Sterling Heights City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 23
OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 23.00. INTENT.
The off-street parking and loading requirements of this ordinance are established to prevent congestion on public streets by providing clearly defined parking areas that are separated from roadways; to remove the hazard to pedestrians of emerging between parked vehicles onto a public street; to facilitate proper stormwater runoff; to prevent the generation of dust into the area; and to make clear the availability and arrangement of spaces to all users.
SECTION 23.01. GENERAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
It shall be the duty of both the owner and occupant of any premises to provide off-street parking spaces as required in this article. Such off-street parking areas shall be laid out, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards and regulations.
A. Whenever a use or an activity requiring off street parking is created, enlarged or increased in activity or intensity, off-street parking spaces shall be provided on site and maintained as required by this ordinance.
B. The amount of required off-street parking for new uses of buildings, additions to existing buildings, new uses of land and accessory buildings shall be determined in accordance with the regulations in effect at the time the new use or addition was proposed, and the space so required shall be shown on the site plan and shall be irrevocably reserved for such use. No such designated parking area shall be changed to any other use unless and until equal facilities are provided elsewhere on the site.
C. Off-street parking existing at the effective date of this ordinance in conjunction with the operation of an existing building or use shall not be reduced to an amount less than hereinafter required for a similar new building or new use.
D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the collective provisions of off-street parking facilities for two or more buildings or uses on separate sites, provided that, collectively, such parking shall not be less than the sum of requirements for the various uses computed separately. The provisions for shared parking shall not be construed to allow for development without parking located reasonably proximate to the development it is intended to serve. Parking shall be reasonably distributed to fulfill the parking needs of each use being served.
E. The Planning Department may permit a reduction of the requirement for shared parking for developments in the O-3 or C-4 districts mixed-use which exceed 50,000 square feet of floor area by an amount not to exceed 10%, subject to the following conditions and findings:
1. A study performed by a recognized traffic engineer shall be provided in support of the request;
2. The Planning Department may reduce the required parking under this section only if the site or sites contain two or more separate and distinct uses which, by their nature, can use shared parking without having an adverse impact on traffic circulation or without impairing the overall functioning of the site or sites. In the event that there is a change of uses that no longer meets the criteria established for shared parking, the required number of spaces as provided below shall be installed;
3. An overflow or reserve area capable of accommodating the required number of parking spaces shall be specified on the site plan that could accommodate an expansion of the existing parking facilities, should that be required. The developer shall execute an agreement, in a form satisfactory to the city, that will obligate the property owners to install additional parking at the city’s request if the need arises;
4. Any such provisions for collective parking for two or more buildings or uses on the same site or on separate sites shall be set forth in a recordable instrument recorded at the office of the Macomb County Register of Deeds, describing the lands affected by this agreement.
F. Where the owners of two buildings, whose operating hours do not overlap, desire to utilize common off-street parking facilities, the Planning Department may permit such dual function, provided that the following conditions have been met:
1. The normal business hours of the two buildings or uses in no way overlap, except for custodial personnel. In the event that there is a change of uses that no longer meets the criteria established for shared parking, the required number of spaces as provided below shall be installed;
2. The common parking lot meets the off-street parking requirements of the larger building or more intensive use, plus 15%;
3. The common parking lot meets all of the locational requirements of this ordinance with respect to each building or use;
4. The site plan shall indicate a reserve area that is capable of accommodating the required number of parking spaces, if necessary. The developer shall execute an agreement, in a form satisfactory to the city, that will obligate the property owners to install additional parking at the city’s request if the need arises.
G. Off-street parking facilities required herein shall be located within 300 feet of the permitted use it is intended to serve, such distance to be measured along lines of public access to the property between the nearest point of the parking facility and the building to be served, provided that the said off-street parking facility shall not be separated from the building to be served by any major or secondary thoroughfare so designed by the City of Sterling Heights Master Road Plan, drain or physical barrier or public improvement.
H. For those uses not specifically mentioned, the requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be in accord with a use which is most similar in type as determined by the Zoning Official.
I. When units or measurements determining the number of required parking spaces result in the requirement of a fractional space, any fraction shall require one parking space.
J. Residential off street parking spaces for single and two family uses shall consist of a parking strip, driveway, garage or combination thereof and shall be located on the premises they are designated to serve. Parking shall be restricted to paved areas and shall exclude lawn, patio and patio block areas. Paved parking areas shall not be permitted in any front yard unless a part of a side entrance garage, driveway, a horseshoe driveway or a driveway providing access to a detached garage.
K. For the purpose of determining off-street parking requirements for all uses, floor area shall mean 90% of the gross floor area used or intended to be used for services to the public as customers, patrons, clients, patients, employees or tenants, including areas occupied for storage and fixtures and equipment used for the display or sale of merchandise, unless otherwise specified. For those buildings which feature unique interior natural features, such as atriums and landscaped areas, the floor area occupied by such areas may be deducted from the gross floor area used to calculate parking requirements.
L. Whenever drive-through or vehicle stacking lanes are provided, such lanes shall be so located so as not to impede pedestrian or vehicular circulation on the site or on abutting sites, nor shall any drive-through lane cross a vehicle maneuvering lane or aisle. Drive-through lanes shall be a minimum of eight feet wide.
M. Parking shall not be permitted within any required front yard setback, except as otherwise permitted.
N. Reserved Parking Areas.
1. A developer or owner may request that a certain number of parking spaces be reserved for possible future installation if required. The proposed reserved parking spaces must be shown and labeled on the proposed site plan. The Planning Department (or the Planning Commission if preliminary site plan review is required under the Zoning Ordinance to be performed by the Planning Commission) may approve one or more areas of reserved parking spaces where (a) the developer or owner shows that the specific proposed use requires a fewer number of parking spaces than typically required by ordinance based on (a) a smaller total usable floor area, (b) a substantially smaller total number of employees than typically anticipated for such uses, (c) the existence of a combination of uses which share parking facilities, or (d) the proposed use has peak hours of operation which vary from typical business hours making the required parking excessive, provided the proposed reserve parking for the development can be serviced safely and will not result in undue stacking of vehicles, and traffic flow throughout the parking lot can be maintained in a safe manner.
2. If the Planning Department (or the Planning Commission if preliminary site plan review is required under the Zoning Ordinance to be performed by the Planning Commission) determines that the development cannot be serviced safely, that excessive stacking is likely to occur, or that traffic flow cannot likely be maintained in a safe manner if reserved parking is permitted, the Planning Department (or Planning Commission as the case may be) shall not approve the developer or owner's request for reserved parking.
3. If the Planning Department (or the Planning Commission as the case may be) approves the request of the developer or owner for reserved parking, the site plan shall depict (i) the location and number of parking spaces required to be installed currently, (ii) the location and number of all of reserved parking spaces which may be required to be installed in the future identified as "Reserved Future Parking Area", and (iii) the total number of parking spaces which may be required if the reserved parking spaces are required to be installed in the future. The site plan shall contain a notation in each Reserved Future Parking Area that states "No buildings, structures or improvements shall be constructed in the Reserved Future Parking Area".
4. The owner of the site with one or more approved Reserved Future Parking Areas shall execute and deliver to the city a reserved parking agreement satisfactory to the City Planner and City Attorney in recordable form which makes the reserved future parking area arrangement a matter of record so that future owners of the property will be on notice of the reserved parking arrangement and restriction on future development in the Reserved Future Parking Area, and the possible requirement for future installation of additional parking spaces as may be required by the city.
5. If the Planning Department (or the Planning Commission as the case may be) determines that traffic patterns, a change in use or an increase in intensity of the use on the property, either as a result of an increase in the number of employees or hours of operation, a decrease in approved storage area, etc. or any other factor requires the installation of some or all of the reserved parking spaces, the Planning Department may require additional parking spaces, as determined by the Planning Department, to be constructed in the Reserved Future Parking Area(s) shown on the site plan within six months of notice of such additional parking being required.
(Ord. No. 278-9, §§ 1, 2, 10-3-95; Ord. No. 278-R, § 12, 8-20-96; Ord. No. 278-X, § 10, 4-6-99; Ord. No. 278-YY, § 1, 10-4-16)
SECTION 23.02. MINIMUM NUMBER OF OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES.
The minimum number of off-street parking spaces by type of use shall be determined in accordance with the following schedule.
Use | Required Parking Spaces |
A. Residential: | |
1. One and two family units | Two for each dwelling unit. |
2. Multiple family | Two for each one bedroom dwelling unit. For each additional bedroom, one-half additional parking space shall be provided. |
3. Housing for the elderly | Two for each three units, plus one space per employee. Should the elderly units convert to general occupancy, then two spaces per unit shall be provided and shown on the site plan to accommodate such a requirement. |
4. Mobile homes | Two spaces per unit, plus one space for every three mobile home sites for visitor parking. |
5. Boarding houses | One and one-half per bedroom |
B. Institutional: | |
1. Churches or temples | One for each three seats or six feet of pew in the main worship area, plus spaces for any residential uses as determined in accordance with the parking requirement established for residential uses. Additional spaces for ancillary facilities, such as social halls, schools, etc., may be required by the Planning Department. |
2. Hospitals | One per bed; plus one space per employee and doctor on peak employment shift. Additional spaces shall be required for ancillary medical office buildings based on their individual requirements. Parking for emergency facilities shall be provided on the basis of one space per 100 square feet of floor area of the emergency room waiting area and patient treatment areas. |
3. Full assisted housing | One space for each three members allowed within the maximum occupancy load, as determined by the Fire Marshal or his or her official designate, plus one per employee. |
4. Private clubs and lodges | One space for each three members allowed within the maximum occupancy load, as determined by the Fire Marshal or his or her official designate, plus one per employee. |
5. Elementary and junior high
schools | Ten, plus one for each employee (including teachers and administrators) in addition to the requirements of the auditorium. Additional spaces for ancillary facilities and activities may be required by the Planning Department. |
6. Senior high schools and
colleges | One for each employee (including teachers and administrators), plus one for each three students, plus the requirements of the auditorium. Additional spaces for ancillary facilities and activities may be required by the Planning Department. |
7. Auditoriums (incidental to churches, schools and hospitals) | One for each three seats. |
8. Nursery schools, day nurseries or child care facilities | One space for each employee, plus one space for each ten students on the premises at one time. Adequate, but not fewer than five stacking spaces shall be provided for pickup and dropoff. |
C. Recreational: | |
1. Private golf, swimming or tennis clubs and similar uses | One for each two member families, plus one per employee. If club houses are provided, one additional space shall be provided for each three persons allowed within the maximum occupancy load as determined by the Fire Marshal or his or her official designate. |
2. Public golf courses (not including miniature golf, driving ranges or par 3 courses) | Six for each golf hole, plus one per employee, plus spaces required for any ancillary use such as restaurant or bar as determined in accordance with the requirements of this section. |
3. Stadiums and sports arenas or similar places of assembly | One space for each three seats or six feet of benches. |
4. Racquet/tennis and exercise clubs | One space for each three persons allowed within the maximum occupancy as determined by the Fire Marshal or his or her official designate, plus spaces required for any ancillary uses as determined in accordance with the requirements of this section. |
5. Riding stables | One space per horse that could be kept at the stable when occupied at maximum capacity. |
6. Miniature golf, par 3 courses and driving ranges | Three spaces for each miniature golf or par 3 golf hole, one space for each driving range tee, plus one space per employee, plus spaces required for any ancillary uses as determined in accordance with the requirements of this section. |
7. Dance halls, roller rinks, amusement device centers, ice amusement device centers, ice skating rinks, indoor shooting ranges, archery ranges and exhibition halls | One per three persons allowed at maximum occupancy determined by the Fire Marshal or his or her official designate |
8. Bowling alleys | Five per lane, plus parking required for ancillary uses such as restaurants or lounges, as determined in accordance with the requirements of this section. |
D. Offices: | |
1. Banks | One for each 150 square feet of floor area. Banks with drive-through facilities shall also provide vehicle stacking spaces based on the following scale: |
Drive-through tellers - 5 spaces for each drive-through lane | |
Automated Teller Machine - 4 spaces for each drive- through ATM lane | |
2. Business or professional offices, except as indicated below | One for each 200 square feet of floor area. |
3. Professional offices of doctors, dentists or similar professions | One for each 100 square feet of floor area. |
4. Medical clinics | One for each employee, plus one for each 75 square feet of floor area. |
E. Commercial: | |
1. Auto wash, hand- or coin-operated | Four exterior waiting spaces at entry, plus two exterior drying spaces at exit shall be for each bay, plus one space for each employee. |
2. Enclosed self-service two-door | Where all washing, drying and vacuuming operations are
time-charge car wash designed to take place within the building, four waiting spaces shall be provided for each bay, plus one space for each employee. A properly drained 50 foot long drying lane shall also be provided at the exit of each washing lane or stall in order to prevent undue amounts of water from collecting on the public street and thereby creating a traffic hazard. |
3. Auto wash, high-speed | One space for each employee, plus 20 exterior waiting spaces |
commercial at entry. | A properly drained 50 foot long drying lane shall also be provided at the exit of each washing lane or stall in order to prevent undue amounts of water from collecting on the public street and thereby creating a traffic hazard. |
4. Auto service stations (gasoline and repair) and auto repair services, excluding heavy and major repair | Four spaces per bay for the first four bays, and two spaces for each additional and bay over four, plus one per employee on the peak shift, plus one per 200 square feet of retail floor area. |
5. Heavy and major auto repairs | Three spaces for each service bay, plus one per employee on the peak shift. |
6. Self-service gasoline stations (gasoline and convenience retail-no repair) | One space for each 200 square feet of floor, plus one per employee at the peak shift. |
7. Quick oil change | Two per bay, plus one per employee at the peak shift; one per 200 square feet of floor area used for retail sales. |
8. New vehicle sales
establishments | One for each 300 square feet of sales area, one for each 200
square feet of office area and three for each service bay, subject to the requirements of section 23.03(L). |
9. Beauty parlors, barber shops and beauty schools | One per 100 square feet of floor area. |
10. Furniture, appliance and carpet sales | One space for each 200 square feet of showroom floor area. (For that floor area being used in processing or storage, one space shall be provided for each 1,000 square feet.) |
11. Showrooms for plumbers, cabinet makers, electricians and similar professions | One space for each 300 square feet of showroom area. (For that area being used in processing or storage, one additional space shall be provided for each 1,000 square feet.) |
12. Laundromats and coin-operated dry cleaners | One space for each two machines. |
13. Dry cleaners | One for each one employee, with a minimum of five spaces. |
14. Mortuaries | One space for each 25 square feet of assembly room floor space, parlors and slumber rooms. |
15. Motels/hotels/inns | One for each unit, plus one for each employee. Spaces required for ancillary uses such as lounges, restaurants or conference areas shall be determined on the basis of the individual requirements in accordance with the requirements of this section. |
16. Open-air business or portions of businesses | One for each 300 square feet of lot area used for retail sales area and uses. |
17. Motion picture theaters | One for each three seats, plus one per each employee at the maximum shift. |
18. Theaters with live entertainment | One per each three seats, plus one per each employee at the maximum shift. |
19. Retail stores, except as otherwise provided herein | With floor area of less than 75,000 square feet of floor area, one per 200 square feet of area. With floor area of between 75,000 and 200,000 square feet, one per 225 square feet of area. With floor area over 200,000 square feet, one per 250 square feet of area. |
20. Restaurants (excluding drive-through) | One per 90 square feet of floor area. |
21. Fast food restaurants | One per 75 square feet of floor area. Stacking spaces for ten cars shall be provided for each drive-through lane or window. |
22. Carry-out restaurants | One per 200 square feet of floor area. Stacking spaces for ten cars shall be provided for each drive-through lane or window. |
23. Banquet and/or catering halls | One per 45 square feet of floor area for meeting or assembly rooms, one per 200 square feet of floor area for offices and one per employee at the peak shift. |
F. Industrial: | |
1. Manufacturing establishments | One per each 500 square feet of manufacturing floor area. Those portions of buildings used for administrative offices shall have their parking requirements based on the standard specified in section 23.02(D)(2). |
2. Wholesale or warehouse
establishments | One per 1,500 square feet of floor area. Those portions of the
building used for administrative offices shall have their parking requirements based on the standard specified in section 23.02(D)(2). |
3. Office research | One per 200 square feet of floor area. |
4. Mini-warehouses or self-storage units | Two for the residential caretaker's unit, plus one per 200 square feet of floor area used for office purposes. |
5. Lighted commercial sports centers | 75 for each of the first four baseball diamonds, plus 50 for each additional baseball diamond. Parking for other uses on the site shall be determined on the basis of the individual requirements of each use. |
(Ord. No. 278-A, §§ 38-41, 4-17-90; Ord. No. 278-F, § 11, 8-8-90; Ord. No. 278-Q, §§ 3, 4, 10-3-95; Ord. No. 278-T, § 11, 6-3-97; Ord. No. 278-X, §§ 11, 12, 4-6-99; Ord. No. 278-Y, §§ 31-33, 5-16-00; Ord. No. 278-DD, §§ 3, 4, 5, 7-6-04; Ord. No. 278-JJ, § 6, 3-4-08)
SECTION 23.03. OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE LAYOUT STANDARDS, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.
Wherever the off-street parking requirements in section 23.02 above requires the construction of an off-street parking facility, such off-street parking lot shall be laid out, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards and regulations.
A. No parking lot shall be constructed unless and until a permit therefor is issued by the Building Department. Applications for a permit shall be submitted as per the requirements of site plan review (section 26.02).
B. Plans for the layout of an off-street parking lot shall have dimensions consistent with the following standards.
1. Ninety degree pattern. Parking spaces and maneuvering lanes shall be provided based on one of the following alternatives:
Space Width | Space Length | Maneuvering Width | Two Tier of Parking and One Maneuvering Lane |
9.0 and 9.5 feet
| 20 feet
| 22 feet
| 62 feet
|
10 feet
| 20 feet
| 20 feet
| 60 feet
|
2. Sixty degree pattern. 58 feet for two tiers of spaces and one aisle/maneuvering lane with minimum aisle width being 20 feet in width.
3. Forty five degree pattern. 56 feet with two tiers of parking spaces, plus one aisle/maneuvering lane of at least 20 feet in width.
4. Drive or maneuvering lanes. A drive or maneuvering lane shall not be less than 20 feet wide to permit two-way traffic.
5. Stalls. All parking lot stalls shall be striped and maintained.
C. Handicapped spaces shall be furnished as required by state law.
D. Parallel parking shall not be permitted.
E. All parking spaces shall be provided with adequate access by means of maneuvering lanes. Spaces shall not be designed to permit backing directly into a street.
F. The entire parking area, including parking spaces, maneuvering lanes and drives required under this section, shall be provided with asphaltic or concrete surfacing in accordance with specifications of the Engineering Department of the City of Sterling Heights. Contractor storage yards in the M-1 (Light Industrial) or M-2 (Heavy Industrial) need not be paved but must meet all applicable standards of the office of engineering. Unless a waiver is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals for a specified period of time, the parking area shall be surfaced prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for the building or buildings which it serves or a cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit acceptable to the City of Sterling Heights shall be made in an amount equal to 110% of the estimated cost of the improvement. Any improvements for which a letter of credit or cash deposit has been posted shall be installed by the end of the construction season following the posting.
G. Off-street parking areas shall be drained to dispose of all surface water accumulated in the parking area in such a way as to prevent drainage of water onto adjacent property or toward buildings and drainage plans shall meet the specifications of the Engineering Department.
H. In any area where front-end parking abuts a curbed landscaped area at least five feet in width, or a raised sidewalk having a minimum width of at least seven feet, the minimum parking stall depth of 20 feet (as otherwise specified herein) may be decreased by up to two feet in depth in order to allow for a vehicle to overhang such landscaped area or such sidewalk. In no case shall the parking stall depth be decreased to allow a vehicle to overhang into a required front yard setback.
I. Ingress and egress to a parking lot for nonresidential purposes shall not be provided across land zoned for single family or two family residential purposes. All such entrances and exits shall also be located at least 25 feet from any property zoned for one family residential use.
J. Parking lot lighting shall meet the requirements of section 24.06.
K. The surface of the parking lot area shall be maintained and kept free from weeds, rubbish, refuse and debris.
L. All parking serving other than one or two family dwellings shall be side-by-side. Tandem parking shall be prohibited. Tandem parking to a depth of three cars may be permitted in vehicle storage and inventory areas, provided such areas are under the control of employees and are not accessible by the general public. Any parking or vehicle circulation areas accessible to the public shall meet the size standards specified in section 23.03.
M. Except as otherwise provided in this article, required off-street parking spaces shall be for the use of occupants, employees, visitors, customers, clients and patrons. Off-street parking shall not be used for other than parking purposes or allowed to become unusable except for temporary repairs. The storage of vehicles or merchandise, except as permitted in conjunction with the principal or accessory use and sale of motor vehicles in any off street parking space is prohibited.
N. The Planning Department may require an access easement to provide for vehicular access to existing or contemplated adjacent parking lots to minimize the need for driveways to each facility and thereby decreasing hazards to vehicular traffic.
O. Adequate ingress and egress to the parking lot by means of clearly limited and defined paved drives shall be provided for all vehicles. All parking areas shall be provided with an entrance and exit from the abutting public thoroughfare. Such entrance and exit shall conform to Engineering Department design standards and follow the most direct route through the front yard setback. The number, size and location of driveways permitted for each site shall be determined by the Planning Department as part of site plan review.
In making this determination, consideration shall be given to the following factors: the location of driveways on adjacent sites and across the street, turning movements, traffic volumes, landscaping, signage, etc. The location of each such entrance and exit shall be submitted for approval of the Macomb County Road Commission or the Michigan Department of Transportation, as the case may be, and the City of Sterling Heights. Tapers and bypass lanes shall be required as determined by the appropriate agency.
P. Curbs, meeting the construction standards of the Engineering Department, shall be required. The use of bumper blocks is prohibited.
(Ord. No. 278-G, § 14, 9-18-90; Ord. No. 278-Y, § 34, 5-16-00; Ord. No. 278-NN, § 34, 1-6-09)
SECTION 23.04. PARKING STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
It is intended that the provision of parking within structures or buildings shall serve to increase the value and convenience of related development and to enhance rather than detract from the appearance of the overall development. It is further intended that the provisions of such facilities shall not negatively impact the safety and security of the public. The following standards, referenced standards or modifications of standards contained elsewhere in this section shall thus apply to parking structures or garages and developments including such facilities:
A. Parking structures shall be physically integrated into the overall design and functioning of the site. The exterior treatment of the parking structure element of a building complex shall be substantially the same in appearance to that of the main building element and shall further be designed so that all architectural and vehicular lighting is shielded or screened from view from adjacent properties;
B. The development of parking structures shall be in accordance with safety and security requirements established by the city.
SECTION 23.05. OFF-STREET LOADING AND UNLOADING.
The number, size and location of off-street loading and unloading area shall be provided whenever it is determined by the Planning Department that the nature of the building or use is such that loading areas would be necessary.
A. All loading or unloading areas shall provide a minimum height clearance of 14 feet.
B. Every use involving the receipt or delivery of materials shall provide space for vehicle standing, so loading or unloading will not take place in any public street, alley or right-of-way. Loading and unloading shall be provided in such a manner that backing from a public street with a right-of-way of 86 feet or greater will not be facilitated. Loading and unloading docks and truck wells are prohibited in required front yards along major thoroughfares and/or existing or proposed rights-of-way of 120 feet or greater. Along thoroughfares or rights-of-way of less than 120 feet, below grade loading shall be permitted in the required front yard. In no instance shall above grade or elevated loading be permitted in the required front yard.
C. No area allocated to loading and unloading facilities may be used to satisfy the area requirements for off-street parking, nor shall any portion of any off-street parking area be used to satisfy the area requirements for loading and unloading facilities, except as specifically authorized by this ordinance.
D. Unless otherwise specified, loading and unloading areas shall be provided only in rear yards. Side yard loading may be permitted by the Planning Department when it is determined that such space and loading facilities would not interfere with parking and circulation, either vehicular or pedestrian, or with abutting uses.
E. All loading and unloading areas shall be surfaced, drained and otherwise developed in accordance with the provisions applicable to off-street parking areas (section 23.03).
(Ord. No. 278-F, § 2, 8-8-90)