Prescott City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Traffic Visibility, Loading, Parking and Access
§ 635-53 Traffic visibility triangle.
A.
Vision setback at intersections of public streets. Where two public streets intersect at grade level, the intersection shall be day-lighted by excluding all buildings, structures and other obstructions to view; including shrubbery and trees (except highway and street signs) from the triangles adjacent to the intersection described as follows:
(1)
There shall be a visual clearance triangle that is bounded by the street center lines and a line connecting points on them 200 feet from a state highway intersection, 150 feet from a county highway intersection, and 100 feet from a City road intersection. Any structure, excluding required traffic control signs, within the vision triangle shall have a maximum height of 24 inches.
B.
Vision clearance at driveway entrances/exits. At 75 feet from the center line of a driveway entrance/exit any structure, excluding required traffic control signs, within the vision clearance area shall have a maximum height of 24 inches.
§ 635-54 Loading requirements.
A.
Loading space requirements. On every lot on which a new business, commercial or industrial use is hereafter established, off-street loading space with access to a public street or alley shall be provided according to Table 1 of this section for the loading and unloading of vehicles off the public right-of-way:
Table 1 Loading Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
Uses | Square Feet of Gross Floor Area | Required Off-Street Loading Spaces |
School | No minimum | 1 |
Hospital | Up to 30,000 | 1 |
For each additional 30,000 or major fraction thereof | 1 additional | |
Funeral home | No minimum | 1 |
Office, hotel, retail, service, wholesale, warehouse, manufacturing, processing or repairing uses | Up to 25,000 | 1 |
From 25,001 to 40,000 | 2 | |
From 40,001 to 60,000 | 3 | |
From 60,001 to 100,000 | 4 | |
For each additional 50,000 or major fraction thereof | 1 additional | |
B.
Multiple or mixed uses. Where a building is devoted to more than one use or for different uses and where the floor area for each use is below the minimum required for a loading space but the aggregate floor area of such uses is above such a minimum, then off-street loading space shall be provided as if the entire building were devoted to that use in the building for which the most loading spaces are required.
C.
Location. All loading areas shall be off-street and shall be located on the same lot as the building or use to be served. A loading area shall not be located less than 25 feet from any street right-of-way nor less than 50 feet from a residential district unless within a building. Loading areas shall not occupy more than 1/2 the required front yard setback. No loading space shall be located within 30 feet of the nearest point of intersection of two streets or require any vehicle to back into a public street.
D.
Surfacing. All open off-street loading berths shall be improved with a compacted gravel base, not less than seven inches thick, surfaced with not less than two inches of asphalt or treated with some comparable all-weather dustless material.
E.
Size. An individual loading space shall be at least 12 feet wide by 70 feet long and have a minimum height clearance of 16 feet.
F.
Utilization. Space allocated to any off-street loading berth shall not, while so allocated, be used to satisfy the space requirements for any off-street parking facilities or portions thereof.
G.
Central loading. Central loading facilities may be substituted for loading berths on the individual zoning lots provided the following conditions are fulfilled:
(1)
Each zoning lot served shall have direct access to the central loading area without crossing streets or alleys at grade.
(2)
Total berths provided shall meet the requirements based on the sum of the several types of uses served. (Areas of types of uses may be totaled before computing number of loading berths.)
(3)
No zoning lot served shall be more than 300 feet removed from the central loading area.
(4)
The tunnel or ramp connecting the central loading area with the zoning lot served shall be not less than seven feet in width and have a clearance of not less than seven feet.
H.
Unlawful truck use. No more than four trucks or semi-trailers, or part thereof, in the C-2, I-1 or I-2 Districts shall be used for the purpose of permanent storage of goods or material, or for advertising purposes within the City.
§ 635-55 Parking requirements.
The off-street parking provisions of this chapter shall apply to all buildings and structures erected after the effective date of this chapter. Accessory parking shall be according to the provisions of this article. Where an intensity of the use of any building, structure or premises shall be increased, additional parking to match the increased intensity of use shall be provided; or wherever an existing building or structure is converted to a new use, parking shall be provided according to the requirements of the new use. All new nonresidential parking lots and all alterations of existing lots shall be subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator. Requests for said parking lots shall be accompanied with detailed plans on landscaping, parking layout, drainage provisions and driveway locations. In all districts, there shall be provided at the time any use or building is erected, enlarged, extended, or increased off-street parking stalls for all vehicles in accordance with the following:
A.
Access. Each off-street parking space shall open directly upon an aisle or driveway designed to provide safe and efficient means of vehicular access to such parking space. All off-street parking facilities shall be designed with appropriate means of vehicular access to a street or alley in a manner which will least interfere with traffic movement.
B.
Design standards. Each parking space shall not be less than 190 square feet in area, exclusive of aisles and access drives unless otherwise noted. No parking area of more than two spaces shall be designed as to require any vehicle to back into a public street. Any parking area of more than five spaces shall be sufficiently screened in the form of a solid fence or shrubbery to protect adjacent residential uses. Large expanses of unchanneled parking areas shall be avoided by interior landscaping and safety islands. The design standard for angled parking is listed in Table 2.
Table 2 Design Standards | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Parking Angle | Stall Width (feet) | Stall Length (feet) | Minimum Aisle Width (feet) |
0° (Parallel) | 9 | 24 | 12, one-way 24, two-way |
30° | 10 | 19 | 12, one-way 24, two-way |
45° | 10 | 19 | 13, one-way 24, two-way |
60° | 10 | 19 | 18, one-way 24, two-way |
90° | 10 | 19 | 24 |
C.
Location.
(1)
Off-street parking is permitted in all yards of all districts except:
(a)
Rear, side and front yards in residentially zoned districts shall meet the requirements of § 635-57A of this chapter.
(b)
In the non-driveway front yards of single-family and two-family residence districts, parking space(s) shall not be closer than five feet to a nonresidential side lot line or rear lot line or closer than 15 feet to a right-of-way.
(c)
No parking space or driveway shall be closer than 25 feet to a residential district lot line.
D.
E.
Parking areas.
(2)
Plans. All plans for such proposed parking areas, at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator, shall include a topographic survey or grading plan which shows existing and proposed grades and location of improvements.
(3)
Repair and service. No motor vehicle repair work or service of any kind shall be permitted in association with parking facilities provided in residence districts.
(4)
Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be directed away from adjacent properties and public streets in such a way as not to create a nuisance. However, in no case shall such lighting exceed three footcandles measured at the lot line.
(5)
Street setback area. No parking shall be permitted between the street right-of-way line and the building setback line prevailing in the zone in which the proposed parking area is to be located. The resulting open area shall be planted in grass or otherwise landscaped to create a permanent green area.
F.
Curbs. Curbs or barriers shall be installed a minimum of four feet from a property line so as to prevent the parked vehicles from extending over any lot lines.
G.
Number of stalls. The minimum number of parking stalls required shall be according to Table 3 of this section.
(1)
(2)
Parcels in the C-1 district are exempt from these minimum requirements.
[Added 5-13-2024 by Ord. No. 04-24]
Table 3 Parking Stalls Requirement | |
|---|---|
Category | Minimum Off-Street Parking Spaces Required |
Residential and Lodging | |
Single-family attached (e.g., townhouse), single-family detached, and manufactured and mobile homes | 2 stalls |
Duplex | 2 stalls for each dwelling unit |
Multiple-family dwellings (3 or more unit in same building) | 1 stall for each bedroom |
Clubs, lodges, lodging and boardinghouses | 1 stall for each 2 beds, plus 1 stall for each 3 employees on duty during the largest shift |
Civic and Public Assembly | |
Hospitals | 1 stall for each 2 beds, plus 1 stall for each 3 employees on duty during the largest shift |
Sanitariums, institutions, rest and nursing homes | 1 stall for each 5 beds, plus 1 stall for each 3 employees on duty during the largest shift |
Public assembly, including, but not limited to, churches, theaters, auditoriums, community centers, vocational and night schools and other places of public assembly | 1 stall for each 5 seats |
Colleges, secondary and elementary schools | 1 stall for each employee on duty during the largest shift, plus 1 stall for each 5 students of 16 years of age or more |
Hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities not otherwise listed | 1 stall for each guest room, plus 1 stall for each 3 employees on duty during the largest shift |
Commercial/Office Service | |
Banks, credit unions, financial institutions | 1 stall for each 500 square feet of floor area |
Bar or lounge, with or without eating facilities | 1 stall for each 150 square feet of floor area |
Bed-and-breakfast | 2 off-street parking spaces for the principal domiciled residents of the dwelling, plus one additional space for each room approved for use by guests |
Bowling centers | 3 stalls for each lane |
Day-care center | 1 parking stall for every employee on duty during the largest shift, plus 1 parking stall for every 5 children in attendance when the facility is operating at maximum capacity |
Drugstore/pharmacy | 5 stalls, plus 1 stall for every 500 square feet over 1,000 square feet |
Fitness center, gym, and health club with workout area(s), no area(s) for organized activities such as yoga, tai chi, Zumba, etc. | 5 parking stalls for every 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Fitness center, gym, and health club with workout area(s) and designated area(s) for organized activities such as yoga, tai chi, Zumba, etc. | 5 parking stalls for every 1,000 square feet of floor area, plus 1 parking stall for every 2 participants of an organized activity when the activity is operating at full capacity |
Funeral homes | 1 stall for each 5 seats |
Furniture, carpet, tile, home furnishing showrooms/stores | 2.3 stalls for each 1,000 square feet |
Gas station with convenience store | 1 stall for the number of employees on duty during the largest shift, plus 0.75 stalls for each fueling position |
Gas station without convenience store or service station | 1 stall for each employee on duty during the largest shift |
Laundromat | 0.5 stall for each washing machine, plus 1 parking stall for every employee on duty during the largest shift |
Medical and dental offices | 1 stall for each 250 square feet |
Professional offices, general | 4 stalls for each 1,000 square feet |
Restaurant, fast-food | |
With drive-through | 1 space for each 3 seats based on the designed capacity and 6 on-site stalls for vehicle stacking, plus 1 parking stall for every employee on duty during the largest shift |
Without drive-through | 1 stall for each 3 seats based on designed capacity, plus 1 parking stall for every employee on duty during the largest shift |
Restaurant, sit-down | 1 stall for each 3 seats based on the designed capacity, plus 1 parking stall for every employee on duty during the largest shift. Where there is no design layout, 1 stall for each 50 square feet of floor area, plus 1 parking stall for every employee on duty during the largest shift. |
Retail establishments: including appliance, auto parts sales, clothing, hardware, housewares, office supply, specialty items, sporting goods, and other retail establishments not otherwise listed | 1 stall for each 300 square feet |
Shopping centers | 1 stall for each 200 square feet of leasable floor area |
Strip mall | 5 stalls per 1,000 square feet |
Supermarkets, up to 5,000 square feet | 3.30 stalls for each 1,000 square feet |
Supermarkets, larger than 5,000 square feet | 5.8 stalls for each 1,000 square feet |
Vehicle repair and maintenance services | 4 stalls for each service bay, except vehicle repair/ maintenance accessory to vehicle sales is 3 stalls for each service bay |
Vehicle sales (new or used) | 1 stall for each 300 square feet of office and indoor sales area |
Industrial | |
Light industry general (not manufacturing) and laboratories | 1.1 stalls for each 1,000 square feet |
Manufacturing | 1.5 stalls for each 1,000 square feet |
Warehousing | 1 stall for each 2,000 square feet for warehouses. Mini-storage/self-storage has no parking required. |
Uses not specifically noted | Parking space requirements for uses not specifically mentioned shall be the same as required for a use of a similar nature as determined by the Zoning Administrator |
H.
Employee parking. In addition to the requirements in Subsection G, in all districts except industrial there shall be employee off-street parking provided at the ratio of one off-street parking space for each full-time employee or full-time employee equivalent. A full-time employee shall be one working 40 hours per week. Part-time employee hours shall be converted to full-time equivalent hours. The number of employee parking spaces shall be based on employment at the time the building is erected, enlarged, structurally altered or changed to a higher classification use.
I.
Uses not listed. In the case of structures or uses not mentioned, the provision for a use which is similar shall apply, as determined by the Plan Commission.
J.
Computing requirements. In computing the number of spaces required, the following rules shall govern:
(1)
Floor space shall mean the gross floor area of the specific use.
(2)
For structures containing more than one use, the required number of spaces shall be computed by adding the space required for each use.
(3)
Parking spaces shall be calculated according to the use of the parcel as defined in Subsection G of this section.
(4)
Calculations associated with Table 3 of this subsection that result in a fraction of 1/2 or greater are to be rounded up, and fractional results of less than 1/2 may be rounded down. Area per square foot refers to square foot of gross floor area, unless noted otherwise.
K.
Combined uses. Combinations of any of the above uses shall provide the total of the number of stalls required for each individual use. Two or more uses may provide required off-street parking spaces in a common parking facility less than the sum of the spaces required for each use individually, provided such uses are not operated during the same hours. The following conditions must be met for any joint use:
(1)
The proposed joint parking space is within 400 feet of the use it will serve.
(2)
The applicant shall show that there is no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the two buildings or uses for which joint use of off-street parking facilities is proposed.
(3)
A properly drawn legal instrument approved by the Common Council, executed by the parties concerned, for joint use of off-street parking facilities shall be filed with the City Clerk. Said instrument may be a three-party agreement, including the City and all private parties involved. Such instrument shall first be approved by the City Attorney.
L.
Handicapped parking requirements. In addition to any other requirements relating to parking spaces contained in these ordinances, the provisions contained in §§ 101.13, 346.503 and 346.56, Wis. Stats., and any Wisconsin Administrative Code sections adopted pursuant thereto are hereby adopted by reference and made applicable to all parking facilities whenever constructed.
M.
Changes in buildings or use. Whenever a building or use is changed, structurally altered or enlarged to create a need for an increase of 25% or more in the number of existing parking spaces, such spaces shall be provided on the basis of the enlargement or change. Whenever a building or use is enlarged to the extent of 50% or more in the floor area, said building or use shall then comply with the parking requirements set forth in the district in which it is located.
N.
Off-lot parking.
(1)
Required off-street parking spaces shall be located on the same lot with the principal use, or such parking spaces may be located off-lot provided the parking spaces are located in the same district and not over 400 feet from the principal use. In cases where off-street parking facilities are permitted on land other than the same lot as the principal use, such facilities shall be in the same possession as the lot occupied by the use to which the parking facilities are necessary or in the possession of the controller of the principal use to which the parking facilities are accessory. Such possession shall be by deed whereby the owner of the land on which the parking facilities are to be located shall be bound by a covenant filed and recorded in the Office of the County Register of Deeds requiring such owner, his heirs or assigns to maintain the required facilities for the duration of the use served.
(2)
Off-lot parking spaces for residential uses shall be within 250 feet of the principal entrance or the entrance for the individual occupants for whom the spaces are reserved while the farthest portions of a parking lot for all other uses shall be within 500 feet of the entrance of the establishment.
(3)
Accessory parking may be located in residential districts provided that said lots or property are immediately adjacent to a commercial, business or industrial zoning district.
(4)
All off-street parking lots adjoining lots zoned for residential use shall have a minimum setback of 10 feet from any interior lot line, except if the adjoining lot is used for legally conforming parking purposes.
O.
Signs. Signs located in parking areas necessary for orderly operation of traffic movement shall be permitted in addition to others permitted in this chapter.
P.
Reduction of parking areas. Off-street parking spaces shall not be reduced in number unless said number exceeds the requirement set forth herein.
§ 635-56 Highway access.
A.
Highway access. No direct private access shall be permitted to the existing or proposed rights-of-way of expressways, nor to any controlled access arterial street without permission of the highway agency that has access control jurisdiction. No direct public or private access shall be permitted to the existing or proposed rights-of-way of freeways, interstate highways and their interchanges or turning lanes nor to intersecting or interchanging streets within 1,500 feet of the most remote end of the taper of the turning lanes (such as exit and entrance ramps). No driveway openings shall be permitted within 100 feet of the intersection of an arterial street right-of-way line.
B.
Access barriers. Access barriers, such as curbing, fencing, ditching, landscaping or other topographic barriers shall be erected to prevent unauthorized vehicular ingress or egress to the above specified streets or highways.
C.
Temporary access. Temporary access to the above rights-of-way may be granted by the Zoning Administrator after review and recommendation by the highway agencies having jurisdiction. Such access permit shall be temporary, revocable and subject to any conditions required and shall be issued for a period not to exceed 12 months.
§ 635-57 Off-street parking restrictions in residential areas.
[Amended 3-24-2025 by Ord. No. 02-25]
A. IMPROVED SURFACE NON-IMPROVED SURFACE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) VEHICLE, MOTOR
Definitions.
A dust-free surface such as concrete, asphalt, or paving stones at least three inches thick. Gravel may qualify as an improved surface if well-drained and properly maintained.
Grass, dirt, or other unpaved surfaces not meeting the requirements of an improved surface.
A recreational vehicle (RV) is any motorized or non-motorized vehicle or trailer primarily used for recreational activities, including motorhomes (Class A, B, or C), converted buses, camper trailers (such as pop-up campers, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel trailers), off-road vehicles like snowmobiles and ATVs, boats (including motorboats, sailboats, and jet skis), and toy haulers, horse trailers, or any transportation method that stores such recreational vehicles.
Any self-propelled device designed or used for the transportation of persons or property, including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and other motorized conveyances.
B.
Purpose. To establish regulations for off-street parking and storage of recreational vehicles (RVs), commercial vehicles, and other vehicles within residentially zoned districts to maintain neighborhood aesthetics, ensure safety, and minimize environmental impact.
C.
Unless otherwise specified in district regulations, off-street parking is permitted in residentially zoned districts under the following conditions:
(1)
Rear and side yards.
(a)
Vehicles may be parked in the rear or side yards if:
[1]
Parked on an improved surface capable of carrying a wheel load of 4,000 pounds, five feet from any property line. Gravel may qualify as an improved surface if well-drained.
[a]
Non-motorized recreational vehicles are exempt from surfacing requirements.
[2]
Vehicles shall meet the requirements of § 635-57C(1) and other applicable district regulations.
(b)
A maximum of three vehicles, including both recreational and non-recreational types, may be parked in the rear or side yards. However, motorhomes (Class A, B, or C), converted buses, and camper trailers (such as pop-up campers, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel trailers) are limited to one.
(2)
Front yards.
(a)
Only on a paved or graveled driveway, not exceeding 30 feet in width in the right-of-way and 40 feet in the private property.
(b)
The driveway shall be a minimum of five feet from a side lot line.
(c)
No vehicle shall be parked or stored in any driveway in such a manner that any portion of the vehicle encroaches or encumbers the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, streets, or any other public property.
D.
Special provisions for recreational vehicles.
(1)
No camper, recreational vehicle, or similar unit shall be set up for habitation on any lot for more than 14 consecutive days, unless located in a permitted campground. For the purposes of this section, "set up for habitation" means being connected to utilities (electric, water, or sewer), having slide-outs or pop-ups extended, or being occupied as a residence. After the 14-day period, the unit must be removed or stored without habitation for at least 30 days.
(a)
Temporary utility connection. A recreational vehicle may be connected to water and electricity for a maximum of 72 hours to prepare for off-site use. Similarly, the vehicle may be connected to electricity for up to 72 hours upon returning from off-site use. All vehicles must remain operable and display current license tags.
E.
Vehicle registration.
(1)
All vehicles parked, placed, or stored on a residential lot and which can be seen from a public right-of-way or alley must display a valid license and/or registration.
F.
Exceptions. The Common Council may allow off-street parking in other yard areas of a residential development if it significantly enhances the overall design and value of the property. Such permissions require a conditional use permit and suitable screening to minimize visibility from adjacent public or residential areas.