The purpose of regulating off-street parking, paved areas, and loading spaces is to prevent congestion on public rights-of-way for the safety and welfare of the public. The regulations are created through analysis of the associated land use intensity, duration, time, and style, and result in design requirements and standards for such facilities.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.01, 11-8-2021)

No building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued for the construction of a new building, the enlargement or increase in the net floor area of an existing building, the development of a use not located in a building, or the change from one type of use to another, unless off-street parking spaces, loading bays, and bicycle parking are provided in accordance with this Code.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.02, 11-8-2021)

If undertaking improvements to an existing parking area, the following improvements are exempt from this section:

(1)

Seal coating or surface treatment (e.g., mill and overlay) of a parking area; or

(2)

Patching or repair to less than 25 percent of the parking area surface.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.03, 11-8-2021)

(a)

Parking space requirements are established in Table 1013.04-1. For uses not listed, the off-street parking requirements shall be established by the community development department based upon the characteristics and functional similarities between uses, including, but not limited to, the size of building, type of use, number of employees, expected volume and turnover of customer traffic, and expected frequency and number of delivery or service vehicles. For structures containing multiple uses, parking shall be calculated separately for each use.

(b)

Required parking spaces shall be located on the same lot as the principal use, unless shared parking or off-site parking is approved for the use.

(c)

The number provided for required parking spaces in Table 1013.04-1 shall be the minimum requirement. For those uses that the minimum parking is calculated on a use per square foot, the total gross floor area will be applied.

Table 1013.04-1. Minimum Parking Standards

(d)

Electric vehicle charging standards.

(1)

The intent of this subsection (d) is to facilitate and encourage the use of electric vehicles, to expedite the establishment of a convenient, cost-effective electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and establish minimum requirements for electric vehicle parking spaces and charging infrastructure to serve both short-term and long-term parking needs.

(2)

Minimum number of required electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS).

a.

All new parking areas, existing parking areas expanding by more than 25 percent additional parking spaces, and existing parking areas improving more than 25 percent of the parking area are subject to the standards of Table 1013.04-2.

b.

For all calculations of required parking spaces based on percentages, any result less than one shall be rounded up to one and, above that, fractional results of at least one-half shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Table 1013.04-2. Minimum Number of Required
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS)

c.

Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (d)(2)b of this section, all new motor fuel sales (gas stations), as defined in section 1001.07, shall be required to install at least one EVCS as Level 2 or greater.

d.

In addition to the number of required EVCS, the following accommodations shall be required for the anticipated future growth in market demand for electric vehicles:

1.

New nonresidential and multiple-family residential land uses (five or more units per building). All new parking areas shall provide electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with the electrical capacity necessary to accommodate the future hardwire installation of EVCS as Level 2 or greater for a minimum of ten percent of required parking spaces.

2.

Existing nonresidential and multiple-family residential land uses (five or more units per building). In all existing parking areas that are expanded or improved (per section 1013.03) by more than 25 percent, EVSE shall be provided according to the preceding standards required for new parking areas, prorated to the number of parking spaces in the area of expansion or improvement.

e.

These requirements may be revised upward or downward by the city council as part of an application for a conditional use permit or planned unit development based on verifiable information pertaining to parking.

(3)

Reductions to EVSE and EVCS requirements. When the cost of meeting the requirements of this section would exceed five percent of the total project cost, the property owner or applicant may request a reduction in the requirements and submit cost estimates for city consideration. When city council approval of the project is not required, the community development department may administratively approve a reduction to the requirements in order to limit the installation costs to not more than five percent of the total project cost.

(4)

Permitted locations.

a.

Level 1, Level 2, and DC EVCS are permitted in every zoning district, when accessory to the primary permitted use. Such EVCS located at residential uses shall be designated as private restricted use only.

b.

If the primary use of the parcel is the retail electric charging of vehicles, then the use shall be considered a motor fuel sales use for zoning purposes. Installation shall be located in zoning districts which permit a motor fuel sales use.

(5)

General requirements for one- to four-family dwellings.

a.

EVCS shall be located in a garage, or on the exterior wall of the home or garage adjacent to a parking space.

b.

EVCS shall comply with all relevant design criteria as outlined in subsection (d)(6)d of this section, unless specifically exempted.

(6)

General requirements for multifamily dwellings (five or more units per building) and nonresidential development.

a.

Accessible parking spaces. An EVCS will be considered accessible if it is located adjacent to, and can serve, an accessible parking space as defined and required by the ADA. It is not necessary to designate the EVCS exclusively for the use of vehicles parked in the accessible parking space.

b.

EVCS public use shall be subject to the following requirements:

1.

EVCS shall be located in a manner that will be easily seen by the public for informational and security purposes.

2.

EVCS shall be located in desirable and convenient parking locations that will serve as an incentive for the use of electric vehicles.

3.

EVCS must be operational during the normal business hours of the use that it serves. EVCS may be de-energized or otherwise restricted after normal business hours of the use it serves.

c.

Lighting. Site lighting shall be provided where an EVCS is installed, unless charging is for daytime purposes only.

d.

EVCS equipment design standards.

1.

Battery charging station outlets and connector devices shall be mounted to comply with state code and must comply with all relevant Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. EVCS mounted on pedestals, lighting posts, bollards, or other devices shall be designed and located as to not impede pedestrian travel or create trip hazards on sidewalks.

2.

EVCS may be located adjacent to designated parking spaces in a garage or parking lot as long as the devices do not encroach into the required dimensions of the parking space (length, width, and height clearances).

3.

The design should be appropriate to the location and use. Facilities should be able to be readily identified by electric vehicle users and blend into the surrounding landscape/architecture for compatibility with the character and use of the site.

4.

EVCS pedestals shall be designed to minimize potential damage by accidents, vandalism and to be safe for use in inclement weather.

e.

Usage fees. Service fees may be collected for the use of EVCS.

f.

Maintenance. EVCS shall be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of the equipment. A phone number or other contact information shall be provided on the equipment for reporting problems with the equipment or access to it.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.04, 11-8-2021; Ord. No. 1629, § 3(1019.04), 3-20-2023)

The off-street parking reductions described in this section may be utilized jointly or separately except as indicated otherwise.

(1)

Modification request. An applicant may request a modification of the minimum required number of parking spaces by submitting a study of anticipated parking demand. Parking studies shall be prepared by a professional engineer with expertise in traffic and parking analysis, unless an equally qualified individual is authorized by the community development department.

(2)

Transit service. Parking may be reduced by ten percent for any parcel located within one-quarter of a mile of a transit stop. To qualify, the transit stop must be served by regular transit service on all days of the week and adequate pedestrian access must be available between the transit stop and the parcel. Regular transit service shall operate at least twice hourly between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and once hourly after 6:30 p.m. Regular transit service shall operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

(3)

On-street parking. Parking may be reduced on a one-for-one basis through the use of on-street parking adjacent to the parcel. To qualify, adequate pedestrian access must be available between the principal structure and all on-street parking spaces. On-street parking reductions may be approved by the community development department, subject to a determination by the city engineer that adequate off-street parking will be available to accommodate vehicles during snow removal and other periods of parking restrictions.

(4)

Travel demand management. In those instances where no transit or on-street parking reductions are available, parking minimums may be reduced by five percent through the implementation of a travel demand management plan. Such a plan shall be filed with and approved by the community development department and may be subject to an annual review.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.05, 11-8-2021)

(a)

The maximum number of parking spaces for any building or use shall not exceed the amount determined in this section.

(1)

Minimum parking requirement of 20 or fewer spaces shall not have more than 175 percent of the number of spaces identified in Table 1013.04-1.

(2)

Minimum parking requirement of more than 20 spaces and less than 51 spaces shall not have more than 150 percent of the number of spaces identified in Table 1013.04-1.

(3)

Minimum parking requirement of 51 spaces or more shall not have more than 125 percent of the number of spaces required as identified in Table 1013.04-1.

(b)

Additional parking may be provided if it does not increase impervious surface area beyond that which would be created by meeting the maximum parking requirement. Examples of additional parking include, but are not limited to, under-structure parking, roof-top parking, or structured parking above a surface parking lot.

(c)

An applicant may request a modification of the maximum allowed number of parking spaces by submitting a study of anticipated parking demand. Parking studies shall be prepared by a professional engineer with expertise in traffic and parking analysis, unless the community development department authorizes an equally qualified individual.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.06, 11-8-2021)

Shared off-street parking facilities are allowed to collectively provide parking in any district for more than one structure or use, subject to the conditions established in this section.

(1)

The uses must have their highest peak demand for parking at substantially different times of the day or week or an adequate amount of parking shall be available for all uses during shared hours of peak demand. A parking plan shall address the hours, size, and mode of operation of the respective uses.

(2)

The minimum spaces required under a shared parking plan shall be based on the following:

a.

For those uses parking at substantially different times of the day or week, the number of spaces required for the use that requires the most parking; and

b.

For those uses parking at the same hours of peak demand, the minimum shall be 1.5 times the number of spaces required by the use that requires the most parking.

(3)

Shared parking facilities shall be protected by a covenant running with the land and recorded with the county in a form approved by the city attorney. Such a covenant shall not be revoked without consent of the city. A certified copy of the recorded document shall be provided to the community development department prior to the use of the shared parking arrangement.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.07, 11-8-2021)

If it is demonstrated that the required minimum parking is in excess of the actual demand, all of the required parking need not be constructed initially. The city council may grant a proof of parking agreement to the developer. This agreement shall describe the required parking, demonstrate that space exists to comply with the parking requirement, and set conditions for the future construction of the required parking, if necessary. The agreement shall state that the developer or future successors shall be responsible for completing parking improvements to meet Code requirements. The area of future parking shall be landscaped, but that landscaping shall not be used to satisfy landscaping requirements.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.08, 11-8-2021)

Required parking spaces and the driveways providing access to them shall not be utilized for the following:

(1)

Storage of unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicles, other goods, or snow;

(2)

Display, sales, rental, or repair of motor vehicles;

(3)

Permanent display and sales goods; temporary or seasonal display and sale of goods shall be allowed pursuant to section 1011.12;

(4)

Loading and unloading of vehicles; and

(5)

Living space, unless required parking spaces are provided elsewhere.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.09, 11-8-2021)

If 50 percent or more of all required off-street parking spaces are provided via above-ground or underground structured parking, the following bonuses shall apply:

(1)

For each structured parking space, 300 square feet shall be added as lot area for the purpose of determining allowable density up to a 20 percent increase.

(2)

The height added to the principal structure by any floor that is totally used for parking in or under the principal structure shall not be included to determine the size of the required yards.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.10, 11-8-2021)

(a)

Site plan. All applications for a building permit shall include a site plan, drawn to scale, that depicts the location and arrangement of vehicle parking, curb cuts, driveways, and walkways and to be consistent with the requirements of chapter 703.

(b)

Access and location. Parking areas shall have access to a public street. Driveways shall be located to minimize interference with traffic movement, and to be consistent with the requirements of chapter 703.

(c)

Parking spaces. Required parking spaces shall be at least nine feet wide and 18 feet long. Up to 50 percent of the required spaces may be designated compact spaces. Compact spaces shall be identified through appropriate signage. Unless alternative requirements are designated by the community development department and/or city engineer, parking spaces shall be served by access drives with minimum dimensions provided as follows:

Table 1013.11: Parking Lot Dimensions

(d)

Handicapped parking spaces. The size, number, and location of stalls reserved for handicapped parking shall be provided and identified as required by applicable regulations. These spaces are included in the computation for the minimum parking space requirement.

(e)

Turnarounds.

(1)

All parking areas except those serving one-family and two-family dwellings on local streets shall be designed so that cars do not have to back into the public street.

(2)

Parking areas for one-family and two-family dwellings with driveway access onto county or state roads shall be designed so that cars do not have to back into the street.

(f)

Surfacing. All off-street parking areas and driveways shall be constructed of bituminous asphalt, concrete, pavers, or other material approved by the city engineer.

(g)

Walkways. Required parking areas for six or more vehicles shall have walkways separated from the parking area and surfaced with bituminous asphalt, pavers, or concrete to provide access from parking areas to the entrances of buildings.

(h)

Drainage. All parking or paved areas shall be adequately served by a storm sewer or other approved stormwater facilities. Such facilities shall be approved by the city engineer.

(i)

Curbs. A six-inch-high, poured-in-place concrete curb shall be provided around the periphery of all parking lots and internal access roads, except where the city engineer determines that a curb would impede the drainage plan.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.11, 11-8-2021)

All off-street parking areas shall be maintained in good repair.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.12, 11-8-2021)

(a)

Bicycle parking is required to provide adequate and safe facilities for the storage of bicycles, to encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative to motor vehicles, and to provide bicycle access to employment, commercial, and other destinations.

(b)

General requirements.

(1)

Bicycle parking may be provided using the following approaches:

a.

Bicycle racks: open-air devices to which a bike may be locked, suitable for short-term visitor and customer parking;

b.

Bicycle lockers: stand-alone enclosures designed to hold one bicycle per unit, preferred for sites where all-day bicycle parking is common; and/or

c.

Bicycle lock-ups: site-built secure enclosures that hold one or more bicycles, best for residents' and employees' all-day or long-term bicycle storage;

(2)

All bicycle racks or lockers must be securely anchored to the ground or building structure; or

(3)

Bicycle racks or lockers shall be placed on a level pavement or concrete surface.

(c)

Location criteria for bicycle racks.

(1)

Bicycle racks shall be placed near building entrances, generally within 50 feet.

(2)

Bicycle rack placement should allow for visual monitoring by people within the building and/or people entering the building.

(3)

Bicycle racks shall be located to avoid conflicts with pedestrians.

(4)

Bicycle racks shall be at least 24 inches from a wall to which they are parallel and 30 inches from a wall to which they are perpendicular.

(d)

Number of required bicycle parking spaces.

(1)

Bicycle parking spaces shall be equal to ten percent of the automobile parking space requirement, but not less than four bicycle parking spaces.

(2)

Exceptions.

a.

Low-density residential. No bicycle parking spaces are required in low-density residential areas.

b.

Schools. Schools shall provide a minimum of one bicycle parking space per ten students.

(e)

Proof of bicycle parking. If it is demonstrated that the required minimum bicycle parking is in excess of the actual demand, all of the required parking need not be constructed initially. The community development department may approve a proof of bicycle parking plan. This plan shall describe the required bicycle parking, demonstrate that space exists to comply with the bicycle parking requirement, and set conditions for the future construction of the required bicycle parking, if necessary. The plan shall state that the developer or future successors shall be responsible for completing bicycle parking improvements to meet Code requirements.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.13, 11-8-2021)

(a)

Access points. Pedestrian access points shall be provided at all pedestrian arrival points to the development, including the property edges, adjacent lots, abutting street intersections, crosswalks, and at transit stops. Pedestrian access shall be coordinated with existing development to provide circulation patterns between developments.

(b)

Conflicts. Pedestrian walkways shall form an on-site circulation system that minimizes the conflict between pedestrians and traffic at all points of pedestrian access to on-site parking and building entrances, and between buildings.

(c)

Design standards. Pedestrian access and walkways shall meet the following minimum design standards:

(1)

Accessways and walkways shall be well-lit and physically separated from driveways and parking spaces by landscaping, berms, barriers, grade separation, or other means to protect pedestrians from vehicular traffic;

(2)

Accessways and walkways shall be a minimum of six feet of unobstructed width and meet city standards for surfacing of walkways or sidewalks;

(3)

Accessways and walkways shall be usable by mobility-impaired persons and shall be designed and constructed to be easily located by the sight-impaired pedestrian by either grade change, texture, or other equivalent means; and

(4)

A crosswalk shall be required when a walkway crosses a driveway or a paved area accessible to vehicles. Raised crosswalks or speed bumps may be required at all points where a walkway crosses the lane of vehicle travel.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.14, 11-8-2021)

(a)

Loading zones. The off-street loading requirement for nonresidential buildings may be satisfied by the designation of a loading zone area on the site. This loading zone area shall be separate from any required off-street parking area and access to the loading zone area shall be provided such that it does not conflict with automobile circulation to, from, or within the site.

(b)

Loading docks, berths, and facilities.

(1)

Loading facility. A loading facility includes the dock, the berth for the vehicle, maneuvering areas, and the necessary screening walls.

(2)

Location.

a.

All loading berth curb cuts shall be located 40 feet or more from the intersection of two street rights-of-way.

b.

No loading berth shall be located less than 50 feet from any parcel that is zoned residential and used or subdivided for residential use, or has an occupied institutional building, including, but not limited to, schools, religious institutions, and community centers, unless the loading berth is entirely within a building.

c.

Loading facilities shall not occupy the required front yard. In situations where access to the loading berth is directly from the street and no other practicable means of access exist, this requirement may be waived by the community development department.

(3)

Access. Each loading berth location shall permit vehicular access to a street in a manner that will least interfere with traffic.

(4)

Surfacing. All loading facilities and accessways shall be paved with bituminous or concrete paving to control the dust and drainage.

(5)

Screening. See section 1011.03.

(c)

Accessory use. No loading berth or access drive shall be used for the storage of goods or inoperable vehicles. It may not be included as a part of the space necessary to meet the off-street parking requirements.

(Ord. No. 1606, § 1019.15, 11-8-2021)