The purpose of this chapter is to alleviate or prevent congestion of the public right-of-way so as to promote the safety and general welfare of the public, by establishing minimum requirements for off street loading and unloading from motor vehicles in accordance with the specific and appropriate utilization of various parcels of land or structures. (Prior Code § 20-22-1)

   A.   Off Street: All required loading berths shall be off street and located on the same lot as the building or use to be served.

   B.   Distance From Intersection: All loading berth curb cuts shall be located at a minimum sixty feet (60') from the intersection of two (2) or more street rights-of-way. This distance shall be measured from the property line.

   C.   Distance From Residential Use: No loading berth shall be located closer than one hundred feet (100') from a residential district unless within a structure.

   D.   Prohibited In Front Yards: Loading berths shall not occupy the required front yard setbacks.

   E.   Conditional Use Permit Required: A conditional use permit shall be required for new loading berths added to an existing structure and/or where the loading berth is located at the front or at the side of the building on a corner lot.

      1.   Pedestrians: Loading berths shall not conflict with pedestrian movement.

      2.   Visibility: Loading berths shall not obstruct the view of the public right-of-way from off street parking access.

      3.   General Compliance: Loading berths shall comply with all other requirements of this title.

   F.   Traffic Interference: Each loading berth shall be located with appropriate means of vehicular access to a street or public alley in a manner which will cause the least interference with traffic both on and off site. (Prior Code § 20-22-2)

Subject to exceptions established for the surfacing of parking areas by this chapter, all loading berths and accessways shall be improved with not less than six inch (6") Class 5 base and two inch (2") bituminous surfacing to control the dust and drainage according to a plan submitted to and subject to the approval of the City Engineer. (Prior Code § 20-22-3)

Any space allocated as a required loading berth or access drive so as to comply with the requirements of this title shall not be used for the storage of goods, inoperable vehicles, or snow, and shall not be included as part of the space requirements to meet off street parking requirements. (Prior Code § 20-22-4)

Except in the case of multiple-family dwellings, all loading areas shall be screened and landscaped from abutting and surrounding residential uses and/or the public right-of-way in compliance with title 8, chapter 6 of this Code. (Prior Code § 20-22-5; amd. 2018 Code)

   A.   Nonresidential Developments: Unless otherwise specified in this title, the first loading berth shall be not less than seventy feet (70') in length, and additional berths required shall be not less than thirty feet (30') in length, and all loading berths shall be not less than ten feet (10') in width and fourteen feet (14') in height, exclusive of aisle and maneuvering space. Reductions to loading berth size may be granted by the Zoning Administrator upon demonstration of need. (Prior Code § 20-22-6)

   B.   Multiple-Family Dwellings: The size and location of the required loading berth for multiple-family dwellings shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Administrator. (Prior Code § 20-22-6; amd. 2018 Code)

The number of required off street loading berths shall be as follows:

   A.   Commercial And Industrial Uses: All buildings shall have at least one off street loading berth. Buildings which are ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more shall have, at a minimum, two (2) loading berths.

   B.   Multiple-Family Dwellings: One off street loading berth shall be provided for each principal dwelling structure in excess of four (4) units.

   C.   Other Uses: Other uses not specifically mentioned herein or unique cases shall be determined on an individual basis by the City Council. Factors to be considered in such determination shall include (without limitation) size of buildings, type of use, and expected frequency and number of delivery or service vehicles.

   D.   Space Reductions: Subject to the review and processing of an administrative permit as regulated by chapter 8 of this title, the Zoning Administrator may reduce the number of required off street loading spaces when the use can demonstrate in documented form a need which is less than required. In such situations, the Zoning Administrator may require land to be reserved for loading space development should use or needs change. (Prior Code § 20-22-7)