Upper Township City Zoning Code
§ 20-5.7
Off-Street Parking.
[Ord. #006-2002, § 2]
a.
General Provisions.
1.
Lighting. All parking areas providing five or more parking spaces shall be lighted in accordance with the provisions specified in Subsection 20-5.5 of this chapter.
2.
Surfacing and Curbing. All on-site, off-street parking and loading areas and access driveways shall be paved and curbed as recommended by the Township Engineer and approved by the Planning Board as part of the site plan approval.
3.
Location of Parking Spaces. In general, all required off-street parking spaces shall be located on the same lot or premises as the use served. Exceptions are as follows:
(a)
In the case of any nonresidential use, the required parking space may be provided on a lot located within 1,500 feet of the nearest boundary of the lot on which the building or use to which the spaces relate is located, provided that such spaces shall be in the same ownership as or under lease by the owner of the use to which they relate; shall be subject to restrictions adequate to ensure that the required number of spaces will be available throughout the life of such use; and shall be located only in a district in which an off-site parking lot is permitted.
(b)
The Planning Board at the time of site plan review may authorize the collective provision of off-street parking facilities for two or more buildings or uses and the use of an off-site community parking lot, a commercial parking lot or a lot owned or leased by the Township to fulfill the required spaces for a commercial or office use. Such authorization shall be subject to the following:
(1)
The total number of spaces required for the using buildings or uses collectively shall not be less than the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately, unless it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Board that adequate space will be available because of turnover or the under use of such lot because of varying periods of peak demands or other provisions.
(2)
The Planning Board shall require a written agreement or contract satisfactory to the Board Solicitor between the owner of the use and the community parking facility or such other evidence to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that the required number of parking spaces will be continuously available throughout the life of the use it is proposed to serve.
(3)
The provisions of this subsection shall apply only where the off-site facility is within 1,500 feet of the boundary of the lot of the generating use.
4.
Screening and Landscaping of Parking Lots.
(a)
Screening of parking lots. Parking lot buffers may be comprised of earth berms, fences, and landscaping which shall be of a sufficient quantity and size to screen parked automobiles from view of those at grade or first floor level in adjacent buildings, to prevent the shining of automobile headlights into the yards of adjacent property and to screen parked automobiles from view of those traveling on public rights-of-way. In general, this buffer shall provide a visual screen at an elevation no less than six feet above the finished grade of the parking areas. In addition, shade trees shall be provided in the buffer at the rate of one per 1,000 square feet of buffer area.
(b)
Interior parking lot landscaping.
(1)
Interior parking lots with 10 to 39 parking spaces shall provide landscaping equal to or exceeding 4% of the gross square footage of the paved areas of the site used for drives and parking. Such landscaping shall be provided in areas of not less than 150 square feet. To provide for safe visibility, shrubbery shall be of less than three feet and shade trees shall have foliage no lower than a height of seven feet.
(2)
Interior parking lots containing 40 or more parking spaces shall provide internal landscaping equal to or exceeding 5% of the gross square footage of the paved area of the parking lot. No row of parking spaces shall be permitted to exceed 20 spaces without interruption by a minimum ten-foot wide landscaped island. Every fourth double loaded bay of parking shall be separated with a landscaped ten-foot wide separation island. Each island should be planted with low maintenance evergreen and deciduous shrubs and shade trees. Plantings shall be maintained so that shrubbery does not grow to a height of more than three feet and that the crown of the shade trees does not grow less then seven feet above grade level.
(c)
Plantings required within the parking areas are exclusive of other planting requirements such as street trees and perimeter buffers.
(d)
An underground irrigation system shall be provided.
(e)
To prevent conflicts with the opening and closing of automobile doors, all plantings in parking islands located adjacent to or abutting parking stalls shall be set back two feet from the curb. To reduce damage from automobile overhang and snow plowing, all perimeter plantings and all plantings located in separation islands shall be set back three feet from the curb.
(f)
All trash enclosures located within or on the perimeter of the parking lot shall be screened with deciduous and evergreen material.
(g)
All loading areas shall be landscaped and screened sufficiently to obscure the view of the loading platforms from any public street, adjacent residential districts or uses and the front yards of adjacent commercial and industrial uses. Such screening shall be by a fence, wall, planting, or combination of the three and shall not be less than four feet in height.
5.
Type of Facility. Parking spaces may be on, above or below the surface of the ground. When parking spaces are provided within a garage or other structure, the structure shall adhere to the proper accessory or principal building setbacks, as applicable. The provision of parking spaces shall also include adequate driveway and necessary turning areas for handling the vehicles for which provision is made. Except for detached and two-family dwelling units, parking areas shall be designed to permit each motor vehicle to proceed to and from the parking space provided for it without requiring the moving of any other motor vehicles. Aisles providing access to parking spaces shall have the following minimum dimensions. Where angle of parking is different on both sides of the aisle, the larger aisle width shall prevail.
Angle of Parking Space | One-Way Aisle | Two-Way Aisle |
|---|---|---|
90° | 22 feet | 25 feet |
60° | 18 feet | 20 feet |
45° | 15 feet | 20 feet |
30° | 12 feet | 18 feet |
b.
Specific Requirements. Each individual use shall provide parking spaces according to the following provisions. Where a permitted use of land includes different specific activities with different specific parking requirements, the total number of required parking spaces shall be obtained by individually computing the parking requirements for each different activity and adding the resulting numbers together.
1.
Detached and two-family dwelling units shall each provide two spaces per dwelling unit or as required by Residential Site Improvement Standards (N.J.A.C. 5:21).
2.
Churches shall provide one space per every four permanent seats. (One seat shall be considered 22 inches in calculating the capacity of pews or benches.) In the case of an area for temporary seats, one space per every 60 square feet of floor area devoted to patron use, as defined in the Uniform Construction Code.
3.
Golf courses shall provide two spaces for each hole, plus one space for each employee.
4.
Local retail and service activities, banks and offices shall provide parking at a ratio of five spaces per 1,000 square feet gross floor area.
5.
Theaters shall provide one space for every four seats within a shopping center. One space for every three seats.
6.
Bowling alleys shall provide four spaces per bowling lane.
7.
Service stations shall provide at least six spaces for the first lift, wheel alignment pit or similar work area; five additional spaces for a second work area; and an additional three spaces for each additional work area. Such spaces shall be separated from the driveway and general apron areas which give access to the gasoline and air pumps and service areas. No designated parking space shall obstruct access to such facilities.
8.
Automobile, camper and travel trailer sales: 10 spaces for customer convenience separated from vehicular displays and not used by employees.
9.
Car washes: Three access lanes for each mechanized car wash entrance, with each lane having a minimum capacity for 12 vehicles; one separate space for each waxing, upholstery cleaning or similar specialized service area; and one space for every two employees. All vehicle entrances shall be from the rear of the building, and all parked and waiting vehicles shall be accommodated on the lot.
10.
Hotels and motels shall provide 1.25 spaces per room.
11.
Manufacturing plants, industrial plants and wholesale distribution centers and warehouses shall provide parking at the ratios of one space for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area used for inside storage and warehousing, plus one space for every 700 square feet of gross floor area used for manufacturing, plus one space for every 200 square feet of gross floor area used for offices. Additionally, one space shall be provided for every vehicle owned and/or operated by the use operating from the site.
12.
Auto body shops, welding shops and auto repair garages shall provide parking at a ratio of one space for every 700 feet of gross floor area used for the auto body, repair or welding work plus one space for every 200 square feet of floor area used for office space. Additionally, one space shall be provided for every vehicle owned or operated by the use operating from the site.
13.
Marinas, boat yards and yacht basins shall provide parking on the following basis:
(a)
One space for every four watercraft in storage, dry dock or similar area; plus one space for every 200 square feet or fraction thereof of floor area used for offices or retail sales.
(b)
One space shall be provided for every two watercraft in water.
(c)
One space shall be provided for each employee on the largest shift.
(d)
Sufficient area for the temporary storage of auto-towed trailers.
(e)
In any event, each use shall provide a sufficient number of spaces in appropriate locations so that no driveway, aisle, fire lane or street right-of-way is used at any time for parking.
14.
Restaurants shall provide one space for every 50 square feet of net floor area devoted to patron use, as defined by the Uniform Construction Code.
15.
Dental and medical offices shall provide seven spaces for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.
16.
Gasoline stations, without service bays, shall provide one space for every employee on the largest shift, but in no case less than three spaces.
17.
Taverns shall provide one space for every 25 square feet of net floor area devoted to patron use, as defined by the Uniform Construction Code.
18.
Quick-food establishment, deli and pizzeria shall provide one space per 30 square feet of net floor area devoted to patron use.
19.
Schools. Elementary, nursery, junior high, preschool shall provide two per classroom plus one space for each staff employee (not including teachers) plus 20% of the maximum student population for visitors. High school and prep school shall provide two per classroom plus one space for each staff employee (not including teachers) plus 25% of the maximum student population for visitors plus one space for every eight students in grades 9 through 12.
20.
Studio, instructional (art, music, dance), health spa, fitness center shall provide one space for each 100 square feet used for instructional or patron use.
21.
Other building or use not specified: adequate parking as recommended by the Township Engineer and approved by the Planning Board as part of the site plan approval.
c.
Handicapped Parking.
1.
Every parking lot containing two or more spaces shall provide handicapped parking spaces calculated according to the following schedule or in conformance with the N.J. Barrier Free Access Code, whichever is greater. Decimals resulting from the following calculations shall always be rounded up to the next highest whole number. Handicapped spaces shall be in addition to any other parking requirements required under this section.
Minimum Required | |
|---|---|
Total Parking Spaces | Handicapped Spaces |
2 to 19 spaces | 1 space |
20 to 49 spaces | 2 spaces |
50 or more spaces | 3 spaces plus an additional 2% of the total parking spaces provided |
2.
Handicapped spaces shall be located in close proximity to principal uses and shall be provided barrier free access to the same. Where multiple principal uses are to be served by a common parking lot, handicapped spaces shall be proportionately distributed throughout the parking lot.
3.
Handicapped spaces shall be marked by both a "handicapped parking" sign and penalty sign, and by pavement markings as prescribed by the State of New Jersey.
4.
Handicapped parking spaces, as provided for above shall be:
(a)
Not less than 12 feet in width if the spaces are perpendicular to an uncurbed sidewalk on the same grade as the parking space; or
(b)
Not less than 13 feet in width if the spaces are perpendicular to a curbed sidewalk or to a sidewalk not on the same grade as the parking space. The thirteen-foot width of the parking space should be clearly divided into an eight-foot parking space with an adjacent five-foot access aisle leading to a ramp up to the sidewalk. Two adjacent handicapped parking spaces may use the same five-foot access aisle.
d.
Requirements for new installation of electric vehicle supply/service equipment (EVSE) and make-ready parking spaces. EVSE or make-ready parking spaces shall be considered a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts and shall not require a variance pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70.
[Added 11-28-2022 by Ord. No. 026-2022]
1.
As a condition of preliminary site plan approval, for each application involving a multiple dwelling with five or more units of dwelling space, which shall include a multiple dwelling that is held under a condominium or cooperative form of ownership, a mutual housing corporation, or a mixed-use development, the developer or owner, as applicable, shall:
(a)
Prepare as make-ready parking spaces at least 15% of the required off-street parking spaces, and install EVSE in at least 1/3 of the 15% of make-ready parking spaces.
(b)
Within three years following the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, install EVSE in an additional 1/3 of the original 15% of make-ready parking spaces.
(c)
Within six years following the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, install EVSE in the final 1/3 of the original 15% of make-ready parking spaces.
(d)
Throughout the installation of EVSE in the make-ready parking spaces, at least 5% of the electric vehicle supply equipment shall be accessible for people with disabilities.
(e)
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to restrict the ability to install electric vehicle supply equipment or make-ready parking spaces at a faster or more expansive rate than as required above.
2.
As a condition of preliminary site plan approval, each application involving a parking lot or garage not covered in Subsection d1 above shall:
(a)
Install at least two make-ready parking spaces if there will be 51 to 75 off-street parking spaces.
(b)
Install at least three make-ready parking spaces if there will be 76 to 100 off-street parking spaces.
(c)
Install at least four make-ready parking spaces, at least one of which shall be accessible for people with disabilities if there will be 101 to 150 off-street parking spaces.
(d)
Install at least 4% of the total parking spaces as make-ready parking spaces, at least 5% of which shall be accessible for people with disabilities, if there will be more than 150 off-street parking spaces.
(e)
In lieu of installing make-ready parking spaces, a parking lot or garage may install EVSE to satisfy the requirements of this subsection.
(f)
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to restrict the ability to install electric vehicle supply equipment or make-ready parking spaces at a faster or more expansive rate than as required above.
(g)
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a retailer that provides 50 or fewer off-street parking spaces or the developer or owner of a single-family home or multiunit facility with five or less units shall not be required to provide or install any electric vehicle supply equipment or make-ready parking spaces.
3.
Minimum parking requirements.
(a)
All parking spaces with EVSE and make-ready equipment shall be included in the calculation of minimum required parking spaces, pursuant to this section.
(b)
A parking space prepared with EVSE or make-ready equipment shall count as at least two parking spaces for the purpose of complying with a minimum parking space requirement. This shall result in a reduction of no more than 10% of the total required parking.
(c)
All parking space calculations for EVSE and make-ready equipment shall be rounded up to the next full parking space.
(d)
Additional installation of EVSE and make-ready parking spaces above what is required in this Subsection d may be encouraged but shall not be required in development projects.
(e)
Location and layout of EVSE and make-ready parking spaces is expected to vary based on the design and use of the primary parking area. It is expected flexibility will be required to provide the most convenient and functional service to users. Standards and criteria should be considered guidelines and flexibility should be allowed when alternatives can better achieve objectives for provision of this service.
(f)
Installation.
(1)
Installation of EVSE and make-ready parking spaces shall meet the electrical subcode of the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.16.
(2)
Each EVSE or make-ready parking space that is not accessible for people with disabilities shall be not less than nine feet wide and 18 feet in length. Exceptions may be made for existing parking spaces or parking spaces that were part of an application that received prior site plan approval.
(3)
To the extent practicable, the location of accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities with EVSE and make-ready equipment shall comply with the general accessibility requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, and other applicable accessibility standards.
(4)
Each EVSE or make-ready parking space that is accessible for people with disabilities shall comply with the sizing of accessible parking space requirements in the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, and other applicable accessibility standards.
(g)
EVSE Parking.
(1)
Publicly accessible EVSE shall be reserved for parking and charging electric vehicles only. Electric vehicles shall be connected to the EVSE. Property owner shall determine time limits and any such limits shall be posted.
(2)
Electric vehicles may be parked in any parking space designated for parking, subject to the restrictions that would apply to any other vehicle that would park in that space.
(h)
Safety.
(1)
Each publicly accessible EVSE shall be located at a parking space that is designated for electric vehicles only and identified by green painted pavement and/or curb markings, a green painted charging pictograph symbol, and appropriate signage pursuant to Subsection d5 below.
(2)
Where EVSE is installed, adequate site lighting and landscaping shall be provided.
(3)
Adequate EVSE protection such as concrete-filled steel bollards shall be used for publicly accessible EVSE. Nonmountable curbing may be used in lieu of bollards if the EVSE is set back a minimum of 24 inches from the face of the curb. Any stand-alone EVSE bollards should be three feet to four feet high with concrete footings placed to protect the EVSE from accidental impact and to prevent damage from equipment used for snow removal.
(4)
EVSE outlets and connector devices shall be no less than 36 inches and no higher than 48 inches from the ground or pavement surface where mounted and shall contain a cord management system as described in Subsection e below. Equipment mounted on pedestals, lighting posts, bollards, or other devices shall be designated and located as to not impede pedestrian travel, create trip hazards on sidewalks, or impede snow removal.
(5)
Each EVSE shall incorporate a cord management system or method to minimize the potential for cable entanglement, user injury, or connector damage. Cords shall be retractable or have a place to hang the connector and cord a safe and sufficient distance above the ground or pavement surface. Any cords connecting the charger to a vehicle shall be configured so that they do not cross a driveway, sidewalk, or passenger unloading area.
(6)
Where EVSE is provided within a pedestrian circulation area, such as a sidewalk or other accessible route to a building entrance, the EVSE shall be located so as not to interfere with accessibility requirements of the Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23, and other applicable accessibility standards.
(7)
Publicly accessible EVSEs shall be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of the equipment. A twenty-four-hour on-call contact shall be provided on the equipment for reporting problems with the equipment or access to it. To allow for maintenance and notification, Township of Upper shall require the owners/designee of publicly accessible EVSE to provide information on the EVSE's geographic location, date of installation, equipment type and model, and owner contact information.
(i)
Signs.
(1)
Publicly accessible EVSE shall have posted regulatory signs, as identified in this section, allowing only charging electric vehicles to park in such spaces. For purposes of this section, "charging" means that an electric vehicle is parked at an EVSE and is connected to the EVSE. If time limits or vehicle removal provisions are to be enforced, regulatory signs, including parking restrictions, shall be installed immediately adjacent to and visible from the EVSE. For private EVSE, installation of signs and sign text is at the discretion of the owner.
(2)
All regulatory signs shall comply with visibility, legibility, size, shape, color, and reflectivity requirements contained within the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices as published by the Federal Highway Administration.
(3)
Wayfinding or directional signs, if necessary, shall be permitted at appropriate decision points to effectively guide motorists to the EVSE parking space(s). Wayfinding or directional signage shall be placed in a manner that shall not interfere with any parking space, drive lane, or exit and shall comply with Subsection b above.
(4)
In addition to the signage described above, the following information shall be available on the EVSE or posted at or adjacent to all publicly accessible EVSE parking spaces:
(i)
Hour of operations and/or time limits if time limits or tow-away provisions are to be enforced by the municipality or owner/designee;
(ii)
Usage fees and parking fees, if applicable; and
(iii)
Contact information (telephone number) for reporting when the equipment is not operating or other problems.
(j)
Usage Fees.
(1)
Private EVSE. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to preclude a private owner/designee of an EVSE from collecting a fee for the use of the EVSE, in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. Fees shall be available on the EVSE or posted at or adjacent to the EVSE parking space.