155.5201. PURPOSE

155.5202. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES; ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL

155.5205. FLORIDA-FRIENDLY FERTILIZER USE

155.5301. SCREENING

155.5302. FENCES AND WALLS

   A.   Purpose

The purpose of this section is to regulate the location, height, and appearance of fences and walls to maintain visual harmony within neighborhoods and the city, protect adjacent properties from the indiscriminate placement and unsightliness of fences and walls, and ensure the safety, security, and privacy of properties.

   B.   Applicability

      1.   The provisions of this section shall apply to all construction, substantial reconstruction, or replacement of fences or walls not required for support of a principal or accessory structure, or any other linear barrier intended to delineate different portions of a lot.

      2.   If there is any inconsistency between the provisions of this section and any screening standard in Section 155.5301, Screening, the standards in Section 155.5301, Screening, shall control.

      3.   The Development Services Director may waive all or part of the standards in this section, 155.5302, if it is demonstrated that the implementation of the standards results in a conflict with the city's adopted CPTED guidelines.

   C.   General Requirements for Fences and Walls

      1.   Fences Prohibited on Vacant Lots

         a.   General

      Except as otherwise provided in subsection b below, fences are prohibited on any lot that is vacant for any reason (including the result of demolition) or is generally in a vacant state. Lots containing a principal building or principal use (including lots containing community gardens, parks, or other open space uses) shall not be considered vacant land.

         b.   Exceptions

            i.   Fencing Allowed on Vacant Lots

         A split rail type barrier, guard rail type barrier, or posts or bollards with connecting wires or chains may be erected around the perimeter of a lot to deter vehicular access to the lot if the fence:

               (A)   Has no more than three horizontal members; and

               (B)   Is no more than four feet in height above ground level or the level of a berm that is no more than four feet high and is covered with landscaping and ground cover.

            ii.   Fencing Required on Vacant Lots Along the Scenic Highway

               (A)   Vacant lots located along the Scenic Highway shall provide a white split rail type, low-profile barrier fence that is up to four feet tall with no more than two horizontal members, which shall look like the split rail fence in the picture below, along the front and corner (if applicable) lot lines to deter illegal parking on the lot.

               (B)   Corner vacant lots along the Scenic Highway shall also provide a white split rail type, low-profile barrier, fence that is up to four feet tall with no more than two horizontal members, which shall look like the split rail fence in the picture below along the lot's frontage on the side street.

               (C)   Vacant lots along the Scenic Highway with a single-family residential zoning district are exempt from the requirements of this section.

 

      2.   Location

   Fences and walls are permitted along the perimeters of properties and within front, side, and rear yards except where expressly prohibited by this Code, the Building Code, or other city ordinance.

      3.   Fences and Walls near Fire Hydrants

   Fences and walls shall not be located where they would prevent immediate view of, or access to, fire hydrants or other fire-fighting water supply devices, in accordance with the Fire Code.

      4.   Fences in Easements

   Fences shall be prohibited within utility easements except to the extent approved by the Development Services Director after finding the fence would not impede the purpose or function of the easement, as set forth in an easement agreement with the city. The city shall not be responsible for damage to, or the repair or replacement of, fences that must be removed to access such easements. In no instance shall this provision be construed to prevent fencing around stormwater retention or detention facilities that may be required by this Code.

      5.   Blocking Natural Drainage Flow

   No fence shall be installed so as to block or divert a natural drainage flow on to or off of any other land.

      6.   Fences on Retaining Walls or Berms

   Except as otherwise allowed in Section 155.5302.C.1.b.i, Fencing Allowed on Vacant Lots, if a fence is constructed on top of a wall or berm, the combined height of the fence and wall or berm shall not exceed the maximum height that would apply to the fence or wall alone.

      7.   Fences and Walls Within Buffers

   Fences and walls shall be installed so as not to disturb or damage existing vegetation or installed plant material within perimeter buffers .

      8.   Integration with Other Required Landscaping

   Required landscape screening for fences or walls may be integrated into the landscaping required for vehicular use area screening or perimeter buffers , provided the standards in Section 155.5203, Landscaping, are maintained.

      9.   Customary Materials

   Fences shall be constructed of any combination of treated wood posts and planks, rot-resistant wood, wrought iron, decorative metal materials, or chain link. Walls shall be constructed of brick, stone, masonry materials, or products designed to resemble these materials. Where certain materials are specified for particular types of screening or buffering fences or walls, all other materials are prohibited.

   D.   Height Requirements for Fences and Walls

      1.   Applicability

         a.   General

      Except for fences or walls exempted by subsection b below, a fence or wall shall comply with the height limits in this subsection. Fence or wall height is measured from natural grade.

         b.   Exemptions

            i.   Required Screening

         A fence or wall provided to meet the standards of Section 155.5301, Screening, is exempted from the height standards of this subsection, but in no case shall the fence or wall exceed a height of ten feet.

            ii.   Recreational Fencing

         Customary fencing provided as a part of a permitted tennis court, athletic field, or other recreational facility shall be exempt from the height restrictions of this subsection.

            iii.   Public Safety Use Fences and Walls

         Major utilities, wireless communication towers, government facilities, and other public safety uses shall be allowed to increase maximum fence or wall heights to ten feet in front, side, and rear yards, unless further increased through an approved security plan—see subsection iv below.

            iv.   Security Plan Fences and Walls

         An owner or tenant of property or a representative of a public agency responsible for a public facility may submit to the Development Services Director a site security plan proposing fences or walls taller than those permitted by this subsection, or the use of barbed or concertina wire atop a fence or wall . The Development Services Director shall approve, or approve with conditions, the site security plan and its proposed exemption of fences or walls from the standards of this subsection, on finding that:

               (A)   The condition, location, or use of the land, or the history of activity in the area, indicates the land or any materials stored or used on it are in significantly greater danger of theft or damage than surrounding land; and

               (B)   The proposed taller fences or walls, or use of barbed or concertina wire, will not have a significant adverse effect on the security, functioning, appearance, or value of adjacent lands or the surrounding area as a whole.

            v.   Corner Lot Fences and Walls

               Fencing or walls required to comply with the residential swimming pool barrier requirements of Section 454.2.17, Florida Building Code, and F.S. Chapter 515, may be waived by the Development Services Director from the height restrictions of this subsection, provided that the following conditions are met:

               (A)   The height of the fence or wall does not exceed the maximum height requirement for fences and walls within the zoning district in which the lot is located, and

               (B)   In no event shall fences or walls be higher than those permitted on abutting lot lines.

      2.   Fences and Walls in Residential Districts

         Except as otherwise provided in 155.5302.D.5, Fences and Walls Adjacent to Waterways, the following height limits shall apply to fences and walls within Residential zoning districts:

         a.   No fence or wall within a front yard shall exceed a height of four feet.

         b.   Fence posts, including decorative finials, may extend up to six inches above the maximum fence height.

         c.   No fence or wall within an interior side yard, street side yard or a rear yard shall exceed a height of six feet.

         d.   On a through lot, where the front yard setback applies to both street-fronting lot lines, a fence or wall may not exceed a height of four feet within the yard considered the primary entrance, as determined by the Development Services Director based upon consistency with development patterns in the immediate vicinity.

      3.   Fences and Walls in Commercial and Special Districts

   Except as otherwise provided in 155.5302.D.5, Fences and Walls Adjacent to Waterways, no fence or wall within a commercial or special base zoning district shall exceed a height of eight feet, provided that a fence or wall abutting an Industrial zoning district may be up to ten feet in height.

      4.   Fences and Walls in Industrial Districts

   Except as otherwise provided in 155.5302.D.5, Fences and Walls Adjacent to Waterways, no fence or wall within an industrial zoning district shall exceed a height of ten feet.

      5.   Fences and Walls Adjacent to Waterways

         Where a lot abuts a canal or waterway, fences and walls adjacent to the canal or waterway shall comply with the following standards:

         a.   Adjacent to Sea Wall

            Where a lot line abuts a canal or waterway along a sea wall that is less than four and one-half feet above mean sea level, the height of a fence or wall adjacent to that lot line may be up to seven and one-half feet above mean sea level.

         b.   Atop Sea Wall

            No fence or railings shall be attached onto a Mooring Structure, Tidal Flood Barrier, or Seawall Cap, as defined in Chapter 151, Beaches and Waterways.

         c.   On all properties abutting the east right-of-way line of Harbour Drive (NE 26th Avenue)

            On all properties abutting the east right-of-way line of Harbour Drive (NE 26th Avenue) a site visibility area shall be provided as follows:

            i.   The sight visibility area shall be that private property which lies 25 feet north and 25 feet south of the centerline of a canal and east of the east right-of-way line of Harbour Drive (NE 26th Avenue) to the edge of the permitted seawalls as they exist on November 25, 2003.

            ii.   No walls or fences shall be constructed or maintained within the sight visibility area.

   E.   Perimeter Fences and Walls Abutting Street Rights-of-Way

Fences or walls located within 15 feet of a street right-of-way shall:

      1.   Be located outside the right-of-way;

      2.   Be of a uniform style; and

      3.   Not be constructed of chain link or similar material.

   F.   Appearance

      1.   Finished Side to Outside

Figure 155.5302.F.1: Fence with finished side out

   Wherever a fence or wall is installed, if one side of the fence or wall appears more "finished" than the other (e.g., one side of a fence has visible support framing and the other does not, or one side of a wall has a textured surface and other does not), then the more "finished" side of the fence shall face the exterior of the lot rather than the interior of the lot. (See Figure 155.5302.F.1: Fence with finished side out.) However, in the event that a wood fence is constructed against a significant obstacle on the adjoining property such as a hedge or another fence, that line of fence against the obstacle may be constructed with posts on the outside of the fence provided that the horizontal rails are at least 50% covered by boards on the side facing away from the property on which the fence is constructed.

      2.   Compatibility of Materials Along a Single Lot Side

   All fencing or wall segments located along a single lot side shall be composed of a uniform style and colors.

Figure 155.5302.F.3: Fence and wall landscaping

      3.   Fence and Wall Landscaping

         Except for lots containing a single-family, two-family, triplex, fourplex, or mobile home dwelling, all fences and walls exceeding four feet in height, if located within 15 feet of a street right-of-way, shall be supplemented with landscape screening in accordance with the standards in a and b below, to soften the visual impact of the fence. (See Figure 155.5302.F.3: Fence and wall landscaping.)

         a.   Shrubs Required

      One evergreen shrub shall be installed for every five linear feet of fence or wall , and on the side of the fence or wall facing the public street right-of-way. Shrubs shall meet the size standards of Section 155.5203.B.2.g, Shrubs, and may be installed in a staggered, clustered, grouped, or linear fashion.

         b.   Substitution of Understory Trees

      One understory or ornamental tree may be substituted for every three shrubs provided that the tree meets the size standards of Section 155.5203.B.2.h, Trees.

   G.   Prohibited and restricted fences

      1.   Chain Link Fences Along Arterial and Collector Streets

   Fences constructed of chain link fences shall be prohibited abutting an arterial or collector street designated on the Broward County Trafficways Plan.

      2.   Barbed Wire, Razor Wire, Concertina Wire, and Aboveground Electrified Fences

   In all zoning districts, fences using barbed, razor, or concertina wire and aboveground electrified fences shall be prohibited unless allowed through an approved security plan (See Section 155.5302.D.1.b.iv, Security Plan Fences and Walls.) Underground electric fences designed for control of domestic animals are allowed.

      3.   Debris, Junk, Rolled Plastic, Sheet Metal, Plywood, or Other Waste Materials

   Fences or walls made of debris, junk, rolled plastic, sheet metal, plywood, or waste materials are prohibited in all zoning districts unless such materials have been recycled and reprocessed, for marketing to the general public, as building materials that resemble new building materials (e.g., picket fencing made from recycled plastic and fiber).

   H.   Maintenance Required

All fences and walls and associated landscaping shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe and attractive condition—including, but not limited to, the repair or replacement of missing, decayed, or broken structural and decorative elements.

(Ord. 2012-64, passed 9-11-12; Am. Ord. 2013-37, passed 1-22-13; Am. Ord. 2013-73, passed 7-23-13; Am. Ord. 2014-53, passed 9-9-14; Am. Ord. 2019-110 , passed 9-24-19; Am. Ord. 2022-02, passed 10-26-21; Am. Ord. 2022-56, passed 7-12-22; Am. Ord. 2023-34, passed 2-28-23; Am. Ord. 2025-37, passed 5-13-25)

155.5402. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS FOR MARINE TURTLE PROTECTION

155.5501. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

155.5502. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT

155.5503. COASTAL CONSTRUCTION

155.5504. WELLFIELD PROTECTION

155.5505. POTABLE WATER

155.5506. REUSE WATER

155.5507. SANITARY SEWER

155.5508. SOLID WASTE

155.5509. UTILITY LINES LOCATION

155.5601. MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS

   A.   Purpose

      These multifamily residential design standards are intended to:

      1.   Establish a minimum level of design quality for multifamily residential development to foster sustained value and stability within developments and neighborhoods; and

      2.   Promote greater compatibility between multifamily residential development and other allowable uses in the city through standards addressing building massing, facade appearance, as well as the location and configuration of site features like parking and outdoor activity areas.

   B.   Applicability

      1.   General

   Unless exempted in accordance with subsection 2 below, the standards in this section shall apply to the following:

         a.   All new multifamily dwelling development.

         b.   Any expansion or alteration of an existing multifamily residential development if the expansion increases the development's gross floor area by 50 percent or more or the alteration involves 50 percent or more of the development's gross floor area.

         c.   Development required to obtain Major Building Design approval.

      2.   Exemptions

   The standards in this section shall not apply to individual upper story dwellings located on floors above a nonresidential use.

   C.   Multifamily Residential Design Standards

All multifamily development subject to this section shall comply with the following standards:

      1.   Building Orientation and Configuration

         a.   Single-Building Development

      The primary entrance of a single-building multifamily residential development shall face the street, not an off-street parking lot.

         b.   Multi-Building Development

      Multifamily residential developments with more than one building shall be configured so that primary building entrances are oriented towards external streets, internal streets, or open space areas (like courtyards). Buildings may be oriented towards off-street parking lots only in cases where no other practical alternative exists. (See Figure 155.5601.C.1.b: Multi-building orientation.)

Figure 155.5601.C.1.b: Multi-building orientation

         c.   Building Configuration

            i.   Multifamily residential developments with six or fewer dwelling units shall be configured through massing, door placement, centralized parking location, and use of exterior materials to give each building the appearance of a large, single-family home.

            ii.   Ground-floor dwelling units shall be accessed via internal corridors or from individual exterior porches or stoops served by a sidewalk or other designated walkway.

      2.   Maximum Building Size

         a.   Individual structure footprints shall not exceed a maximum of 20,000 square feet.

         b.   The maximum length of any multifamily residential structure shall be 180 linear feet, regardless of the number of units.

      3.   Building Facades

         a.   Facades of multifamily residential development facing a public street shall incorporate wall offsets, in the form of projections or recesses in the facade plane, spaced no more than 30 feet apart.

         b.   Wall offsets shall have a minimum depth of two feet.

         c.   In addition to wall offsets, front facades shall provide a minimum of three of the following design features for each residential unit fronting onto a public street:

            i.   A recessed entrance;

            ii.   A covered porch ;

            iii.   Pillars, posts, or columns adjacent to the doorway;

            iv.   One or more bay windows projecting at least twelve inches from the facade plane;

            v.   Eaves projecting at least six inches from the facade plane;

            vi.   Raised corniced parapets over the entrance door;

            vii.   Multiple windows with a minimum four-inch-wide trim; or

            viii.   Integrated planters that incorporate landscaped areas or places for sitting.

      4.   Architectural Variability

   Repetitive "look-alike" multi-building developments shall be prohibited. Multi-building developments subject to these standards shall ensure that each structure is distinguished from others through the use of two or more of the following features:

         a.   A variation in structure length of 30 percent or more;

         b.   A variation in the structure footprint size of 30 percent or more;

         c.   A distinct variation in color and use of materials;

         d.   A variation in the type of dwelling unit contained in the structure that results in a significantly different scale and mass (e.g., garden apartments vs. townhomes);

         e.   A variation in structure height by at least ten percent; or

         f.   A variation in roof form.

      5.   Roofs

         a.   Flat roofs on principal buildings shall be concealed by parapet walls that extend at least three feet above the roof level.

         b.   Alternative roof forms or pitches may be allowed for small roof sections over porches, entryways, or similar features.

         c.   All roof-based mechanical equipment, as well as vents, pipes, antennas, satellite dishes, and other roof penetrations (except chimneys), shall be located on the rear elevations or otherwise be configured, to the maximum extent practicable, to have a minimal visual impact as seen from the street.

      6.   Materials

         a.   Materials changes shall occur along a horizontal line or where two forms meet. It is acceptable, however, that change of materials occur as accents around windows, doors, cornices , at corners, or as a repetitive pattern.

         b.   Where two or more materials are proposed to be combined on a facade, the heavier and more massive elements shall be located below the lighter elements (i.e., brick shall be located below stucco). It is acceptable to provide the heavier material as a detail on the corner of a building or along cornices or windows.

      7.   Location of Off-Street Parking

         a.   No more than two single-loaded bays of off-street surface parking may be located between a multifamily building and the street it faces unless the parking bays are screened from view from the street by another building. Interior structures within a multi-building development served by a central, private driveway are exempted from this requirement.

         b.   Guest and overflow parking associated with a townhouse unit within a multifamily residential development shall be located to the side or rear of the building containing the townhouse unit, to the maximum extent practicable.

         c.   Off-street surface parking located beside a building shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the parcel's street frontage. Associated driving areas shall be included as part of such off-street surface parking.

      8.   Outdoor Activity Areas

         a.   Ground-level outdoor activity areas, porches, decks, vending areas, and other similar site attributes shall be screened from adjacent single-family dwellings with a type B perimeter buffer in accordance with Section 155.5203.F, Perimeter Buffers.

         b.   Upper-story balconies serving individual dwelling units located within 100 feet of a single-family dwelling shall be oriented or configured to prevent direct views into the dwelling's rear yard .

(Ord. 2012-64, passed 9-11-12; Am. Ord. 2013-73, passed 7-23-13; Am. Ord. 2023-34, passed 2-28-23)

155.5602. COMMERCIAL, INSTITUTIONAL, AND MIXED-USE DESIGN STANDARDS

   A.   Purpose

These design standards are intended to identify the city's design goals and expectations for commercial, institutional, and mixed-use development quality resulting in greater predictability during the development review process. More specifically, the purposes of this section are to:

      1.   Encourage establishment of a strong sense of place with vibrant commercial, institutional, and mixed-use development in key areas of the city;

      2.   Encourage a more pedestrian-friendly environment through attention to human-scale design and site features to limit large, bulky buildings with few architectural details;

      3.   Foster greater compatibility between adjacent residential and nonresidential development;

      4.   Limit the impacts of automobile-oriented development in commercial, institutional, and mixed-use areas; and

      5.   Improve the appearance of gateways and entrances to the city.

   B.   Applicability

Except as otherwise provided in this Code, the standards in this section shall apply to the following:

      1.   All new commercial, institutional, B-4 zoning districts, and mixed-use development (as defined in Section Article 9: Part 5 Terms and Uses Defined), including large retail establishments.

      2.   Commercial, institutional, B-4 zoning districts, and mixed-use development required to obtain Major Building Design Approval.

   C.   General Commercial, Institutional, and Mixed-Use Design Standards

      All commercial, institutional, industrial uses within a commercial zoning district, and mixed-use development subject to this section shall comply with the following standards:

      1.   Business Activities to be Conducted in Enclosed Buildings

   Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Code, all business activities associated with commercial, institutional, and mixed-use developments shall be conducted within a totally and permanently enclosed building.

      2.   Building Orientation

         a.   Fronting Streets

      The front facade of all buildings, as defined by the primary entrance, shall front onto a street, a courtyard, or plaza , not an off-street surface parking area. In the case of corner lots, the primary entrance shall face the street from which the building derives its street address. Nothing shall prohibit a secondary entrance from facing a surface parking area.

         b.   Single-Building Development Parallel to Street

      All single-building developments shall be configured with the long axis of the building parallel to the street it fronts, or be consistent with existing development patterns, rather than being sited at unconventional angles.

         c.   Multi-Building Development

            i.   Development composed of multiple buildings totaling 50,000 or more square feet of floor area shall be configured to:

               (A)   Break up the site into a series of smaller "blocks" defined by on-site streets, vehicle accessways, pedestrian walkways, or other circulation routes;

               (B)   Frame the corner of an adjacent street intersection or entry point to the development;

               (C)   Frame and enclose a " Main Street " pedestrian or vehicle access corridor within the development site;

               (D)   Frame and enclose on at least three sides of parking areas, public spaces, or other site amenities; or

               (E)   Frame and enclose outdoor dining or gathering spaces for pedestrians between buildings.

            ii.   The primary entrances of buildings shall be oriented towards a street along the perimeter of a development, towards streets or driveways interior to the development, or towards open space areas, courtyards, or plazas.

      3.   Outparcel Development

Figure 155.5602.C.3: Outparcel development

         a.   To the maximum extent practicable, outparcels and their buildings shall be configured and located to define street edges, development entry points, and spaces for gathering or seating between buildings.

         b.   Spaces between buildings on outparcels shall be configured with small scale pedestrian amenities such as plazas, seating areas, pedestrian connections, and gathering spaces. (See Figure 155.5602.C.3; Outparcel development.)

      4.   Base, Middle, and Top

   Buildings of three or more stories shall include a clearly recognizable base, middle, and top configured in accordance with the following standards:

         a.   Building bases shall incorporate one or more of the following:

            i.   Thicker walls, ledges, or sills;

Figure 155.5602.C.4: Building base, middle, and top

            ii.   Integrally-textured materials such as stone or other masonry;

            iii.   Integrally-colored and patterned materials such as smooth-finished stone or tile; or

            iv.   Lighter or darker colored materials, mullions, or panels.

         b.   Building tops shall include two or more of the following features:

            i.   Three-dimensional cornice treatments with integrally-textured materials such as stone or other masonry or differently colored materials;

            ii.   Sloping roofs with overhangs and brackets;

            iii.   Stepped parapets; or

            iv.   Aligned openings and articulations.

   (See Figure 155.5602.C.4: Building base, middle, and top.)

      5.   Facade Articulation

Figure 155.5602.C.5.a: Example of front facade offsets

         a.   Offsets Required

      Street-facing front building facades that are greater than 60 feet wide shall be articulated with wall offsets (e.g., projections or recesses in the facade plane) that are at least one foot deep, at least ten feet wide, and spaced no more than 40 feet apart. (See Figure 155.5602.C.5.a Example of front facade offsets.)

         b.   Offset Alternatives

      The following alternatives can be used alone or in combination as an alternative to the required front facade offsets:

            i.   Changes in facade color or material that follow the same dimensional standards as the offset requirements;

            ii.   Columns or pilasters that are at least eight inches deep and at least eight inches wide, and have a height equal to at least 80 percent of the facade's height;

            iii.   Roofline changes that vertically align with a corresponding wall offset or change in facade color or material, including changes in roof planes and changes in the height of a parapet wall (such as extending the top of pilasters above the top of the parapet wall); or

            iv.   Awnings or other shading devices over doors and windows that follow the same dimensional standards as the offset requirements.

         c.   Street Side Facades

      The street-facing side facades of buildings shall be articulated with the same facade details as provided on the building's front facade, or be screened from off-site views through fences, walls, or landscaping at least eight feet high.

         d.   Outbuildings

      Outbuildings located in front of other buildings within the same development shall include a consistent level of façade articulation and architectural detail on all sides of the building as well as exterior materials and colors that are compatible with the primary building in the development.

      6.   Facade Materials

         a.   The use of aluminum siding, vinyl siding, corrugated metal siding, or other metal cladding other than decorative or ornamental metal siding is prohibited on any facade visible from a street right-of-way. Nothing shall limit the use of high-quality, decorative metal (e.g., brass, copper, steel) as a building accent material, or in a manner subject to the discretion of the Development Services Director.

         b.   Primary facade materials shall not change at outside corners and shall continue along any side facade visible from a street right-of-way for at least 15 feet; however, materials may change where side or rear wings meet the main body of the structure.

         c.   Materials changes shall occur along a horizontal line or where two forms meet; however, changes of materials may be used as accents around windows, doors, cornices , at corners, or as a repetitive pattern.

         d.   Where two or more materials are proposed to be combined on a facade, the heavier and more massive elements shall be located below the lighter elements (i.e., brick shall be located below stucco or wood). The heavier material may be used as a detail on the corner of a building or along cornices or windows.

      7.   Fenestration/Transparency

         a.   At least 30 percent of the street-facing facade area of the ground-level floor of buildings (as measured from the grade to the underside of the eave , top of the parapet, or the story line denoting the second floor) shall be occupied by windows or doorways. This figure may be reduced to 20 percent of the first-floor front facade of a structure housing a large retail sales establishment.

         b.   All ground-level windows on street-facing facades shall be transparent. Mirrored or heavily-tinted glass that prevents views into the building is prohibited on street-facing front building facades. This provision does not apply to a building facade enclosing a sexually oriented business use.

         c.   Street-facing facades of the ground level floor for uses involving repair, servicing and/or maintenance shall not include service bay entrances, overhead doors, sliding glass doors, removable panels, or similar type of doors.

         d.   Street-facing facades of the ground level floor for all commercial, institutional, industrial uses in commercial zoning districts and mixed use developments shall not include roll up doors.

      8.   Roofs

         a.   Flat roofs on principal buildings shall be concealed by parapet walls that extend at least three feet above the roof level.

         b.   Alternative roof forms or pitches may be allowed for small roof sections over porches, entryways, or similar features.

         c.   All roof-based mechanical equipment, as well as vents, pipes, antennas, satellite dishes, and other roof penetrations (except chimneys), shall be located on the rear elevations or otherwise be configured, to the maximum extent practicable, to have a minimal visual impact as seen from the street.

      9.   Location of Off-Street Parking

         a.   In the B-1 District

      Single-story commercial, institutional, and mixed-use development in the Business-1(B-1) district shall be configured to locate all required surface off-street parking to the side or rear of the front facade of the building. Buildings of two or more stories may locate one bay of off-street parking between the primary building entrance and the street the building faces.

         b.   Other Districts

      No more than two bays of off-street surface parking may be located between the front building facade and the street it faces. This may be doubled for buildings of two or more stories.

      10.   Loading, Service, and Equipment Areas

         a.   Loading, service, and equipment areas shall be located in a manner that minimizes their visibility from off-site areas, to the maximum extent practicable.

         b.   Outdoor storage areas shall be fully screened from adjacent streets and single-family development in accordance with the standards for outdoor storage in Article 4: Use Standards.

         c.   Loading, service, and equipment areas that are associated with an outparcel building shall be screened through the use of structural elements and similar materials attached to and integrated with the building.

      11.   For mixed use building with a residential or hotel component, upper-story balconies serving individual dwelling units located within 100 feet of a single-family dwelling shall be oriented or configured to prevent direct views into the single family dwelling's rear yard .

   D.   Large Retail Establishment Design Standards

      1.   General

   In addition to the general commercial and mixed-use design standards in Section 155.5602.C, single-tenant buildings that have a gross floor area of 60,000 square feet or more and devote 60 percent or more of the total floor area to retail sales activities ("large retail buildings") shall also comply with the following standards. If there is a conflict between these standards and those in 155.5602.C, General Commercial and Mixed-Use Design Standards, these standards control. (See Figure 155.5602.D: Examples of large retail establishments.)

Figure 155.5602.D: Examples of large retail establishments

      2.   Building Entrances

   Buildings shall have clearly defined, highly visible customer entrances featuring no less than three of the following:

         a.   Canopies or porticos above the entrance;

         b.   Roof overhangs above the entrance;

         c.   Entry recesses or projections;

         d.   Arcades that are physically integrated with the entrance;

         e.   Raised corniced parapets above the entrance;

         f.   Gabled roof forms or arches above the entrance;

         g.   Outdoor patios or plazas adjacent to the entrance;

         h.   Display windows that are directly adjacent to the entrance;

         i.   Architectural details, such as tile work and moldings, that are integrated into the building structure and design and are above or directly adjacent to the entrance; or

         j.   Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas or seating areas.

      3.   Facades and Massing

         a.   To reduce their perceived mass and scale, buildings shall incorporate two or more of the following design elements on each façade facing a street:

            i.   Variations in roof form and parapet heights;

            ii.   Pronounced wall offsets that are at least two feet deep;

            iii.   Distinct changes in texture and color of wall surfaces;

            iv.   Ground level arcades and second floor galleries or balconies;

            v.   Protected and recessed entries; and

            vi.   Vertical accents or focal points.

         b.   Side building walls that do not face a street and exceed 30 feet in length shall have façade-articulating elements such as columns and/or changes in plane, texture, or masonry pattern.

         (See Figure 155.5602.D.3: Large retail building entrances and massing.)

Figure 155.5602.D.3: Large retail building entrances and massing

      4.   Off-Street Parking Location Standards

         a.   Up to 60 percent of the total off-street surface parking provided may be located between the front facade of the building and the street it faces.

         b.   Off-street surface parking lots with 300 or more spaces shall be organized into a series of parking bays surrounded by buildings, landscaping, or accessways designed to appear as streets.

         (See Figure 155.5602.D.4: Large retail parking location.)

Figure 155.5602.D.4: Large retail parking location

(Ord. 2012-64, passed 9-11-12; Am. Ord. 2013-73, passed 7-23-13; Am. Ord. 2019-110 , passed 9-24-19; Am. Ord. 2022-36, passed 3-22-22; Am. Ord. 2023-34, passed 2-28-23)

155.5603. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN STANDARDS

155.5604. RESIDENTIAL COMPATIBILITY STANDARDS

   A.   Purpose

These residential compatibility standards are used to provide a proper transition and compatibility between single-family residential development and more intense multifamily residential, nonresidential, and mixed-use development. More specifically, it is the intent of these standards to:

      1.   Provide effective transitions between single-family residential uses and more intense uses;

      2.   Protect the character of existing single-family residential development from negative impacts resulting from more intense adjacent forms of development;

      3.   Limit the excessive consumption of available land though the utilization of large vegetated buffers in favor of development form and design treatments;

      4.   Limit interruptions in vehicular and pedestrian connections created by efforts to segregate uses; and

      5.   Establish or maintain vibrant pedestrian-oriented areas where differing uses can operate in close proximity to one another.

   B.   Applicability

      1.   General

   Unless exempted in accordance with subsection 2. below, these residential compatibility standards shall apply to the following:

         a.   New multifamily residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and mixed-use development located on land abutting or across a local street or alley from existing single-family residential development.

         b.   Commercial, institutional, industrial, and mixed-use development located on land abutting or across a local street or alley from existing single-family residential development which is required to obtain Major Building Design approval.

         c.   Multifamily residential development located on land abutting or across a local street or alley from existing single-family residential development which is required to obtain a Minor or Major Building Design approval.

      2.   Conflict

   In the case of conflict between these standards and other design standards in this article, the residential compatibility standards in this section shall control.

   C.   Compatibility Standards

All multifamily residential, nonresidential, and mixed-use development subject to this section shall comply with the following standards:

      1.   Use Intensity

   For multi-building development that includes varying use and/or development intensities in different buildings, the development shall locate buildings with the least intense use and/or development nearest to the abutting single-family residential development.

      2.   Building Height/Setbacks

   Any portion of a structure greater than 40 feet in height that is contiguous to the existing single-family residential development shall be set back one foot for each foot of height over 40 feet, up to a maximum distance of one-half the height of the structure in addition to the setback required for the structure by district regulations.

      3.   Retail commercial building facades that face single-family development shall be designed to appear as a series of discrete storefronts, with no single storefront occupying more than 50 percent of the total facade width.

(See Figure 155.5604.C.1: Compatible building design.)

Figure 155.5604.C.1: Compatible building design

      4.   Off-Street Parking Areas

         a.   Off-street parking on lots adjacent to a single-family dwelling shall be located as follows (listed in priority order):

            i.   Adjacent to off-street parking lots serving nonresidential uses on abutting lots;

            ii.   Adjacent to lot lines abutting nonresidential development;

            iii.   Adjacent to lot lines abutting mixed-use development;

            iv.   Within a lot's corner side yard;

            v.   Behind the building;

            vi.   In front of the building; or

            vii.   Adjacent to lot lines for the abutting single-family dwelling.

         b.   Off-street surface parking areas located adjacent to single-family residential development shall be screened by a type C perimeter buffer in accordance with Section 155.5203.F, Perimeter Buffers.

         c.   The facade of any parking structure facing adjacent single-family residential development shall be designed to appear as an articulated building wall to soften its visual impact.

      5.   Loading, Service, and Refuse Areas

         Loading, service, and refuse areas shall be:

         a.   Located at least 12 feet from a lot containing an existing single-family dwelling;

         b.   Screened from view of abutting single-family dwellings using materials that are the same as, or of equal quality to, the materials used for the principal building; and

         c.   Incorporated into the overall design of the building and landscape so that the visual and acoustic impacts of these functions are fully contained and out of view from adjacent lots containing single-family dwellings.

(Ord. 2012-64, passed 9-11-12; Am. Ord. 2013-73, passed 7-23-13)

155.5605 Parking Deck or Garage Design Standards

155.5701. PURPOSE

155.5702. APPLICABILITY

155.5703. GENERAL

155.5704. FRONTAGE AND ACCESS

155.5705. DIMENSIONS

155.5706. EASEMENTS

155.5801. PURPOSE

155.5901. PERFORMANCE

155.5902. MAINTENANCE

155.51001. PURPOSE

155.51002. APPLICABILITY

155.51003. STANDARDS

TABLE 155.5101.G.8.A: MINIMUM STACKING SPACES FOR DRIVE-THROUGH AND RELATED USES

Note: This table is best viewed in PDF, click HERE

TABLE 155.5101.G.8.A: MINIMUM STACKING SPACES FOR DRIVE-THROUGH AND RELATED USES
Use or Activity 1	Minimum Number of Stacking Spaces	Measured From

TABLE 155.5101.G.8.A: MINIMUM STACKING SPACES FOR DRIVE-THROUGH AND RELATED USES
Use or Activity 1	Minimum Number of Stacking Spaces	Measured From
Automated teller machine (ATM) (See Section 155.4303.C.)	2	Teller machine
Bank or financial institution, with drive-through service (See Section 155.4303.I.)	3 per lane	Teller window
Battery exchange station	3 per bay	Bay entrance
Car wash and auto detailing, automatic (See Section 155.4219.H)	4 per bay	Bay entrance
Car wash and auto detailing, self-service (See Section 155.4219.H)	2 per bay	Bay entrance
Drug store or pharmacy, with drive-through service (See Section 155.4303.I.)	4 per lane	Agent window
Dry cleaning or laundry drop-off establishment with drive-through service (See Section 155.4303.I.)	4 per lane	Window
Gasoline filling station (See Section 155.4219.I)	1	Each end of the outermost gas pump island
Gated driveway  3	3	Gate
Nursing home facility (See Section 155.4209.G.)	3	Building entrance
Oil change/lubrication shop (See Automotive Repair and Maintenance Facility Section 155.4219.E)	3 per bay	Bay entrance
Restaurant, with drive-through service 2 (See Section 155.4303.I.)	4	Order box
School, elementary or middle (See Section 155.4207.B,D.)	10	Building entrance
Valet parking for residential uses	10% of the total parking capacity of the facility up to a maximum of 5 spaces	Designated drop-off area
Valet parking for nonresidential uses	10% of the total parking capacity of the facility up to a maximum of 8 spaces	Designated drop-off area
Other	Uses not specifically listed are determined by the Development Services Director based on standards for comparable uses, or alternatively based on a parking demand study
NOTES: 1. See Article 4: Use Standards. 2. Restaurants with drive-through service shall provide at least four additional stacking spaces between the order box and the pick-up window—see Figure 155.5101.G.8.a: Stacking spaces for a drive-through restaurant. 3. Except for gates that remain completely open during business hours.

 

            ii.   Design and Layout

               Required stacking spaces are subject to the following design and layout standards:

               (A)   Stacking spaces shall be a minimum of nine feet wide and 18 feet long.

               (B)   Stacking spaces shall not impede onsite or offsite vehicular traffic movements or movements into or out of off-street parking spaces.

               (C)   Stacking spaces shall not impede onsite or offsite bicycle or pedestrian traffic movements.

               (D)   Stacking spaces shall be separated from other internal driveways by raised medians if deemed necessary for traffic movement and safety by the Development Services Director.

Figure 155.5101.G.8.a: Stacking spaces for a drive-through restaurant

         b.   For Parking Lot Entrance Driveways

      Nonresidential uses shall provide stacking lanes between the edge of the street right-of-way and entrances into off-street parking areas in accordance with the minimum stacking lane distance established in Table 155.5101.G.8.b: Minimum Stacking Lane Distance for Parking Lot Entrance Driveways. (See Figure 155.5101.G.8.b: Stacking lane for a parking lot entrance driveway.)

TABLE 155.5101.G.8.B: MINIMUM STACKING LANE DISTANCE FOR PARKING LOT ENTRANCE DRIVEWAYS

Note: This table is best viewed in PDF, click HERE

 

TABLE 155.5101.G.8.B: MINIMUM STACKING LANE DISTANCE FOR PARKING LOT ENTRANCE DRIVEWAYS
Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces 1	Minimum Stacking Lane Distance (ft) 2
1 - 49	25
50 - 249	50
250 - 499	100
500 or more	100 + 15 ft for every additional 50 spaces beyond 500
NOTES: 1. Entrances into parking structures may be credited towards the stacking lane distance requirement provided the parking structure entrance is accessed from a development   driveway and not a primary drive aisle. 2. Stacking lane distance is measured from the intersection of the driveway with the street   right-of-way , along the centerline of the stacking lane, to its intersection with the centerline of the first entrance into a parking area or other internal intersecting driveway .

 

Figure 155.5101.G.8.b: Measurement of stacking lane distance for a parking lot entrance driveway

      9.   Sight Triangles

         a.    Intersections Involving State Roads

      Sight triangles shall be established at each corner of the intersection of a State road with any other street in accordance with the Florida Department of Transportation's intersection sight distance standards.

         b.   Other Intersections

      At roadway intersections other than those involving a State road or a designated alley, and where a driveway intersects with a local street, collector street, minor arterial street, or principal arterial street, a sight triangle shall be established at each corner of the intersection. Each sight triangle shall be measured from the intersection of the extended curb or edge-of-pavement lines for the intersecting roadways (or intersection roadway and driveway), to a point located ten feet along the curb or edge-of-pavement line for one roadway/driveway, to a point along the curb or edge-of-pavement line for the other roadway/driveway located ten feet from the original point—see Figure 155.5101.G.9.b, Sight triangles at intersections.

Figure 155.5101.G.9.b: Sight triangles at intersections

         c.   Limits on Obstructions to Cross-Visibility

      Within a roadway or driveway intersection sight triangle, no fence, wall, sign, earthworks, hedge, shrub, or other structure or planting shall be located, maintained, or permitted to grow between the heights of three and six feet above the grade elevation of the adjacent roadway or driveway. Public safety and utility devices (such as streetlights, street signs, and telephone poles), as well as sign poles and trees less than eight inches in diameter, are exempt from this standard, provided their number and location is limited—and the limbs and foliage of any such trees are trimmed—so as to ensure provision of the required unobstructed cross-visibility. (See Figure 155.5101.G.9.c, Sight triangle clear visibility.)

Figure 155.5101.G.9.c: Sight triangle clear visibility

   H.   Bicycle Access and Circulation

      1.   Required Bicycle Access

         a.   General Bicycle Access

            Except individual lot development of a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling, all developments shall be served by an internal bicycle circulation system (including bike routes, bike lanes, and/or bike paths) that permits safe, convenient, efficient, and orderly movement of bicyclists among the following origin and destination points within the development, as well as between the internal bicycle circulation system and adjoining parts of an existing or planned external, community-wide bicycle circulation system and any adjoining public parks, greenways, schools, community centers, and shopping areas:

            i.   Bicycle parking facilities (See Section 155.5102.L, Bicycle Parking Facilities.) or areas near the primary entrance(s) of principal buildings (or the buildable area of lots, for subdivisions);

            ii.   Any designated or planned bus stops and shelters (on-site or on an adjacent street); and

            iii.   Recreation facilities and other common use area and amenities.

         b.   Bikeway Improvements Required

            i.   Except individual lot development of a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling, all developments may be required to install bike lanes, bike paths, or other bicycle improvements within the development site and along the development site's frontage on existing streets where called for by a city bicycle plan (when adopted).

            ii.   Where a development site fronts an existing street with insufficient right-of-way width to accommodate installation of a required bike path along the frontage, the developer may install a bike path on the development site, within a public easement running parallel and adjacent to the public street.

      2.   Bicycle Connectivity

         Multifamily residential, nonresidential, and mixed-use development shall comply with the following standards:

         a.   Any internal bicycle circulation system shall be designed to allow for bicycle cross-access between it and any internal bicycle circulation system on adjoining lots containing a multifamily residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development, or to the boundary of adjoining vacant land zoned to allow multifamily residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development.

         b.   The Development Services Director may waive or modify the requirement for bicycle cross-access on determining that such cross-access is impractical or undesirable due to the presence of topographic conditions, natural features, or safety factors.

         c.   Easements allowing cross-access to and from properties served by a bicycle cross-access, along with agreements defining maintenance responsibilities of property owners, shall be recorded with the Broward County Records Division before issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit for the development.

      3.   General Bikeway Layout and Design

         a.   Bike Paths

            Required bike paths shall:

            i.   Be at least seven feet wide and surfaced with a durable and dustless material;

            ii.   Be distinguishable from vehicular traffic lanes they cross by painted markings, a change in pavement material or color, raised paving height, decorative bollards, and/or flashing caution signals; and

            iii.   Have adequate lighting for security and safety.

         b.   Bike Lanes

            Required bike lanes shall be designed and provided in accordance with the cross-section, paving, and other standards applicable to the roadways of which they are a part.

      4.   Waiver

   The Development Services Director may waive all or part of the standards in this subsection if it is demonstrated that bicycle access and circulation is unneeded or undesirable in the proposed development or that compliance with the required bicycle improvements is infeasible.

   I.   Pedestrian Access and Circulation

      1.   Required Pedestrian Access

         a.   General Pedestrian Access

            Except individual lot development of a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling, all developments shall be served by an internal pedestrian circulation system walkways (including sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and/or trails) that permits safe, convenient, efficient, and orderly movement of pedestrians among the following origin and destination points within the development, as well as between the internal pedestrian circulation system and adjoining parts of an existing or planned external, community-wide pedestrian circulation system and any adjoining public parks, greenways, schools, community centers, and shopping areas:

            i.   The primary entrance(s) of principal buildings (or the buildable area of lots, for subdivisions);

            ii.   Off-street parking bays;

            iii.   Any designated or planned bus stops and shelters (on-site or on an adjacent street); and

            iv.   Recreation facilities and other common use area and amenities.

         b.   Sidewalks Required

            i.   Except individual lot development of a single-family dwelling or two-family dwelling, all developments shall install sidewalks on both sides of all roadways within the development site and along the entire frontage of the development site with an existing street (unless an existing sidewalk meeting city standards is already in place).

            ii.   Where a development site fronts an existing street with insufficient right-of-way width to accommodate installation of a required sidewalk along the frontage, the developer may install a sidewalk on the development site, within a dedicated widening of the right-of-way or dedicated public easement running parallel and adjacent to the public street.

            iii.   Additional sidewalks or pedestrian walkways may be required where called for by a city pedestrian plan (when adopted).

      2.   Pedestrian Connectivity

         Multifamily residential, nonresidential, and mixed-use development shall comply with the following standards:

         a.   The internal pedestrian circulation system shall be designed to allow for pedestrian walkway cross-access between the development's buildings and parking areas and those on adjoining lots containing a multifamily residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development, or to the boundary of adjoining vacant land zoned to allow multifamily residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development.

         b.   The Development Services Director may waive or modify the requirement for pedestrian cross-access on determining that such cross-access is impractical or undesirable due to the presence of topographic conditions, natural features, or safety factors.

         c.   Easements allowing cross-access to and from properties served by a pedestrian cross-access, along with agreements defining maintenance responsibilities of property owners, shall be recorded with the Broward County Records Division before issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit for the development.

      3.   General Walkway Layout and Design

         a.   General Walkway Standards

            Required pedestrian walkways shall:

            i.   Be at least five feet wide in residential and industrial zoning districts and seven feet wide in commercial zoning districts;

            ii.   Be distinguishable from vehicular traffic lanes they cross by painted markings, a change in pavement material or color, raised paving height, decorative bollards, and/or flashing caution signals;

            iii.   Have adequate lighting for security and safety;

            iv.   Meet the accessibility guidelines promulgated under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and

            v.   Be constructed in accordance with sidewalk standards in Chapter 100 (Streets and Sidewalks) of the Code of Ordinances , where applicable, and any standards called for by the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

         b.   Pedestrian Walkways through Large Parking Areas and Parking Garages

Figure 155.5101.I.3.b: Walkways through parking lots

            i.   All parking lots and parking structures containing more than 50 parking spaces shall provide a clearly identified pedestrian route between parking areas and the primary pedestrian entrance(s) to the building(s) served by the parking areas, or to a pedestrian walkway providing direct access to the primary building entrance(s).

            ii.   Parking lots containing more than 50 parking spaces shall, at a minimum, include a pedestrian walkway running between at least every three parking bays or at intervals not less than 200 feet apart, whichever is less. (See Figure 155.5101.I.3.b: Walkways through parking lots.)

            iii.   Walkways providing pedestrian access between parking areas and associated buildings may be extended to provide the connections to abutting street sidewalks or to adjoining development required by Section 155.5101.I.1.a, General Pedestrian Access, and Section 155.5101.I.2, Pedestrian Connectivity.

      4.   Waiver

         The Development Services Director may waive all or part of the standards in this subsection if it is demonstrated that pedestrian access and circulation is unneeded or undesirable in the proposed development or that compliance with the required pedestrian improvements is infeasible.

(Ord. 2012-64, passed 9-11-12; Am. Ord. 2013-37, passed 1-22-13; Am. Ord. 2013-73, passed 7-23-13; Am. Ord. 2014-16, passed 1-28-14; Am. Ord. 2015-75, passed 9-8-15; Am. Ord. 2019-110 , passed 9-24-19)

TABLE 155.5102.D.1: MINIMUM NUMBER OF OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES

TABLE 155.5102.I.1: DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS FOR PARKING SPACES AND AISLES

TABLE 155.5102.I.1: DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS FOR PARKING SPACES AND AISLES 1
Parking Angle (Degrees)	Stall Width (ft)	Stall Depth Perpendicular to Curb (ft)	Aisle Width (ft) 2	Stall Length Along Curb (ft)	Double Row + Aisle, Curb to Curb (ft)
A	B	C	D	E	F

TABLE 155.5102.I.1: DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS FOR PARKING SPACES AND AISLES 1
Parking Angle (Degrees)	Stall Width (ft)	Stall Depth Perpendicular to Curb (ft)	Aisle Width (ft) 2	Stall Length Along Curb (ft)	Double Row + Aisle, Curb to Curb (ft)
A	B	C	D	E	F
0	9	9	14	23	32
45	9	19.1	14	12.7	52.2
60	9	20.1	16	10.4	56.2
90	9	18	23	9	59
NOTES: 1. Refer to Figure 155.5102.I.1, below, for illustrations showing how dimensions for parking spaces and aisles in various configurations (A-G) are measured. 2. For one-way traffic. Aisles for two-way traffic shall be at least 23 feet wide (for all parking angles). The Development Services Director may approve an aisle width less than the minimum on determining that the aisle is sufficiently wide to allow vehicle to conveniently maneuver through the parking area and access each parking space without driving through any other parking space.

 

      2.   Compact Parking Spaces in Parking Garages

         When provided in a parking garage, the dimensions of up to 20% of the required off-street parking spaces may be reduced to a width of 8 feet and 6 inches and a depth/length of 16 feet. The spaces shall be marked as Compact Parking Spaces.

Figure 155.5102.I.1: Measurement of parking space and aisle dimensions

      3.   Vertical Clearance

   All off-street parking spaces must have a minimum overhead clearance of seven feet.

   J.   Off-Street Parking Alternatives

      1.   General; Alternative Parking Plan

   The Development Services Director is authorized to approve an alternative parking plan that proposes alternatives to providing the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required by Table 155.5102.D.1,

   Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, in accordance with the standards listed below. The alternative parking plan shall be submitted with an application for Site Plan Approval (Section 155.2407) or Zoning Compliance Permit (Section 155.2413), as appropriate. Additional fees may be assessed to cover the city's additional costs in reviewing alternative parking plans and any subsequent agreements.

      2.   Provision over Maximum Allowed

   An alternative parking plan may propose to exceed the maximum number of off-street parking spaces allowed by Article 1: General Provisions, in accordance with the following standards:

         a.   Parking Demand Study

      The alternative parking plan shall include a parking demand study demonstrating how the maximum number of parking spaces specified by Table 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, is insufficient for the proposed development.

         b.   Minimum Amount Required

      The maximum number of off-street spaces allowed by 155.5102.D.5, Maximum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, shall be limited to the minimum number of additional spaces recommended as needed by the required parking demand study.

      3.   Shared Parking

   An alternative parking plan may propose to meet a portion of the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for a use with shared parking—i.e., use of parking spaces used or proposed to be used to meet the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for one or more other uses—in accordance with the following standards:

         a.   Maximum Shared Spaces

      Up to 75 percent of the number of parking spaces required for a use may be used to satisfy the number of parking spaces required for other uses that generate parking demands during different times of the day or different days of the week.

         b.   Location

            i.   Shared parking spaces shall be located within 500 feet walking distance of the primary pedestrian entrances to the uses served by the parking.

            ii.   Shared parking spaces shall not be separated from the use they serve by an arterial or collector street unless pedestrian access across the arterial or collector street is provided by a grade-separated pedestrian walkway or appropriate traffic controls (e.g., signalized crosswalk).

         c.   Pedestrian Access

      Adequate and safe pedestrian access via a grade-separated walkway shall be provided between the shared parking areas and the primary pedestrian entrances to the uses served by the parking.

         d.   Signage Directing Public to Parking Spaces

      Signage complying with the standards of Chapter 156, Signs, shall be provided to direct the public to the shared parking spaces.

         e.   Justification

      The alternative parking plan shall include justification of the feasibility of shared parking among the proposed uses. Such justification shall address, at a minimum, the size and type of the uses proposed to share off-street parking spaces, the composition of their tenants, the types and hours of their operations, the anticipated peak parking and traffic demands they generate, and the anticipated rate of turnover in parking space use.

         f.   Shared Parking Agreement

            i.   An approved shared parking arrangement shall be enforced through written agreement among all the owners or long-term lessees of lands containing the uses proposed to share off-street parking spaces. The agreement shall provide all parties the right to joint use of the shared parking area for at least 50 years, and shall ensure that as long as the off-site parking is needed to comply with this Code, land containing either the off-site parking area or the served use will not be transferred except in conjunction with the transfer of land containing the other. The agreement shall be submitted to the Development Services Director, who shall forward it to the City Attorney for review and approval before execution. An attested copy of an approved and executed agreement shall be recorded with the Broward County Records Division before issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit or Zoning Use Certificate for any use to be served by the shared parking area.

         The agreement shall be considered a restriction running with the land and shall bind the heirs, successors, and assigns of the landowner.

            ii.   Any termination of the agreement does not negate the parties' obligations to comply with parking requirements and thus shall constitute a violation of this Code. No use served by the shared parking may be continued if the shared parking becomes unavailable to the use unless substitute off-street parking spaces are provided in accordance with this section.

      4.   Off-Site Parking

   An alternative parking plan may propose to meet a portion of the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for a use with off-site parking—i.e., off-street parking spaces located on a lot separate from the lot containing the use—in accordance with the following standards.

         a.   Zoning Classification

      The zoning district classification of the off-site parking area shall be one that allows the use served by off-site parking (and thus off-street parking accessory to such use) or that allows parking as a principal use.

         b.   Location

            i.   Off-site parking spaces shall be located within 500 feet walking distance of the primary pedestrian entrances to the uses served by the parking.

            ii.   Off-site parking spaces shall not be separated from the use they serve by a principal arterial street or minor arterial street unless safe pedestrian access across the street is provided by a grade-separated pedestrian walkway or appropriate traffic controls (e.g., signalized crosswalk).

         c.   Pedestrian Access

      Adequate and safe pedestrian access must be provided between the off-site parking areas and the primary pedestrian entrances to the use served by the parking.

         d.   Off-Site Parking Agreement

            i.   If land containing the off-site parking area is not under the same ownership as land containing the principal use served, the off-site parking arrangement shall be established in a written agreement between the owners of land containing the off-site parking area and land containing the served use. The agreement shall provide the owner of the served use the right to use the off-site parking area for at least 50 years. The agreement shall be submitted to the Development Services Director, who shall forward it to the City Attorney for review and approval before execution. An attested copy of an approved and executed agreement shall be recorded with the Broward County Records Division before issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit for any use to be served by the off-site parking area. The agreement shall be considered a restriction running with the land and shall bind the heirs, successors, and assigns of the landowner.

            ii.   Any termination of the agreement does not negate the landowner's obligation to comply with parking requirements and thus shall constitute a violation of this Code. No use served by the off-site parking may be continued if the off-site parking becomes unavailable unless substitute off-street parking spaces are provided in accordance with this section.

      5.   Deferred Parking

   An alternative parking plan may propose to defer construction of up to 20 percent of the number of off-street parking spaces required by Table 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, in accordance with the following standards:

         a.   Justification

      The alternative parking plan shall include a study demonstrating that because of the location, nature, or mix of uses, there is a reasonable probability the number of parking spaces actually needed to serve the development is less than the minimum required by Table 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces.

         b.   Reserve Parking Plan

      The alternative parking plan shall include a reserve parking plan identifying: (a) the amount of off-street parking being deferred, and (b) the location of the area to be reserved for future parking, if future parking is needed.

         c.   Parking Demand Study

            i.   The alternative parking plan shall provide assurance that within 18 months after the initial Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the proposed development, an off-street parking demand study evaluating the adequacy of the existing parking spaces in meeting the off-street parking demand generated by the development will be submitted to the Development Services Director.

            ii.   If the Development Services Director determines that the study indicates the existing parking is adequate, then construction of the remaining number of parking spaces shall not be required. If the Development Services Director determines that the study indicates additional parking is needed, such parking shall be provided consistent with the reserve parking plan and the standards of this section.

         d.   Limitations on Reserve Areas

      Areas reserved for future parking shall be brought to the finished grade and shall not be used for buildings, storage, loading, or other purposes. Such area may be used for temporary overflow parking, provided such use is sufficiently infrequent to ensure maintenance of its ground cover in a healthy condition.

         e.   Landscaping of Reserve Areas Required

      Areas reserved for future off-street parking shall be landscaped with an appropriate ground cover, and if ultimately developed for off-street parking, shall be landscaped in accordance with Section 155.5203.C, Minimum Development Site Landscaping.

      6.   Valet and Tandem Parking

   An alternative parking plan may propose to use valet and tandem parking to meet a portion of the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for a development in accordance with the following:

         a.   Number of Valet or Tandem Spaces

            i.   All uses, except hotels, may designate a maximum of 75% of the total number of required off-street parking spaces as valet parking. The valet spaces may be tandem.

            ii.   Hotels may designate a maximum of 100% of the total number of required off-street parking spaces as valet parking. The valet spaces may be tandem.

         b.   Drop-Off and Pick-Up Areas

            The development shall provide a designated drop-off and pick-up area in compliance with the following standards:

            i.   The drop-off and pickup area shall be in compliance with Table 155.5101.G.8.a, Minimum Stacking Spaces for Drive-Through and Related Uses.

            ii.   The drop-off and pick up area may be located adjacent to the building served, but may not be located in a fire lane or where its use would impede vehicular and/or pedestrian circulation or cause queuing in a public street or internal drive aisle serving the development.

         c.   Valet Parking Plan

            The alternative parking plan requesting valet shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

            i.   Identification of the type and nature of the use for which the valet service is being provided;

            ii.   The location of the valet parking and self-parking spaces, including how the valet parking area shall be isolated from use by the general public.

            iii.   The pick-up and drop off area(s);

            iv.   A site traffic circulation plan; and

            v.   The number of parking attendants (and any other personnel) needed to operate the valet service.

         d.   Valet Parking Agreement

            Valet parking may be established and managed only in accordance with a valet agreement. The agreement shall include provisions ensuring that a valet parking attendant will be on duty during hours of operation of the uses served by the valet parking, except for Residential and Visitor Accommodation Uses, which shall provide valet parking attendants 24 hours a day. The agreement shall also include a legal description of the parcel where parking will be located and states the number of parking spaces utilized for valet parking. The agreement shall be submitted to the Development Services Director, who shall forward it to the City Attorney for review and approval before execution. An attested copy of an approved and executed agreement shall be recorded with the Broward County Records Division before issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit or Zoning Use Certificate for any use to be served by the valet parking. The agreement shall be considered a restriction running with the land and shall bind the heirs, successors, and assigns of the landowner.

         e.   Any valet operations, of any sort, on public property or right-of-way including, but not limited to, its ramping or storage area or utilizes a public right-of-way to move vehicles between its ramping and its storage area, shall be required to comply with Chapter 77, City Code.

      7.   Payment of Fee to Master Parking Program in Lieu of Providing Required Parking

         a.   Within a nonresidential zoning district, the Planning and Zoning Board may authorize applicable off-street parking requirements for a nonresidential use to be satisfied, in whole or in part, by the applicant's payment of a proportionate share in-lieu fee established by the City Commission that is consistent with, but does not exceed, costs the city will incur to provide the equivalent number of public parking spaces that can serve the use.

         b.   A request to pay an in-lieu fee shall be submitted in writing to the Development Services Director, who shall forward it to the Planning and Zoning Board for review. The Planning and Zoning Board may approve such a request on determining that:

            i.   Due to the availability of transit or unique characteristics of the use or area, the unavailability of the off-street parking spaces for which the fee is made as part of the development will not result in traffic congestion and will be compatible with the character of surrounding properties, and

            ii.   Sufficient public parking exists or is budgeted and scheduled within 1,320 feet of the development to satisfy the parking demand it generates.

         c.   If an applicant requests to pay an in-lieu fee for a number of parking spaces exceeding 25 spaces or 50 percent of the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required by this section, the request shall be accompanied by a traffic study prepared by a licensed professional engineer or traffic consultant and showing that the unavailability of the off-street parking spaces as part of the development will not result in traffic congestion.

         d.   The developer shall pay an in-lieu fee before issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy , where required for the development, or before issuance of a business tax receipt, where no Certificate of Occupancy is required.

         e.   The city shall deposit the fee into the account designated for the provision of parking spaces through the city's Master Parking Program and shall spend it within a reasonable time period only towards provision of public parking spaces that reasonably accommodate the parking demand generated by the development. City costs for which in-lieu fees may be spent include, but are not limited to, the cost of land, leases, rights, easements and franchises; financing charges; interest paid before and during construction; cost of plans and specifications; cost of engineering and legal services and other expenses necessary or incidental for determining the feasibility or practicability of construction, reconstruction or use; cost of all labor and materials; and administrative expenses and such other expenses as may be necessary or incidental to the provision of public parking spaces.

         f.   The City Commission may, by resolution, accept an interest in land instead of accepting all or a portion of an in-lieu parking fee on determining that land would be used in connection with the provision of public parking through the Master Parking Program and the value of the land equals or exceeds the in-lieu parking fee that would otherwise be required. In making its determinations, the City Commission may consider the size of the land, the feasibility of constructing a parking facility on the land, and the land's proximity to parking demands identified and addressed by the Master Parking Program.

   K.   Reduced Parking Requirements for Parking Demand Reduction Strategies

The minimum number of parking spaces required in Section 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, may be reduced through implementation of one or more of the following strategies for reducing parking demand.

      1.   Transit Accessibility

   The Development Services Director may authorize up to a 15 percent reduction in the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required by Table 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, for uses located within 1,000 feet of a bus or rapid transit stop.

      2.   Transportation Demand Management

   The Development Services Director may, through approval of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan, authorize up to a 15 percent reduction in the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required by Table 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, for nonresidential or mixed-use developments having a floor area of at least 25,000 square feet, in accordance with the standards below.

         a.   TDM Plan Requirements

      The TDM plan shall include facts and/or projections (e.g., type of development, proximity to transit and/or other multi-modal systems, anticipated number of employees and/or patrons, minimum parking requirements) and indicate the types of transportation demand management activities that will be instituted to reduce single-occupant vehicle use and reduce traffic congestion.

         b.   Transportation Demand Management Activities

      The TDM plan shall provide at least three of the following transportation demand management activities:

            i.   Establishment of a development-specific website that provides multi-modal transportation information such as real-time travel/traffic information, bus schedules and maps, and logging of alternative commutes (e.g., bicycle, pedestrian, carpool, and vanpool).

            ii.   Written disclosure of transportation information and educational materials to all employees.

            iii.   Formation of transportation demand reduction programs such as carpooling, vanpooling, ridesharing, guaranteed ride home, teleworking, and shuttle service programs.

            iv.   Creation of a Preferential Parking Management Plan that specifically marks spaces for registered carpool and/or vanpool vehicles that are located near building entrances or in other preferential locations.

            v.   Institution of off-peak work schedules that allow employees to arrive and depart at times other than the peak morning commute period (defined as 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and peak evening commute period (defined as 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

            vi.   Establishment of an office, staffed by a transportation coordinator, that makes transportation and ride-sharing information available to employees, residents, and nonresidents.

            vii.   Any other transportation demand management activity as may be approved by the Development Services Director as a means of complying with the parking reduction provisions of this subsection.

         c.   TDM Program Coordinator

            i.   The applicant shall appoint a TDM program coordinator to oversee transportation demand management activities.

            ii.   The TDM program coordinator shall be a licensed engineer or a traffic consultant that is also qualified or trained TDM professional.

            iii.   The TDM program coordinator shall be appointed prior to issuance of a Building Permit or Certificate of Occupancy for the buildings to be served by the transportation demand management program.

         d.   TDM Annual Report

            i.   The TDM program coordinator shall submit to the Development Services Director an annual report that details implementation of the approved TDM plan. The report may include, but is not limited to, the following:

               (A)   A description of transportation demand management activities undertaken;

               (B)   An analysis of parking demand reductions based on employee and/or resident use of ridership programs or alternative transportation options;

               (C)   Changes to the TDM plan to increase transit ridership and other commuting alternatives; and

               (D)   The results of an employee transportation survey.

            ii.   A copy of the approved TDM plan shall be recorded with the Broward County Records Division before issuance of a Zoning Compliance Permit for the development to be served by the plan. The TDM plan shall be recorded against the property, and the applicant and/or successors of interest in the property shall be responsible for implementing the plan in perpetuity.

         e.   Amendments

      The Development Service Director may approve amendments to an approved TDM plan following the same process required for the initial approval.

         f.   Parking Required if TDM Terminated

      If the applicant and/or successors in interest in the property covered by the TDM plan stop implementing the plan or fail to submit a TDM annual report to the Development Services Director in a timely fashion, the TDM plan shall be considered terminated. Any such termination of the TDM plan does not negate the parties' obligations to comply with parking requirements and thus shall constitute a violation of this Code. No use served by the TDM plan may be continued unless another TDM plan is approved or all required off-street parking spaces are provided in full in accordance with this section.

      3.   Special Facilities for Bicycle Commuters

   The Development Services Director may authorize up to a five percent reduction in the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required by Table 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, for developments that provides both of the following:

         a.   Enclosed (indoor or locker) and secure bicycle parking spaces equal to at least five percent of the number of vehicle parking spaces provided; and

         b.   Shower and dressing areas for employees.

      4.   Other Eligible Alternatives

   The Development Services Director may authorize up to a ten percent reduction in the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required by Table 155.5102.D.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, in exchange for any other strategy that an applicant demonstrates will effectively reduce parking demand on the site of the subject development, provided the applicant also demonstrates that the proposed development plan will do at least as good a job in protecting surrounding neighborhoods, maintaining traffic-circulation patterns, and promoting quality urban design as would strict compliance with the otherwise applicable off-street parking standards.

   L.   Bicycle Parking Facilities

      Multifamily development (excluding duplexes and townhomes), nonresidential, and mixed-use development shall comply with the following standards:

      1.   Bicycle Racks or Lockers Required

   All parking areas containing more than ten parking spaces shall provide bicycle racks or lockers sufficient to accommodate the parking of at least four bicycles for each ten parking spaces, or major fraction thereof, above ten spaces—provided that no more than 20 bicycle parking spaces shall be required in any one parking area.

      2.   Bike Rack/Locker Location

   Required bike racks/lockers shall be installed on a paved surface and located in visible, well-lit areas conveniently accessible to the primary entrances of a development principal building(s). They shall be located where they do not interfere with pedestrian traffic and are protected from conflicts with vehicular traffic.

   M.   Loading Area Standards

      1.   Minimum Number of Off-Street Loading Berths

   Any new development involving the routine vehicular delivery or shipping of goods, supplies, or equipment to or from the development shall provide a sufficient number of off-street loading berths to accommodate the delivery and shipping operations of the development's uses in a safe and convenient manner. Table 155.5102.M.1, Minimum Number of Off-Street Loading Berths, sets forth the minimum number of loading berths that presumptively satisfies the loading area needs of the listed principal uses. For proposed uses not listed in Table 155.5102.M.1, the requirement for a use most similar to the proposed use shall apply. The Development Services Director may require more loading berths or fewer loading berths on determining that the characteristics of the particular development warrant such addition or reduction and the general standard is met.