It is the purpose of this chapter to regulate parking and loading spaces, vehicle traffic and access in order to provide orderly and adequate development of these necessities, and in so doing, promote the safety and well-being of the citizens of the City. Consequently, there shall be provided at the time of the erection of any building or at the time any main building is enlarged or increased, off-street parking space in accordance with the Vernal City minimum parking design standards.

(PZSC § 03-12-001)

The number of off-street parking spaces required in connection with any particular land use shall not be less than that set forth in this chapter, except for permitted reductions allowed under the provisions of Section 16.26.080 and 16.26.150.

(PZSC § 03-12-002)
(Ord. 2005-14, Amended, 08/17/2005)

Every building, structure, improvement or use hereafter constructed, reconstructed or enlarged shall be provided with permanently maintained parking spaces as specified in this chapter for the area of the construction, reconstruction or enlargement; or shall pay an in-lieu fee for the spaces as provided herein.

(PZSC § 03-12-003)

The required off-street parking facilities shall be a continuous obligation of the property owner so long as the use requiring vehicle parking or vehicle loading facilities continues. It is unlawful for any owner of any building or use to discontinue or dispense with the required vehicle parking facilities without providing some other vehicle parking area which meets the requirements of this chapter.

(PZSC § 03-12-004)

Any use of property which, on the effective date of this title or of any subsequent amendment thereto, is nonconforming only as to the regulations relating to off-street parking facilities may continue in the same manner as if the parking facilities were conforming. Such existing parking facilities shall not be further reduced however.

(PZSC § 03-12-005)

There exists a parking district within Vernal City which shall include all property within Vernal City which is presently or may become zoned center commercial zone (CC-1), commercial zone (C-2), planned regional commercial zone (CCP-1), planned commercial zone (CP-2) and Mixed Use Residential Zone (MX) and shall automatically include all property in the City subsequently zoned or rezoned to CC-1, C-2, CCP-1 CP-2 and MX zones.

(PZSC § 03-12-006)

The parking district was created for the purpose of acquiring properties and constructing, maintaining and improving public parking facilities within the boundaries of the district and to stimulate business development and provide for the safe and orderly flow of traffic.

(PZSC § 03-12-007)

A parking district fund has been established, composed of in-lieu parking space fees and such other revenues as the City Council may deem to be appropriate. The parking district fund shall be used to acquire property for parking facilities within the parking district as well as to plan, build and maintain the parking facilities.

(PZSC § 03-12-008)

1. The regulations contained herein are deemed necessary to increase safety and lessen congestion in the public streets, to adequately provide for parking needs associated with the development of land and increased automobile usage, and to set standards for the requirements of off-street parking according to the amount of traffic generated by each use. The minimum required off-street parking spaces for each particular use as specified in this chapter as it presently exists or as it may be amended is the standard.
2. In the event an owner or developer feels he cannot meet the minimum standard for off-street parking, he may request consultation with the City Council, whereupon he shall provide the City Council with all information, maps, charts, diagrams or other material necessary to adequately explain his position and to answer questions raised by the Council. Following consultation, the City Council will either require the minimum off-street parking standard to be met or will require and authorize the acceptance of an in-lieu parking fee to take the place of each parking space not provided by the owner or developer. The determination of how many, if any, parking spaces will be authorized for an in-lieu parking fee shall be solely at the discretion of the City Council.
3. The amount of the in-lieu parking fee shall be calculated by multiplying the number of spaces approved by the City Council for in-lieu payment times the unit cost of each parking space so approved. The unit cost per space shall be established by motion of the City Council. It is intended that the unit cost shall approximate the cost of providing a parking space in the same vicinity of the development and consequently the Council may distinguish unit cost difference within the various parts of the parking district. All in-lieu parking fees shall be contributed to the parking district fund and shall be used for the purpose of providing and maintaining public parking facilities as provided in Section 16.26.080.

(PZSC § 03-12-009)

A parking development plan may be created as a part of the downtown development plan to encourage and protect the economic development of the central business district.

(PZSC § 03-12-010) (Ord. 2005-14, Amended, 08/17/2005)

In all zones there shall be provided parking spaces in a private garage or in an area properly located for a future garage:

1. Single-family dwelling, to include row houses: two (2) spaces;
   
   1. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the parking requirement for a row house development may be provided in a common parking lot provided the following conditions are met:
      
      1. Easements upon the common parking lot for the benefit of all units in the development must be recorded with the Uintah County Recorder, and;
         
      2. Common parking lots must be contiguous with the residential area of the row house development and located within the same city block as the lots they serve. When the row house development is not located in an area platted with standard city blocks, the common parking lot, and; All other parking lot design standards specified within this title must be met.
         
      3. All other parking lot design standards specified within this title must be met.
         
2. Two-family dwelling: four (4) spaces;
   
3. Three-family dwelling: six (6) spaces;
   
4. Four-family dwelling: eight (8) spaces;
   
5. Other multiple-family dwellings:
   
   1. Standard multiple-family dwelling requires two (2) spaces per dwelling unit,
      
   2. Multiple-family dwellings designed to accommodate exclusively bachelors and/or bachelorettes require one (1) space for each person in each unit. The building permit shall stipulate the maximum number of persons per unit and the number and type of unit,
      
   3. Housing exclusively for the elderly and/or handicapped require one (1) space per unit;
      
   4. Except as provided below, multiple family developments containing more than four (4) dwelling units shall provide one additional parking space for each two (2) dwelling units.
6. All dwelling units within the CC-1 or MX zones require one and one half (1.5) parking spaces per unit. 
7. If any dwelling unit is increased by occupant use after the original building permit is issued, the parking requirements shall reflect that increase;
   
8. In addition to the parking space requirements set out in this section, one (1) space shall be provided for every two (2) paying guests residing in such dwelling unit. "Paying guest" refers to the rental of sleeping rooms within the dwelling unit. (PZSC § 03-12-011)
   

(PZSC § 03-12-011)
(Ord. 2010-16, Amended, 08/04/2010; Ord. 2009-11, Amended, 07/15/2009)

Except as otherwise provided in this title, the number of off-street parking spaces for various uses shall be as follows:

(PZSC § 03-12-012) (Ord. 2017-18, Amended, 10/18/2017; Ord. 2013-22, Amended, 09/18/2013; Ord. 2011-10, Amended, 05/04/2011; Ord. 2007-27, Amended, 10/17/2007; Ord. 2005-16, Amended, 09/21/2005)

When measurements determining number of required parking spaces result in a fractional space, any fraction up to one-half (1/2) shall be disregarded, and fractions including one-half (1/2) shall require one (1) parking space.

(PZSC § 03-12-013)

The parking requirements for land uses which are not specified in this chapter shall be recommended by the City Planning Department to the City Council. The determination shall be based upon the requirements for the most comparable use specified herein.

(PZSC § 03-12-014) (Ord. 2005-14, Amended, 08/17/2005)

If a building, structure or improvement requiring parking is located upon a separately recorded lot from that upon which the required parking is provided, whether in the same or separate ownership, there shall be a recording in the office of the county recorder of a covenant by such owner or owners for the benefit of the City, in the form first approved by the City, that such owner or owners will continue to maintain such parking space so long as the building, structure or improvement is maintained in the City. The covenant herein required must stipulate that the title to the right to use the lot or lots upon which the parking facilities are to be provided will be suberected and that the lot or lots are not and will not be made subject to any other covenant or contract for use without prior written consent of the City.

(PZSC § 03-12-015 (1))

Off-street parking facilities shall be located as hereinafter specified.

1. For any type building, parking facilities shall be located on the same lot or building site as the buildings which they are required to serve.
2. For uses other than those specified in subsection A of this section, parking spaces shall not be over five hundred (500) feet from the building they are required to serve.
3. In any residential zone, not more than twenty-five (25) percent of the required front yard or side yard adjacent to a street shall be devoted to driveways and off-street parking.
4. Where distance is specified, such distance shall be walking distance measured from the nearest point of the building that such facility is required to serve.

(PZSC § 03-12-015 (2))
(Ord. No. 96-07, Amended, 03/20/96)

1. Lights shall be provided to illuminate parking areas required by this chapter.
2. The following shall apply when lighting fixtures are installed in a residential zone, adjacent to a residential zone, or used in an area designated as a future residential area by the Vernal City general plan or adjacent to any other sensitive use.
   1. Fixtures shall have cutoff shields installed when the parking lot is adjacent to residential zones or uses. Cutoff shields shall be designed and installed so as to direct light onto the parking area and away from the adjacent property.
   2. Poles and their attached fixtures shall not exceed a height of 30 feet when installed in or adjacent to residential zones. Height shall be measured from the adjacent grade to the highest point on the lighting structure.
3. The average maintained footcandles shall be at least one (1) footcandle, but may not exceed three (3) footcandles. A photometric study may be required by the Planning Commission to demonstrate compliance with this requirement.
4. Where parking areas are separated from the buildings they serve by a public street, the crosswalk serving the parking area and building shall be appropriately lighted with a nine thousand five hundred (9,500) lumen sodium vapor light or other equivalent fixture as approved by Vernal City. The Planning Commission may waive this requirement for a crosswalk light if a lighted crosswalk is within two hundred (200) feet of the parking lot.
5. A thirty (30) day review period beginning with the energizing of a lighting system shall be required to evaluate and adjust illumination levels of parking lots in and adjacent to residential districts or other sensitive land uses.
6. Poles and their attached fixtures shall be kept operational and in good repair by the owner of the property upon which the poles and their attached fixtures are located. All wiring and similar components shall be concealed.

(PZSC § 03-12-015 (3))
(Ord. 2009-27, Amended, 11/20/2009)

In the case of mixed uses in the building or on a lot, the total requirement for off-street parking facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately. Off-street parking facilities for one (1) use shall not be considered as providing required parking facilities for any other uses, except as hereinafter specified for joint use.

(PZSC § 03-12-015 (4))

The Planning Commission may, upon application by the owner or lessee of any property, authorize the joint use of parking facilities by the following uses or activities under conditions specified herein. Up to fifty (50) percent of the parking facilities required by this chapter for a use considered to be primarily a daytime use may be provided by the parking facilities of a use considered to be primarily a nighttime use; up to fifty (50) percent of the parking facilities required by this chapter for a use considered to be a nighttime use may be provided by the parking facilities of a use considered to be primarily a daytime use, provided such reciprocal parking area shall be continuous and the joint use of such facilities is assured by recording in the office of the County Recorder of a covenant by such owner or owners of properties jointly used as prescribed by Section 16.26.120.

(PZSC § 03-12-015 (5))

Common parking facilities may be provided in lieu of the individual requirements contained herein, provided the total of such off-street parking spaces, when used together, shall not be less than the sum of the various uses computed separately. If the common facilities are located on more than one (1) parking lot, a covenant for the preservation of the parking must be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 16.26.120.

(PZSC § 03-12-015 (6))

The plans for any proposed parking area shall be submitted to the Planning Director at the time of application for a site plan approval to which the parking area is accessory. The plan shall clearly indicate the proposed development, including location, size, shape, design, curb cuts, lighting, landscaping and other features and appurtenances of the proposed parking lot.

(PZSC § 03-12-015 (7)) (Ord. 2016-13, Amended, 11/02/2016)

For buildings in existence at the effective date of this chapter or an amendment thereto, the use of such buildings may change without being required to comply with the parking requirements contained in this chapter. However, if a building is enlarged, it shall either provide the required number of off-street parking spaces for the enlargement as set forth in Sections 16.26.110 and 16.26.120 or shall pay in lieu of required parking as set forth in Section 16.26.090.

(PZSC § 03-12-016) (Ord. 2010-18, Amended, 10/20/2010)

1. Commercial parking areas shall be paved with asphalt or concrete surface and shall have appropriate bumper guards or curbs where needed, as determined in the Master Site Plan, to protect adjacent property owners or persons using a sidewalk. All storm water shall be collected and retained in accordance with Section 16.06.060.
2. Backing space shall be provided for parking areas to prevent backing into a public street or alley. Public sidewalks shall not be permitted to be used as part of the required backing space.
3. The width of each parking space shall be measured at a right angle to the side lines of the parking space. All parking spaces shall have minimum dimensions of ten (10) feet by twenty (20) feet except;
   1. Parking spaces with dimensions of 9 feet by 20 feet may be permitted under the following conditions:
      1. The site layout must demonstrate a clear constraint that prevents the use of ten)(10-foot wide stalls, such as narrow lot dimensions or existing structural features.
      2. Approval by the Planning Commission is required, confirming that the narrower stalls will not impair safety, access, or functionality
   2. Parking stalls with dimensions of 9 feet in width by 18 feet in length may be permitted under the following circumstances:
      1. These stalls may only be used in areas with significant site constraints, such as steep grades, existing mature trees, or historical site features.
      2. They must be located in areas designated for compact vehicles or short-term parking where the reduced length will not hinder the parking lot's overall effectiveness.
      3. Stalls shall not be placed adjacent to public sidewalks or pedestrian walkways unless there is a physical barrier or buffer, such as a landscaped strip of at least three )(3 feet in width, to prevent vehicles from encroaching on the pedestrian area. This is to ensure that pedestrian safety and accessibility are not compromised.
   3. Handicapped parking spaces shall be in accordance with the International Building code minimum dimensions and separation strip.
4. Aisle width for parking shall vary depending on the parking angle and be approved by the public works department in the Master Site Plan to be no less than;
   1. 45-degree parking: A minimum aisle width of 14 feet for one-way traffic is required.
   2. 60-degree parking: A minimum aisle width of 16 feet for one-way traffic is required.
   3. 90-degree parking (perpendicular): A minimum aisle width of 24 feet is required for two-way traffic.
5. Angled parking shall be designed to meet the same minimum stall width as 90 degree parking. The angle of parking spaces should generally be 45 degrees or 60 degrees. Other angles may be considered but must be approved by the Public Works Department to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.
   1. Angled parking stalls shall not be placed adjacent to public sidewalks or pedestrian walkways unless:
      1. There is a landscaped buffer of at least three )(3 feet in width, or
      2. A barrier, such as curbing or bollards, is installed to prevent vehicles from encroaching on pedestrian areas.
      3. The use of angled parking in proximity to pedestrian areas must ensure that the safety and visibility of pedestrians are not compromised.
   2. Back-in angled parking may be considered for specific locations where forward visibility is critical (e.g., near busy pedestrian crossings).
      1. Back-in angled parking may require a traffic study to be submitted to and approved by the Public Works Department and Planning Department, ensuring that it will not disrupt traffic flow or pedestrian safety.
6. Access to parking lots must be approved by the agency responsible for the access road. A greater number of access strips may be required as determined by the Planning Commission during site plan approval.
7. All commercial off-street parking spaces and associated access lanes shall be effectively screened on any side adjoining any property in a residential zone by a fence, wall or hedge of not less than four (4) feet nor more than seven (7) feet high. Provided, however, that front yard and corner lot fences, walls or plantings shall maintain height requirements of their respective zones
8. For all commercial uses permitted in RA-1, R1, R2, R3, or R4excluding multi-family or residential, only fifty (50%) percent of the front yard area required by the respective zones shall be used for parking. Access across and over the required front yard is allowed to the side yard or rear yard.
   

(PZSC § 03-12-017) (Ord. No. 94-06, Amended, 3/24/94; Ord. No. 96-27, Amended, 11/20/96)
(Ord. 2016-13, Amended, 11/02/2016; Ord. 2009-09, Amended, 08/19/2009; Ord. 2007-05, Amended, 04/25/2007; 99-07, Amended, 07/21/1999)

1. In residential zones, access from the street for single family dwellings shall not exceed more than sixty (60) feet with not more than one (1) thirty-four (34) foot access.
2. To count towards the minimum parking requirement, parking spaces including the inside dimensions of garages or carports shall: 
   1. Be no less than ten (10) feet in width by twenty )(20 feet in length per parking space.
   2. Be paved with an asphalt or concrete surface.
   3. Not include public sidewalks to be used as part of the required space.
   4. Provide ample room so as to allow for the entirety of the vehicle, truck, trailer, ect (including hitches, bumpers, and additions) be completely out of the right-of-way.
3. Tandem parking (front to rear) shall not be counted toward the parking stall requirement except for single-family or two-family dwellings when the front and back spaces are both designed to serve the same dwelling and may be accessed simultaneously. 
4. Adequate automobile access to a garage, carport or parking area shall be provided. The minimum size of the access strip shall be equal to the width of the parking stall.
5. All storm water shall be collected and retained in accordance with Section 16.06.060.
6. For residential uses excluding commercial multi-family with an approved Master Site Plan; parking spaces / parking shall not cover more than fifty (50) percent of the the street facing wall of the structure.
   
   

Effective December 25, 2013 for any new construction of parking lots:

1. Parking lots shall be maintained and kept in good repair, allowing:
   1. Storm water to drain from the parking lot in accordance with the design of said parking lot, and;
   2. Pedestrians and vehicular traffic to safely use the parking lot, and;
   3. The parking lot to be illuminated in accordance with the design of said parking lot.

(Ord. 2013-31, Add, 12/18/2013)

On the same premises with every building or use involved in the receipt or distribution by vehicle of materials or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained on the lot adequate space for standing, loading and unloading services in order to avoid undue interference with public use of streets or alleys. Such space, unless otherwise adequately provided, shall include a ten (10) foot by twenty-five (25) foot loading space with fourteen (14) foot clearance for every twenty thousand (20,000) square foot or faction thereof in excess of three thousand (3,000) square feet of land used for the above-mentioned purposes.

(PZSC § 03-12-018)

Businesses requiring motor vehicle access shall meet the following requirements:

1. Access to the structure or parking lot shall be by not more than two (2) access strips for each one hundred (100) feet or fraction thereof of frontage on any street, providing that no two (2) access strips shall be closer to each other than twenty (20) feet; each of the access strips shall not be more than thirty-four (34) feet in width and shall not be closer than twenty (20) feet or greater where required by the Planning Commission to the point of intersection of two (2) property lines or at any street corner; and a curb, hedge or fence of not more than two (2) feet in height shall be provided by the owner to limit access to the permitted access strip.
2. Commercial and industrial sites desiring access widths larger than thirty-four (34) feet may apply to the Planning Commission for the larger accesses. The applicant shall submit to the Planning Commission;
   1. Written documentation explaining the reasons for the larger access applications;
   2. A traffic plan drawn to scale showing;
      1. Widths of all adjacent public streets;
      2. Traffic flow pattern of deliveries;
      3. Schedule of deliveries;
      4. Lengths and widths of trucks that will be making deliveries.
3. The Planning Commission shall make its decision based on the following criteria:
   1. The width of the roadway;
   2. Traffic flow of large vehicles through the site;
   3. Truck size and frequency of deliveries.
4. Gasoline pumps shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from any property line bordering a street; provided, that a pump island parallel to and adjoining a street may be located not less than fifteen (15) feet from the property line bordering the street.

(PZSC § 03-12-019)
(Ord. No. 96-27, Amended, 11/20/96)