Vicksburg City Zoning Code

Additional off-street parking; maximum parking. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prevent voluntary establishment of off-street parking facilities to serve an existing use of land or buildings, or to prevent provision of additional parking facilities beyond what is required by the Ordinance, provided all such parking is in conformance with the regulations herein. Except for single-unit detached residential uses, any person proposing the provision of greater than 125% of the minimum required off-street parking as specified in this article shall demonstrate to the Planning Commission sufficient justification for the additional parking.

Uses not cited. For those uses not specifically mentioned, the requirements for off-street parking for a similar use shall apply, as determined by the Planning Commission.

Units of measurement.

Parking waiver. Given the ever-changing type of businesses and uses, it is reasonable to expect that modifications to the parking requirements may be appropriate. Therefore, the Planning Commission shall have the authority to waive provisions of this article upon the finding that strict compliance with the standards listed herein would prove unreasonably burdensome.

Bicycle parking. Parking facilities for short and long-term bicycle parking shall be provided to meet the needs of the business or residential use. Bicycle parking facilities shall allow a cyclist to safely secure a bicycle from incidental damage or theft, while not hindering access for pedestrians or other vehicles. Bicycle parking facilities shall be located in highly visible and accessible areas. Such facilities shall be located at least three feet from adjacent walls, poles, landscaping, street furniture, drive aisles and primary pedestrian routes and at least six feet from vehicle parking spaces.

In order to promote the use of alternative non-motorized transportation options, a property that is required to have a minimum number of off-street parking spaces may substitute up to five required parking spaces with five bicycle parking facilities/spaces, at a ratio of 1:1.

Banked parking. If the minimum number of required parking spaces exceeds the amount necessary to serve a proposed use, the Planning Commission may approve the construction of a lesser number of parking spaces, subject to the following:

Reduction or elimination of required parking. Given the ever-changing uses and modifications to existing sites that rely on shared parking and/or on-street spaces, the Planning Commission shall have the authority to reduce and/or eliminate the minimum parking spaces required by this chapter, subject to one of the following:

Barrier-free parking requirements. Each parking lot that serves a building, except single family dwelling units, shall have a number of level parking spaces, identified by an above-grade sign which indicates the spaces are reserved for physically handicapped persons. Barrier-free parking shall comply with the State of Michigan Barrier-Free Rules, Michigan Public Act No. 1 of 1966, as amended, the adopted Village Building Code, and the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Amendments or additional legislation at the state or federal level may result in changes to this section.

Storage and repair prohibited. The storage of merchandise, sale of motor vehicles, storage of inoperable vehicles, or repair of vehicles are prohibited in required off-street parking lots or areas. Emergency service required to start vehicles shall be permitted.

Duration. Except when land is used as permitted storage space in direct connection with a legitimate business, a 24-hour time limit for parking in non-residential off-street parking areas shall prevail provided that it shall be unlawful to permit the storage of wrecked, inoperable, or junked vehicles in any parking area in any district for any period of time. The Village may enact a program to exempt certain residents from this requirement via a permit that would be affixed to their cars.

General applicability. For all buildings and uses established after the effective date of this chapter, off-street parking shall be provided as required in this article prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. However, where a building permit has been issued prior to the effective date of the Ordinance and construction has been diligently carried on, compliance with the parking requirements at the time of issuance of the building permit shall be required.

Change in use or intensity. Whenever use of a building, structure, or lot is changed, parking facilities shall be provided as required by this chapter for the new use, regardless of any variance which may have been in effect prior to change of use. If the intensity of use of any building, structure, or lot is increased through the addition of dwelling units, increase in floor area, increase in seating capacity, or through other means, additional off-street parking shall be provided for such increase in intensity of use.

Review and approval requirements. Plans for the construction of any parking lot in conjunction with a new development shall be submitted for review and approval according to the normal site plan review procedures. Plans for expansion of an existing parking lot that is not associated with other new development shall be submitted to the Village for review and approval prior to the start of construction.

Plans shall be prepared at a scale of not less than 50 feet equal to one inch. Plans shall indicate existing and proposed grades, drainage, water mains and sewers, surfacing and base materials, and the proposed parking layout. The plans shall conform to the construction and design standards established by the Village.

In the event that required parking cannot be completed because of cold or inclement weather, a temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued, with a deadline agreed upon by the Village and applicant.

Dimensions.

Layout.

Surfacing and drainage.

Curbs, wheel stops. Wheel stops must be provided to prevent vehicles from extending over grass areas, setback lines, or lot lines.

Maintenance. All parking areas shall be maintained free of dust, trash, and debris. Surfacing, curbing, lighting fixtures, signage, and related appurtenances shall be maintained in good condition.