The purpose of this chapter is to ensure development within the City of Tavares occurs in a manner which:

Maximizes efficient and safe traffic circulation within parking areas; and,

Assures proper access and movement of emergency vehicles; and,

Provides allowances for existing buildings and uses; and,

Provides adequate parking facilities for the community and businesses; and,

Relieves traffic congestion.

The following development activities require conformance to this chapter:

(A)

Final Development Order. Any development activity requiring a final development order.

(B)

Change or Expansion of Use. A change or expansion in use of an existing development containing non- conforming parking must provide parking in conformance with this chapter provided the proposed use or expansion exceeds the existing parking supply.

(C)

Proposed impervious surface additions to existing development with non-conforming parking must provide parking in conformance with this chapter for the proposed additions only.

(A)

Spaces Required. The number of off-street parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 20-A.

(B)

Rules for Computing Parking Requirements.

(1)

In the event the computation of the number of required parking spaces results in a fractional space, the number of required spaces is the nearest whole number. One-half (½) shall be rounded up to the next larger number.

(2)

For properties containing more than one use, the number of required parking spaces is the cumulative number of spaces for all uses.

(3)

Each twenty linear inches (20") of benches or pews shall be considered one (1) seat where the computation of required parking spaces relates to seating provided by benches or pews.

(4)

Gross floor area shall be used for the computation of required parking spaces relating to floor area, unless otherwise specified.

(5)

The greatest number of employees on a premises at any one time shall be used for the computation of required parking spaces relating to the number of employees.

(C)

Uses Not Listed in Table 20-A. If a parking space calculation is not provided in Table 20-A the applicant may submit a parking study as documentation of the number of spaces needed to support such a use. The parking study shall include, but not be limited to, estimates of parking requirements based on recommendations in studies such as those from ULI, ITE, or the Traffic Institute. Comparability shall be determined by density, scale, bulk, area, type of activity and location. The study shall document the source of data used to develop recommendations. The City's Transportation Engineer shall review the study and shall approve or deny the proposed number of parking spaces provided based on findings that the alternative parking calculations adequately meet the needs of the development or do not meet the needs of the development.

(D)

Unless an Engineer's parking study based on recommendations from ULI, ITE or the Traffic Institute concludes that the number of required parking spaces specified in Table 20-A do not adequately meet the needs of the development, parking spaces above that required by Table 20-A, up to a maximum of 20%, are allowed.

(E)

Reduction of Parking Spaces. A reduction of up to 10% of the required spaces is permitted for those property owners who confirm through the City's transportation planning staff or a traffic concurrency review by the Lake-Sumter County MPO that the subject site is served by public transit and therefore will experience a reduction in vehicular trips. The public transit facility must be within a ¼ of a mile in order to be considered to service the site. Property owners are encouraged to work with the Lake- Sumter County MPO in support the public transportation system in an effort to provide the subject site with access to public transportation to an extent which will reduce vehicular trips. If an agreement with the Lake-Sumter County MPO is established which requires the provision of a public transit bus shelter on site, the shelter must be reflected on the approved site plan and the stipulations of the agreement must be indicated in the form of a note.

TABLE 20-A
Number of Required Off-Street Parking Spaces

(A)

Downtown Parking District Established. The Downtown Parking District is hereby established and is illustrated in Attachment "A," Downtown Parking District Map.

(B)

Reduced Parking Requirements within CD (Commercial Downtown) District. All new development and redevelopment of existing uses within the Downtown Parking District within the CD zoning district shall be exempt from meeting the requirements of Table 20-A with the following exceptions:

(1)

One-hundred percent (100%) of any required handicapped parking must be provided.

(2)

Existing buildings as of April 19, 2000, that are used in whole or in part by federal, state, county or city governments for public purposes must provide seventy-five percent (75%) of the required off-street parking spaces identified in Table 20-A of these regulations for that portion of the building used for said purposes.

(3)

Buildings or additions constructed after April 19, 2000 that are used in whole or in part by the federal, state, county or city governments for public purposes must provide one-hundred percent (100%) of the required off-street parking spaces identified in Table 20-A of these regulations for that portion of the building used for said purpose.

(4)

Where on-street parking is not available within 60 feet of the development site, seventy-five percent (75%) of the allowable off-street parking spaces identified in Table 20-A shall be provided on site.

(C)

Reduced Parking Requirements within MU (Mixed Use) District. All new development and redevelopment of existing uses within the Downtown Parking District within the Mixed Use zoning district shall be required to provide fifty percent (50%) of the requirements of Table 20-A, except that one-hundred percent (100%) of any required handicapped parking must be provided.

(1)

Where on-street parking is not available adjacent to the development site, one hundred percent (100%) of the minimum off-street parking spaces identified in Table 20-A shall be provided on site.

(A)

General Criteria.

(1)

Off-street parking facilities and other vehicular facilities both required and provided, shall be identified as to purpose and location when not clearly evident.

(2)

All off-street parking facilities shall be arranged for convenient access and safety of pedestrians and vehicles.

(3)

The use of any required parking space for the storage of any motor vehicle for sale, or for any purpose other than the parking of motor vehicles is prohibited.

(4)

All off-street parking areas shall be accessed via an approved driveway or access easement. Vehicles are prohibited from accessing the parking area from any point other than the approved driveway or easement.

(B)

Residential Parking. Residential parking for single-family, two-family residential, and manufactured home shall provide two (2) parking spaces per dwelling unit in accordance with the following:

(1)

A one or two car garage shall be considered as 1 parking space.

(2)

A driveway leading to a carport or garage may be considered a parking space if the driveway is at least twenty-five feet (25') in length and twelve feet (12') in width between the front lot line and the front of the carport or garage.

(3)

A driveway leading to a carport or garage may be considered two (2) parking spaces if the driveway is at least twenty-five feet (25') in length and sixteen feet (16') in width between the front lot line and the front of the carport or garage.

(4)

Subject to the restrictions of Section 12-4(C) of the Code of Ordinances, one (1) vehicle may be parked in the yard immediately adjacent to the driveway.

(5)

Temporary parking in the front yard shall be permitted for not more than eight (8) hours. All other parking in the front yard area is prohibited.

(C)

Non-Residential Parking and Multi-Family Parking. All non-residential uses and multi-family uses greater in intensity than a duplex dwelling shall provide off-street parking in accordance with the following:

(1)

Parking lot location, design and lighting requirements should be cross referenced with Chapter 9, Section 9-28 for additional requirements. Where requirements appear in conflict, the more restrictive shall apply.

(2)

No backing onto a public street. Parking areas shall be designed so that no vehicle is required to back from a parking space directly onto a public street, unless approved by the City Engineer.

(3)

Parking lot location. Parking areas may be located on the same lot or on an off-site lot located within three-hundred feet (300') of the principal use the parking area is to serve. If located on another lot, safe pedestrian access shall be provided along a sidewalk or pedestrian walkway other than a street. Said off-site lot shall be of the same zoning district as the principle use or permitted as a special use.

(4)

Parking Lot Lighting. Parking lot lighting shall conform to the requirements below as well as those requirements set forth in Chapter 9, Section 9-28(D).

(a)

If a parking lot is artificially lighted, a lighting plan shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department for review at Site Plan approval.

(b)

The light fixtures shall be downward directed and arranged such that lighting shall not illuminate property other than the intended parking area. Site lighting shall not exceed 1.00 foot candles in intensity at any property boundary adjoining residential use.

(c)

Roadways and all other adjacent properties shall be shielded from direct glare or hazardous interference of any kind.

(d)

No artificial light shall be visible from any adjoining or nearby property used or zoned for residential purposes.

(e)

Lighting fixtures shall be a maximum of thirty feet (30'). Light fixtures shall be a maximum of fifteen feet (15') within non-vehicular pedestrian areas. All site light fixtures including building wall mounted shall be "Dark Sky" compliant, or equipped with shielded or full cut- off luminaries incorporating flush-mounted flat lenses.

(f)

Electrical wiring to all site lighting shall be provided underground.

(g)

Lighting shall be designed in a consistent and coordinated manner for the entire site, including out parcels if applicable. The lighting and lighting fixtures shall be integrated and designed so as to enhance the visual impact of the project by accenting key architectural elements and/or emphasizing landscape features. The light poles and fixtures shall be earth tones in color.

(h)

All lighting fixtures within parking areas and walkways shall be decorative light fixtures similar to the examples provided in Chapter 9, Section 9-28(D).

(5)

Shopping Cart Return Facilities. All businesses, such as grocery stores, which offer self service shopping carts shall be required to install shopping cart return facilities.

a.

A minimum of one shopping cart return facility shall be provided and no on-site parking space shall be more than 100 feet from a shopping cart return facility.

b.

Cart return facilities shall be identified on the required site plan along with a statement on the shopping cart maintenance plan to include a commitment to ensure that the facility is emptied regularly, the shopping carts remain on-site and the carts are not permitted to create hazards to the travelling public.

c.

Additional cart return facilities shall be encouraged depending of the anticipated use of such facilities.

d.

The use of a stabilized pervious surface material is encouraged.

(A)

Acceptable Construction Materials.

(1)

All parking and loading spaces, drives, access aisles, and other means of vehicular access required under this Code shall be graded and paved with an improved bituminous asphalt, concrete, brick or similar dustless material and maintained in a smooth, well-graded condition. The use of light colored and/or porous material is encouraged. Construction Standards are contained in the City of Tavares Construction Specifications Manual.

(2)

Paver blocks, brick, decorative block, or other material for decorative purposes may be permitted only within the Mixed Use Zoning District or for Temporary Sales Trailers in accordance with the following provisions:

(a)

The number of parking spaces required equals 10 spaces or less, with the exception of the handicap space which must be paved.

(b)

Where paver blocks or similar materials are used, the perimeter of the parking area shall be enclosed in a decorative continuous curb. Said curb shall not be constructed of landscape ties or timbers, wheel stops or other similar materials.

(c)

Parking spaces shall meet minimum size requirements and each space shall be designated by a wheel stop.

(d)

Said parking areas shall be required to meet all stormwater, landscaping, buffer, setback and other applicable provisions of this Code as though the area was being paved.

(e)

No such parking area shall be established within any required open space or landscape area, and no such area shall be credited toward required buffers and landscaping.

(f)

If said parking areas are regularly used so as to become rutted, uneven, unable to drain properly, unsightly or are not being otherwise properly maintained, the City may require that the area be improved as set forth is section 20-6(A)(1), (2) or (3) above.

(g)

Temporary Sales Trailers: Upon discontinuance of the temporary sales trailer the parking lot surface and curb enclosure shall be removed and the site restored to its natural state.

(3)

The City may allow grass parking in accordance with the following provisions:

(a)

Grass parking is permitted to accommodate overflow parking needs where the number of spaces desired is greater than the Code minimums.

(b)

Grass parking is permitted for recreational or institutional uses with weekly or less frequent peak demand for up to a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the required parking.

(c)

The provision for grassed parking shall comply with the following standards:

1.

Grassed parking areas must be leveled and compacted and prepared for function as a parking surface.

2.

Grassed parking areas shall be required to meet all stormwater, landscaping, buffer, setback and other applicable provisions of this Code as though the area was being paved.

3.

No grassed parking area shall be established within any required open space or landscape area, and no such area shall be credited toward required buffers and landscaping.

4.

If grassed parking areas are regularly used so as to become rutted, uneven, unable to drain properly, unsightly or are not being otherwise properly maintained, the City may require that the area be improved as set forth is section 20-6(A)(1), (2) or (3) above.

(B)

Drainage. Adequate drainage shall be provided for all parking areas. Drainage plans shall be approved by City Engineer before construction is begun on any parking area.

(C)

Parking Spaces Must Be Marked. All parking spaces shall be marked or painted, with the exception of grass parking. Other directional information to assist traffic flow shall be provided by either signage or pavement markings.

(D)

Wheel Stops Required.

(1)

All parking spaces adjacent to pedestrian walkways shall have wheel stops placed two feet (2') from the end of the space to prevent vehicles from overhanging the walkway.

(2)

All parking spaces adjacent to required landscaped buffer strips shall have wheel stops placed two feet (2') from the front end of the space to prevent encroachment into the required buffer.

(E)

Minimum Parking Stall and Aisle Dimensions. Off-street parking areas shall be designed to meet the minimum dimensions shown in Table 20-B below.

Table 20-B
Parking Stall and Aisle Dimensions

Parking Schematic

(F)

Compact Spaces. For parking lots requiring greater than fifty (50) parking spaces, a maximum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the spaces, less the first fifty (50) spaces, may be compact spaces. The minimum dimensions for compact spaces are provided in Table 20-C below. All compact parking spaces must be visibly designated for compact cars.

Table 20-C
Compact Parking Stall and Aisle Dimensions

Parking lots used by the public shall provide parking spaces for persons who have disabilities in accordance with Florida Building Code, Accessibility and all applicable federal and state regulations.

(A)

Minimum Number of Required Accessible Parking Spaces. The minimum parking spaces required for accessibility are listed in Table 20-D below:

Table 20-D
Required Handicap Spaces

(B)

Location of Accessible Parking Spaces. Accessible parking spaces shall be located in close proximity to a building entrance used by the general public. An accessible pathway of a minimum of forty-four inches (44") wide shall be provided leading from the parking space(s) to said entrance. Accessible parking spaces should be located so that persons who have disabilities are not compelled to wheel or to walk behind parked cars to reach entrances, ramps, walkways, and elevators.

(C)

Dimensions of Accessible Parking Spaces. Accessible Parking spaces shall meet Florida Building Code, Accessibility requirements.

(D)

Marking of Accessible Parking Spaces. Each accessible parking space shall be conspicuously marked with blue and shall be posted with a permanent, above grade sign stating said space is reserved for persons who have disabilities.

(A)

Requirements for Shared Parking. The City Administrator or designee may permit the required parking spaces for one use to be shared with required parking spaces for another use upon a finding that:

(1)

The shared parking spaces are in close proximity and readily accessible to the uses served thereby; and,

(2)

The design of the parking area in terms of traffic circulation, vehicular and pedestrian access, stormwater management, landscaping, open space preservation and public safety will be improved.

(B)

Application for Shared Parking. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant for shared parking approval to provide a description of the uses, a site plan depicting the shared parking area and its effectiveness to serve the individual uses, a parking study and other information necessary to permit a finding by the Community Development Director regarding the request for shared parking.

(C)

Conformance with Parking Regulations. Any parking lot to be utilized for shared parking must be found in conformance with the parking standards as set forth in this Chapter and must meet minimum landscaped standards as set forth in Chapter 11.

(D)

Shared Parking Agreement. Upon a finding by the City Administrator or designee that shared parking is appropriate, the Administrator may require that an agreement for shared parking be made between or among the appropriate parties in the form of a legal document acceptable to the City Attorney. Such document shall be filed with the City Planning and Zoning Department and shall be recorded in the public records of Lake County.

Motorcycle parking may be provided in lieu of one (1) automobile space or two percent (2%) of all automobile spaces, whichever is greater, for building sites containing a minimum of twenty (20) parking spaces. The motorcycle parking stall must be a minimum of four feet (4') wide by nine feet (9') deep and be clearly identified by signs or markings as reserved for motorcycles.

All non-residential and multi-family uses shall be required to provide a minimum of one secure bicycle rack or storage facility per parking area. A reduction in the number of required parking spaces equivalent to one percent (1%) or one (1) space, whichever is greater, may be granted if it can be demonstrated that the reduced number of parking spaces will be sufficient to support the use. Bicycle racks or storage facilities shall be anchored and solidly constructed to allow locking of bicycles. Bicycle racks or storage facilities shall be located so as not to interfere with pedestrian movement. An administrative variance may be granted by the City Administrator upon documentation that the particular use would not be conducive to the encouragement of bicycle transportation.

(A)

Parking Garage Design Standards. Parking garage structures shall require specific approval of design features by the City Council. Parking garage structures shall be designed to resemble the primary building for which they serve parking needs. Points of resemblance shall include architectural design, exterior finish and perimeter landscaping treatment subject to specific landscaping requirements set forth in Chapter 11. Internal lighting of the parking garage shall be designed so as to minimize illumination visible from the exterior of said garage.

(B)

Parking Space and Aisle Dimensions. Parking space and aisle dimensions shall conform to Section 20-6(E).

(C)

Compact Spaces. Up to 30 percent (30%) of the required parking spaces in any parking garage may be designed as compact spaces in accordance with the standards Section 20-6(F). These spaces shall be prominently marked and posted.

Every commercial or industrial use having a building or buildings with a total floor area of at least ten-thousand square feet (10,000') and every office use on which there is a building or buildings having a total floor area of at least twenty-thousand square feet (20,000'), shall provide a minimum of one (1) off-street loading space. An additional off-street loading space shall be required for lots used for commercial or industrial purposes where the floor area of all buildings exceeds one-hundred-thousand square feet (100,000'). Loading spaces required under this division shall be at least fifty feet (50') long and twelve feet (12') wide.

Variance Procedures. A variance may be requested from the provisions of this Chapter by application to the City Council in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 28 of the Land Development Regulations.

Public facilities and residential developments with recreation areas such as community buildings, golf courses, or recreation facilities designed and intended for use by its residence, occupants of residential developments or subdivisions, may accommodate for Golf carts or Low-speed vehicles (LSVs). See Chapter 13, Sections 61-65 of the Code of Ordinances for additional Golf carts and LSVs requirements.

(1)

Intent.

a.

To provide safe and convenient pedestrian paths from the street sidewalk throughout parking lots to building entries in order to foster pleasant walking experiences; and

b.

To provide an inviting, pleasant pedestrian circulation system that integrates with parking and reduces conflict between pedestrian activity and vehicular activity.

(2)

Design.

a.

All commercial developments which utilize a paved surface multi-row parking lot design must provide clearly identifiable walkways through parking lots as deemed appropriate during the site plan review process. Where possible, pathways should align to connect the parking area to the major building entry or other major destination.

b.

The pedestrian pathway shall be located outside of the vehicle drive aisle and shall be a minimum of 5 feet wide and is encouraged to be wider where site traffic is anticipated to be greater. The use of a stabilized pervious surface material is encouraged.

c.

The provision of landscaping either in ground or in planters, shade, weather proof seating, porous paving material and other innovative pedestrian amenities designed to increase pedestrian comfort and create a more environmentally friendly area along the pedestrian path is strongly encouraged. Where provided, the landscaping shall be permitted as a part of the overall site landscaping/pervious surface calculation.

Figure 1 — Pedestrian Path Configuration

Figure 2 — Pedestrian Path Acceptable Design Example

Attachment A