Whitehall Township Lehigh County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XII
Off-Street Parking and Loading
§ 27-144 New and existing uses.
[Amended 12-18-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
A.
Adequate off-street parking spaces and loading areas shall be provided for all new construction and uses.
B.
Every parcel or lot used as a public or private parking garage, lot or loading area and all off-street parking and loading areas shall be designed, maintained and used in accordance with the provisions as set forth in this section.
C.
All residential uses shall meet the off-street parking and loading requirements as set forth in this section.
§ 27-145 Design and construction.
A.
All nonparallel parking spaces shall be at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long, exclusive of aisle space.
B.
All parallel parking spaces shall be at least 10 feet wide and 22 feet long, exclusive of aisle space.
C.
Parking areas shall be designed so that a vehicle may proceed to and from a parking space without requiring the movement of any other vehicle.
D.
The minimum width of aisles providing access to parking spaces shall be:
Minimum Aisle Width [Amended 12-18-1989 by Ord. No. 1657] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Angle of Parking | One-Way Traffic (feet) | Two-Way Traffic (feet) | |
Parallel | 12 | 22 | |
Less than 45° | 17 | 24 | |
45 to 60° | 19 | 24 | |
60 to 90° | 22 | 25 | |
E.
All parking areas shall be:
(1)
Adequately graded.
(2)
Drained.
(3)
Both access driveway and parking areas shall be constructed of a nonbiodegradable hard surface, including but not limited to concrete, macadam, paving units or similar commercially available product recognized for vehicle parking and storage. Where curbing and/or sidewalks are required, the driveway apron must be installed in accordance to current Township specifications.
[Added 10-10-2005 by Ord. No. 2589; amended 11-13-2017 by Ord. No. 3098]
(4)
Maintained annually.
(5)
Designed to channel, divert and/or retain stormwater runoff to prevent or minimize flooding both upstream and downstream and not adversely affect the rate of flow.
(6)
Shall take into consideration the effect of future development within the watershed in assuring compliance with the provisions of this section.
F.
All parking areas shall be confined within concrete curbing or guardrails but not anchored bumper blocks.
G.
All parking spaces shall be clearly marked.
H.
All parking areas, accessways and driveways, except those provided for single-family detached, semidetached and single-family attached dwelling units, shall be adequately illuminated during the hours between sunset and sunrise.
I.
All nonresidential off-street parking areas designed for more than five vehicles and all off-street loading areas shall be landscaped on any side facing a public right-of-way and shall be screened with a fence or compact hedge on each side which adjoins or faces premises situate in any residential zone or premises used for residential, hospital or institutional purposes. The landscaping shall conform to the specifications and regulations set forth in Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, as amended from time to time. Such fence or hedge shall not be less than four feet in height, no solid portion thereof shall be more than six feet in height and each shall be maintained in good condition and provide year round screening in accordance with § 27-89B, Buffer strips and screening, except as provided otherwise in this chapter.
[Amended 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1729]
J.
Any and all lighting required by this section and located on a nonresidential lot shall conform with the provisions of Article X pertaining to lighting and glare.
[Amended 12-18-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
K.
No part of any parking area for more than five vehicles shall be closer than 10 feet to any dwelling, school, hospital or other institution for human care unless the parking area is covered or within a principal structure.
L.
No parking area shall be used for a use that interferes with its availability as a parking area for passenger vehicles or those patronizing the use conducted on the site. Surplus parking may be used for accessory, temporary functions upon approval by the Zoning Officer, and upon securing any necessary permits. No overnight parking of any vehicle or part thereof shall be permitted in any commercial, industrial or multifamily residential parking area, unless otherwise permitted by the Township as part of the operation or use.
[Amended 8-10-2009 by Ord. No. 2786]
M.
Required off-street parking shall be on the same lot, parcel or tract as the principal use, or, if permitted by special exception, not to be on the same lot, parcel or tract, then within 300 feet of the principal use and within the same zoning district, provided that customers are not required to traverse an arterial road without the aid of a cross walk, tunnel or overpass. In the event that parking is allowed off-site, the applicant shall provide a legally valid lease agreement or other agreement authorizing the use of the off-site property, it being expressly understood that at such time as the lease or agreement terminates, any occupancy of the building permitted by the off-street off-site parking will either cease and desist, terminate or not be permitted until such time as the lease or agreement is revived.
[Amended 12-18-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
N.
Uses legally existing prior to the date of the adoption of this chapter shall not be subject to the requirements of this chapter. At such time as the use is changed or expanded, the parking requirements for such change or expansion shall be met.
O.
Accessible parking spaces shall:
[Amended 1-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2759]
(1)
Be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking lot to an accessible building entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking spaces shall be located on the shortest route to an accessible pedestrian entrance to the parking facility. Furthermore, all spaces shall be located in strict accordance to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and ANSI A117.1-2003, or the most recent version thereof.
(2)
Conform in all aspects, size, type, identification, loading area and amount, with the current provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, and ANSI A117.1-2003, or most recent version thereof.
(3)
Where more than one parking facility is provide on a site, the number of parking spaces required to be accessible shall be calculated separately for each parking facility.
(4)
Be established pursuant to the following:
Total Number of Parking Spaces | Required Number of Handicapped Spaces | |
|---|---|---|
1-25 | 1 | |
26-50 | 2 | |
51-75 | 3 | |
76-100 | 4 | |
101-150 | 5 | |
151-200 | 6 | |
201-300 | 7 | |
301-400 | 8 | |
401-500 | 9 | |
501-1000 | 2% of Total | |
1001- | 20 plus 1 for each 100 over 1000 |
(5)
Be designated by above grade signs which shall indicate that the designated parking space(s) are restricted to use by the physically handicapped as well as painted markings on the parking space(s) themselves.
P.
Parking areas shall maintain a minimum setback of 10 feet from any street, alley or highway right-of-way.
[Amended 12-18-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
Q.
Publicly owned indoor and outdoor recreation facilities shall be exempt from the off-street parking provisions of this chapter. However, when at all possible and feasible, every attempt shall be made for the provision of adequate facilities, with either paved or stoned areas.
[Amended 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1727]
R.
All residential off-street parking areas designed for more than 10 vehicles shall be landscaped on any side facing a public right-of-way and shall be screened on each side which adjoins or faces premises situate in any residential zone or premises used for residential, hospital or institutional purposes with a fence or a compact hedge. Such fence or hedge shall not be less than four feet in height and each shall be maintained in good condition and provide year-round screening.
[Amended 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1729]
S.
All establishments which provide drive-up, drive-through or self-service facilities shall provide appropriate queuing lanes which shall, at all times, be adequately marked, but not less than 10 feet in width and shall not interfere with established parking spaces or aisles.
[Amended 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1729]
U.
All parking lot markings, directional signs and interior traffic controls required as part of the original land development or zoning approval shall be maintained and shall be clearly visible at all times except in instances of snow, sleet or ice.
[Added 12-9-2013 by Ord. No. 2949]
§ 27-146 Off-street parking standards.
[Amended 12-18-1989 by Ord. No. 1657; 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1729; 11-10-1997 by Ord. No. 2050; 9-9-2002 by Ord. No. 2378]
A.
Off-street parking standards are as follows:
(1)
Agricultural uses: one space for each employee.
(2)
Automobile, boat, recreational vehicle or manufactured home sales or rental: one space for every 20 vehicles, boats, or homes on display, plus one space per employee.
[Amended 12-9-2013 by Ord. No. 2949]
(3)
Automotive service stations: one space for each gasoline pump, plus three spaces for each vehicle bay or similar facility, plus one space for every two employees.
(4)
Banks and financial institutions: one space for every 200 square feet of building area, plus one space for each 100 square feet of building area used to serve customers.
(5)
Bowling alleys: five spaces for each bowling lane.
(6)
Churches, theaters, auditoriums and other places of assembly, including spectator recreation or cultural facilities: one space for every three seats or persons to be accommodated.
(6.1)
Day-care facilities:
[Added 1-12-2009 by Ord. No. 2759]
(a)
Day-care center/nursery school: one off-street parking space for every employee, plus one off-street parking space per 12 persons served, designed for safe and convenient drop-off and pickup.
(b)
Family day-care: one off-street parking space designed for safe and convenient dropoff and pickup, plus one off-street parking space for nonresident employee.
(c)
Group day-care: one off-street parking space for every nonresident employee, plus one off-street parking space per eight persons served, designed for safe and convenient dropoff and pickup.
(7)
Education facilities and other schools: one space for every employee, including teachers and administrators, plus off-street space for loading and unloading of students, plus additional facilities for student parking at the high school level at the ratio of five spaces for each classroom and continuing post high school education facilities at the ratio of 10 spaces for each classroom.
(8)
Funeral homes: one space for each family residing on the premises, plus one space for every two employees (other than residents on the premises), plus one space for every 50 square feet of aggregate floor area in the viewing rooms, slumber rooms, parlors and individual funeral service rooms.
(9)
Hospitals: one space for every 1 1/2 beds.
(10)
Indoor recreation facilities: one space for every three persons of total capacity or one space for every 200 square feet of building area, whichever is greater.
(11)
Manufacturing establishments: one space for all vehicles used directly in the conduct of the business, plus one space for each employee.
(12)
Medical, dental and veterinarian offices and clinics: three spaces for every doctor, dentist or professional person, plus one space for every two employees.
(13)
Motels, hotels, inns or bed-and-breakfast: four spaces for every three sleeping rooms.
(14)
Nightclubs, taverns, bars or cocktail rooms or such facilities which provide dance areas: one space for each two seats and one space for each four square feet of dance area.
(15)
Offices and office buildings: one space for every 300 square feet of building area.
(16)
Outdoor recreation facilities: one space for each two potential peak day users or one space for every three persons of total capacity, whichever is greater.
(17)
Private clubs, social halls and lodges: one space for every 200 square feet of building area.
(18)
Residential dwelling: two spaces per dwelling unit.
(19)
Restaurants and diners: one space for every three seats (20 inches of a bench = one seat).
(20)
For the purposes of this Subsection A(20) the term "accessible area" shall mean that area of a retail, service or commercial establishment to which a member of the public, customer or potential customer is or may be admitted or have access, regardless of number or frequency.
[Amended 4-11-2005 by Ord. No. 2553]
(a)
Retail, service and commercial establishments having less than 500,000 square feet of accessible area: one space for each 200 square feet of accessible area.
(b)
Retail, service and commercial establishments having 500,000 or more of accessible area: one space for each 250 square feet of accessible area.
(20.1)
Establishments which provide retail sales limited to the following: furniture, lumber, carpeting, bedding or floor covering: one space for every 400 square feet of floor area to which a member of the public, customer or potential customer is or may be admitted or have access, regardless of number or frequency.
(21)
Rooming house: one space for each bed.
(22)
Self-service establishment, car washes etc.: one space for each employee plus one space for each building or structure (such as vacuum stations).
(23)
Wholesale or warehouse establishments and freight trucking terminals: one space for all vehicles used directly in the conduct of the business plus two spaces for each employee; provided, however, that the public, customers or potential customers are not admitted to and do not have access to any portion of the establishment or terminal.
(24)
Elderly Housing: one space for each dwelling unit.
B.
When a computation of the number of required spaces results in a fraction, such fraction shall be rounded to the next highest whole number.
C.
Where a building contains a number of uses or activities that require off-street parking, the number of spaces required shall be the aggregate sum of that which would be required for each use individually.
D.
The collective provisions for off-street parking by two or more buildings or uses located on adjacent industrial or commercial class district lots is permitted, provided there is a recorded right for the adjacent properties to continue using those facilities so long as either use or building continues to exist and that the total parking facilities available shall not be less than the sum required of the various buildings or uses computed separately.
E.
For the purpose of this article, the number of employees of a use shall be based on the estimated maximum daily or maximum eight hour shift requirements in a 24 hour period.
F.
Any business with company-owned vehicles or vehicles which are used directly in the conduct of the business shall provide a minimum of one space for each such vehicle in addition to spaces required for the parking calculation for that use.
[Added 12-9-2013 by Ord. No. 2949]
§ 27-147 Off-street loading spaces.
A.
Off-street loading spaces shall be provided for the following uses wherever situate: automobile rental and sales establishments; places of public assembly; education facilities and schools; funeral homes; hospitals; manufacturing, wholesale and warehouse establishments; medical, dental and veterinary clinics; motels, hotels, inns. etc. and retail, service and commercial establishments.
B.
Any and all off-street loading spaces shall have dimensions not less than 12 feet in width, 35 feet in length and 14 feet in height. Off-street loading spaces shall be provided in addition to off-street parking spaces and shall not be counted as or considered as off-street parking spaces.
C.
Off-street loading spaces shall be designed so as to provide adequate space for standing, turning, loading and unloading and shall not interfere with the public use of the streets and alleys.
D.
Off-street loading spaces shall be provided according to the following table:
Floor Area (Square Feet) | Loading and Unloading Space Required in Terms of Square Feet of Floor Area | |
|---|---|---|
0 to 4,000 | None | |
4,001 to 20,000 | 1 space | |
20,001 to 100,000 | 1 space for the first 20,000 square feet plus 1 space for each additional 20,000 square feet up to 100,000 square feet | |
100,001 to 500,000 | 5 spaces plus 1 space for each 40,000 square feet in excess of 100,000 square feet up to 500,000 square feet | |
Over 500,000 | 15 spaces plus 1 space for each 80,000 square feet in excess of 500,000 square feet |
E.
The phrase "floor area," as used in Subsection C above, for offices, trade or service types of uses shall mean the gross floor area used or intended to be used for service to the public and shall also include areas occupied by fixtures and equipment used for display or sale of merchandise.
[Amended 12-18-1989 by Ord. No. 1657]
F.
The Board of Commissioners may, upon their finding that the minimum parking space requirements as set forth in this chapter appear to require an excessive number of parking spaces for the particular use and application which is being proposed, by conditional use, provide lot owners relief from the minimum parking space requirements as set forth in this chapter, provided that the following conditions are established or provided:
[Amended 4-8-1991 by Ord. No. 1729]
(1)
The area equal to the total number of parking spaces eliminated shall be preserved and used as green space.
(2)
The green space shall be designated on the development, subdivision or site plan as being reserved for future parking purposes.
(3)
The green space so reserved shall be considered impervious surface.
(4)
The green space shall be contiguous to and be usable as parking spaces when required.
(5)
When, in the sole discretion of the Zoning Officer, the green space is needed for parking, the landowner shall convert the green space to usable parking following the design and construction requirements as set forth in this chapter and Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development.
(6)
The relief granted pursuant to this section as well as plan depicting the green space shall be designated on and attached to any and all buildings, use or occupancy permits issued to the owner or developer.