The purpose of this chapter is to provide site design and development standards applicable to both public and private development within the City of Stockbridge. More specifically, the purposes of the regulations set forth in this chapter are to ensure the proper location, height, bulk and size of buildings and other structures; to ensure the proper size of yards and other features of a development site; to ensure the proper layout and design of subdivisions; and to provide for compatibility between proposed and existing development.

No structure, parking area, or other site feature regulated by this Code shall be enlarged, altered, or expanded unless the minimum improvements required by this article are provided to the property to the extent of its alteration or expansion. In the case of a substantial expansion, the portion of the site affected must meet the requirements of this chapter.

An alteration or expansion to an existing property is substantial when the area or square footage of the expanded or altered land (including property used for building space, parking, or storage) or structure, respectively, exceeds twenty-five percent (25%) of the area or square footage of the existing land or structure, exclusive of the alteration or expansion.

A.

Only one (1) principal dwelling and its allowable accessory buildings may hereafter be erected on any one (1) lot in any single-family or two-family residential district. Where contiguous lots have been combined, the combined lot shall be considered one (1) lot.

B.

Except as specifically provided in this Unified Development Code, no lot existing at the time of adoption of this Unified Development Code shall be reduced, divided, or otherwise altered to produce a lot or tract of land that does not comply with the minimum dimensional standards of the applicable zoning district.

C.

Land that is acquired, dedicated, or donated and accepted for public use is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.

D.

Measurement of lot width.

1.

Lot width shall be measured at the right-of-way, along the frontage of the lot, except for cul-de-sac lots.

2.

For cul-de-sac lots, lot width shall be measured at the right-of-way and shall be a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required width of the zoning district requirement.

A.

Applicability of Height Standards. The height limitations of this section shall not apply to places of worship spires or other such structures, belfries, flagpoles, monuments, cupolas, domes, ornamental towers or observation towers not intended for human occupancy, water towers, transmission towers, radio or television towers or antennas.

B.

Measurement of Setbacks. Setbacks shall be measured from the front, side or rear property line to the nearest building or structure.

C.

Encroachments into Required Setbacks.

1.

Architectural features such as cornices, eaves, steps, gutters, and fire escapes may project up to three (3) feet beyond a required setback line, except where such projections would obstruct driveways that are used or may be used for access by service or emergency vehicles.

2.

In the case of automobile service stations, hotels, and similar uses that serve the motoring public, canopies shall be allowed over a driveway or walkway within the front or side yard not to extend from the principal building to a point any closer than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way line or future right-of-way line as designated by the comprehensive transportation plan.

D.

Setback Requirements for Corner Lots for Both the Primary and Secondary Structures.

1.

Side yard setback requirements from the right-of-way of abutting streets shall be equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the front yard setback.

2.

For purposes of this section, a dwelling may be construed to be fronting on a street other than the street that the front entrance faces. In this situation, development plans and plats shall clearly identify the front, side, and rear yards. Setbacks for side and rear yards shall be established according to the standards of each district.

E.

Property with a side lot line adjacent to a railroad right-of-way shall provide a ten-foot side yard setback.

F.

The building setback for a through lot having frontage on two (2) roads that is not a corner lot shall be equal to the front yard setback for the district in which the lot is located.

A.

Development over five (5) acres in any zoning district shall provide public spaces, subject to the following requirements:

1.

An area equal to one percent (1%) of the total floor area proposed for the development shall be provided as public space.

2.

The following types of spaces may be provided:

a.

Transit stops.

b.

Plazas.

c.

Courtyards.

d.

Atriums.

e.

Pavilions or other similar public spaces.

3.

Public spaces shall be within view of a street or public area and accessible by pedestrians.

B.

Development over five (5) acres in any zoning district shall provide open space, subject to the following requirements:

1.

A minimum of five percent (5%) of the total land area shall be devoted to open space. The required open space shall not be counted toward required landscaping, required buffers, stormwater management facilities or required public space.

2.

The following types of open spaces may be provided:

a.

Parks.

b.

Playgrounds.

c.

Picnic grounds.

d.

Playing fields or courts.

e.

Trails for jogging or biking.

f.

Passive open space.

3.

Open spaces shall be accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists.

4.

The type and design of open space shall be consistent with the type of development proposed within the mixed use area. Passive open spaces are appropriate as a means of protecting views and natural features. Playgrounds, fields and courts are appropriate in or near residential developments.

The intent of this Unified Development Code is to preserve, protect and enhance the lawful nighttime use and enjoyment of all property through use of appropriate lighting practices and systems. Such individual fixtures and lighting systems are designed, constructed and installed to control glare, minimize obtrusive light and conserve energy and resources while maintaining safety, security and productivity, and curtail the degradation of the nighttime visual environment.

A.

Establishing Lighting. Lighting in all districts shall be established in a manner that no direct light is cast upon or adversely affects adjacent properties or roadways. This section shall not apply to lighting established by governmental authority within public rights-of-way.

B.

Submittal Requirements. The applicant for any permit involving outdoor lighting fixtures governed by this section shall submit, as part of the site plan, evidence that the proposed work will comply with this section. The following information shall be included in all nonresidential site plan submissions and all plans for uses ancillary to residential uses such as clubhouses, amenity areas, etc.:

1.

Location, type and height of all freestanding, building-mounted and canopy light fixtures, shall be shown on the site plan and building elevations;

2.

Photometric grid overlaid on the proposed site plan indicating the overall light for intensity throughout the site (in foot-candles). No certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion shall be issued until the photometric grid has been approved by the director;

3.

Specifications and details for the fixture type being proposed, including the total lumen output, type of lamp and method of shielding;

4.

Use of fixture proposed; and

5.

Any other information deemed necessary by the director.

C.

General Provisions. The design and illumination standards of this Unified Development Code shall apply to all exterior lighting sources and other light sources visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent parcels, except where specifically exempted herein.

1.

Shielding. Exterior lighting shall be fully shielded and directed downward, and shall utilize full cutoff housings, louvers, glare shields, optics, reflectors or other measures to prevent off-site glare and minimize light pollution.

2.

Intensity. The intensity of light within a site shall not exceed ten (10) foot-candles within any site; however, the director may permit a maximum intensity of twenty (20) foot-candles provided that such lighting is otherwise in compliance with this ordinance and a maximum intensity of one (1) foot-candle is maintained at any property line or street right-of-way line. Where the property abuts a residential district or existing residential use, the intensity shall not exceed one-half (0.5) foot-candle at the property line.

3.

Measurement. Light intensity levels shall be measured on the horizontal plane at grade level within the site, and on the vertical plane of any property line or street right-of-way line at a height of five (5) feet above grade level.

4.

Decorative Light Fixtures. The director may approve decorative light fixtures as an alternative to shielded fixtures, provided that such fixtures would enhance the aesthetics of the site and would not cause off-site glare or light pollution.

5.

Wall-Mounted Lights. Wall-mounted lights shall be cut-off, down directional with a maximum of to four hundred (400) watts per fixture.

D.

Exemptions. The following are exempt from the lighting requirements of this section:

1.

Roadway and airport lighting and lighting activated by motion sensor devices.

2.

Temporary circus, fair, carnival or civic events.

3.

Construction or emergency lighting, provided such lighting is temporary and is discontinued immediately upon completion of the construction work or abatement of the emergency necessitating such lighting.

4.

Temporary lighting.

5.

Lighting associated with agricultural activities.

6.

Athletic fields.

7.

Swimming pools.

8.

Holiday decorations.

9.

Shielded pedestrian walkway lighting.

10.

Residential lighting with no off-site glare.

11.

Street lights.

12.

Other uses deemed reasonable by the director.

A.

The main entrance to all the buildings shall be oriented to public streets, where feasible.

B.

When possible, buildings located on a corner should have the main entrance situated to address both streets therefore accentuating the corner position and improving visibility and pedestrian circulation.

A.

The massing of building facades longer than one hundred fifty (150) feet that are approximately parallel to the right-of-way and oriented to a public street shall be modulated to increase visual interest.

B.

Building facades that are less than five hundred (500) feet long shall be adjusted at intervals no greater than one hundred (100) feet in length.

C.

Building facades that are more than five hundred (500) feet long shall be adjusted with intervals no greater than twenty percent (20%) of the length of the facade.

D.

Building design shall include minimum one-foot deep cornices along the entire front facade of buildings and extending for a distance of at least ten (10) feet along the sides of buildings.

E.

Building designs shall include a minimum two (2) feet high contrasting base, along the entire front facade of buildings and extending for a distance of at least ten (10) feet along the sides of buildings.

F.

Loading and Service Zones.

1.

Screening and landscaping shall be utilized to deter direct views of the loading areas and their driveways from adjacent residential properties or from the public right-of-way. Screening and landscaping shall also prevent spill-over glare, noise, or exhaust fumes.

2.

Where feasible, this shall be achieved through the placement of walls, fences, and landscaping, and shall provide a visual barrier five (5) feet tall minimum.

Exterior vending machines (freestanding or attached) must not be visible from the street or neighboring properties.

Rooftop and ground level mechanical and electrical service equipment, solar collectors, satellite dishes, and any other communications equipment shall be screened from public view, sidewalks, streets, and from all adjoining buildings to the extent where possible and practical. This screening may be accomplished with materials compatible with the finishes and character of principle structures or other architectural methods.

A.

Utilities shall be located underground.

B.

For all new construction and redevelopment, utilities along public streets must be placed underground. This requirement does not apply to the temporary provision of electricity, including, but not limited to, construction power.

C.

Water and sewer utilities shall be located in either street rights-of-way or easements located at the outer edge of street rights-of-way.

No building, structure, fence, service area, parking facility/area, loading area, except driveways shall be permitted to encroach on public right-of-way. All permanent structures or inorganic objects that are placed near, but not within the right-of-way, shall be located as to not obstruct, hinder or impede the view or movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic as to become a nuisance, danger or hazard to the public.

Each dwelling unit and place of business shall have light-reflective numbers posted and maintained in a prominent place on the property, visible from the street providing public access, the address of the dwelling unit or place of business.

1.

For residences using mailboxes: Two-inch high light-reflective number with contrasting background;

2.

For residences that do not use mailboxes and within one hundred (100) feet of roadway: Three-inch high light-reflective numbers with contrasting background;

3.

For residences which do not use mailboxes and are more than one hundred (100) feet from a roadway: Three-inch high light-reflective numbers visible from the roadway with contrasting background; and

4.

For all commercial establishments: Three-inch high light-reflective numbers with contrasting backgrounds.

Landscaping, fencing, berms, or other devices integral to overall site and building design shall screen trash enclosures, storage areas, and other external structures.

1.

Service yards, refuse and waste-removal areas, loading docks, truck parking areas and other utility areas shall be screened from view by the use of a combination of walls, fences, and dense planting. Screening shall block views to these areas from on-site as well as from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties.

2.

All trash dumpsters shall be provided with solid enclosures. Fats, oils, grease receptacles shall be provided with solid enclosures.

3.

Enclosures shall be composed of eight-foot-high solid masonry or decorative precast concrete walls, with opaque gates and self-latching mechanisms to keep gates closed when not in use. Bollards are required at the front of the masonry walls to protect the enclosure from trash collection vehicles. Gates shall be made of opaque metal for durability. Chain link gates with or without opaque slats are not acceptable. Colors and materials shall be consistent with the main building or use.

4.

Where trash enclosures, storage areas, or other external structures are adjacent to parking areas, a three-foot landscaped buffer shall be provided that does not impede access into and out of vehicles.

5.

These areas shall be well maintained and oriented away from public view.

6.

The consolidation of trash areas between buildings is encouraged.

7.

The use of modern disposal and recycling techniques is encouraged.

8.

This section shall not apply to community or public recycling bins or drop boxes; however, the location shall be determined by the community development director in accordance with the standards herein.

All accessory buildings shall be constructed of materials complementing the principal building with which they are associated.

These requirements only pertain to buildings that are exclusively residential in nature.

A.

Facades.

1.

Primary material coverage required, at a minimum, a twenty-four (24) inch course/water table, consisting of brick or stone or a combination of each, measured from where the final grade of the lot meets the outside of the building.

2.

Secondary material coverage remaining area may be comprised of one (1) or more of stucco, shake, and/or cement fiberboard siding.

3.

Vinyl or aluminum siding shall not be permitted. Metal or cementitious composite board siding may be used in the eaves and soffits of a building.

B.

Roof Pitch. The minimum roof pitch of a single-family home shall be 4:12, with the exception of attached patio covers. The minimum roof pitch of an attached patio cover shall be as required by the current State minimum standard codes for construction.

C.

Roof Materials. Roof materials shall include wood or cedar shakes, asphalt composition, wood, shingles. Other roof materials may be used where specifically approved by the director.

D.

Foundation. The dwelling shall be attached to a permanent foundation. The foundation shall be concrete or masonry blocks joined by mortar or both.

E.

Finished Floor. Any building having its finished floor entirely above grade, except for a basement, as defined in the International Building Code, shall be enclosed by masonry blocks or bricks joined by mortar, or poured concrete walls having a minimum height of eighteen (18) inches and a minimum width of six (6) inches.

F.

Garages.

1.

A minimum of two (2) car garages shall be required for all single-family detached residential structures. Side entry garages should always be considered and constructed when possible.

2.

Single car garages are required for townhomes and for each unit of a duplex.

A.

Facades.

1.

Primary material coverage buildings are required to consist of thirty percent (30%) brick or stone, or a combination of each, on all four (4) facades of the building.

2.

Secondary material coverage remaining area may be comprised of one (1) or more of stucco, shake, and/or cement fiberboard siding.

3.

Vinyl or aluminum siding shall not be permitted. Metal or cementitious composite board siding may be used in the eaves and soffits of a building.

A.

All buildings constructed within the C-1, C-2, C-3, OI, M-1 and M-2 zoning districts shall meet the development standards and the appearance standards set forth in this section.

B.

Buildings in C-1, C-2, and C-3 are required to be a least fifty percent (50%) brick or stone on all four (4) facades of the building.

C.

Other allowed building materials include:

1.

Brick, or brick veneers;

2.

Stone. Natural stone such as, but not limited to, granite, limestone, acid marble is allowed to building materials. Terra cotta and/or cast stone, which simulate natural stone, are also acceptable. Painted stone is not allowed;

3.

Split-face block/concrete masonry unit (CMU) is restricted to twenty percent (20%) of the surface area of the facade;

4.

High grade stucco;

5.

Natural wood and/or cementitious fiberboard siding;

6.

Glass;

7.

Glazing shall be clear or slightly tinted glass (not opaque nor highly reflective). Metal screens or bars shall not cover window openings;

8.

Exposed concrete block, metal and tile are not allowed as building materials on a facade;

9.

Vinyl or aluminum siding shall not be permitted, except by vinyl having a nominal thickness of forty-six one-thousandth (0.046) inches, metal, or cementitious composite board siding may be used in the eaves and soffits of a building.

D.

All windows shall be consistent with the decorative facade design, considering materials and color.

E.

Metal roofing, if utilized, shall consist of standing seam metal roofing with a minimum twenty-nine (29) gauge rating.

F.

Facade colors and materials shall be limited to three (3) per facade face.

G.

Hotels shall be exempt from the brick percentage requirements set forth herein, but shall meet all other standards set forth herein.

H.

Each industrial building shall maintain a decorative facade on that portion of the building that faces on all public streets. The decorative facade shall consist of brick, masonry, and/or wood. Glass may be used in combination with brick, masonry, and/or wood. All windows shall be consistent with the decorative facade design, considering materials and color.

I.

Mechanical equipment, electrical meter and service components, and similar utility devices, whether ground level, wall mounted, or roof mounted, shall be screened from public rights-of-way views through one (1) of the following methods:

J.

Where equipment is at ground level, screening may be provided through landscaping sufficient to block the view from public rights-of-way.

K.

Where brick, wood, or masonry materials are used to screen equipment or devices, the materials shall be the same as the predominant exterior building materials for the principal building on the site.

L.

Street level retail uses with sidewalk frontage shall provide an entrance to the building from the sidewalk in addition to any other access that may be provided to the building.

M.

All entrance and exit driveways shall be paved with asphalt, concrete or pavers.

A.

Materials.

1.

Pitched roofs shall be limited to architectural dimensional grade asphalt shingles, natural slate, natural terra cotta, natural wood shake, copper or factory finished sheet metal.

2.

Exposed metal flashing shall be copper, or factory finished sheet metal. If factory finished metal flashing is used, such as standing seam, the color must be subdued to blend with other materials or of a color to simulate weathered copper or bronze.

3.

There shall be roof articulations/offsets at a minimum of one (1) per each one hundred twenty-five (125) linear feet of length by a change in the top line of the parapet. Additional articulation may occur at any lesser distance. If the front facade is less than one hundred twenty-five (125) linear feet of length, then a minimum of one (1) roof articulation must occur.

B.

Type.

1.

Mansard roofs.

a.

Shall have a maximum pitch of 12:12.

b.

Shall have a minimum twelve-foot vertical surface length.

2.

Flat roofs.

a.

Building materials for flat roofs shall meet local codes.

b.

All buildings with flat roofs should include parapet articulation on the front facade(s) of such building.

3.

Green roofs.

a.

Shall be highly recommended and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

4.

Canopies.

a.

Drive under canopies for gasoline pumps may have flat roof with vertical or factory formed facing of finished sheet metal.

b.

Arcade/structural canopy for retail use. For any multi-tenant commercial development, a covered arcade/structural canopy shall be provided along the front facade of the building. It shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in width and designed to provide covered areas for relief from the weather. Different arcade/structural canopy designs may be used for each individual tenant/business within a multi-tenant commercial development provided that they blend aesthetically with the front facade of the building and has the approval of the building owner and the director of community development in the City of Stockbridge.

A.

Purpose. This section is intended to provide design standards for uses located in large-scale buildings. The purpose is to ensure the compatibility of large buildings and their associated impacts with the surrounding area, and to avoid large, undifferentiated building walls.

B.

Applicability. Establishments having more than forty thousand (40,000) square feet of floor shall comply with the design standards contained in this section. These standards are in addition to the site design standards of the underlying zoning district. The size threshold refers to an individual establishment and any associated outdoor areas used for display or storage.

C.

Building Design Standards. Building design shall meet the standards below.

Building Design Standards for Establishments over Forty Thousand Square Feet

A.

Applicability. This section shall apply to all parcels of land abutting Highway 138 West, Highway 42 North, Jodeco Road, Eagles Landing Parkway, Hudson Bridge Road, Rock Quarry Road, East Lake Parkway, East Atlanta Road, North Henry Boulevard, Patrick Henry Parkway, Country Club Drive, Flippen Road, Walt Stephens Road, Mount Zion Parkway, Campground Road and any other roadway having a classification of "collector" or higher. All State routes and associated rights-of-way are within the jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and any improvements within these respective rights-of-way are subject to GDOT approval. All property contained within any parcel subject to this section on the date of adoption of the ordinance from which this section is derived shall continue to be subject to this section, even if the parcel is subdivided in the future.

B.

Streetscape Design Standards. The streetscape along the major highways shall be divided into three (3) distinct zones consisting of a building frontage zone, pedestrian travel zone, and fixtures/planting zone. The widths of each zone shall be as provided below:

1.

Building frontage zones are encouraged to provide outdoor activities and gathering areas and may be permitted at varying widths.

2.

Pedestrian travel pathways shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet wide, paved in concrete and kept clear and unobstructed for the safe and convenient use of pedestrians.

3.

Fixtures/planting zones shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet wide and planted with grass, ground cover or flowering plants. Within the fixtures/planting zone:

a.

Sidewalk benches shall be placed in front of retail locations at a maximum distance of five hundred (500) feet from one another.

b.

Trash receptacles shall be placed at street intersections and at a maximum of five hundred (500) feet apart from one another.

c.

Bicycle racks should be located at a maximum distance of two hundred fifty (250) feet apart.

d.

Pedestrian scale lighting should be incorporated along all pedestrian paths and shall be placed a maximum of every forty (40) feet on center.

A.

Sidewalks shall have a minimum width of five (5) feet along all roads in residentially zoned or used areas.

B.

Sidewalks shall have a minimum width of eight (8) feet in all commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development areas. The community development director may reduce to six (6) feet, if the topography or width of the right-of-way does not permit an eight-foot wide sidewalk.

C.

Continuous sidewalks must be provided to connect building entrances to required sidewalks along street frontage.

D.

Sidewalks shall be in compliance with ADA standards for accessible design.

E.

Sidewalks shall be located along both sides of all public streets.

F.

All sidewalks shall be accessible with ramps and other safety features, such as traffic strips for sensory canes.

G.

All grade changes along sidewalks shall be clearly marked.

A.

Street trees shall be provided in medians and all required landscaped strips adjacent to all streets rights-of-way.

B.

Landscape strips along any collector and arterial roadways shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet wide.

C.

Street trees shall have a minimum 2.5-inch caliper and six (6) feet in height at the time of planting and be warranted by the developer for a period of two (2) years.

D.

Spacing of street trees and streetlight standards may be adjusted to account for driveways, utility poles, fire hydrants and other obstructions and to provide adequate visual clearance for intersections, driveways and traffic control devices.

E.

No street tree or streetlight standard shall be placed within ten (10) feet of another tree, streetlight standard, utility pole or within five (5) feet of a fire hydrant.

F.

Appropriate street tree species include:

1.

Large trees—Average spacing forty (40) feet on center:

a.

Nuttall Oak.

b.

Shumard Oak.

c.

Willow Oak.

d.

Gingko (variety: President, Autumn Gold, male gender).

e.

Princeton Elm.

f.

Chinese Elm (varieties: Allee, Athena, Drake, Bosque).

g.

Bald Cypress (variety: Shawnee Brave).

h.

Zelkova (variety: Green Vase or Village Green).

i.

Northern Red Oak.

j.

Red Leaf Maple.

2.

Small trees—Average spacing twenty (20) feet on center:

a.

Crepe Myrtle.

b.

Saucer Magnolia (variety: Butterflies).

c.

Chinese Fringe Tree.

d.

Golden Rain Tree.

e.

Texas Redbud (Cercis reniformis).

f.

Kousa Dogwood.

g.

Washington Hawthorn 'Princeton Sentry.'

h.

Zelkova (variety: Wires).

G.

No more than twenty-five (25) (or twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number, whichever is greater) of the trees installed may be of any one (1) genus.

H.

No more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the street trees used in a single development shall be of the small tree species, unless limited by roadway classification or posted speed limit that affect tree type placement.

Buffers shall be required between dissimilar districts or uses in accordance with the provisions of the zoning ordinance or as a condition of zoning, special use, or variance approval.

A.

Buffers shall meet the minimum width requirements contained in the zoning ordinance, except as authorized to be reduced by the applicable buffer reduction process, as follows:

1.

As specified in the "Buffer Area Standards Table;" or

2.

As specified in a residential zoning district for a permitted nonresidential use (e.g. a church, temple, synagogue, etc.); or

3.

As required by a condition of zoning, special use, or variance approval.

B.

Buffers shall be natural, undisturbed, and free of encroachments except as authorized by a condition of zoning, special use or variance approval, or as authorized herein, and shall contain the existing tree cover and vegetation as well as any supplemental plantings or replantings as may be required.

C.

Buffers shall be located on the outer perimeter of a lot or parcel, parallel to the lot or parcel boundary line. Buffers shall not occupy any portion of an existing, dedicated, or reserved public or private street, or right-of-way.

D.

Buffers required alongside property lines shall extend to a street right-of-way line unless otherwise required by the director in order to observe the sight distance requirements contained in the development regulations, or as authorized by a condition of zoning, special use, or variance approval.

E.

In situations where the required buffer width is partially or completely contained within an existing easement (e.g. power or natural gas transmission, etc.), the screening requirements of this unified development code shall be met outside of the easement area, to ensure a continuous buffer.

F.

Buffer width is measured from the property line.

G.

Buffer plantings shall be designed taking into consideration existing conditions, including, but not limited to, soils, topography, streams, and existing vegetation. Native vegetation shall be used for landscaping and buffering unless the applicant demonstrates that the use of non-native, drought-resistant plants would best serve the site and advance the objectives of this section.

H.

Buffers shall be maintained, in perpetuity, by the property owner.

_____

A.

The minimum buffer area standards are as follows:

Buffer Area Standards

Existing plants within a designated buffer area shall not be removed unless the plants are dead, dying, diseased, hazardous, or invasive. Where no natural buffer exists or where the director finds that existing vegetation does not provide an appropriate buffer, the following plant materials are required for each fifty (50) linear feet of fifty-foot wide buffer, quantities shall be doubled for one hundred-foot wide buffers:

1.

Two (2) canopy trees.

2.

Two (2) understory trees.

3.

Fifteen (15) screening shrubs. Shrubs may be evergreen and/or deciduous, but must reach a mature height and width greater than four (4) feet.

The following plant materials shall be required for each fifty (50) linear feet of buffer on a residential development:

1.

One (1) canopy tree.

2.

Two (2) understory trees.

3.

Ten (10) screening shrubs. Shrubs may be evergreen and/or deciduous but must reach a mature height and width greater than four (4) feet.

A.

Non-vegetative materials utilized in addition to the use of existing vegetation and/or supplemental plantings, may consist of walls, fences, earthen berms or any combination thereof. While non-vegetative screening materials may be utilized in addition to natural, enhanced or planted buffers, they are not a replacement of, nor exemption from the requirement to plant buffers.

B.

If walls or fences are to be utilized, their placement and installation shall be such to cause minimal disturbance of existing vegetation.

A.

Ditches, swales, stormwater conveyance facilities, stormwater detention ponds, sanitary sewer conveyance facilities, similar facilities, and any associated easements, shall not encroach into a buffer except for necessary access and utility crossings (e.g. stormwater or sanitary sewer pipes) may encroach into the buffer as near to perpendicular as practical.

B.

Land disturbance is authorized in areas of a buffer that are devoid of significant existing vegetation provided that the final grade and replanting of vegetation meet the requirements contained herein.

C.

Dead, dying, diseased, hazardous, or invasive vegetation may be removed from a buffer provided minimal disturbance occurs. Vegetation removed shall be replaced where necessary to meet the buffer requirements contained herein. A landscape architect and/or certified arborist shall identify dead, dying, diseased, hazardous, or invasive vegetation for removal.

A.

During authorized land disturbing activities, buffers shall be clearly demarcated and protected prior to commencement of, and during, construction.

B.

The method of demarcation and protection shall at a minimum be a continuous single row of four-foot tall orange vinyl (or other high visibility color) tree protection fence, or shall be protected as required by the community development department.

(Ord. No. OR24-559, 3-4-2024)

A.

These requirements shall apply to all properties to be used, developed, or redeveloped within the city, except as may specifically be exempted below.

B.

In order to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of this section, a landscape plan, prepared by a professional landscape architect shall be submitted with applications for development approval, for all developments.

C.

The following types of development are exempt from the requirements of this section:

1.

Single-family dwellings;

2.

Duplex buildings; and

3.

Applications for accessory uses, accessory structures, or temporary uses.

A.

All landscaped areas shall be maintained to ensure that plant materials remain healthy. Any diseased or dead plant materials shall be replaced as soon as reasonably possible based on the growing season, but not later than six (6) months following identification of the need for replacement.

B.

Necessary trimming and maintenance shall be performed to maintain the health of the plant materials, to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to ensure that landscape and buffer areas serve the intended purpose.

A.

Required landscaped areas, including general landscaping, parking lot landscaping, perimeter landscaping and buffer areas shall not be disturbed by grading, property improvements or construction activities, except where necessary to prevent a nuisance, or to maintain natural plant growth, or to remove diseased, misshapen, or dangerous and decayed trees.

B.

All landscaped areas, including general landscaping, parking lot landscaping, perimeter landscaping and buffer areas shall utilize existing natural vegetation in an undisturbed state provided that the existing vegetation is appropriate for inclusion.

C.

A minimum of twelve percent (12%) of the total buildable area in any parcel shall be devoted to landscaping.

D.

The requirement to provide landscaping shall be in addition to any required buffers.

_____

E.

The site design standards for landscaping are provided in the table below.

Site Design Standards for Nonresidential Landscaping

A.

Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, any parcel of land for which a building permit has been requested shall have preserved or planted trees, meeting the following standards:

1.

Minimum caliper for planted trees is two and one half (2.5) inches.

2.

A minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of planted trees shall be hardwoods.

3.

All recorded lots within a subdivision shall have planted or preserved the required number of trees according to the zoning district, as set forth Title 13, Tree Protection.

4.

Requirements for planting or preserving trees are in addition to requirements for landscaping and buffer areas but may be located in the landscaping and/or buffer areas.

B.

Tree planting requirements.

Tree planting requirements are presented in the table below.

Tree Planting Requirements

A.

Perimeter Landscaping for Parking Lots. A landscaped area having a minimum horizontal dimension of ten (10) feet shall be maintained between the prescribed buffer and a parking lot. The width of a sidewalk shall not be included within the ten-foot perimeter landscape area.

B.

Interior Landscaping.

1.

Parking lots with twenty (20) or more parking spaces shall provide interior landscaping.

2.

Parking lots shall be designed so that no more than twelve (12) parking spaces occur in an unbroken row without an intervening landscaped area having a minimum width of ten (10) feet measured from the back of curb to back of curb.

3.

Interior planting areas may be landscape islands at the end of parking bays, landscape islands within rows of parking spaces, or landscape strips between rows of parking spaces. No planting area shall be less than ten (10) feet wide in the shortest dimension. Planting areas may also be located within driveway medians, provided the median is a minimum of ten (10) feet wide.

4.

A minimum of two (2) canopy trees shall be planted for every twelve (12) parking spaces provided. Planting area per canopy tree shall be a minimum of three hundred (300) square feet.

5.

Trees should be placed within interior islands to maximize shading of the pavement.

6.

Vehicle stops or curbing shall be used to ensure that vehicles do not overhang required landscaped areas.

A.

All plant materials shall meet the following general requirements:

1.

All plant materials shall be nursery grown, number 1 grade and installed according to accepted industry standard planting procedures.

2.

All plant materials shall meet current American Association of Nurseryman Standards.

B.

All plant materials shall meet the size and location specifications presented in the table below.

_____

Plant Materials Standards

C.

Spacing requirements for trees shall include consideration of trees planted on abutting properties. Trees may be grouped, so long as a sufficient planting area is provided as set forth in paragraph [E.], below.

D.

Trees shall be planted in locations away from septic tanks and drain fields.

E.

Planting areas shall meet the following specifications:

1.

A planting area of three hundred (300) square feet shall be required for each canopy tree.

2.

A planting area of one hundred (100) square feet shall be required for each understory tree.

3.

The minimum dimension of any planting area shall be ten (10) feet.

The intent of this section is to ensure the appropriate location and quantity of off-street parking and loading and to ensure that all developments provide adequate and safe storage and movement of vehicles consistent with generally accepted site design principles.

A.

Except as provided in this section, no application for a building permit shall be approved unless there is included with the plan for such building, improvements, or use, a development plan showing the required space reserved for off-street parking and loading. Occupancy shall not be allowed unless the required off-street parking and loading facilities have been provided in accordance with those shown on the approved plan.

B.

Each use of land and each building or structure hereafter constructed or established, and each addition to a structure shall provide off-street parking and loading according to the standards set forth herein.

C.

When an addition is made to a building containing less than the required parking or loading requirements, off-street parking shall be provided for the entire building, based upon the standards in this section.

D.

No addition to an existing building shall be constructed which reduces the number of spaces, area, or usability of an existing parking lot or loading space, unless such building and its addition conform with the regulations for parking and loading contained herein.

All off-street parking and loading areas shall be well maintained. Parking lots and loading areas shall be free of potholes, debris, weeds, broken curbs, and broken wheel stops.

A.

The table below, "Parking and Loading Space Standards," specifies the required minimum number of off-street parking spaces for each listed use. Where the calculation of the required number of spaces results in a fraction, the number shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

B.

Where the unit of measure for determining the number of parking spaces is the number of seats in a facility, the number of seats shall be the maximum occupancy allowed pursuant to building and construction codes.

C.

When multiple uses occupy a building, or a mixed-use development is proposed in separate buildings under unified control, the parking and loading requirement shall be met by each use, unless shared parking is approved according to the standards in this section.

A.

The table below presents standards for parking and loading spaces. Where a use is not listed, the director shall determine the appropriate parking and loading standard. The determination shall be based on the standards for similar uses.

Parking and Loading Space Standards

B.

Loading Spaces Required. Off-street loading spaces shall be provided as follows:

Off-Street Loading

A.

All uses shall provide parking spaces designated for access by disabled individuals.

B.

The table below presents specifications for parking for disabled individuals.

Required Parking for Disabled Individuals

C.

Accessible spaces shall be marked on the pavement and by appropriate signage, both markings to use the universally accepted "handicapped" symbol. Such spaces shall be located in closest proximity to major building entrances, but in no event shall such spaces be more than one hundred (100) feet from an entrance.

D.

Ramps shall meet the design standards set forth in the Georgia Accessibility Code Chapter 120-3-20 of the Rules and Regulations of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner.

Off-street parking lots, individual parking spaces, loading areas, and loading stalls shall be designed to conform to the following criteria and standards:

A.

All multiple-family, commercial, and industrial uses shall provide a paved, dust-free surface. The use of approved permeable or pervious pavement materials is encouraged, provided such paving is approved for use by the director.

B.

All off-street loading stalls shall have access from a public street.

C.

Loading stalls are not to hinder movement of pedestrians or vehicles over a street, sidewalk, or alley, or to and from an off-street parking area.

D.

Off-street parking and loading areas that are to be used at night shall include proper illumination for the safety of pedestrians, vehicles, and for security purposes. Lighting shall be located and shielded to avoid direct illumination of adjacent properties.

E.

Each off-street parking space shall be clearly marked, and directional arrows or signs shall be provided wherever necessary. Markers, directional arrows, and signs shall be properly maintained to ensure their maximum efficiency.

F.

All off-street parking, loading, and service areas shall be drained to prevent damage to abutting properties and/or public streets and shall be constructed of materials that shall assure a surface resistant to erosion.

G.

All off-street parking, loading, and service areas shall be separated from walkways, sidewalks, and streets by curbing or other suitable protective device.

H.

The design standards in the table below shall be used to achieve compliance with parking provisions of this chapter.

Parking Space Dimensions

I.

There shall be provided adequate interior driveways to connect each parking space with a public right-of-way as indicated in the table below.

Parking Lot Design

J.

The specifications in the table below are the design requirements for off-street loading stalls.

Off-Street Loading Stall Design

A.

Adjacent uses, multiple uses within a unified development, or establishments with multiple tenants of different uses may provide shared parking facilities. Such shared parking facilities may have a reduced quantity of parking as compared to the sum of parking spaces required for each individual use.

B.

Where shared parking facilities are proposed, the following standards shall be met:

1.

There shall be a paved driveway connection between the adjacent developments such that automobiles may move from one (1) parcel or use to the adjacent parcel or use without exiting to the public street.

2.

There shall be a designated pedestrian connection from all uses to the shared parking facility.

3.

The owners of developments involved shall execute a cross-access and cross-parking agreement, provided in a recordable instrument, acceptable to the city. The agreement shall guarantee the joint use of a specified number of parking spaces.

4.

The number of spaces in the shared parking facility shall be determined by one (1) of the methods below.

C.

The calculation of required spaces in a shared parking facility shall use one (1) of the two (2) methods described below:

1.

A parking study may be conducted to provide evidence of the combined parking requirements of the proposed uses.

a.

The study shall be prepared by a professional engineer with documented traffic expertise.

b.

The study shall include estimates of parking requirements based on professionally accepted data or studies, such as from the Institute of Traffic Engineers, Urban Land Institute, or other sources acceptable to the city.

c.

Parking requirements shall be based on uses that are the same or comparable to the proposed uses. Comparability shall be determined by density, scale, bulk, area, type of activity, and location in relationship to other uses and the transportation system.

d.

Parking requirements shall be based upon peak hours of need for each use proposed to share parking facilities. The hours of maximum, or peak, parking demand of the respective developments shall not overlap.

e.

The study shall document the source(s) of data used to develop recommendations.

f.

The study shall document the extent to which transportation system management and alternative forms of transportation (pedestrian and bicycle) reduce the parking requirement.

g.

The study shall document the availability of off-site parking to meet a portion of the parking requirements. Off-site parking shall not be located more than one hundred fifty (150) feet from the uses that require parking. The study shall be accompanied by documentation to demonstrate the continued availability of the off-site parking, such as easements or other recordable instruments.

2.

Shared parking may also be determined by the following method:

a.

Calculate the parking requirement for each proposed use, as set forth below.

b.

Multiply each amount by the corresponding percentages from the table below for each of the five (5) time periods.

c.

Total the amount of parking for each time period.

d.

The highest parking requirement shall be the minimum number of spaces required for the shared use facilities.

Shared Parking Demand Calculations

The director of community development/planning and zoning may authorize a reduction in the total number of parking spaces constructed on a site to no less than ninety percent (90%) of the basic requirement when all of following conditions are met: The request for reduction in parking shall show that the reduction is justified on the basis of characteristics unique to the specific proposed use of the property in contrast to the characteristics of other uses within the same category.

A.

Adequate land area for meeting the basic parking requirement is located on and designed for the site whether at grade or in parking decks. The unconstructed portion of the parking shall be clearly delineated and labeled "Future Parking" on the site plan.

B.

Prior to granting the reduction in total parking spaces constructed, the director of community development/planning and zoning shall conclude that the reduction is justified, and shall approve, in whole or in part, or deny the request stating the reasons therefore in the report.

C.

If the director finds that the parking reduction is no longer justified, the director shall notify the owner to construct the number of parking spaces necessary to meet the required level.

D.

Prior to any change in ownership or use, the owner must apply to the director for an evaluation and confirmation of the reduction.

All required parking spaces must be located on an all-weather surface.

A.

Single-Family Uses. Within single-family and two-family dwellings, the parking or storage of vehicles shall be prohibited except on an all-weather surface. Off-site location of required parking spaces is prohibited. Unenclosed parking spaces may occupy a side yard, and no more than fifty percent (50%) of a required rear yard. A maximum of two (2) spaces may be permitted adjoining the entrance to a front entry garage or carport or adjoining the end of a driveway whenever no garage or carport exists. Garage and carport spaces may count toward the minimum required spaces in single-family districts.

1.

Within single-family districts when utilized for other than a single-family dwelling, the parking or storage of vehicles shall be located in accordance with the office/institutional uses requirements. Parking or storage of a junk or salvage vehicle shall constitute an unlawful use except that no more than two (2) such vehicles shall be permitted if parked or stored in a garage or carport not visible from a street or adjacent residential property.

B.

Residential Townhouse Developments. Individually subdivided parcels shall adhere to single-family district standards except that no off-street parking or driveways shall be located within ten (10) feet of any perimeter lot line. Garage carport spaces count toward the minimum required spaces.

C.

Multifamily Apartments or Condos Developments. No off-street parking shall be permitted within the required setback for the front yard and the side corner yard. Driveways shall not be located nearer than ten (10) feet to any side or rear property line. No off-street parking space shall be located within twenty-five (25) feet of any side or rear property line adjacent to a single-family dwelling district or use, nor within ten (10) feet of any other property line.

D.

Office/Institutional Uses. No off-street parking shall be permitted within the required setback for the front yard and the side corner yard. No off-street parking shall be permitted within twenty-five (25) feet of any property line which adjoins a single-family residential district or use. Off-street loading areas shall be provided in the rear or interior side yards.

E.

Commercial Uses. Uses devoted to commercial establishments shall provide no off-street parking within twenty-five (25) feet of any property line that adjoins a residential district or use and off-street loading areas shall be provided in the rear or interior side yards.

1.

Industrial Uses. Uses devoted to manufacturing, warehousing, commercial and other uses permitted in industrial districts shall provide no off-street parking within twenty-five (25) feet of any property line which adjoins a residential use or district.

Except for trucks used in farming the property on which they are located, or trucks used in conjunction with a permitted use, trucks and/or trailers exceeding four (4) tons empty weight shall not be stored or parked in any residential zoning district unless engaged in moving household goods or making deliveries.

A.

The required accessory off-street parking facility shall be located on the same lot as the use for which it is provided or on a lot within four hundred (400) feet of the nearest boundary of the lot upon which the use is located measured by a straight line between the two (2) points.

B.

The separate lot upon which such accessory parking facilities are provided shall be in the same ownership or control as the building or use to which the parking facilities are accessory.

No required parking shall be permitted in any required landscape area or buffer.

Aisles serving off-street parking shall be no fewer than twenty-two (22) feet in width, except that aisles designed for one-way circulation systems shall be no fewer than fourteen (14) feet in width for 0- to 45-degree parking, eighteen (18) feet in width for 46- to 60-degree parking and twenty-two (22) feet in width for 61- to 90-degree parking. A standard parking space shall measure no fewer than one hundred fifty-three (153) square feet and shall be no fewer than eight and one-half (8.5) feet wide. Twenty percent (20%) of the total parking spaces may be designated as compact car spaces. A compact space shall measure a minimum of one hundred twenty (120) square feet with a minimum width of eight (8) feet. Each compact space shall be clearly marked. No part of a vehicle shall overhang into a landscaped portion of a required landscape area.

A.

Where practicable, the ground floor facade of any parking structure abutting a street or walkway shall be wrapped with retail or office uses. Where appropriate, liner buildings shielding the garage from public view should be considered.

B.

Facades shall be designed and architecturally detailed to be compatible and complementary to other uses within the district.

C.

When fronting a street, windows or other openings shall be provided.

A.

Bicycle parking should be located within all mixed-use developments and conveniently located near the most convenient automobile spaces (other than those spaces for persons with disabilities).

B.

Bicycle parking should be an integral part of the overall site layout and designed to minimize visual clutter.

C.

Bicycle parking should be provided in a well-lighted area.

D.

Ideally, bicycle parking spaces outside of a building should be located within a one hundred-foot diameter of the primary building entrance.

E.

Bicycle parking areas should, preferably, afford a four-foot-wide access aisle to ensure safe access to spaces.

F.

All bicycle racks and lockers should be securely anchored to the ground or building structure.

A.

Major recreational equipment and vehicles, such as boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), and trailers, may be parked or stored on side yards or rear yards or in a carport or enclosed building; provided, however, that such equipment may be parked anywhere on residential premises for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours during loading or unloading. In the case of a corner lot, no vehicles may be parked or stored in the side yard on the street side of the lot.

B.

The community development director is authorized to allow such equipment to be used as living quarters in the following situations, provided that adequate documentation is provided prior to establishing them:

1.

Family hardships and catastrophic events.

2.

Temporary dwelling when a primary structure is being built or modified on the same property.

3.

No more than one (1) such vehicle is allowed to be occupied on-site at any one (1) time. No separate permanent utility hook-ups or fixtures may be installed at any time. Furthermore, no recreational vehicle shall create a safety hazard, including blocking, or otherwise obstructing, public rights-of-way or sidewalks. Such equipment may be used for a period not to exceed ninety (90) consecutive days.

Parking, storing, or maintaining any commercial vehicle shall be prohibited in all residential lots, residential complexes, developments, or subdivisions, and in all residential zoning districts.

A.

It is strongly encouraged, but not required under this ordinance, that a minimum of one (1) accessible EV charging station be provided.

B.

Accessible EV charging stations should have a barrier-free route of travel and be in close proximity to the building. It is not necessary to designate the accessible EV charging station exclusively for disabled users. Separate from these regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may require EV charging stations to meet accessibility requirements.

C.

EV charging stations do not impact the number of minimum or maximum vehicle spaces required, as provided.

No building, structure, fence, service area, parking facility/area, loading area, except driveways shall be permitted to encroach on public right-of-way. All permanent structures or inorganic objects that are placed near, but not within the right-of-way, shall be located as to not obstruct, hinder or impede the view or movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic as to become a nuisance, danger or hazard to the public.

(Ord. No. OR24-580, § 6(Exh. F), 11-12-2024)