Riverside City Zoning Code

The provisions of this section shall apply as described below. While the primary focus of these provisions relate to car parking, they also apply to the parking or storage of bicycles, as required in this chapter, to provide for a more bike-friendly and transit accessible environment.

   (A)   Existing Facilities: Existing off street parking requirements shall not be reduced below the requirements of this chapter. If such existing off street parking facilities are already less than the requirements of this chapter, they shall not be further reduced. Existing off street parking and loading facilities, which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter, but were in conformance with the requirements of this zoning ordinance in effect at the time they were established, are permitted to continue as legal nonconforming uses.

   (B)   Damage Or Destruction: When a building is reconstructed or repaired after being damaged or destroyed, off street parking facilities shall be restored or maintained in an amount equivalent to that maintained at the time of such damage or destruction. However, it shall not be necessary to restore or maintain parking facilities in excess of the applicable requirements of this chapter.

   (C)   Change In Land Use: When an existing use of a building, structure or parcel of land is changed to a new use, parking spaces shall be provided as required for such new use. Additional spaces are required only in the amount by which the requirements for the new use exceed the requirements for the existing use.

   (D)   Change In Intensity Of Use: When the intensity of use of any building, structure or parcel of land is increased, additional parking spaces shall be provided. The number of additional parking spaces shall be based on the increase in the number of dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity or other unit of measurement used to calculate the number of required parking or loading spaces. When the intensity of use of any building, structure or parcel of land is decreased, the number of parking and loading spaces may be reduced if the requirements of this chapter are met for the entire building, structure or parcel of land, as modified.

   (E)   Provision Of Additional Spaces: Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the voluntary establishment of off street parking facilities, provided that all regulations governing the location, design and control of such facilities shall be followed. In addition, the voluntary establishment of additional parking facilities shall not result in the property exceeding the maximum impervious surface requirements, where applicable, of this zoning ordinance. The provision of additional off-street parking spaces shall not adversely impact a safe and accessible environment for pedestrians and bicyclists, including access to transit facilities such as train stations and bus stops.

   (F)   Limitations On Use: No motor vehicle repair work of any kind shall be permitted in any parking space or parking lot. The repair or maintenance of motor vehicles conducted as a business or commercial activity is prohibited in any off street parking facility. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005; amd. Ord. 4041, 2-2-2023)

The total number of required parking spaces shall be based upon the requirements for the principal use of the lot. However, when more than one use occupies the same lot, the number of required spaces shall be the sum of the separate requirements for each use. All off street parking facilities, including those specifically dedicated to bicycles, shall be completed before occupancy of the building or structure for which it serves. In computing the number of off street parking spaces required by this chapter, the following standards for computation shall apply:

   (A)   Space allocated to any off street loading space shall not be used to satisfy the requirement for any off street parking space or access aisle, or portion thereof. Conversely, the area allocated to any off street parking space shall not be used to satisfy the replacement for any off street loading space or portion thereof.

   (B)   A fraction of less than one-half (½) may be disregarded, and a fraction of one-half (½) or more shall be counted as one parking or loading space.

   (C)   Except as otherwise specified, parking or loading spaces required on an employee basis shall be based on the maximum number of employees present on the premises at any one time. When the determination of the number of parking spaces is based on the number of employees, the owner or manager shall be counted as an employee.

   (D)   For nonresidential uses, where there is accessory office space that serves the administrative functions for a nonresidential use, this accessory office space shall be included in the calculation for the principal use, rather than used to calculate a separate requirement for office space. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005; amd. Ord. 4041, 2-2-2023; Ord. 4042, 2-2-2023)

   (A)   Site Plan Review: Site plan review is required prior to any construction, alteration or addition of any off street parking facility for a nonresidential use and for any townhouse or multiple-family residential development providing five (5) or more parking spaces. For purposes of this chapter, construction, alteration or addition shall include all paving of previously unpaved surfaces, replacement of pavement with new binder and surface courses, construction of curbing, installation of new parking lot landscaping, and similar activities. Construction, alteration or addition shall not include maintenance activities, such as replacement of landscaping, curb repairs, sealing, restriping or placement of surface course pavement over previously paved areas, or include the conversion of existing car parking spaces into bicycle parking that only requires restriping or addition of bicycle racks. The application for site plan review shall be in accordance with the site plan review requirements of section 10-2-2-4, “Site Plan Review”, of this zoning ordinance.

   (B)   Completion: The off street parking and loading facilities required by this chapter shall be completed prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the use they serve. If weather conditions do not permit such completion, the village manager may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for a maximum period of six (6) months. The off street parking facilities shall be completed prior to the expiration of the temporary certificate of occupancy.

   (C)   Parking Plan: Each applicant for a building permit or certificate of occupancy shall file with his/her application a plan of parking facilities and loading facilities, if required, to be provided in connection with the building for which the permit or certificate is sought. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005; amd. Ord. 4041, 2-2-2023)

   (A)   Dimensions Of Spaces And Aisles:

      1.   Required off street parking spaces shall have vertical clearance of at least seven feet (7'). The dimensions of aisles shall be as shown in figure 11, “Off Street Parking Requirements”, of this section. All two-way traffic aisles shall be a minimum of twenty four feet (24') in width. As shown in figure 11 for multi- family and nonresidential parking lots, one-way traffic aisles shall be a minimum of eighteen feet (18'). Townhouse developments shall be permitted a minimum twelve foot (12') one-way traffic aisle. (Ord. 2593, 11-20-2006)

      2.   A required off street parking space shall be at least nine feet (9') in width and at least eighteen feet (18') in length, exclusive of access drives, aisles, ramps and columns. Required dimensions for off street parking are illustrated in figure 11, “Off Street Parking Requirements”, of this section.

   (B)   Surfacing And Striping: All off street parking areas and driveways shall be improved with a hard surfaced pavement as approved by the village. In an effort to reduce storm water runoff caused by excessive pavement, the village encourages the construction of off street parking with a porous asphalt or permeable paving material that meets village requirements. Striping of the surface to define each parking space shall be provided and visible at all times.

   (C)   Access To Spaces: A fire lane shall be provided where required by the fire department. All off street parking facilities shall be provided with appropriate means of vehicular access in a manner that least interferes with traffic movements and allows the driver of the vehicle to proceed forward into traffic rather than back out. All required off street parking facilities shall have vehicular access from a street, alley or driveway, containing all-weather, hard surfaced pavement or permeable paving materials that meet village requirements. Each required off street parking space shall open directly upon an aisle or a driveway of such width and design as to provide safe and efficient means of vehicular access to the parking spaces. The location and route of access to such a parking area shall be identified and the route shall not transverse any other parking spaces. Except for access to loading berths, no driveway across public property shall have a width exceeding twenty four feet (24'), excluding curb returns.

   (D)   Drainage: All parking and loading areas shall be graded and drained to dispose of surface water accumulation by means of an approved stormwater drainage system.

   (E)   Parking Facilities For Alternative Modes Of Transportation: It is the intent of the village to accommodate all modes of transportation, including bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. Therefore, it is encouraged that private property owners provide facilities for these modes of transportation as part of the provision of off street parking facilities. New development or redevelopment in business districts shall be required to provide bicycle parking spaces. When such bicycle parking facilities are required by the Village, they shall adhere to the following requirements:

      1.   Non-residential developments that provide parking for automobiles shall provide bicycle parking facilities (e.g., bike racks) at a minimum ratio of one (1) bicycle parking space for every ten (10) automobile parking spaces. A bicycle parking facility is defined as a location designated for bicycle parking with an appropriate ground or wall-mounted rack to which one or more bicycle frames can be securely attached with a user-supplied lock.

      2.   Multi-family residential developments shall provide bicycle parking facilities for use by residents in an interior space of the building (e.g., parking garage, common area) at a minimum ratio of one (1) bicycle parking space for every one and one-half (1½) dwelling units. Such bicycle parking facilities shall be placed close to a building entry point (e.g., front entrance, side entrance, interior entryway leading from the parking garage into the building) that is accessible to a sidewalk, alley, or parking area. For visitors or the general public, multi-family residential developments shall provide bicycle parking facilities at a minimum ratio of one (1) bicycle parking space for every ten (10) automobile parking spaces. These bicycle parking spaces shall meet the location criteria described in subsection 4 of this section below.

      3.   Bicycle parking facilities for non-residential developments and for use by visitors or the general public shall be located within fifty (50) feet of a building entrance. Bicycle parking facilities shall not displace any accessible parking spaces.

      4.   A bicycle parking space shall generally be at least 15 square feet; however, more efficient bicycle parking layouts may be submitted for site plan review and approval. Parking for bicycle, mopeds, and scooters may be integrated either into the overall parking lot or adjacent to the building on a sidewalk pad.

      5.   Bicycle parking racks shall be mounted to the ground, wall, or ceiling, depending on space configuration and shall be designed to enable a bicyclist to adequately secure their bicycle frame to the rack when utilized in conjunction with a user-supplied lock. A grounded bicycle rack typically requires minimum dimensions of 2 feet in width, 6 feet in length, and 7½ feet in height for each bicycle space. A bicycle rack mounted to the wall or ceiling typically requires minimum dimensions of 2 feet in width, 3½ feet in length, and 7½ feet in height for each bicycle space. The proposed design of the bicycle parking facility shall be submitted for site plan review and approval.

      6.   Motorcycle parking, if provided, shall be located near the main entrance of a building to encourage use and enhance visibility to minimize theft and vandalism. A motorcycle parking space shall typically have minimum dimensions of 4 feet in width and 8 feet in length. Motorcycle parking shall be demarcated by providing appropriate signage, such as a posted sign or painted symbols or lettering on the pavement (similar to a handicapped parking space).

      7.   Mopeds and scooters may utilize parking designated for motorcycles, if available. When designated motorcycle parking spaces are not provided, mopeds and scooters may park in designated bicycle parking areas. If possible, the bicycle parking area should provide a designated corral for motorized vehicles (e.g., mopeds and scooters) to offer a level of separation from non-motorized vehicles (e.g., bicycles). A designated corral for mopeds and scooters shall be demarcated by providing appropriate signage, such as a posted sign or painted symbols or lettering on the pavement (similar to a handicapped parking space).

 

 

   (F)   Landscaping And Screening: All open parking areas shall be landscaped and screened in accordance with chapter 9, “Landscaping And Screening”, of this zoning ordinance.

   (G)   Lighting: With the exception of ornamental lighting in the B2 district that is similar to the village’s historic gas lighting fixtures and consistent with the historic character of the central business district, all on site lighting shall comply with the requirements of section 10-7-2, “Exterior Lighting”, of this zoning ordinance. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005; amd. Ord. 4041, 2-2-2023)

All required parking shall be located on the same lot as the use served, except where permitted within the zoning district and the use standards of subsection 10-6-2(E), “Off Street Parking; Parking Lots And Parking Structures”, of this zoning ordinance. (Ord. 2701, 3-3-2009)

   (A)   Parking Lot Location:

      1.   B2 District:

         (a)   In the B2 district, parking lots shall be located at the rear of buildings such that buildings separate parking areas from the street. The planning and zoning commission may permit parking to the side of a building if the lot is a minimum of one hundred fifty feet (150') in width. The need for parking on the side of the building will be evaluated by the planning and zoning commission on a case by case basis and shall only be permitted where the configuration of the site and/or need for on site parking makes locating all parking at the rear of the building infeasible. (Ord. 2701, 3-3-2009; amd. Ord. 2843, 12-19-2013)

         (b)   For residential uses in the B2 district, it shall be encouraged that at least one of the required spaces per dwelling unit be enclosed and located within the building or in an accessory garage building. These requirements shall apply to new residential development and not to existing residential developments.

      2.   B1 District:

         (a)   In the B1-C subdistrict, parking may be located to the rear or side of the building. Parking may be permitted in front of the building in the B1-C subdistrict by special use only. Parking is permitted to encroach into the required rear yard, however all applicable buffer yard requirements shall be met. No parking is permitted in the buffer yard. (See Figure 11B of this section for parking area locations relative to the building.)

         (b)   In the B1-TC subdistrict, the following parking location requirements apply:

            (1)   Parking is permitted to encroach into the required rear yard, however all applicable buffer yard requirements shall be met. No parking is permitted in the buffer yard.

            (2)   Parking is permitted to the side of the building but may not encroach into a required interior side yard and all applicable buffer yard requirements shall be met. No parking is permitted in the buffer yard.

            (3)   Parking may be permitted in front of a building in the B1-TC subdistrict by special use only, however it may not encroach into the required front yard. (See Figure 11B of this section.)

         (c)   In the B1-TOD subdistrict, the following parking location requirements apply:

            (1)   Parking may encroach into a required setback, but no parking is permitted in a buffer yard.

            (2)   Parking is permitted behind and on the sides of the building.

            (3)   Parking may be permitted in front of a building in the B1-TOD subdistrict by special use only. (See Figure 11B of this section.)

(Ord. 2701, 3-3-2009; amd. Ord. 4042, 2-2-2023)

   (A)   Required Spaces: All off street parking facilities, except single-family and two-family dwellings, shall provide parking spaces for handicapped persons. The number of accessible parking spaces shall be included in the total number of required parking spaces and shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Illinois administrative code, as amended from time to time, and all governing codes and applicable laws.

   (B)   Dimensions And Design: Such spaces shall comply with the design standards presented in the state of Illinois accessibility standards and all governing codes and applicable laws, provided that in no instance shall the width of any one space be less than sixteen feet (16'). Such spaces shall be identified by a sign and pavement markings indicating parking for the handicapped only. Such spaces shall be those closest to the entrance of the building or structure and shall be connected by a paved surface designed to provide safe and easy access. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005)

The parking of commercial and recreational vehicles on any lot or parcel of land in any residential district, and accessory to the main residential use, shall be subject to the following regulations:

   (A)   Commercial Vehicles:

      1.   In the residential districts, no more than one commercial vehicle shall be parked on any lot or parcel of land. Such commercial vehicles shall be parked within a totally enclosed garage or other building, except one commercial vehicle with an "A" or "B" license plate, as categorized by the state of Illinois, may be parked in the driveway. If the garage is located in, and/or the driveway extends to, the rear yard, such vehicles, if parked outside, must be parked in the rear yard.

      2.   Commercial vehicles may be parked in a residential driveway for the necessary short term period needed to make deliveries and/or render service to the property owner.

   (B)   Recreational Vehicles:

      1.   Except as set forth in subsection (B)2 of this section, in residential districts, all recreational vehicles shall be parked within a totally enclosed garage or other building.

      2.   Open parking of one recreational vehicle that, by itself or mounted on a trailer, does not exceed twenty three feet (23') in length and seven feet (7') in height, is permitted in a rear yard, in addition to private passenger vehicles. Screening in the form of shrubbery, fencing or other means shall be provided to shield such recreational vehicle from adjoining properties and shall be maintained in a good condition. A recreational vehicle with collapsible walls shall be stored in a collapsed position.

      3.   While parked, stored or otherwise kept within any residential district, no recreational vehicle shall be occupied or used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes. No water, gas, sewer or electrical service connection shall be attached to such vehicle.

      4.   In all residential districts, any recreational vehicle may be parked in a residential driveway for loading and unloading purposes for a continuous period not exceeding forty eight (48) hours. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005)

It is recognized that the pedestrian character and small lot sizes within the B2 district make the provision of individual on-site parking facilities difficult and inappropriate. The B1-TOD subdistrict is also a unique area in that it provides for greater accessibility to transit facilities along Harlem Avenue and near the Burlington Street intersection, which influences the quantity of parking needed in a district encouraging more pedestrian, bicycle, and transit activity. In addition to on street parking and limited public parking spaces, business and property owners are encouraged to pursue shared and off-site parking arrangements at the rear of properties in the B2 district and B1-TOD subdistrict. Where all required parking cannot be provided through these means, business and property owners may pay into the village parking fund to contribute to the cost of providing and maintaining public parking. However, residential developments shall be responsible for providing all required on-site parking.

   (A)   Shared Parking: Shared parking shall be encouraged in the B2 district and B1-TOD subdistrict. Shared parking may be provided if the number of spaces shall not be less than the sum of parking requirements for each use, unless the uses have off peak hours such that spaces can count toward both uses, as determined by the planning and zoning commission. In addition, in an effort to promote shared parking, the planning and zoning commission may require cross access easements between adjacent properties in the B2 district and B1-TOD subdistrict to create a safer and more integrated circulation system.

   (B)   Payment In Lieu Of Providing Parking: A reduction in the required number of off street parking spaces for nonresidential uses in the B2 district and B-1 TOD subdistrict may be granted by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission may authorize the requested parking reduction conditioned upon payment, by the owner, of a fee in lieu of providing the required parking spaces, such fee established from time to time by resolution of the village board. Such payment shall be placed into a village fund to be used by the village for the acquisition, construction and maintenance of public off street parking facilities to serve the district. Upon payment, the property granted the modification in the number of required off street spaces shall be credited permanently by ordinance with the number of spaces for which payment was received by the village. The parking fee in lieu of provision shall only be applicable for new construction or where additional floor area in excess of four hundred (400) square feet is added to an existing building. Changes in use within existing buildings shall not require payment into the Parking Fund. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005; amd. Ord. 2843, 12-19-2013; Ord. 4042, 2-2-2023)

The minimum number of off street parking spaces to be provided for the designated uses shall be as follows in Table 8, “Required Off-Street Parking”, of this section. In the B2 District, the following off-street parking requirements shall only be applicable for new construction or where additions are made to existing buildings. For mixed use developments, parking shall be provided for both residential and nonresidential uses in accordance with this section. In certain cases, parking requirements within proximity of a transit facility - typically a ½-mile walk to a train station and a ¼-mile walk to a bus stop - may be reduced as the transit-served area is accessed increasingly more by pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders and less so by motorists. As a result, parking reductions that account for transit-oriented uses within the B2 district and B1-TOD subdistrict, as well as the B1-C and B1-TC subdistricts to certain extents, are reflected in Table 8.

TABLE 8
REQUIRED OFF STREET PARKING

 

(Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005; amd. Ord. 2701, 3-3-2009; Ord. 2955, 6-15-2017; Ord. 3022, 9-5-2019; Ord. 4042, 2-2-2023)

The Village may, through the building permit process, approve the installation of public electric vehicle charging stations in residential and business districts as a means of accommodating charging of electric vehicles throughout the Village. Electric vehicle charging stations may be installed on public and private properties, according to Use Tables. If charging stations are intended for commercial or general public use, they may be installed with appurtenances for customer payment.

   (A)   Permitted Locations:

      1.   Electric vehicle charging stations for private, non-commercial use shall be permitted in all residential districts as accessory to a principal dwelling, located within a garage, under a covered parking space (e.g., carport), on the exterior wall of the home or garage, or affixed to a freestanding pole adjacent to an outdoor parking space subject to applicable building setbacks, and intended solely for the purpose of providing a convenient means of charging vehicles of the property owner, residents, or their non-paying guests.

      2.   Electric vehicle charging stations for commercial or general public use shall be a permitted accessory use to the primary use, in business districts, located in designated parking areas, affixed to a freestanding pole adjacent to an outdoor parking space subject to applicable building setbacks, and installed in a location which enables a direct connection to utilities serving the private property where such a station is located, and intended solely to provide a convenient means of charging electric vehicles that would otherwise be on site.

      3.   Electric vehicle charging stations installed by the Village of Riverside shall be a permitted use in all zoning districts, as an accessory use to the primary use, located in designated parking areas, and provide a convenient means of charging electric vehicles for the general public and Village vehicles.

      4.   If the primary use of electric vehicle charging stations is the retail charging of electric vehicles that would not otherwise be on site, then the use is considered a part of a gas station or motor vehicle service station, as defined in Chapter 11, and allowed only in zoning districts that permit gas stations and motor vehicle service stations.

   (B)   Electric Vehicle Charging Station Standards: Electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the following standards:

      1.   Design: Parking must adhere to the standards established in this chapter.

      2.   Compliance with Other Regulations: Charging stations must meet building code requirements, Village of Riverside and any applicable amendments.

      3.   Minimum Off-street Required Parking: Parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations count toward satisfying the minimum off-street parking requirements, as set in Section 10-8-9 provided that:

         (a)   The spaces are open for use by non-electric vehicles; and

         (b)   The electric vehicle charging stations are non-proprietary. (Ord. 4042, 2-2-2023)

The Village may require off-street loading spaces where a building or use requires the receipt or distribution of materials or merchandise by single unit or larger trucks. At the discretion of the Village, off-street loading spaces may not be required for buildings with uses that typically receive deliveries via delivery vans or smaller delivery trucks (e.g., USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon), which may receive deliveries at the front, side, or rear entrances of the primary building. When a loading space is required by the Village, it shall be designed as follows:

   (A)   Location: When required, off-street loading spaces shall be located on the same lot as the building or use served and shall not project into any public right-of-way. Off-street loading spaces shall not be located in any front or corner side yard.

   (B)   Dimensions: When required, off-street loading spaces shall be at least twelve feet (12') in width and at least thirty feet (30') in length, exclusive of aisle and maneuvering space, and shall have a minimum vertical clearance of at least fifteen feet (15').

   (C)   Access: When required, off-street loading spaces shall be designed with adequate means of vehicular access to a street or alley in a manner that will minimize interference with traffic movement.

   (D)   Screening: Off-street loading spaces shall be screened in accordance with subsection 10-9-9(A), “Loading Docks”, of this zoning ordinance.

   (E)   Materials: An off-street loading space shall be improved with a hard surface, all-weather dustless material.

   (F)   Limitations On Use: Storage or motor vehicle repair work of any kind shall be prohibited in any loading space.

   (G)   Number of Loading Spaces: The required number of off-street loading spaces for multi-tenant buildings or mixed-use developments shall be determined on the basis of each individual tenant (e.g., if only one non-residential use tenant of a multi-tenant building is over 7,500 square feet, only one loading space is required; if all tenants are under 7,500 square feet, no loading is required).

      1.   Multi-family dwelling over 7,500 square feet of GFA requires 1 loading space.

      2.   Non-residential use with GFA between 7,500 and 25,000 square feet requires 1 loading space.

      3.   Non-residential use with GFA over 25,000 square feet requires 2 loading spaces.

      4.   Non-residential use with GFA over 150,000 square feet requires 3 loading spaces. (Ord. 2550, 12-19-2005; amd. Ord. 4041, 2-2-2023)