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Taylor City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 17

- OFF-STREET PARKING, LOADING, ACCESS AND CIRCULATION REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 17.01.- Off-street parking, loading, access and circulation requirements.

(a)

Applicability of parking requirements. For all buildings and uses established after the effective date of this ordinance, off-street parking shall be provided as required by this article.

(1)

Whenever use of a building or lot is changed to another classification of use, off-street parking facilities shall be provided as required by this article.

(2)

If the intensity of use of any building or lot is increased, through the addition of floor area, increase in seating capacity or other means, additional off-street parking shall be provided for such increase in intensity of use.

(3)

Off-street parking facilities in existence on the effective date of this ordinance shall not be reduced below the requirements of this article.

(4)

An area designated as required off-street parking shall not be changed to another use, unless equal facilities are provided elsewhere in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(b)

Collective or shared parking. Two or more buildings or uses may use a common parking facility provided that the number of parking spaces provided is equal to the required number of spaces for all of the uses computed separately. Cumulative parking requirements for mixed use developments or shared facilities may be reduced by the planning commission where it can be determined that one or more of the factors listed in subsection (d) below apply. Where uses are on separately owned lots, a legal agreement for shared parking shall be recorded and a copy provided to the city before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

(c)

Reduction of parking requirements. The planning commission may reduce the parking requirements based upon a finding that there will be a lower demand for parking due to one or more of the following:

(1)

Shared parking by multiple uses where there will be a high proportion of multi-purpose visits or uses have peak parking demands during differing times of the day or days of the week. Pedestrian connections shall be maintained between the uses. For separate lots, they shall be adjacent each other, with pedestrian, and vehicular connections maintained between the lots. Shared parking agreements shall be filed with the Wayne County Register of Deeds and the city clerk after approval by the planning commission before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

(2)

Convenient municipal off-street parking or on-street spaces located along the site's frontage.

(3)

Expectation of walk-in business due to sidewalk connections to adjacent residential neighborhoods or employment centers. In allowing a parking space reduction the site design shall incorporate pedestrian connections to the site and on-site pedestrian circulation providing safe and convenient access to the building entrance.

(4)

Availability of other forms of travel such as transit. In allowing a parking space reduction the planning commission may require the site design incorporate transit stops, pedestrian connections to nearby transit stops or bicycle parking facilities.

(5)

Where the applicant has provided a parking study, conducted by a qualified traffic engineer, that demonstrates that another standard would be more appropriate based on actual number of employees, expected level of customer traffic or actual counts at a similar establishment. The planning commission may require a parking study to document that any one of the criteria subsection (c)(1) through (4) above would be met.

(d)

Maximum allowed parking. In order to minimize excessive areas of pavement which reduces aesthetic standards and contribute to high rates of stormwater runoff, exceeding the minimum parking space requirements by more than ten percent shall only be allowed with approval by the planning commission. In granting such additional space, the planning commission shall determine that such parking will be required, based on documented evidence, to accommodate the use on a typical day. The planning commission may require that additional spaces be constructed with alternative paving materials, such as permeable/grass pavers or pervious concrete.

(e)

Banked parking.

(1)

Where a reduction in the number of parking spaces is not warranted but an applicant demonstrates that the parking requirements for a proposed use would be excessive, the planning commission may defer some of the parking. The site plan shall designate portions of the site for future construction of the required parking spaces, which shall be maintained in a landscaped appearance and not occupy required greenbelts, or parking lot setbacks or be used for any other purpose. Landscaping, such as parking lot trees that would otherwise be required for the banked parking, shall be installed in the area of the banked parking.

(2)

The banked parking shall be required to meet ordinance requirements if constructed. Construction of the deferred parking area to add parking spaces may be initiated by the owner or required by the development services department, based on parking needs or observation, and shall require administrative approval of an amended site plan. The development services department may request a performance guarantee to cover the cost of developing the deferred parking lot.

(f)

Residential parking.

(1)

Single-family residential parking spaces shall consist of a parking strip, driveway, garage, or combination thereof, and shall be located on the premises they are intended to serve.

(2)

Single-family residential parking spaces shall be located on hard or pervious concrete, asphalt or permeable/grass pavers. Lawn and yard areas, other than designated parking areas, shall not be utilized for off-street parking. Driveways shall be required to be concrete if the adjoining street is concrete.

(3)

A minimum three-foot wide lawn or landscape strip shall be required between the edge of parking area pavement and all lot lines to provide adequate room for drainage, snow storage and privacy screening.

(4)

Circular drives shall be prohibited unless driveway access points are separated by an interior distance of 70 feet. A minimum lot width of 100 feet shall be required.

(5)

Carports and garages for multiple-family dwellings shall be calculated as parking spaces on a 1:1 ratio basis. Carports and garages in multiple-family dwelling developments shall be designed and located in accordance with the following:

a.

A maximum height of 14 feet, measured from the grade to the peak of the structure.

b.

Be enclosed or screened at least 25 percent along sides visible from public streets, single-family residential districts or vehicular drives within the site.

c.

Not permitted in the front yard.

d.

Location shall be approved by the fire marshal for emergency vehicle circulation.

(g)

Use limitations.

(1)

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to use private property for vehicle parking without the express consent, authorization or ratification of the owner, holder, occupant, lessee, agent or trustee of the property.

(2)

Off-street parking areas are intended only for temporary vehicle parking for public safety by keeping parked cars off the streets. Except when land is used as storage space in connection with the business of a repair or service garage, use of parking areas or open land is not permitted for the storage or parking of wrecked or junked cars, or for creating a junkyard or nuisance in the area.

(3)

Loading spaces and parking spaces shall be considered separate and distinct requirements and shall be considered separate components on the proposed site plan. In no case shall one component be construed as meeting the requirements of the other required components.

(4)

It shall be unlawful to use a parking lot or open area for the storage of merchandise, materials, trucks, trailers, construction trailers, recreational vehicles and equipment, except for uses approved for this in the industrial districts or as provided for in section 15.08, storage of recreational vehicles, and section 15.10, commercial vehicles. This provision shall not apply to areas designated for fleet and company vehicles, provided they are located in the side and rear yards.

(5)

It shall be unlawful to use a parking lot or open area to park any vehicle for the purpose of displaying vehicles for sale, except in an approved vehicle sales dealership or as provided in section 15.09, sale and maintenance of vehicles.

(6)

It shall be unlawful to use a parking lot or open area to repair any vehicle except as provided in section 15.09, sale and maintenance of vehicles.

(h)

Barrier free parking.

(1)

Within each parking lot, signed and marked barrier free spaces shall be provided at a convenient location, in accordance with table 17.01.a or in accordance with the Michigan Department of Labor, Construction Code Commission, Barrier Free Design Division.

TABLE 17.01.A. BARRIER FREE PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Number of Spaces
in Parking Lot
Required Number
of Barrier Free Spaces
 1 to 25 1
 26 to 50 2
 51 to 75 3
 76 to 100 4
 101 to 150 5
 151 to 200 6
 201 to 300 7
 301 to 400 8
 401 to 500 9
 501 to 1,000 2% of total
 1,001 and over 20 plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000

 

(2)

Barrier free spaces shall be located as close as possible to building entrances and walkways.

(3)

Where a curb exists between a parking lot surface and a sidewalk entrance, an inclined approach or curb ramp with a running slope not exceeding 1:12 ratio, a cross slope not exceeding 1:48 ratio, width of four feet minimum, with detectable warning devices, shall be provided to accommodate handicapped accessibility in accordance with current State of Michigan Code or ADA requirements.

(i)

Bicycle facilities. All developments shall be designed to accommodate bicycle travel, including providing bike racks. All parking structures and parking lots shall provide sufficient bike racks based on a minimum of one bike for every ten automobiles or one bike for every 3,000 square feet of building floor area, whichever is greater.

(j)

Required off-street parking spaces. The minimum number of required off-street parking spaces shall be provided on premises in accordance with table 15.01.b. or as otherwise allowed by this article.

(1)

Fractional spaces. When units or measurements determining the number of required parking spaces result in a fraction over one-half of a full parking space shall be required.

(2)

Uses not listed. For uses not specifically listed in table 15.01.b, the required parking shall be in accordance with that of a similar use as determined by the development services department, based on documentation regarding the specific parking needs of the use.

(3)

Bench seating. In calculating bench seating for places of assembly, each 24 inches of bench, pew or similar seating facilities shall be counted as one seat, except that where specifications and plans filed with the development services department specify a certain seating capacity they may be used as the basis for required parking space.

(4)

Employees. Where the number of spaces required is based on the number of employees, calculations shall be based upon the maximum number of employees likely to be on the premises during the peak shift.

(5)

Usable floor area. Unless otherwise indicated, floor area shall be usable floor area (UFA) as defined in section 28.04(n), floor area.

(6)

Compliance with codes. Where parking requirements are based upon maximum seating or occupancy capacity, the capacity shall be as determined by the state construction code and the fire code.

TABLE 17.01.B. PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Use Parking Requirements
Residential uses
Manufactured home parks 2 spaces per unit plus 1 space per employee of the manufactured home park plus 1 space per 3 manufactured homes for visitor parking
Multiple-family dwellings 2 spaces per dwelling unit, plus 1 guest parking space per 4 units, which may be met through on-street parking
Single-family attached, detached and two-family dwellings 2 spaces per dwelling unit
Agriculture and animal uses
Roadside farm produce stand 6 spaces
Veterinary hospitals or clinics 1 space per 400 sq. ft. of useable floor area, plus 2 spaces per employee
Religious, civic, educational and governmental uses
Churches, temples and other places of worship, clubs, fraternal organizations, lodge halls or other places of general assembly 1 space per 3 seats in the main place of assembly or 6 ft. of benches/pews
Libraries 1 space per 350 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Municipal building and uses 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Public and private noncommercial recreation facilities 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Schools
 High, colleges, universities, business, technical and vocational trade 1 space per employee, plus 1 space per 10 students, plus the requirements of the auditorium or stadium, whichever seats more
 Elementary and middle 1 space per employee, plus the requirements for auditorium or stadium, whichever seats more
Retail trade and service uses
Dry cleaning, retail 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of useable floor area
Funeral homes and mortuary establishments 1 space per 50 sq. ft. of usable floor area, plus 1 space per each funeral vehicle stored on premise
Furniture/carpet stores 1 space per 800 sq. ft. of usable floor area, plus 1 space per employee
Grocery store/supermarket 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Home improvement stores 2 space per 300 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Laundromats 1 space per 2 washing/drying machines plus 1 space for each employee
Multitenant shopping centers with 60,000 sq. ft. or less of retail 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of usable floor area, plus the number of spaces required for restaurants
Multitenant shopping centers with over 60,000 sq. ft. of retail 1 space per 220 sq. ft. of usable floor area, plus the number of spaces required for restaurants
Open air businesses, nurseries, home improvement supplies and similar outdoor retail sale of vegetation, outdoor home and garden supplies and equipment 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of land area being used for retail sales, uses and services
Personal service establishments including: barber/beauty shops, hair, nail and skin care services, tanning salons 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of useable floor area or 2.5 spaces per barber or beautician's chair/station, whichever is greater
Retail stores except as otherwise specified herein 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Retail business with drive-through 4 stacking spaces per window, plus spaces required for main use
Self-storage facilities 4 spaces adjacent to the business office, plus 1 space per 200 storage cubicles
Service establishment of an office, showroom, or workshop nature 1 space per 800 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Wholesale/discount club establishments 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Motor vehicle uses
Automobile filling stations 1 space for each employee, plus spaces required for other uses within the station, such as the retail floor area, carryout restaurants or automotive repair stalls, each automobile fueling position counts as½ of a space for the required spaces for other uses within the station
Motor vehicle repair, maintenance and body work 2 spaces per service stall, plus 1 space per employee
Motor vehicle wash, self-service (coin-operated) 4 spaces, plus 4 stacking spaces per washing stall
Motor vehicle wash, full-service 4 spaces, plus 1 space per employee plus 15 stacking spaces per washing stall, plus a minimum 30 foot long drying lane to prevent water from collecting on street
Motor vehicle quick oil change 2 stacking spaces per service stall, rack or pit, plus 1 space per employee
Motor vehicle sales and rental 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of floor space of sales plus 1 space per employee, plus 1 space per service stall
Accommodation and food service uses
Private clubs, lodge halls or banquet halls 1 space per 3 persons allowed within the maximum occupancy load as established by the city fire and the state construction code
Bars, lounges; taverns, nightclubs 1 space per 75 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Motel, hotel or other commercial lodging establishment 0.75 space per unit/room, plus 1 space per employee, plus spaces required for ancillary uses such as lounges, restaurants or conference areas
Restaurants, carryout (with no or limited seating for eating on premises) 6 per service or counter station, plus 1 space per employee
Restaurants, drive-in 1 space per 75 sq. ft. of usable floor area plus 1 space employee
Restaurants, with drive-through 1 space per 2 employees, plus 1 space per 2 seats intended for patrons within the building plus 1 space per 30 sq. ft. of building floor area within the waiting area plus 10 stacking spaces per pickup window
Restaurants, open front or ice cream stand 6 spaces, plus 1 space per employee, plus 1 space per 4 seats
Restaurants, standard sitdown, with liquor license 1 space per 75 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Restaurants, standard sitdown, without liquor license 1 space per 100 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Art, entertainment and recreation uses
Golf courses 3 spaces per course hole, plus spaces required for other uses such as a banquet hall, gift shop or lounge
Health, fitness and athletic clubs or gyms 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Indoor recreation including private athletic fields, billiards, bowling, swimming pool 1 space per 3 persons allowed within the maximum occupancy load as established by the building bode or 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of usable floor area, whichever is greater
Bowling alleys 5 spaces per lane, plus 25% of the required parking for any restaurant or lounge
Outdoor recreation including miniature golf, batting cages rifle, gun and archery ranges, go-cart tracks, and other recreation facilities operated for profit 2 spaces per batting cage, archery range, miniature golf hole, or similar activity
Stadium, sports arenas, or similar place of outdoor assembly 1 space per 3 seats or 1 space per 6 ft. of bench, plus 1 space per employee, fields without spectator seating shall provide 30 spaces per field
Theaters, assembly halls, concert halls, or similar places of assembly when conducted completely within enclosed buildings 1 space per 3 seats, plus 1 space per 2 employees
Finance, insurance, real estate, professional, scientific and technical service uses
Banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of usable floor area, plus 2 spaces per walk-up ATM, drive-through shall provide 4 stacking spaces per window
Professional business offices and services 1 space per each 250 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Health and human care uses
Adult day care centers, foster care, family child care home, foster family home, group child care home 1 space per 4 clients plus 1 space per employee
Child care centers 1 space per 350 sq. ft. of usable floor area, plus 1 space per employee, sufficient area shall be provided for drop-off of children in a safe manner
Hospitals 1 space per inpatient bed, plus 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of office or outpatient area
Medical offices and clinics 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of usable floor area
Senior assisted living 1 space per room or 2 beds, whichever is less, plus 1 space per employee
Nursing and convalescent homes 2 spaces per 3 beds or occupants, plus 1 space per employee
Senior independent living 1.5 spaces per unit, plus 1 space per employee, should units revert to general occupancy, 2 spaces per unit shall be provided
Transportation, utility and warehousing uses
Warehousing and storage 1 space per 1,500 sq. ft. usable floor area or 1 space per employee, whichever is greater, plus 1 space per corporate vehicle
Manufacturing and construction uses
Industrial, manufacturing, testing labs, research, design and development centers 1 space per 550 sq. ft. of usable floor area or 1.5 spaces per employee, whichever is greater, plus 1 space per corporate vehicle stored on site
Truck terminal 1 space per employee, plus 2 truck spaces (10-foot by 70-foot) per truck berth or docking space

 

(Ord. No. 09-434, § 17.01, 1-20-2009)

Sec. 17.02. - Off-street parking facility design.

Whenever the off-street parking requirements in this article require the building of an off-street parking facility, such off-street parking lots shall be laid out, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following regulations.

(a)

Location and setbacks.

(1)

Off street parking lots shall meet the setback requirements applicable to parking as specified in the zoning district or the standards for the use.

(2)

Off-street parking spaces are permitted within any yard except as provided for in subsection (3) below, provided the parking lot setbacks in the applicable district or use standards are met.

(3)

In all multiple-family residential, office and midtown districts, the required front yard setback shall not be used for off-street parking, loading or unloading, and shall remain open and unoccupied and unobstructed except for landscaping or vehicle access drives.

(4)

In all other districts, the planning commission may allow parking within the required front yard; provided, parking lot setback requirements are met, and a greenbelt is provided along the site frontage between the front lot line and the parking area, in accordance with section 16.02, landscaping.

(5)

Off-street parking facilities required for all other uses shall be located on the lot or within 300 feet of the buildings they are intended to serve, as measured along lines of public access from the nearest point of the parking facility to the buildings served. In the midtown districts parking facilities shall be located within 600 feet of the building to be served.

(b)

Access.

(1)

Adequate ingress and egress to the parking lot by means of clearly limited and defined drives shall be provided for all vehicles meeting the requirements of section 17.05, driveway access management.

(2)

All spaces shall be provided adequate access by means of maneuvering lanes.

(3)

Parking lots shall be designed to prevent vehicles from backing into the street or requiring use of the street for maneuvering between parking rows.

(4)

Ingress and egress to parking lot lying in an area zoned for other than single-family residential use shall not be across land zoned for single-family residential use, except in instances where access is provided by means of an alley that forms the boundary between residential and nonresidential district.

(5)

Each entrance to and exit from any off-street parking lot located in an area zoned for other than single-family residential use shall be at least 25 feet distant from adjacent property located in any single-family residential district.

(6)

In cases where a wall extends to an alley which is a means of ingress and egress to an off-street street parking area, it shall be permissible to end the wall a maximum of ten feet from the alley in order to permit a wider means of access to the parking area.

(7)

Emergency vehicle access shall be provided to all parking lots and storage areas. For uses that desire to have security gates at driveway access points to parking lots or storage areas, break-away gates shall be utilized and the owner of the use shall provide the city with a hold harmless clause in the development agreement for instances where emergency vehicles are delayed or not able to reach a portion of the property due to the presence of a gated access.

(c)

Dimensional requirements.

(1)

All parking lots shall be striped and maintained showing individual parking bays, in accordance with table 17.02.

TABLE 17.02. OFF-STREET PARKING DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Parking Pattern Parking Space
(feet)
Maneuvering Lane Width
(feet)
Width Length One-way Two-way
0;deg;(parallel) 8 24 12 1 24
30;deg; to 53;deg; 8 20 12 24
54;deg; to 74;deg; 9 20 15 24
75;deg; to 90;deg; 10 20 22 24

 

1 Will be required to be increase in instances where fire or safety apparatus is required to use maneuvering lanes.

(2)

Angled parking between these ranges shall be to the nearest degree.

(3)

Space length may be reduced by up to two feet if an unobstructed overhang of not less than two feet is provided, such as a landscaped area or sidewalk. A sidewalk shall have a minimum width of seven feet where abutting a parking area.

(4)

Stacking spaces for drive through uses shall be at least 24 feet long and ten feet wide. Required stacking spaces shall not block required off-street parking spaces. Where the drive through waiting lane provides for a single lane of five or more vehicle an escape lane shall be provided to allow vehicles to exit the waiting lane.

(d)

Construction and maintenance. The construction of any parking lot shall require approval of a site plan in accordance with article 19, site plan review. construction shall be completed and approved by the development services department and the city engineer before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

(1)

All parking lots and vehicle and equipment storage areas shall be paved with an asphalt or concrete binder. Alternative paving materials, such as permeable/grass pavers may be approved based upon the review and recommendation of the city engineer. For storage areas the city engineer may approve a substitute for hard-surfaced pavement upon a determination that there are no adverse effects on adjoining properties.

(2)

Bumper blocks shall not be used in parking lots except where the planning commission determines they are necessary, or in the case of administrative approvals, the development services department.

(3)

Surface water from parking areas shall be detained on site in accordance with the engineering standards.

(4)

A six-inch concrete curb, or alternative as determined by the planning commission, shall be provided around all sides of the parking lot to protect landscaped areas, sidewalks, buildings, or adjacent property from vehicles that might otherwise extend beyond the edge of the parking lot. Curb openings are allowed for stormwater drainage, as recommended by the city engineer. Plantings shall be set back two feet from curbs to allow for bumper overhang.

(5)

Off-street parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with the requirements of section 16.02(e), landscaping.

(6)

Off-street parking areas shall be illuminated in accordance with the requirements of section 16.05, lighting.

(7)

Fire lanes shall be designated on the site and posted with signage prior to occupancy. Vehicle circulation shall meet turning radius requirements set by the fire department.

(8)

All parking lots shall be maintained free of trash and debris. Surface, curbing, light fixtures and signage shall be maintained in good condition.

(e)

Parking structures.

(1)

Dimensional requirements. Parking stall and driving aisles shall meet the dimensional requirements of subsection (c) above.

(2)

Internal arrangement. Internal arrangement and design shall be reviewed by the city engineer for appropriate grades, traffic circulation, aisle length, column spacing, ceiling height, exit stairwell and elevator location.

(3)

Access points/lanes. Storage areas for entering and exiting traffic should be long enough to minimize backups of traffic onto surrounding streets or within the garage.

(4)

Lighting and security. Adequate lighting shall be provided for the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians and for the security of patrons and parked vehicles.

(5)

Location and setback requirements. Parking structures shall be set back the same distance as required for main buildings.

(6)

Architecture. Parking structures shall be architecturally compatible with the buildings they serve and shall be subject to the same architectural requirements contained in section 16.01, building appearance. Building materials and colors shall match or complement the main building. Openings within the facade of the parking structure shall have proportions that are similar to the fenestration of the principal building on or adjacent to the site. Structures that are an integral part of a main building shall have the ground level floor area of the parking structure occupied by the main use. Landscaping shall be provided in accordance with section 16.02, landscaping.

(f)

Closed parking. During the period when a commercial, office or industrial use is vacated, closed, or otherwise not opened for business for more than 30 consecutive days, the owner, franchise holder, or lessee shall be subject to complying with the following regulations:

(1)

Vehicular parking and storage shall be prohibited at all times anywhere on the premises and the owner, franchise holder, or lessee shall post a sign or signs on the premises, giving notice that all parked or stored vehicles are subject to ticketing and removal by the city at vehicle owner's expense. In addition, the owner, franchise holder, or lessee, whoever is in possession, is subject to ticketing if unlawfully parked or stored vehicles are permitted on the premises by consent of owner, franchise holder, or lessee. The city shall have the right of entry to subject property for the purpose of accomplishing said ticketing and removal.

(2)

Within 60 days of such closing, all curb cuts across driveway entrances and all other points of ingress and egress to the premises shall be closed to vehicular traffic by properly placed and secured precast concrete wheel stops or the equivalent, as may be approved by the appropriate city agency.

(Ord. No. 09-434, § 17.02, 1-20-2009)

Sec. 17.03. - Off-street loading requirements.

(a)

Uses requiring loading area. On the same premises with every building, structure or part thereof, erected and occupied for manufacturing, storage, warehouse, retails sales, consumer services or other uses similarly involving the receipt or distribution of vehicles, materials or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained on the lot adequate space for standing, loading and unloading services. The planning commission may permit central loading areas to be shared by multiple uses, such as in a retail shopping center or office park.

(b)

Not included with parking. Required loading areas shall not be included in calculations for off-street parking space requirements.

(c)

Location. Loading/unloading areas and docks shall not be provided in the front yard. Where possible, loading areas shall be integrated into the design of the building to minimize visibility.

(d)

Orientation of overhead doors. Overhead doors for truck loading areas shall not face a public street or an adjacent residential district. This provision shall not apply to industrial uses located in I-2 districts where the building is setback at least 200 feet from the front lot line and a landscape greenbelt D that meets the requirements of section 16.02(c), greenbelts, is provided.

(e)

Size. The size of all required loading/unloading spaces shall be at least ten feet by 50 feet or 500 square feet in area, with a clearance of at least 14 feet in height. The planning commission may modify this requirement for uses that will involve smaller delivery trucks such as offices.

(f)

Traffic flow. The size of the loading area shall be sufficient to prevent undue interference with adjacent required parking spaces, maneuvering aisles, or traffic flow on public streets.

(g)

Number. The minimum number of loading spaces shall be provided in accordance with table 17.03.

(h)

Pavement. Loading dock approaches shall be constructed of an asphalt or concrete with a base sufficient to accommodate expected vehicle weight.

(i)

Exceptions. For uses that will not require a large truck deliveries, the planning commission may determine that loading may take place in undesignated places in parking lots provided such loading is of a shortterm nature.

TABLE 17.03. OFF-STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS

Gross Floor Area
(square feet)
Loading and Unloading Space Required
Commercial, office and institutional uses
Up to 5,000 1 space
5,001—60,000 1 space plus 1 space for each additional 20,000 sq. ft.
60,001 and over 1 space plus 1 space for each additional 50,000 sq. ft.
Industrial uses
Up to 1,400 None
1,401—20,000 1 space
20,001—100,000 1 space plus 1 space for each additional 20,000 sq. ft.
100,001—500,000 5 spaces plus 1 space per additional 40,000 sq. ft. in excess of 100,000
500,001 and over 15 spaces plus 1 space for each additional 80,000 sq. ft. in excess of 500,000

 

(Ord. No. 09-434, § 17.03, 1-20-2009)

Sec. 17.04. - Truck maneuvering, access and circulation standards.

(a)

Truck access. All site plans submitted under of article 19, site plan review, must indicate the type and volume of truck traffic anticipated at the site, include dimensions of all truck access and circulation lanes, and indicate all truck loading/unloading areas. Driveways and streets of commercial and industrial facilities anticipated to receive truck traffic must be designed to adequately accommodate that traffic as illustrated below and be constructed to meet Wayne County and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) standards. All commercial or industrial driveways shall have concrete curbing meeting the city's engineering standards.

Typical Driveway Access Standards for Truck Access

Typical Driveway Access Standards for Truck Access

(b)

Truck circulation plan. Site plans must include a diagram with the dimensions of trucks anticipated at the site and dimensions of all truck service drives, berths and dock approaches. Truck service drives, berths and dock approaches shall conform to the following minimum standards. Greater dimensions may be required based on the truck circulation patterns and conditions of each site.

Truck Circulation Plan

Truck Circulation Plan

(c)

Turning radius. Design features for trucking facilities shall include larger turning radii and added maneuvering space and pavement design to accommodate trucks. At a minimum these standards shall be those recommended by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) or another standard specified by the city engineer.

(d)

Truck dock design. Minimum truck dock design standards are provided in the table 17.04 and as follows:

TABLE 17.04. TRUCK DOCK DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Truck Wheel Base Length (feet) Truck Berth Width (feet) Recommended Truck Apron Length 1  (feet) Recommended Dock Approach (feet)
50 10 60 110
12 57 107
14 54 104
55 10 65 120
12 62 117
14 58 113
60 10 72 132
12 63 123
14 60 120
70 10 77 140
12 68 131
14 65 128

 

1 Additional truck apron length may be needed to accommodate truck turning movements, depending upon the location and design of the service drive.

(Ord. No. 09-434, § 17.04, 1-20-2009)

Sec. 17.05. - Driveway access management.

(a)

Driveway location in general.

(1)

All driveways serving multiple-family, commercial, office, institutional or industrial uses shall comply with the requirements of this section.

(2)

Driveways shall be located to minimize interference with the free movement of traffic, to provide adequate sight distance, and to provide the most favorable driveway grade.

(b)

Driveway spacing standards.

(1)

Minimum spacing requirements between a proposed driveway and an intersection either adjacent or on the opposite side of the street may be set on a case-by-case basis but in no instance shall be less than the distances listed in table 17.05.a. The following measurements are from the near edge of the proposed driveway, measured at the throat perpendicular to the street, to the near lane edge of the intersecting street or pavement edge for uncurbed sections.

TABLE 17.05.A. MINIMUM DRIVEWAY SPACING
FROM STREET INTERSECTIONS 1,2

Location of Driveway Minimum Spacing for a Full Movement Driveway Minimum Spacing for a Channelized Driveway
Restricting Left Turns
Along major streets, intersecting street is a major street 250 feet 125 feet
Along major streets, intersecting street is not a major street 200 feet 125 feet
All other streets 75 feet 50 feet

 

1 Major streets are defined in article 28, definitions.

2 For sites with insufficient street frontage to meet the above criterion, the planning commission may require construction of the driveway on a side street, a shared driveway with an adjacent property, construction of the driveway along the lot line farthest from the intersection, or require a service street.

(2)

Minimum spacing between two driveways shall be determined based upon posted speed limits along the parcel frontage. The minimum spacing indicated in table 17.05.b. are measured from centerline to centerline on the same side of the street.

(3)

To reduce left-turn conflicts, new driveways shall be aligned with those across the street where possible. If alignment is not possible along major streets, driveways shall be offset from those on the opposite side of the street as follows:

TABLE 17.05.B. MINIMUM DRIVEWAY SPACING FROM ANOTHER DRIVEWAY

Posted Speed Limit
(mph)
Minimum Driveway Spacing
Along Major Streets
(feet)
All Other Streets
(feet)
25 130  90
30 185 120
35 245 150
40 300 185
>45 and over 350 230

 

a.

If the proposed drive is offset such that vehicles turning left into driveways do not pass prior to reaching the driveways, the minimum spacing shall be 150 feet.

b.

If the proposed drive is offset such that vehicles turning left into driveways will pass prior to reaching the driveways, the minimum spacing shall be as follows:

TABLE 17.05.C. OPPOSING DRIVEWAY OFFSET REQUIREMENTS

Peak Hour Trip Generation of Use Minimum Driveway Offset
Less than 200 trips 150 feet
200—300 trips 250 feet
More than 300 trips 400 feet

 

(4)

In the case of expansion, alteration or redesign of an existing development where it can be demonstrated that preexisting conditions prohibit adherence to the minimum driveway spacing standards, the planning commission may modify the driveway spacing requirements. Such modifications shall be the minimum necessary, but in no case shall spacing of a full-access driveway be less than 60 feet, measured centerline to centerline.

(c)

Number of driveways.

(1)

The number of driveways serving a property shall be the minimum number necessary to provide reasonable access and access for emergency vehicles, while preserving traffic operations and safety along the public street.

(2)

Access shall be provided per separately owned parcel. This access may be an individual driveway, shared driveway or via a service drive. Additional driveways may be permitted for property meeting the following requirements:

a.

One additional driveway for properties with a continuous frontage of over 300 feet, and one additional driveway per additional 300 feet of frontage, if the Planning commission determines there are no other reasonable access opportunities.

b.

A traffic impact study determines additional access is justified without compromising traffic operations along the public street.

c.

Two one-way driveways may be permitted where the frontage is at least 125 feet.

(d)

Driveway design.

(1)

All driveways shall be designed according to the standards of the city, county or MDOT, as appropriate. Driveways shall have a maximum width of 30 feet, excluding tapers or curb radii. Wider driveways shall be allowed for locations with large volumes of truck traffic in accordance with section 17.04, truck maneuvering, access and circulation standards.

(2)

For high traffic generators, or for driveways along streets experiencing or expected to experience congestion, the planning commission may require two egress lanes.

(3)

For a boulevard entrance, a fully curbed island, at least 180 square feet in area, shall separate the ingress and egress lanes. The radii forming the edges on this island shall be designed to accommodate the largest vehicle that will normally use the driveway. The planning commission may require landscaping tolerant of street conditions on the section outside the public right-of-way.

(e)

Shared driveways, frontage streets and service drives.

(1)

The number of access points may be reduced where the planning commission determines that there may be a beneficial effect on traffic operations and safety, while preserving the property owner's right to reasonable access. In this case, a shared driveway, frontage street or rear service drive connecting two or more properties or uses may be required. Service streets may be required near existing traffic signals or near locations having potential for future signalization; along major streets with high traffic volumes; and where there are a relatively high number of accidents or limited sight distance. Shared access or cross access shall be required between all sites that are in the same or similar zoning district (i.e., between all adjacent commercially zoned properties).

(2)

Shared driveways and service streets shall be within an access easement recorded with the Wayne County Register of Deeds. A draft of the access easement shall be provided to the city for review and approval prior to filing.

(3)

Service street and shared driveway design standards.

a.

Location. Service streets shall generally be parallel or perpendicular to the front lot line and may be located either in front of, adjacent to, or behind, principal buildings. The planning commission shall determine the most appropriate alignment, taking into account setbacks of existing buildings and anticipated traffic flow for the site and the corridor.

b.

Access easement. The service street shall be within an access easement permitting traffic circulation between properties. This easement shall be a minimum of 40 feet wide. The required width shall remain free and clear of obstructions, unless otherwise approved by the planning commission.

c.

Construction and materials. Service streets shall have a base, pavement and curb with gutter in accordance Wayne County standards for public streets, except the width of the service street shall have a minimum pavement width of 26 feet or as approved by the city engineer.

d.

Parking. The service street is intended to be used exclusively for circulation, not as a parking maneuvering aisle. The planning commission may require the posting of no parking signs along the service street by the property owner/developer at the property owner's/developer's expense. The planning commission may permit temporary parking in the easement area where a continuous service street is not yet available, provided that the layout allows removal of the parking in the future to allow extension of the service street.

e.

Access to service street. The planning commission shall approve the location of all accesses to the service street, based on the driveway spacing standards of this section. The planning commission may allow additional driveways if recommended by the city engineer, county or MDOT, and consistent with purpose of this section.

f.

Temporary access. The planning commission may approve temporary accesses where a continuous service street is not yet available and a performance guarantee is provided to assure elimination of temporary access when the service street is continued. Building permits shall not be issued until monies have been deposited with the city.

g.

Elevation. The site plan shall indicate the proposed elevation of the service street at the lot line. The city shall maintain a record of all service street elevations so that their grades can be coordinated.

h.

Landscaping. The area between a service street and the public street right-of-way shall be planted as a landscaped greenbelt as specified in section 16.02(c), greenbelts.

i.

Maintenance. Each property owner shall be responsible for maintenance of the easement and service drive.

(Ord. No. 09-434, § 17.05, 1-20-2009)