(a) The regulations of this section are intended to minimize the traffic impacts of development on public streets and to assure that all developments adequately and safely provide storage and movement of vehicles in a manner consistent with good site design and site engineering practices without creating excessive amounts of parking spaces. This section regulates off-street parking and loading, handicapped accessibility, and vehicular access from public streets.
(b) This section includes provisions that are intended to minimize potential nuisance to adjacent properties by limiting light pollution, minimizing dust and debris, improving public safety and managing storm water run-off.
(c) This section includes provisions which are intended to benefit the community by minimizing vehicular and pedestrian conflicts in parking lots, reducing the urban heat island effect, fostering air and water quality, promoting alternative modes of transportation and maximizing the efficient use of land.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.02 APPLICABILITY.
(a) New Uses. No new building or new land use shall be authorized unless the standards of this Chapter, including the minimum number of required parking spaces, are met.
(b) Change of Use. No change of use shall be authorized unless the new use meets the standards of this Chapter, including the minimum number of required parking spaces.
(c) Expanded Uses.
(1) Whenever a building or use created prior to the effective date of this provision is changed or enlarged in floor area, number of units, seating capacity, or otherwise that will create a need for an increase in the number of parking spaces, loading spaces, or vehicle stacking spaces, the additional spaces shall be provided on the basis of the new demand created by the area of the alteration, addition, or change.
(2) If the proposed expansion or enlargement will increase the floor area, number of units, seating capacity, or other area to an extent larger than twenty five (25) percent of the building or use prior to the effective date of this provision, then the entire site must come into compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.
(3) Any expansion or enlargement smaller than that established in subsection (2) above shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter for any new parking, loading, or stacking space areas required for the expansion. In cases where these small expansions or enlargements occur over a period of time after the effective date of this provision, the site shall come into full compliance with the requirements of this Chapter once the total expansion or enlargement of the floor, number of units, seating capacity or other area exceeds twenty five (25) percent of the original size at the time this provision became effective.
(d) Changes or Expansions to Parking Areas.
(1) So long as no expansion is proposed to any building or structure on a site, an existing parking area may be expanded, improved, or otherwise made more conforming in accordance with the design standards of this Chapter, except as provided in subsection (2) below.
(2) In the UP and RO districts, any new off-street parking areas, or expansions to existing parking areas greater than twenty five (25) percent as compared to the area existing on the effective date of this provision, are subject to Conditional Use review as provided in Chapter 1147. This provision shall not apply to any new or expanded off-street parking provided to comply with minimum requirements for single-, two-, or three-family dwellings on individual lots.
(e) Existing Uses. The requirements of this Chapter shall not apply to buildings and uses legally in existence on the effective date of this provision unless modified in a manner as stated in subsections (a) – (d) above. Furthermore, any facilities regulated by this Chapter that serve such existing buildings or uses shall not be reduced below the requirements established in this Chapter in the future. Notwithstanding these provisions, Utilization standards shall always apply to existing uses. (Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.03 GENERAL REGULATIONS.
(a) All off-street parking and maneuvering areas shall be hard surfaced (includes concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, or bonded gravel). Loose materials, including gravel, are not permitted. The Zoning Administrator in collaboration with the City Engineer may allow alternative standards, such as for porous paving, if they satisfy the general intent of all other provisions of this section.
(b) Pre-existing parking areas of any material which straddle a property boundary may be paved or resurfaced with a compliant hard surface material without needing to comply with setback requirements, so long as each property can maintain its own accessibility from a public street or alley without having to use any other property. In cases where separate access for each property cannot be achieved, a shared-access easement may be recorded as a way of satisfying applicable setback provisions.
(c) All off-street parking shall be located on the same site as the use for which it is required or intended, except that off-site parking may be permitted by a Conditional Use Permit according to procedures set forth in Chapter 1147. Shared-use parking may also be permitted by Conditional Use Permit according to procedures in Chapter 1147.
(d) All off-street parking spaces shall contain a minimum sized rectangular area. Standard spaces are 9 feet wide by 18 feet long. Compact spaces are 8 feet wide by 16 feet long.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.04 DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.
(a) Tables 1149.04-1 and 1149.04-2 below outline nonresidential and multi-family parking lot minimum dimensional requirements for spaces and aisles based on angle.
(b) Computation Rules:
(1) Any mixed-use structures or lots must provide parking in an amount equal to the sum of all individual uses combined.
(2) Any fractional spaces required shall be rounded up to the next whole number.
(c) One-way drive aisles that do not provide direct access to parking spaces shall be at least twelve (12) feet wide. Two-way drive aisles that do not provide direct access to parking spaces shall be at least twenty (20) feet wide.
(d) Parking spaces for motorcycles and scooters shall be at least five (5) feet wide by nine (9) feet long.
(e) Compact spaces must be clustered but clusters must be dispersed in parking lots with over 40 spaces. Compact spaces can take up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the required number of spaces. Compact spaces must be clearly marked.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.05 REQUIRED PARKING SPACES.
(a) Table 1149.05-1 below outlines the minimum number of parking spaces required by land use. The maximum number of spaces is limited to no more than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the minimum unless approved by Conditional Use Permit. Single, Two and Three-Family uses on individual lots are exempt from the maximum.
(b) Unlisted Uses.
(1) Upon receiving an application for a use not specifically listed in Table 1149.05-1 above, the Zoning Administrator shall apply the parking standard specified for the listed use that is deemed most similar to the proposed use in regard to use, size and intensity of use.
(2) If the Zoning Administrator determines that there is no listed use similar to the proposed use, intensity, or size, he or she may refer to the estimates of parking demand based on the recommendations of the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE).
(c) Exceptions.
(1) In the UP District, all uses are exempt from parking requirements.
(2) All non-residential uses in the RO Districts are exempt from parking requirements.
(3) A deviation from the number parking spaces provided may be permitted through a Conditional Use for shared use parking or off-site parking.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.06 RESIDENTIAL REGULATIONS.
(a) Applicability. The design-related standards and other regulations of this section shall apply to lots where the principal use is a single-family, two-family, or three-family dwelling. Structures with more than three (3) dwelling units, as well as mixed use sites that may contain single-, two, or three-family dwellings, are subject to the Nonresidential Regulations in Section 1149.07.
(b) Location.
(1) One (1) parking space may be located in a required front yard. All other parking spaces required or provided in excess of the minimum requirement shall not be located in the required front yard. In cases where a pre-existing nonconformity exists such that more than one parking space is already present within the front yard, such spaces may be counted toward the minimum number of spaces required under Section 1149.05.
(2) One (1) required parking space may be a stacked space. All other required off- street parking spaces shall have direct access to a driveway or alley, without crossing another space.
(3) Unenclosed parking spaces shall not be located within three (3) feet of any principal structure in order to provide ample room for motorists to enter/exit vehicles; this provision does not prevent pavement from continuing to the structure wall. An exception shall apply in cases where parking spaces are oriented perpendicular to a structure wall, whereby a distance of three (3) feet or less shall be permitted provided an elevated/curbed concrete platform is installed as a deterrent to vehicles impacting the structure.
(4) All driveways and hard surface parking areas, including any areas to be utilized as unenclosed parking spaces, shall not be located within three (3) feet of any lot line, except when spaces are situated perpendicular to a public alley in which case parking pavement may traverse across the property line provided both owners agree to the encroachment.
(c) Access and Maneuvering.
(1) Curb cuts shall be a minimum of:
A. Thirty (30) feet from the intersection of two local roads
B. Fifty (50) feet from any intersection with a collector road
C. Seventy (70) feet from any intersection with an arterial road
(2) Where a lot is adjacent to an alley, access may be from any location along the lot line except in a required front yard.
(3) A residential use shall have a maximum of one curb cut per 100 feet of frontage, or fraction thereof (e.g. a lot with 101 feet of frontage may have two curb cuts).
(4) A residential use on a corner lot shall have its access from a local street, if available.
(5) In the R-1MS, R-2MS, R3MS and RO Districts, no new driveway situated upon a street right-of-way line shall exceed twelve (12) feet in width. Driveways situated upon a street right-of-way line in all other zoning districts shall be a maximum of 18 feet wide. In all cases, maximum driveway widths shall apply only in front yard areas, defined as the area falling between the front lot line and the principal structure (i.e., a driveway to the side or rear of a principal structure need not adhere to these maximums).
(6) Parking and maneuvering areas shall be designed so that vehicles can enter and exit the area without driving over non-paved areas. When necessary, turn-arounds and appropriate radii shall be used. Tables 1149.04-1 and 1149.04-2 may be used for guidance.
(7) The City Engineer may vary any of the above regulations in subsections (1) through (6) where the City Engineer determines that public safety or professional engineering design practice makes it acceptable to vary these regulations.
(d) Utilization.
(1) No vehicle or trailer shall be parked in any off-street parking area to warehouse or distribute goods, except for loading and temporary sales.
(2) Off-street parking spaces for a non-residential use shall not be used by commercial vehicles that do not fit entirely within the parking space.
(3) Vehicles with signs attached to them shall not be parked in a manner such that they circumvent the Sign provisions (see Chapter 1151).
(4) Off-street parking areas shall not be used to display vehicles for sale, except as a permitted use.
(5) The off-street parking of any recreational vehicle, boat and/or boat trailer, dual purpose truck camper or converted van, pickup camper or coach (designed to be mounted on automotive vehicles), motorized dwelling, tent trailer, travel trailer, utility trailer, bus or semi-tractor or commercial vehicle designed or used for carrying merchandise or freight shall be permitted in a residential district only under the following conditions:
A. All such vehicles must be parked on a permanently hard surface.
B. No more than one camping or recreational vehicle may be parked in a residential district on a front driveway that is permanently hard-surfaced or at the curb in front of the residence of the owner of such recreational vehicle for a period of time not to exceed 48 hours for the purposes of loading and unloading and/or preparation, except where specifically prohibited by other parking regulations.
C. No more than one commercial vehicle having empty weight of less than 4,000 pounds and not more than seven feet in height may be parked on any lot in a residential district provided that it is on a driveway that is permanently hard-surfaced.
D. No more than one vehicle less than 8,000 pounds empty weight and/or ten feet in height, or buses, boats and trailers less than 30 feet in length may be parked or stored on any lot in a residential district. However, such parking or storing shall be prohibited in any front yard provided that it is parked on a permanently hard surface.
E. The conditions set forth in Subsections 2 through 4 above shall not apply to commercial vehicles making service calls, including vehicles being used for moving personal goods.
(6) Vehicles owned, rented or leased by a church, school or other institutional use, provided that such vehicle is parked or stored only on the property where such use is located and that the location and screening of such storage or parking area complies with the provisions of Subsection 3 above.
(7) All permitted camping and recreational vehicles and equipment and commercial vehicles shall be kept in good repair and carry a current year's license and/or registration. Automotive vehicles or trailers of any kind or type without current license plates shall not be parked or stored on any residentially zoned property other than in completely enclosed buildings.
(8) Parked or stored camping and recreational vehicles and equipment or other similar habitable vehicles shall not be permanently connected to electricity, water, gas or sanitary sewer facilities; and at no time shall these vehicles or equipment be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes. No person shall permanently remove the wheels or similar transporting devices of any habitable vehicle parked in any residential district, nor shall such vehicle be otherwise fixed to the ground by any person in any manner that would prevent the ready removal of said habitable vehicle.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.07 NONRESIDENTIAL REGULATIONS.
(a) Applicability. The design-related standards and other requirements of this section shall apply to all nonresidential and multi-family land uses and developments, including mixed use sites.
(b) Location.
(1) Parking Spaces shall not be located within the required front setback.
(2) All paved areas of an off-street parking area shall be a minimum of six (6) feet from any lot line or ten (10) feet from any lot line in a residential zoning district.
(3) In the GB District, the maximum total number of off-street parking spaces provided on-site in front of the principal structure shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of the total number of required off street spaces.
(c) Access and Maneuvering.
(1) Curb cuts shall be a minimum of:
A. Forty (40) feet from the intersection of two local roads
B. Fifty (50) feet from any intersection with a collector road
C. Seventy (70) feet from any intersection with an arterial road
D. Thirty (30) feet from any other curb cut (measured at the lot line)
(2) Driveways shall be a maximum of thirteen (13) feet wide per lane at the right-of-way line.
(3) The City Engineer may vary any of the above regulations in subsections (1) through (2) where the City Engineer determines that public safety or professional engineering design practice makes it acceptable to vary these regulations.
(d) Utilization.
(1) No vehicle or trailer shall be parked in any off-street parking area to warehouse or distribute goods, except for loading and temporary sales.
(2) Off-street parking spaces for a non-residential use shall not be used by commercial vehicles that do not fit entirely within the parking space.
(3) Vehicles with signs attached to them shall not be parked in a manner such that they circumvent the Signs provisions (see Chapter 1151).
(4) Off-street parking areas shall not be used to display vehicles for sale, except when associated with a legal principal use for vehicle sales.
(e) Additional Requirements.
(1) Handicapped accessible. The design and construction of all new, expanded, or comprehensively redesigned off-street parking areas shall comply with applicable requirements of Chapter 11, Accessibility, of the Ohio Building Code.
(2) Loading Spaces.
A. Number.
1. One loading space shall be required for all non-residential uses and for residential uses with greater than three dwelling units.
2. One additional loading space shall be required for each 20,000 square feet or fraction thereof of floor area over the first 10,000 square feet.
3. All residential and non-residential uses in the UP District are exempt from the loading space requirements.
B. Location.
1. Loading spaces may be located anywhere on a lot.
C. Design.
1. Loading spaces must be a minimum of ten (10) feet wide by twenty-five (25) feet long.
D. Utilization.
1. Loading spaces shall be utilized primarily for loading purposes. No vehicle shall occupy a loading space continuously for more than forty-eight (48) hours.
(3) Queue and Exit Spaces.
A. Queuing and exiting spaces are required for drive-through and other uses that result in cars lining up to access a service.
B. Queuing and exiting spaces shall not interfere with required parking or adequate area for vehicle maneuvering.
C. All queuing and exiting spaces shall contain a rectangular area a minimum of nine (9) feet wide and eighteen (18) feet long.
D. Queuing spaces shall not be located in the required front setback.
E. The following uses require queue and exit spaces:
(4) Parking Lot Design.
A. All non-residential parking areas shall be screened from an adjacent residential district by a six (6)-foot high visual screen.
B. Any parking space oriented in such a way as to have headlights shine into a residential structure shall have a fence, wall, or solid hedge of no less than 4' in height screening the headlights.
C. All off-street parking areas shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to ensure that stormwater, dust, and debris do not adversely impact any other lot. Storm water management shall be in compliance with Section 1141.04, Environmental Regulations.
D. Parking areas shall provide a minimum security lighting level of one (1) foot candle. Light fixtures shall be a maximum height of sixteen (16) feet above the adjacent ground. Glare and light pollution is regulated by Section 1141.04, Environmental Regulations.
E. All unpaved areas adjacent to an off-street parking area shall be raised, landscaped, and separated from the parking area by a minimum 6-inch high concrete curb. Openings shall be permitted in specific locations for storm water quality management.
F. A raised, landscaped, and curbed island a minimum of 4.5 feet wide (including the width of the curb) shall be provided at the front and at the ends of each row of parking spaces and at every interval of 15 parking spaces in a row. End islands shall extend to within 3 feet of the end of the parking space. The width requirement can be shared between adjacent facing rows or by the setback requirement adjacent to lot lines. Openings in curbing shall be permitted for storm water management.
G. Interior rows of parking shall have an access aisle between each 15 parking spaces.
H. Visibility shall be assured for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists entering individual parking spaces, circulating within a parking facility, and entering or leaving a parking facility.
I. Internal circulation patterns, and the location and traffic direction of all access drives, shall be designed and maintained in accordance with accepted principles of traffic engineering and traffic safety.
J. Off-street parking and loading areas shall be provided with sufficient maneuvering room so that all vehicles can enter and exit from a public street by forward motion only. The maneuvering of vehicles necessary to enter or exit loading areas shall not occur on City streets.
K. Parking lots shall be designed so that solid waste, emergency, and other public service vehicles can provide service without backing unreasonable distances or making other dangerous or hazardous turning movements.
L. Parking Lot Layout. No more than 200 parking spaces shall be allowed together in one group or cluster. Parking lot clusters shall be separated by landscaping, pedestrian connections, cross aisles, retention basins or similar features.
M. In office-use and industrial projects, a minimum 25 percent of the required parking spaces shall be provided within 200 feet of the building served, with the balance of the required parking within 400 feet.
N. In commercial and mixed use projects, a minimum of 50 percent of the required parking spaces shall be located within 300 feet of the building served.
O. In multi-family residential projects, required parking spaces shall be arranged to provide at least one parking space per unit within 200 feet of the dwelling units they are intended to serve.
P. Drive aisle intersections are to be perpendicular to each other.
Q. Separate vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems shall be provided.
R. Pedestrian Safety.
The design standards described below shall be provided for multi-family residential developments of 5 or more units and for commercial, mixed-use, and/or industrial developments that are 80 feet or more in depth and/or include 50 or more parking spaces.
1. Pedestrian Safety.
Parking lot design should be laid out in a way to minimize the times pedestrians would typically have to walk between parked cars and then cross a drive aisle to get to locations on the site. Internal circulations systems shall be clearly defined. For example, walkways should be incorporated into the median or landscape of some double loaded parking bays that terminate close to access points such as building entries or adjacent street intersections.
2. Materials and Width.
Walkways shall provide at least 5 feet of unobstructed width and be hard-surfaced with a material that differs from the drive aisle by composition, texture, or through the use of a differing color that is integral to the material. For areas beyond ADA accessible spaces, a combination of stepping stones and landscaping can be used, however ADA compliance must also be demonstrated.
3. Identification.
Pedestrian walkways shall be clearly differentiated from driveways, parking aisles, and parking and loading spaces through the use of elevation changes, a different paving material, or similar method. Surface striping alone, is insufficient.
4. Separation. Where a pedestrian walkway is parallel and adjacent to an auto travel lane, it must be raised and separated from the auto travel lane by a raised curb at least 6 inches high, decorative bollards, or other physical barrier.
(5) Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking.
A. Bicycle Parking.
1. Spaces Required.
a. Bicycle parking is required for multi-unit residential buildings and nonresidential development. Unless otherwise expressly stated, buildings and uses subject to bicycle parking requirements must provide the greatest of the following:
i. At least 3 bicycle parking spaces; or
ii. At least 1 bicycle space per 10 on-site vehicle parking spaces actually provided; or
iii. At least 1 bicycle space per 10 vehicle parking spaces required by Section 1149.05.
b. After the first 50 bicycle parking spaces are provided, the required number of additional bicycle parking spaces is 1 space per 20 vehicle parking spaces. Covered spaces are strongly encouraged.
c. The requirements of subsection a, above, notwithstanding, the following minimum bicycle parking requirements apply to colleges, universities, schools and libraries:
i. Elementary and junior high school: 1 bicycle parking space per 1000 square feet;
ii. High school: 1 bicycle parking space per 1500 square feet;
iii. Colleges and universities: 1 bicycle parking space per 5 vehicle parking spaces provided; and
iv. Libraries: 1 bicycle space per 5 vehicle parking spaces provided.
2. Design and Location.
a. General. Required bicycle parking spaces must:
i. Consist of racks or lockers anchored so that they cannot be easily removed and of solid construction, resistant to rust, corrosion, hammers, and saws;
ii. Allow both the bicycle frame and the wheels to be locked using a standard U-lock;
iii. Be designed so as not to cause damage to the bicycle;
iv. Facilitate easy locking without interference from or to adjacent bicycles and maintain a separation of at least 24 inches from the nearest wall; and
v. Be located in close proximity to entrances and other high activity areas, highly visible, active, well-lighted areas without interfering with pedestrian movements.
b. Size. Required bicycle parking spaces for nonresidential uses must have minimum dimensions of 2 feet in width by 6 feet in length, with a minimum overhead vertical clearance of 7 feet.
c. Location. Required bicycle parking may be located indoors or outdoors. Such spaces must be located out of the ROW unless an encroachment agreement is approved. If required bicycle parking facilities are not visible from the abutting street or the building's main entrance, signs must be posted indicating their location.
B. Motorcycle and Scooter Parking. For any nonresidential use providing 50 or more off-street spaces, a maximum of 2 required off-street parking spaces per 50 vehicle spaces may be reduced in size or otherwise redesigned to accommodate parking for motorcycles and scooters. When provided, motorcycle and scooter parking must be identified by a sign. Motorcycle and Scooter parking shall be counted concurrently as part of the minimum number of vehicle spaces required for the development.
(6) Landscaping.
A. Purpose and Applicability.
1. Trees and other vegetation help to limit the negative effects of large, paved areas by improving stormwater control, reducing erosion, avoiding unnatural microclimates, and improving aesthetics.
2. This section sets forth minimum landscaping requirements for parking areas containing more than 4 spaces to satisfy this purpose.
B. Trees and Landscaped Areas.
1. Trees.
a. A parking area shall have 2 trees per parking facility plus 1 tree for every 5 parking spaces or fraction thereof generally distributed throughout the parking area. Any dead or severely diseased trees used to fulfill these regulations shall be replaced at the request of the Zoning Administrator.
b. Trees shall be selected for the local soil and climate. The area and soil depth of the site shall be adjusted to sustain the tree. Immediately following planting, each tree shall be a minimum of 6 feet tall and have a minimum 2-inch caliper. At maturity, each tree shall have a clear trunk at least four feet above the adjacent parking surface and average mature crown greater than 12 feet.
c. Each existing healthy tree meeting the minimum caliper standard that is preserved may be counted as one (1) required tree, and each existing healthy tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of ten (10) inches or greater that is preserved may be counted as two (2) required trees, provided that any such trees are properly documented in accordance with 1148.05(b) and are situated no further than ten (10) feet from the proposed parking area.
d. Tree species shall be selected from the City’s Tree List, or deemed by the Zoning Administrator (or his/her designee) to be an acceptable species for the location.
C. Landscaped areas. All areas that are not paved shall be landscaped and shall satisfy the following regulations:
1. Shrubs, vines, and ground cover shall be healthy stock.
2. Shrubs shall be a minimum of 1 gallon.
3. Shrubs shall be maintained so that their height does not exceed 3 feet above the adjacent parking surface.
4. Lawn grass shall be a species common to Southwest Ohio. Sod shall be used in areas subject to erosion.
5. Synthetic or artificial lawns or plants may not be used in lieu of plant requirements.
6. Concrete and asphalt shall not be used in landscaped areas. Decorative aggregate and other pervious surfaces may be used in landscaped areas if approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(7) Pedestrian Access/Connectivity.
A. Required Sidewalks.
1. A concrete sidewalk of appropriate width shall be required for all portions of a parcel that front along a public street. If the project is located in an area devoid of sidewalks, the minimum width is five (5) feet. The City Engineer shall have the authority to apply the standards of the City of Oxford Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalk Specifications Manual for the construction of any sidewalk.
2. Sidewalks shall be located within the public right-of-way wherever possible. When the right-of-way does not permit the location of a sidewalk, such sidewalk will be located on the property and recorded as a public access easement.
3. A paved bicycle/multi-purpose pathway may be permitted in lieu of the required sidewalk at the discretion of the City Engineer. The City Engineer may consult the City’s latest plans for trails and pathways in making a determination as to whether a pathway is an appropriate substitute for a sidewalk.
4. In cases where sidewalk segment(s) already exist in the required locations, the City Engineer may require replacement of all or some of such segments due to being in a state of disrepair or lack of sufficient width.
B. Required Walkway Connection.
1. Where a sidewalk exists in a public right-of-way adjacent to the site, or is required to be installed pursuant to subsection (A) above, a pedestrian walkway shall be constructed between the entrance(s) of the developed building/use(s) and the public sidewalk.
2. The pedestrian walkway shall be a durable hard surface path with a minimum width of five (5) feet.
3. The pedestrian walkway may consist of one or more crosswalks across drive aisles provided they are hard-surfaced with a material that differs from the drive aisle by composition, texture, or through the use of a differing color that is integral to the material.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
Oxford City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1149
Parking and Site Access
1149.01 PURPOSE.
(a) The regulations of this section are intended to minimize the traffic impacts of development on public streets and to assure that all developments adequately and safely provide storage and movement of vehicles in a manner consistent with good site design and site engineering practices without creating excessive amounts of parking spaces. This section regulates off-street parking and loading, handicapped accessibility, and vehicular access from public streets.
(b) This section includes provisions that are intended to minimize potential nuisance to adjacent properties by limiting light pollution, minimizing dust and debris, improving public safety and managing storm water run-off.
(c) This section includes provisions which are intended to benefit the community by minimizing vehicular and pedestrian conflicts in parking lots, reducing the urban heat island effect, fostering air and water quality, promoting alternative modes of transportation and maximizing the efficient use of land.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.02 APPLICABILITY.
(a) New Uses. No new building or new land use shall be authorized unless the standards of this Chapter, including the minimum number of required parking spaces, are met.
(b) Change of Use. No change of use shall be authorized unless the new use meets the standards of this Chapter, including the minimum number of required parking spaces.
(c) Expanded Uses.
(1) Whenever a building or use created prior to the effective date of this provision is changed or enlarged in floor area, number of units, seating capacity, or otherwise that will create a need for an increase in the number of parking spaces, loading spaces, or vehicle stacking spaces, the additional spaces shall be provided on the basis of the new demand created by the area of the alteration, addition, or change.
(2) If the proposed expansion or enlargement will increase the floor area, number of units, seating capacity, or other area to an extent larger than twenty five (25) percent of the building or use prior to the effective date of this provision, then the entire site must come into compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.
(3) Any expansion or enlargement smaller than that established in subsection (2) above shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter for any new parking, loading, or stacking space areas required for the expansion. In cases where these small expansions or enlargements occur over a period of time after the effective date of this provision, the site shall come into full compliance with the requirements of this Chapter once the total expansion or enlargement of the floor, number of units, seating capacity or other area exceeds twenty five (25) percent of the original size at the time this provision became effective.
(d) Changes or Expansions to Parking Areas.
(1) So long as no expansion is proposed to any building or structure on a site, an existing parking area may be expanded, improved, or otherwise made more conforming in accordance with the design standards of this Chapter, except as provided in subsection (2) below.
(2) In the UP and RO districts, any new off-street parking areas, or expansions to existing parking areas greater than twenty five (25) percent as compared to the area existing on the effective date of this provision, are subject to Conditional Use review as provided in Chapter 1147. This provision shall not apply to any new or expanded off-street parking provided to comply with minimum requirements for single-, two-, or three-family dwellings on individual lots.
(e) Existing Uses. The requirements of this Chapter shall not apply to buildings and uses legally in existence on the effective date of this provision unless modified in a manner as stated in subsections (a) – (d) above. Furthermore, any facilities regulated by this Chapter that serve such existing buildings or uses shall not be reduced below the requirements established in this Chapter in the future. Notwithstanding these provisions, Utilization standards shall always apply to existing uses. (Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.03 GENERAL REGULATIONS.
(a) All off-street parking and maneuvering areas shall be hard surfaced (includes concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, or bonded gravel). Loose materials, including gravel, are not permitted. The Zoning Administrator in collaboration with the City Engineer may allow alternative standards, such as for porous paving, if they satisfy the general intent of all other provisions of this section.
(b) Pre-existing parking areas of any material which straddle a property boundary may be paved or resurfaced with a compliant hard surface material without needing to comply with setback requirements, so long as each property can maintain its own accessibility from a public street or alley without having to use any other property. In cases where separate access for each property cannot be achieved, a shared-access easement may be recorded as a way of satisfying applicable setback provisions.
(c) All off-street parking shall be located on the same site as the use for which it is required or intended, except that off-site parking may be permitted by a Conditional Use Permit according to procedures set forth in Chapter 1147. Shared-use parking may also be permitted by Conditional Use Permit according to procedures in Chapter 1147.
(d) All off-street parking spaces shall contain a minimum sized rectangular area. Standard spaces are 9 feet wide by 18 feet long. Compact spaces are 8 feet wide by 16 feet long.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.04 DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS.
(a) Tables 1149.04-1 and 1149.04-2 below outline nonresidential and multi-family parking lot minimum dimensional requirements for spaces and aisles based on angle.
(b) Computation Rules:
(1) Any mixed-use structures or lots must provide parking in an amount equal to the sum of all individual uses combined.
(2) Any fractional spaces required shall be rounded up to the next whole number.
(c) One-way drive aisles that do not provide direct access to parking spaces shall be at least twelve (12) feet wide. Two-way drive aisles that do not provide direct access to parking spaces shall be at least twenty (20) feet wide.
(d) Parking spaces for motorcycles and scooters shall be at least five (5) feet wide by nine (9) feet long.
(e) Compact spaces must be clustered but clusters must be dispersed in parking lots with over 40 spaces. Compact spaces can take up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the required number of spaces. Compact spaces must be clearly marked.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.05 REQUIRED PARKING SPACES.
(a) Table 1149.05-1 below outlines the minimum number of parking spaces required by land use. The maximum number of spaces is limited to no more than one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the minimum unless approved by Conditional Use Permit. Single, Two and Three-Family uses on individual lots are exempt from the maximum.
(b) Unlisted Uses.
(1) Upon receiving an application for a use not specifically listed in Table 1149.05-1 above, the Zoning Administrator shall apply the parking standard specified for the listed use that is deemed most similar to the proposed use in regard to use, size and intensity of use.
(2) If the Zoning Administrator determines that there is no listed use similar to the proposed use, intensity, or size, he or she may refer to the estimates of parking demand based on the recommendations of the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE).
(c) Exceptions.
(1) In the UP District, all uses are exempt from parking requirements.
(2) All non-residential uses in the RO Districts are exempt from parking requirements.
(3) A deviation from the number parking spaces provided may be permitted through a Conditional Use for shared use parking or off-site parking.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.06 RESIDENTIAL REGULATIONS.
(a) Applicability. The design-related standards and other regulations of this section shall apply to lots where the principal use is a single-family, two-family, or three-family dwelling. Structures with more than three (3) dwelling units, as well as mixed use sites that may contain single-, two, or three-family dwellings, are subject to the Nonresidential Regulations in Section 1149.07.
(b) Location.
(1) One (1) parking space may be located in a required front yard. All other parking spaces required or provided in excess of the minimum requirement shall not be located in the required front yard. In cases where a pre-existing nonconformity exists such that more than one parking space is already present within the front yard, such spaces may be counted toward the minimum number of spaces required under Section 1149.05.
(2) One (1) required parking space may be a stacked space. All other required off- street parking spaces shall have direct access to a driveway or alley, without crossing another space.
(3) Unenclosed parking spaces shall not be located within three (3) feet of any principal structure in order to provide ample room for motorists to enter/exit vehicles; this provision does not prevent pavement from continuing to the structure wall. An exception shall apply in cases where parking spaces are oriented perpendicular to a structure wall, whereby a distance of three (3) feet or less shall be permitted provided an elevated/curbed concrete platform is installed as a deterrent to vehicles impacting the structure.
(4) All driveways and hard surface parking areas, including any areas to be utilized as unenclosed parking spaces, shall not be located within three (3) feet of any lot line, except when spaces are situated perpendicular to a public alley in which case parking pavement may traverse across the property line provided both owners agree to the encroachment.
(c) Access and Maneuvering.
(1) Curb cuts shall be a minimum of:
A. Thirty (30) feet from the intersection of two local roads
B. Fifty (50) feet from any intersection with a collector road
C. Seventy (70) feet from any intersection with an arterial road
(2) Where a lot is adjacent to an alley, access may be from any location along the lot line except in a required front yard.
(3) A residential use shall have a maximum of one curb cut per 100 feet of frontage, or fraction thereof (e.g. a lot with 101 feet of frontage may have two curb cuts).
(4) A residential use on a corner lot shall have its access from a local street, if available.
(5) In the R-1MS, R-2MS, R3MS and RO Districts, no new driveway situated upon a street right-of-way line shall exceed twelve (12) feet in width. Driveways situated upon a street right-of-way line in all other zoning districts shall be a maximum of 18 feet wide. In all cases, maximum driveway widths shall apply only in front yard areas, defined as the area falling between the front lot line and the principal structure (i.e., a driveway to the side or rear of a principal structure need not adhere to these maximums).
(6) Parking and maneuvering areas shall be designed so that vehicles can enter and exit the area without driving over non-paved areas. When necessary, turn-arounds and appropriate radii shall be used. Tables 1149.04-1 and 1149.04-2 may be used for guidance.
(7) The City Engineer may vary any of the above regulations in subsections (1) through (6) where the City Engineer determines that public safety or professional engineering design practice makes it acceptable to vary these regulations.
(d) Utilization.
(1) No vehicle or trailer shall be parked in any off-street parking area to warehouse or distribute goods, except for loading and temporary sales.
(2) Off-street parking spaces for a non-residential use shall not be used by commercial vehicles that do not fit entirely within the parking space.
(3) Vehicles with signs attached to them shall not be parked in a manner such that they circumvent the Sign provisions (see Chapter 1151).
(4) Off-street parking areas shall not be used to display vehicles for sale, except as a permitted use.
(5) The off-street parking of any recreational vehicle, boat and/or boat trailer, dual purpose truck camper or converted van, pickup camper or coach (designed to be mounted on automotive vehicles), motorized dwelling, tent trailer, travel trailer, utility trailer, bus or semi-tractor or commercial vehicle designed or used for carrying merchandise or freight shall be permitted in a residential district only under the following conditions:
A. All such vehicles must be parked on a permanently hard surface.
B. No more than one camping or recreational vehicle may be parked in a residential district on a front driveway that is permanently hard-surfaced or at the curb in front of the residence of the owner of such recreational vehicle for a period of time not to exceed 48 hours for the purposes of loading and unloading and/or preparation, except where specifically prohibited by other parking regulations.
C. No more than one commercial vehicle having empty weight of less than 4,000 pounds and not more than seven feet in height may be parked on any lot in a residential district provided that it is on a driveway that is permanently hard-surfaced.
D. No more than one vehicle less than 8,000 pounds empty weight and/or ten feet in height, or buses, boats and trailers less than 30 feet in length may be parked or stored on any lot in a residential district. However, such parking or storing shall be prohibited in any front yard provided that it is parked on a permanently hard surface.
E. The conditions set forth in Subsections 2 through 4 above shall not apply to commercial vehicles making service calls, including vehicles being used for moving personal goods.
(6) Vehicles owned, rented or leased by a church, school or other institutional use, provided that such vehicle is parked or stored only on the property where such use is located and that the location and screening of such storage or parking area complies with the provisions of Subsection 3 above.
(7) All permitted camping and recreational vehicles and equipment and commercial vehicles shall be kept in good repair and carry a current year's license and/or registration. Automotive vehicles or trailers of any kind or type without current license plates shall not be parked or stored on any residentially zoned property other than in completely enclosed buildings.
(8) Parked or stored camping and recreational vehicles and equipment or other similar habitable vehicles shall not be permanently connected to electricity, water, gas or sanitary sewer facilities; and at no time shall these vehicles or equipment be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes. No person shall permanently remove the wheels or similar transporting devices of any habitable vehicle parked in any residential district, nor shall such vehicle be otherwise fixed to the ground by any person in any manner that would prevent the ready removal of said habitable vehicle.
(Ord. 3803. Passed 2-18-25.)
1149.07 NONRESIDENTIAL REGULATIONS.
(a) Applicability. The design-related standards and other requirements of this section shall apply to all nonresidential and multi-family land uses and developments, including mixed use sites.
(b) Location.
(1) Parking Spaces shall not be located within the required front setback.
(2) All paved areas of an off-street parking area shall be a minimum of six (6) feet from any lot line or ten (10) feet from any lot line in a residential zoning district.
(3) In the GB District, the maximum total number of off-street parking spaces provided on-site in front of the principal structure shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of the total number of required off street spaces.
(c) Access and Maneuvering.
(1) Curb cuts shall be a minimum of:
A. Forty (40) feet from the intersection of two local roads
B. Fifty (50) feet from any intersection with a collector road
C. Seventy (70) feet from any intersection with an arterial road
D. Thirty (30) feet from any other curb cut (measured at the lot line)
(2) Driveways shall be a maximum of thirteen (13) feet wide per lane at the right-of-way line.
(3) The City Engineer may vary any of the above regulations in subsections (1) through (2) where the City Engineer determines that public safety or professional engineering design practice makes it acceptable to vary these regulations.
(d) Utilization.
(1) No vehicle or trailer shall be parked in any off-street parking area to warehouse or distribute goods, except for loading and temporary sales.
(2) Off-street parking spaces for a non-residential use shall not be used by commercial vehicles that do not fit entirely within the parking space.
(3) Vehicles with signs attached to them shall not be parked in a manner such that they circumvent the Signs provisions (see Chapter 1151).
(4) Off-street parking areas shall not be used to display vehicles for sale, except when associated with a legal principal use for vehicle sales.
(e) Additional Requirements.
(1) Handicapped accessible. The design and construction of all new, expanded, or comprehensively redesigned off-street parking areas shall comply with applicable requirements of Chapter 11, Accessibility, of the Ohio Building Code.
(2) Loading Spaces.
A. Number.
1. One loading space shall be required for all non-residential uses and for residential uses with greater than three dwelling units.
2. One additional loading space shall be required for each 20,000 square feet or fraction thereof of floor area over the first 10,000 square feet.
3. All residential and non-residential uses in the UP District are exempt from the loading space requirements.
B. Location.
1. Loading spaces may be located anywhere on a lot.
C. Design.
1. Loading spaces must be a minimum of ten (10) feet wide by twenty-five (25) feet long.
D. Utilization.
1. Loading spaces shall be utilized primarily for loading purposes. No vehicle shall occupy a loading space continuously for more than forty-eight (48) hours.
(3) Queue and Exit Spaces.
A. Queuing and exiting spaces are required for drive-through and other uses that result in cars lining up to access a service.
B. Queuing and exiting spaces shall not interfere with required parking or adequate area for vehicle maneuvering.
C. All queuing and exiting spaces shall contain a rectangular area a minimum of nine (9) feet wide and eighteen (18) feet long.
D. Queuing spaces shall not be located in the required front setback.
E. The following uses require queue and exit spaces:
(4) Parking Lot Design.
A. All non-residential parking areas shall be screened from an adjacent residential district by a six (6)-foot high visual screen.
B. Any parking space oriented in such a way as to have headlights shine into a residential structure shall have a fence, wall, or solid hedge of no less than 4' in height screening the headlights.
C. All off-street parking areas shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to ensure that stormwater, dust, and debris do not adversely impact any other lot. Storm water management shall be in compliance with Section 1141.04, Environmental Regulations.
D. Parking areas shall provide a minimum security lighting level of one (1) foot candle. Light fixtures shall be a maximum height of sixteen (16) feet above the adjacent ground. Glare and light pollution is regulated by Section 1141.04, Environmental Regulations.
E. All unpaved areas adjacent to an off-street parking area shall be raised, landscaped, and separated from the parking area by a minimum 6-inch high concrete curb. Openings shall be permitted in specific locations for storm water quality management.
F. A raised, landscaped, and curbed island a minimum of 4.5 feet wide (including the width of the curb) shall be provided at the front and at the ends of each row of parking spaces and at every interval of 15 parking spaces in a row. End islands shall extend to within 3 feet of the end of the parking space. The width requirement can be shared between adjacent facing rows or by the setback requirement adjacent to lot lines. Openings in curbing shall be permitted for storm water management.
G. Interior rows of parking shall have an access aisle between each 15 parking spaces.
H. Visibility shall be assured for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists entering individual parking spaces, circulating within a parking facility, and entering or leaving a parking facility.
I. Internal circulation patterns, and the location and traffic direction of all access drives, shall be designed and maintained in accordance with accepted principles of traffic engineering and traffic safety.
J. Off-street parking and loading areas shall be provided with sufficient maneuvering room so that all vehicles can enter and exit from a public street by forward motion only. The maneuvering of vehicles necessary to enter or exit loading areas shall not occur on City streets.
K. Parking lots shall be designed so that solid waste, emergency, and other public service vehicles can provide service without backing unreasonable distances or making other dangerous or hazardous turning movements.
L. Parking Lot Layout. No more than 200 parking spaces shall be allowed together in one group or cluster. Parking lot clusters shall be separated by landscaping, pedestrian connections, cross aisles, retention basins or similar features.
M. In office-use and industrial projects, a minimum 25 percent of the required parking spaces shall be provided within 200 feet of the building served, with the balance of the required parking within 400 feet.
N. In commercial and mixed use projects, a minimum of 50 percent of the required parking spaces shall be located within 300 feet of the building served.
O. In multi-family residential projects, required parking spaces shall be arranged to provide at least one parking space per unit within 200 feet of the dwelling units they are intended to serve.
P. Drive aisle intersections are to be perpendicular to each other.
Q. Separate vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems shall be provided.
R. Pedestrian Safety.
The design standards described below shall be provided for multi-family residential developments of 5 or more units and for commercial, mixed-use, and/or industrial developments that are 80 feet or more in depth and/or include 50 or more parking spaces.
1. Pedestrian Safety.
Parking lot design should be laid out in a way to minimize the times pedestrians would typically have to walk between parked cars and then cross a drive aisle to get to locations on the site. Internal circulations systems shall be clearly defined. For example, walkways should be incorporated into the median or landscape of some double loaded parking bays that terminate close to access points such as building entries or adjacent street intersections.
2. Materials and Width.
Walkways shall provide at least 5 feet of unobstructed width and be hard-surfaced with a material that differs from the drive aisle by composition, texture, or through the use of a differing color that is integral to the material. For areas beyond ADA accessible spaces, a combination of stepping stones and landscaping can be used, however ADA compliance must also be demonstrated.
3. Identification.
Pedestrian walkways shall be clearly differentiated from driveways, parking aisles, and parking and loading spaces through the use of elevation changes, a different paving material, or similar method. Surface striping alone, is insufficient.
4. Separation. Where a pedestrian walkway is parallel and adjacent to an auto travel lane, it must be raised and separated from the auto travel lane by a raised curb at least 6 inches high, decorative bollards, or other physical barrier.
(5) Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking.
A. Bicycle Parking.
1. Spaces Required.
a. Bicycle parking is required for multi-unit residential buildings and nonresidential development. Unless otherwise expressly stated, buildings and uses subject to bicycle parking requirements must provide the greatest of the following:
i. At least 3 bicycle parking spaces; or
ii. At least 1 bicycle space per 10 on-site vehicle parking spaces actually provided; or
iii. At least 1 bicycle space per 10 vehicle parking spaces required by Section 1149.05.
b. After the first 50 bicycle parking spaces are provided, the required number of additional bicycle parking spaces is 1 space per 20 vehicle parking spaces. Covered spaces are strongly encouraged.
c. The requirements of subsection a, above, notwithstanding, the following minimum bicycle parking requirements apply to colleges, universities, schools and libraries:
i. Elementary and junior high school: 1 bicycle parking space per 1000 square feet;
ii. High school: 1 bicycle parking space per 1500 square feet;
iii. Colleges and universities: 1 bicycle parking space per 5 vehicle parking spaces provided; and
iv. Libraries: 1 bicycle space per 5 vehicle parking spaces provided.
2. Design and Location.
a. General. Required bicycle parking spaces must:
i. Consist of racks or lockers anchored so that they cannot be easily removed and of solid construction, resistant to rust, corrosion, hammers, and saws;
ii. Allow both the bicycle frame and the wheels to be locked using a standard U-lock;
iii. Be designed so as not to cause damage to the bicycle;
iv. Facilitate easy locking without interference from or to adjacent bicycles and maintain a separation of at least 24 inches from the nearest wall; and
v. Be located in close proximity to entrances and other high activity areas, highly visible, active, well-lighted areas without interfering with pedestrian movements.
b. Size. Required bicycle parking spaces for nonresidential uses must have minimum dimensions of 2 feet in width by 6 feet in length, with a minimum overhead vertical clearance of 7 feet.
c. Location. Required bicycle parking may be located indoors or outdoors. Such spaces must be located out of the ROW unless an encroachment agreement is approved. If required bicycle parking facilities are not visible from the abutting street or the building's main entrance, signs must be posted indicating their location.
B. Motorcycle and Scooter Parking. For any nonresidential use providing 50 or more off-street spaces, a maximum of 2 required off-street parking spaces per 50 vehicle spaces may be reduced in size or otherwise redesigned to accommodate parking for motorcycles and scooters. When provided, motorcycle and scooter parking must be identified by a sign. Motorcycle and Scooter parking shall be counted concurrently as part of the minimum number of vehicle spaces required for the development.
(6) Landscaping.
A. Purpose and Applicability.
1. Trees and other vegetation help to limit the negative effects of large, paved areas by improving stormwater control, reducing erosion, avoiding unnatural microclimates, and improving aesthetics.
2. This section sets forth minimum landscaping requirements for parking areas containing more than 4 spaces to satisfy this purpose.
B. Trees and Landscaped Areas.
1. Trees.
a. A parking area shall have 2 trees per parking facility plus 1 tree for every 5 parking spaces or fraction thereof generally distributed throughout the parking area. Any dead or severely diseased trees used to fulfill these regulations shall be replaced at the request of the Zoning Administrator.
b. Trees shall be selected for the local soil and climate. The area and soil depth of the site shall be adjusted to sustain the tree. Immediately following planting, each tree shall be a minimum of 6 feet tall and have a minimum 2-inch caliper. At maturity, each tree shall have a clear trunk at least four feet above the adjacent parking surface and average mature crown greater than 12 feet.
c. Each existing healthy tree meeting the minimum caliper standard that is preserved may be counted as one (1) required tree, and each existing healthy tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of ten (10) inches or greater that is preserved may be counted as two (2) required trees, provided that any such trees are properly documented in accordance with 1148.05(b) and are situated no further than ten (10) feet from the proposed parking area.
d. Tree species shall be selected from the City’s Tree List, or deemed by the Zoning Administrator (or his/her designee) to be an acceptable species for the location.
C. Landscaped areas. All areas that are not paved shall be landscaped and shall satisfy the following regulations:
1. Shrubs, vines, and ground cover shall be healthy stock.
2. Shrubs shall be a minimum of 1 gallon.
3. Shrubs shall be maintained so that their height does not exceed 3 feet above the adjacent parking surface.
4. Lawn grass shall be a species common to Southwest Ohio. Sod shall be used in areas subject to erosion.
5. Synthetic or artificial lawns or plants may not be used in lieu of plant requirements.
6. Concrete and asphalt shall not be used in landscaped areas. Decorative aggregate and other pervious surfaces may be used in landscaped areas if approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(7) Pedestrian Access/Connectivity.
A. Required Sidewalks.
1. A concrete sidewalk of appropriate width shall be required for all portions of a parcel that front along a public street. If the project is located in an area devoid of sidewalks, the minimum width is five (5) feet. The City Engineer shall have the authority to apply the standards of the City of Oxford Curb, Gutter, & Sidewalk Specifications Manual for the construction of any sidewalk.
2. Sidewalks shall be located within the public right-of-way wherever possible. When the right-of-way does not permit the location of a sidewalk, such sidewalk will be located on the property and recorded as a public access easement.
3. A paved bicycle/multi-purpose pathway may be permitted in lieu of the required sidewalk at the discretion of the City Engineer. The City Engineer may consult the City’s latest plans for trails and pathways in making a determination as to whether a pathway is an appropriate substitute for a sidewalk.
4. In cases where sidewalk segment(s) already exist in the required locations, the City Engineer may require replacement of all or some of such segments due to being in a state of disrepair or lack of sufficient width.
B. Required Walkway Connection.
1. Where a sidewalk exists in a public right-of-way adjacent to the site, or is required to be installed pursuant to subsection (A) above, a pedestrian walkway shall be constructed between the entrance(s) of the developed building/use(s) and the public sidewalk.
2. The pedestrian walkway shall be a durable hard surface path with a minimum width of five (5) feet.
3. The pedestrian walkway may consist of one or more crosswalks across drive aisles provided they are hard-surfaced with a material that differs from the drive aisle by composition, texture, or through the use of a differing color that is integral to the material.