1.   Purpose. This section is meant to regulate off-street parking that is provided in conjunction with private development. Parking in public lots and rights-of-way is addressed in Chapter 79 of this Code of Ordinances.

2.   Required Off-Street Parking Areas.

   A.   Off-street accessory parking areas shall be provided in connection with the uses included in the table below, of the amount indicated for each.

      (1)   For Residential properties, such parking shall be located directly on the property served. For Business and Industrial properties, such parking may also be on an adjoining or nearby property within 100 feet, as long as it is not included in a more restrictive Zoning District.

      (2)   These requirements shall not apply to any uses in the B-1 Limited Retail Business District.

   B.   Minimum Parking Required. In the case of any use which is not specifically mentioned below, the provisions for a similar use which is mentioned shall apply.

 

   C.   Units of Measurement.

      (1)   Parking Spaces. Each parking space shall be rectangular in shape, and no less than 8½ feet wide and 20 feet long, or less than 170 square feet in area, exclusive of access drives or aisles.

      (2)   Loading Space. Each loading space shall be no less than 10 feet wide, 40 feet in length and 14 feet in height, exclusive of access and turning area.

      (3)   Floor Area. In the case of merchandising or service types of uses, “floor area” means the gross floor area used or intended to be used by employees, or by customers, patrons or clients. Floor area does not include area used principally for non-public purposes, such as restrooms, utilities, dressing rooms, or storage.

   D.   Performance Standards.

      (1)   Materials and Grading. Off-street accessory parking areas and driveways shall be of usable shape, and shall be improved in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 140 of this Code of Ordinances 12 , with a durable, dust-free surface, and so graded and drained as to dispose of all surface water accumulation within the area.

      (2)   Permeable Pavers. A permeable paving surface may be used for private driveways and parking areas, as a substitute for traditional concrete or asphalt paving. In this situation, the owner or developer shall produce advanced documentation, showing the precise form of permeable paving to be used, to ensure its conformance with all applicable industry standards.

      (3)   Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate parking areas shall be arranged as to reflect the light away from abutting streets and roadways, as well as adjoining premises.

      (4)   ADA Requirements. The minimum number of accessible parking spaces for persons with disabilities shall conform to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

      (5)   Improper Usage. No required off-street parking and loading spaces shall be used for the storage of merchandise, materials, waste containers, or inoperable junk vehicles.

3.   Required Loading Spaces.

   A.   In each District, all uses and establishments that require the pick-up and drop-off of materials or merchandise, by designated distribution vehicles, at least one off-street loading space shall be provided and maintained on the property, with access from an alley, driveway, or similar easement.

   B.   If the establishment has a gross floor area of greater than 15,000 square feet, then one additional loading space shall be provided for each additional 10,000 square feet of floor area.

   C.   Such loading space(s) may occupy all or any part of a required rear yard or, with authorization of the Board of Adjustment, part of any other yard on the same lot.

4.   Exemptions.

   A.   On appeal, the Board of Adjustment may authorize a modification, reduction or waiver of the foregoing requirements, if it finds that in a particular case, the peculiar nature of the use, or another exceptional circumstance would justify such an action.

   B.   If advised to do so, Planning Commission, in consultation with other City departments and agencies concerned, shall undertake studies of various areas of the City, for the purpose of determining whether there is a need for additional off-street public parking facilities. Where such need is found, the Planning Commission shall report its recommendation for the establishment of off-street parking facilities to the City Council. This report shall include recommendations on the type, size, location and the area they are intended to serve.