provided in accordance with those shown on the approved plan.

20-1.2

Off-street parking required. Off-street automobile parking or storage shall be provided for every establishment and every dwelling on every lot as required herein.

All zoning districts shall conform to the requirements of this section with the exception that no off-street parking will be required for developments located as follows excluding developments listed in Subsection 12-2.4(F):

(A)

Lots on the south side of Shepard Street from its beginning in the 700 block to South 9th Street.

(B)

Lots on the south side of Evans Street from South 4th Street to South 7th Street.

(C)

Lots on the north side of Shepard Street and the south side of Evans Street from South 7th Street to South 8th Street.

(D)

Lots on the north side of Evans Street and the south side of Arendell Street from South 4th Street to South 10th Street, to exclude the North Carolina Railroad property identified as Tax #638620718127.

(E)

Lots on the north side of Arendell Street from North 4th Street east to the NC State Port.

(F)

Lots on the north side of Bridges Street from North 4th Street east to the water.

(G)

Lots fronting on Arendell Street, including the wedge lots, from North 4th Street to North 9th Street.

(H)

Lots on the north side of Arendell Street and the south side of Bridges Street from North 9th Street to North 12th Street.

20-1.3

Combined lots permissible. The required parking space for any number of separate establishments may be combined in one (1) lot, but the required spaces assigned to one (1) establishment may not be assigned to another establishment at the same time or any other time, except that one-half (½) of the parking spaces required for establishments such as churches, theaters, or assembly halls whose peak attendance will be at night or on Sundays may be assigned to an establishment which will be closed at nights or on Sundays.

(A)

If the required automobile parking spaces cannot reasonably be provided on the same lot on which the principal use is conducted, the Administrator may permit such spaces to be provided on other off-street property, provided such space lies within four hundred (400) feet of the main entrance of such principal use and is in the same or a less restrictive zone, and provided that if the property on which the principal use is conducted is located within the corporate limits, the property on which the off-site parking is located must be within the City.

(B)

When off-street parking is provided on a lot other than the lot on which the principal use is situated, the building/zoning permit application for the principal use shall include a signed instrument duly executed and acknowledge lot, parcel, or tract of land that will be used in connection with the principal use. The applicant shall deposit the necessary fee and, upon the issuance of a building permit, the Land Use Administrator shall cause said instrument to be registered in the office of the register of deeds.

(C)

Extension of parking spaces into a residential district. Required customer and employee parking spaces may extend up to one hundred twenty (120) feet in a residential zoning district, provided that

(1)

The parking space adjoins a commercial, office/professional, or industrial district;

(2)

Has its only access to the property from upon the same street or alley as the property in the commercial, office/professional, or industrial district for which it provides the required parking space and has no access from any point within the residential zone; and

(3)

Is separated from abutting properties or streets in the residential district by a planted buffer strip as described in Section 15-1;

(4)

No structure shall be constructed within the residential zoning district lot within which the parking spaces have been extended.

20-1.4

Exceptions and modifications.

(A)

The purpose of this subsection is:

1.

To continue to provide a mechanism for determining off-street parking requirements for building additions and rebuilding following a disaster;

2.

To provide a mechanism for permitting a reduction in the required number of parking spaces in situations where additional landscaping is proposed and documentation has been provided justifying the proposed reduction; and

3.

To promote community beautification and enhancement efforts, preserve existing trees, promote economic development and the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, and reduce impervious coverage.

(B)

Exceptions.

1.

Whenever a building not having off-street parking facilities in an amount herein specified is increased in floor area by fifty (50) percent or less, parking spaces shall be provided to meet the requirements of Subsection 20-3 for the addition only.

2.

Whenever the floor area of a building is increased by more than fifty (50) percent, parking spaces shall be provided for the existing building and any additions thereto in accordance with Section 20-3.

3.

In the event of building destruction and rebuilding, parking spaces must be provided in accordance with Section 20-3 of this Ordinance unless a modified parking plan has been approved in accordance with Subsection 20-1.4(C).

(C)

Minor Modifications.

1.

For purposes of this Article, minor modification of parking requirements is defined as up to a ten (10) percent reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces required under Section 20-3.

2.

Modification of the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces may be approved by the Land Use Administrator subject to the requirements of this subsection.

3.

Whenever the Land Use Administrator approves a modification of parking requirements, documentation shall be included with the permit record indicating the below conditions that were met justifying the modification.

4.

In order to qualify for an allowable minor modification of the number of required parking spaces as set forth in Section 20-3, the following documentation must be provided by the property owner or applicant:

a.

New parking facility:

i.

A proposed parking plan needs analysis, certified by a North Carolina registered engineer or architect, that demonstrates that the proposed number of parking spaces adequately serves the parking needs for the proposed use; and

ii.

A site plan showing how the alternate parking plan will allow for the addition of landscaped area(s) or the preservation of existing trees within an area(s) not otherwise required. In order to meet the requirements of this subsection, the area to be added or preserved must be equivalent to the area that would have been occupied by the otherwise-required parking area as measured in square feet.

b.

Existing parking facility for a change of use:

i.

A proposed parking plan needs analysis, certified by a North Carolina registered engineer or architect, that demonstrates that the proposed number of parking spaces adequately serves the parking needs for the proposed use. The number of spaces proposed to be provided must be evaluated in comparison to the number of spaces required for the proposed new use based upon the standards set forth in Section 20-3; and

ii.

A site plan showing how the alternate parking plan will allow for the addition of landscaped area(s) or the preservation of existing trees within an area(s) not otherwise required. In order to meet the requirements of this subsection, the area to be added or preserved must be equivalent to the area that would have been occupied by the otherwise-required parking area as measured in square feet.

c.

Existing parking facility for an existing use:

i.

A proposed parking plan needs analysis, certified by a North Carolina registered engineer or architect, that demonstrates that the proposed number of parking spaces adequately serves the parking needs for the current use and documentation that the parking area is underutilized at peak use times for the existing use; and

ii.

A site plan showing how the alternate parking plan will allow for the addition of landscaped area(s) or the preservation of existing trees within an area(s) not otherwise required. In order to meet the requirements of this subsection, the area to be added or preserved must be equivalent to the required parking area proposed to be eliminated as measured in square feet.

(Ord. No. 2025-O-04, 1-14-2025)

20-2.1

Required area for each parking space. Each automobile parking space shall contain not less than one hundred sixty-two (162) square feet plus adequate maneuvering space and shall be not less than nine (9) feet in width and not less than eighteen (18) feet in length.

20-2.2

Drainage, construction, and maintenance. All off-street parking, loading, and service areas shall be drained so as to prevent damage to abutting properties and/or public streets. All such areas shall be at times maintained at the expense of the owners thereof in a clean and serviceable condition.

20-2.3

Separation from walkways, sidewalks, and streets. All off-street parking, loading, and service areas shall be separated from walkways, sidewalks, and streets by curbing or other suitable protective device to prevent vehicles from hanging over these use areas.

20-2.4

Design standards for parking areas. All parking facilities shall conform to the design standards listed in Appendix IV.

20-2.5

[Provision of joined parking lots.] Whenever possible, joined parking lots shall be provided, at the discretion of the Administrator.

For any use or class of uses not specifically mentioned in this section, the requirements for off-street parking and loading facilities for a similar use or class of uses specifically mentioned shall apply. For the purposes of this section, the number of employees shall be computed based on the basis of the largest number of persons to be employed on the largest shift.

20-3.1

Residential and related uses.

(A)

Apartment/multifamily dwelling. Two (2) spaces per unit; plus one space for every six (6) units for overflow.

(B)

Single-family residence. Two (2) spaces.

(C)

Boarding house. One (1) space for each two (2) rooms rented.

(D)

Home occupation. Two (2) spaces in addition to residence requirement.

(E)

Family care home. One (1) space for each two (2) beds plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees plus one (1) space per staff doctor.

(F)

Dormitories. One (1) space for each three (3) residents.

(G)

Manufactured home park. Two (2) spaces for each manufactured home stall plus one (1) space for every six (6) units for overflow.

(H)

Two-family dwelling. Two (2) spaces per unit.

(I)

Business residence. Two (2) spaces for the residential use plus parking to meet the minimum requirements of the particular business.

(J)

Age-restricted multifamily dwelling. Two spaces per unit shall be required for one (1) or two (2) bedroom units. One additional space per six units shall be required for three (3) or more bedroom units.

20-3.2

Public and semi-public uses.

(A)

Hospital. One (1) space for each two (2) beds intended for patient use, plus one (1) space for each staff or visiting doctor, two (2) spaces for each three (3) employees.

(B)

Clinic. Four (4) spaces for each doctor plus one (1) space for each employee.

(C)

Nursing home. One (1) space for each five (5) beds intended for patient use; plus one (1) space for each three (3) employees.

(D)

Assisted living facilities. One (1) space per three (3) beds plus one (1) space per two (2) employees.

(E)

Churches. One (1) space for each six (6) seats in the sanctuary.

(F)

Elementary and junior high school. One (1) space for each classroom and administrative employee plus five (5) visitor spaces.

(G)

Senior high school. One (1) space for each ten (10) students, plus one (1) space for each classroom and administrative office employee.

(H)

Institution of higher learning. One (1) space for every six hundred (600) square feet of academic space plus one (1) space for every four (4) seats in the principal assembly room, plus one (1) space for each employee.

(I)

Stadium. One (1) space for each four (4) seats.

(J)

Auditorium/theater. One (1) space for each four (4) seats in the largest assembly room.

(K)

Public/private clubs. One (1) space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area or one (1) space for every six (6) members, whichever is greater.

(L)

Public utility building/use and governmental building. One (1) space for each employee.

(M)

Day care center, child or adult. One (1) space for each employee plus four (4) spaces for drive-in, off-street drop-off, and pickup.

(N)

Library, museum, and art gallery. One (1) space for each three (3) seats for patron use or one (1) space per two hundred fifty (250) square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater.

(O)

Emergency shelter mission. One (1) space for each employee/volunteer on the largest shift plus ten (10) percent of the seating capacity.

(P)

Bus station, terminal. One (1) space for each one hundred (100) square feet of nonstorage floor area. Space will also be provided for off-street loading and unloading of all commercial buses. This loading and unloading space shall have minimum dimensions of twelve (12) feet by sixty (60) feet and an overhead clearance of fifteen (15) feet in height above the alley or street grade.

20-3.3

Business uses.

(A)

Tourist home, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, motor inn. One (1) space for each room to be rented plus one (1) additional space for every two (2) employees.

(B)

Office other than medical. One (1) space for each two hundred fifty (250) square feet of gross floor area.

(C)

Medical office/clinic. One (1) space per two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area.

(D)

Financial institution. One (1) space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees.

(E)

Automobile service station or repair garage. Three (3) spaces for each grease or wash rack and one (1) space for each two (2) employees, but no fewer than five (5) spaces (these spaces are required exclusive of vehicle service areas).

(F)

Funeral home. One (1) space for each four (4) seats in the assembly room or chapel plus five (5) spaces for funeral vehicles plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees.

(G)

Retail uses. One (1) space for each two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of gross floor area.

(H)

Shopping centers. One (1) space for each two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of gross leasable retail floor area.

(I)

Recreation use. One (1) space per two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area, plus three (3) spaces per tennis/racquetball court, plus four (4) spaces per basketball court, plus one (1) space per one hundred (100) square feet pool and deck area.

(J)

Restaurants. One (1) space for each four (4) seats or one (1) space for each one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area, whichever is less.

(K)

Restaurants, drive-in. One (1) space for each four (4) seats or one (1) space for each one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area, whichever is less, plus a minimum of fifteen (15) spaces for drive-in service.

(L)

Marina and/or boat storage. Parking spaces equal to sixty (60) percent of the number of boats for which facilities for dry storage are available plus one (1) space for each two (2) wet slips plus one (1) space for each employee.

(M)

Personal services. One (1) space per usable station, plus one (1) space per two (2) stations for waiting, plus one (1) space per employee or one (1) space per two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater.

(N)

Adult establishment. One-half (.5) space times (×) the maximum occupancy load allowed by the building code plus one (1) space per two (2) employees.

(O)

Bar/Cocktail lounge. One-half (.5) space times (×) the maximum occupancy load allowed by the building code plus one (1) space per two (2) employees.

(P)

Campground. One (1) space per site plus parking for other uses associated with the establishment plus one (1) space per six (6) sites for overflow.

(Q)

Crisis response ministry center. One (1) space per four hundred and fifty (450) square feet of gross floor area.

(R)

Dry cleaning/laundry establishment. One (1) space per two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet.

(S)

Flea/farmer's market (open air). One (1) space per one thousand (1,000) square foot lot area used for storage, display or sales.

(T)

Kennel. One (1) space per employee plus five (5) spaces for visitors.

(U)

Massage parlor. One-half (.5) times (×) the maximum occupancy load allowed by the building code plus one (1) space per two (2) employees.

(V)

Retail, low volume sales (i.e. furniture stores, carpet stores, manufactured home sales, boat sales, car sales, garden center). One (1) space per four hundred fifty (450) square feet of gross floor area.

(W)

Studio (art, photograph). One (1) space per four hundred fifty (450) square feet floor area.

(X)

Taxi stand. One (1) space per two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of gross floor area.

(Y)

Outdoor vending self-service kiosk. One (1) space per fifty (50) square feet of kiosk area.

(Z)

Freestanding manufactured ice vending machine. Two (2) spaces plus one (1) handicapped space marked with either stripes or parking stops.

20-3.4

Recreational uses.

(A)

Bowling alley. Three (3) spaces per lane plus requirements for any other use associated with the establishment such as a restaurant, etc.

(B)

Golf course. Three (3) spaces per hole plus requirements for any other use associated with the establishment such as a restaurant, etc.

(C)

Outdoor recreation area, commercial (driving range, miniature golf, tennis, public pool, etc.). One (1) space for each three (3) persons able to use such facility at its maximum capacity plus ten (10) spaces for waiting plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees.

20-3.5

Industrial, warehouse, and wholesale uses.

(A)

Event center. One (1) space per 200 square feet plus one space per every four persons accommodated by the facility at maximum capacity.

(B)

Manufacturing, processing, fabrication assembly, distributions, bottling works, machine shop, metal shop, woodworking shop, plumbing shop, contractors yard, building material storage, junk yard, medical/research laboratories, warehouse, electrical shop, printing shop, roofing shop. One (1) space per six hundred (600) square feet of gross floor area other than office or retail plus one space per two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of office area and one (1) space per two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of retail area.

(C)

Wholesale establishments. One (1) space per nine hundred (900) square feet of gross floor area other than office or retail plus one (1) space per two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of office area and one (1) space per two hundred twenty-five (225) square feet of retail area.

(D)

Self-service storage facilities. One (1) space per each one thousand (1,000) square feet up to five thousand (5,000) square feet plus one (1) space per each additional five thousand (5,000) square feet of storage area.

20-3.6

Special situations. Special situations or situations to which none of the above can be applied to shall be determined by the Board of Adjustment based on the occupancy restrictions of the use.

Every building or structure used for business, trade, or industry hereafter erected except in the CD district shall provide space as indicated herein for loading and unloading of vehicles off the street or off the public alley. Such space shall have access to an alley or if there is no alley, to the street. For the purposes of this Ordinance, an off-street loading and unloading space shall have minimum dimensions of twelve (12) feet by sixty (60) feet and an overhead clearance of fifteen (15) feet in height above the alley or street grade.

20-4.1

Retail business. One (1) space for each five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor space or major fraction thereof but not to exceed two (2) spaces.

20-4.2

Wholesale and industrial. One (1) space for each ten thousand (10,000) square feet of floor space or major fraction thereof but not to exceed three (3) spaces.

20-4.3

Self-service storage facilities. No additional parking shall be required for a self-service storage facility office.