Chapter 18.38 PARKING AND LOADING

Chapter 18.38
PARKING AND LOADING Revised 11/23 Revised 12/23

18.38.000 Chapter Contents

Sections:

18.38.020 Purpose. Revised 12/23

18.38.040 Applicability.

18.38.060 Parking and loading general regulations.

18.38.080 Administrative modifications. Revised 11/23 Revised 12/23

18.38.100 Vehicular and bicycle parking standards. Revised 12/23

18.38.140 Loading berths required.

18.38.160 Specific zone district requirements. Revised 12/23

18.38.180 Shared parking facility.

18.38.200 Parking facility location.

18.38.220 Design standards-General.

18.38.240 District design standards. Revised 12/23

(Ord. 7288 §26, 2021; Ord. 7027 §31, 2016).

18.38.020 Purpose Revised 12/23

The objectives of this chapter are:

A. To provide accessible, attractive, well-maintained and screened off-street parking facilities;

B. To reduce traffic congestion and hazards;

C. To protect neighborhoods from the unwanted effects of vehicular traffic generated by adjacent non-residential land use districts;

D. To assure the maneuverability of emergency vehicles;

E. To provide aesthetically pleasing parking facilities in proportion to individual land use needs;

F. To implement comprehensive plan transportation demand management policies, thereby lowering single occupancy vehicle trip;

G. To reduce impervious parking surface through shared parking and median parking ratios;

H. To provide required parking standards and to allow a reduction or increase in parking ratios using an administrative modification;

I. To allow for more intense commercial development within predefined areas;

J. To promote the development of housing, including affordable housing, through residential parking standards.

(Ord. 7366 §1, 2023; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.040 Applicability

Unless specifically exempted, every land use shall have permanently maintained off-street parking facilities pursuant to the following regulations.

(Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7027 §29, 2016; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.060 Parking and loading general regulations

A. Off-street parking and loading spaces shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter when any of the following actions occur. These provisions apply to all uses and structures in all land use districts unless otherwise specified.

1. When a main or accessory building is erected.

2. When a legally established existing structure is remodeled or enlarged on a legally established site, it shall be exempt from providing additional off street parking provided that the structure is not enlarged, extended, or structurally altered outside the existing building envelope in a manner that would require additional parking pursuant to this chapter. In the case of a structure expanding, the number of additional spaces shall be computed only to the extent of the enlargement, regardless of whether or not the number of previous existing spaces satisfies the requirements of the chapter. In residential structures, alterations that do not increase the number of dwelling units are exempt.

3. When a use is changed to one requiring more or less parking or loading spaces it must comply with parking requirements. Except, when a new use of an existing building requires a similar amount of parking as the previous use (within 10% or 5 spaces, whichever is greater) regardless of the number of existing spaces onsite. A change of use exceeding this will require additional vehicular and bicycle parking. This also includes all occupied accessory structures.

4. When the number of stalls in an existing parking lot is decreased or increased by twenty-five (25) percent or 6 stalls, whichever is less. Only those stalls and areas proposed to be added or removed shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter. (Note: proposed expansions of existing parking lots not subject to the minimum parking requirements of this Chapter).

B. Required Plans. Building permits shall not be approved unless there is a building plan and site plan identifying parking, pedestrian routes, and loading facilities in accordance with this chapter. No permit or city license shall be issued unless there is proof that required parking, pedestrian routes, and loading facilities have been or are currently provided in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

C. Unlawful Removal. It is unlawful to discontinue prior approved parking facilities without establishing alternate facilities that meet the requirements of this chapter. Parking and loading facilities which are adequate to meet the requirements contained in this chapter shall be provided and maintained as long as the use they serve is in existence. These facilities shall not be reduced in total unless a shared parking agreement is canceled, a change in occupancy or use of a premises has occurred which results in a reduction of required parking.

D. Use of Facility. Necessary precautions shall be taken by the property owner to ensure parking and loading facilities are only used by tenants, employees, social/business visitors or other persons for which the facilities are provided, to include shared parking.

E. Off-site Parking. Parking lots may be established as a separate and primary land use, provided the proposed parking lot exclusively serves a specific use, building or development, and shared parking. These parking lots require a conditional use permit in the Arterial Commercial district. (See 18.38.200, Parking Facility Location, for maximum off-site separation requirements.)

F. For Landscape Requirements refer to Chapter 18.36.

G. Off-Street Parking--Schedule of Spaces. Off-street parking spaces shall be provided to the extent allowed by this Chapter.

H. Unlisted Uses. Any use clearly similar to any of the below-mentioned uses shall meet such use requirements. If a similarity of use is not apparent or no specific requirement is listed below, the Director may require a parking demand study and shall determine the standards that should be applied to the use in question.

I. Shared Parking. The Director may require an applicant to provide proof that shared parking is infeasible when adjacent land uses or business hours of operation are different. Adjoining property owners will submit a joint letter explaining why an agreement can or cannot be reached. (See Section 18.38.180, Shared and Combined Parking Facilities.)

J. On-Street Credit – Non-Residential. Upon the applicant’s request, non-residential uses located adjacent to a public right-of-way where on-street parking is permitted shall receive credit for one off-street parking space for each twenty (20) linear feet of abutting right-of-way, exclusive only of curb cuts and regardless of the actual and particular on-street parking provisions.

K. Rounding of Fractions. When the number of required parking spaces for a particular use or building results in a fractional space, any fraction less than one-half (1/2) shall be disregarded and any fraction of one-half (1/2) or over shall be counted as one (1) space.

(Ord. 7288 §§23, 24, 2021; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7027 §30, 2016; Ord. 6967 §21, 2015; Ord. 6408 §24, 2006; Ord. 5714 §18, 1997; Ord. 5664 §7, 1997; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.080 Administrative modifications¹ Revised 11/23 Revised 12/23

A. Project applicants may request an administrative modification to increase or decrease the number of parking spaces for motor vehicles, bicycles and loading otherwise required by this chapter. No modification is required to increase or decrease the number of required spaces by up to ten percent.

B. Administrative Modifications. The Director shall, at the request of the applicant, consider a modification to increase or decrease the number of required parking spaces within the range of 10 percent to 40 percent. This type of request is a Type I application pursuant to OMC 18.70.040. The project applicant shall present any modification request, and any evidence and reports.

1. The general criteria for an administrative modification request are:

a. Modification requests may be granted based on the effectiveness of proposed transportation demand management strategies, significance and magnitude of the proposed modification, and compliance with this chapter.

b. Modification requests may be denied or altered if the Director has reason to believe based on experience and existing development practices that the proposed modification may lead to excessive or inadequate parking or may inhibit or prevent regular and intended functions of either the proposed or existing use, or adjacent uses.

c. Modification requests will consider proximity of the site to public transportation, sidewalk connectivity to the site and in the surrounding area, the presence of bike facilities in and around the site, and the amount and location of on-site short- and long-term bicycle parking to be provided (e.g., increased long-term bicycle parking facilities on site to support a decrease in automobile parking).

2. Submittal Requirements. The applicant shall submit a report providing the basis for more or less parking and must include the following:

a. Describe site and use characteristics, specifically:

i. Site accessibility and proximity to transit infrastructure and transit times;

ii. Site accessibility and proximity to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure;

iii. Shared and combined parking opportunities; and

iv. Employee or customer density and transportation usage and patterns.

b. Describe and demonstrate alternative transportation strategies such as carpooling, flexible work schedules, telecommuting, or parking fees, if used;

c. Demonstrate compliance with commute trip reduction measures as required by state law, if applicable;

d. Identify possible negative effects on adjacent uses and mitigation strategies, if applicable;

e. Demonstrate how the reduction will result in the construction of more housing units, if applicable; and

f. If increasing, provide a parking demand study prepared by a transportation engineer licensed in the state of Washington, which supports the need for more parking; or

g. If decreasing by more than 20 percent, the site must be within a quarter mile of a transit route.

h. If the site is less than 200 feet from a low density residential zone, the applicant shall provide an assessment of anticipated impacts to available on-street parking within 1,000 feet of the site.

3. To mitigate the need for motor vehicle parking or to minimize hard surfaces, the Director may require measures, such as more efficient parking geometrics and enhanced bicycle parking (e.g., location and number of spaces) and pedestrian amenities. As a condition of approval of any increase in motor vehicle parking, at minimum the Director shall require the compliance with the provisions below. Any exceptions must be based on site and project constraints identified and described in the approval.

a. Double the amount of required interior landscaping for that area of additional parking. This additional area may be dispersed throughout the parking area. Fifty percent of this requirement may be in the form of parking spaces surfaced with a drivable planted pervious surface, such as ‘grasscrete’ or ‘turfblock.’

b. Without unduly compromising other objectives of this Chapter, 90 percent of the parking area must be located behind a building. Any parking area along a flanking street must have added landscaping and a superior design to strengthen pedestrian qualities, such as low walls, arcades, seating areas, and public art.

c. Any preferential parking must be located near primary building entrances for employees who ride-share.

d. In locations where bus service is provided, the applicant shall install a transit shelter meeting Intercity Transit standards if none is available within 600 feet of the middle of the property abutting the right-of-way. Alternative improvements may be accepted if supported by Intercity Transit’s Director.

4. Public Notification and Appeals. See Chapter 18.70 OMC.

(Ord. 7366 §2, 2023; Ord. 7364 §29, 2023; Ord. 7321 §7, 2022; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7027 §31, 2016; Ord. 6967 §22, 2015; Ord. 6273 §23, §24, 2003; Ord. 5539 §6, 1995; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.100 Vehicular and bicycle parking standards Revised 12/23

A. Required Vehicular and Bicycle Parking. A minimum number of bicycle parking spaces are required as set forth in Table 38-01 below. The specific number of motor vehicle parking spaces set forth in Table 38-01 must be provided, however the project proponent may increase or decrease by 10 percent automatically. This is not exclusive of other modifications as outlined elsewhere in the chapter. Residential uses, when parking is on site and not located in a parking lot, shall provide parking space(s) that are at least eight feet wide by 18 feet in length.

B. Building Area. All vehicle parking standards are based on the gross square feet of building area, unless otherwise noted.

C. Residential Provisions.

1. Residential uses, such as housing for seniors or people with disabilities, that provide parking for staff or visitors, that comply with parking provisions in state law (RCW 36.70A.620), shall record a covenant restricting use of the site to the approved use (e.g., seniors, people with disabilities). The covenant must be recorded prior to issuance of applicable construction permits.

2. For projects outside of the Downtown Exempt Parking Area, development projects with five or more residential units shall provide at least one accessible parking space. Accessible parking shall meet the location and dimensional standards in the adopted building codes.

3. For accessory dwelling units, single family homes, duplexes, townhouses on individual lots, and mobile home parks there is no maximum amount of parking allowed when all other zoning standards are satisfied (e.g. lot coverages).

4. New residential development projects within the area bounded by Cooper Point Road, Black Lake Boulevard, and Harrison Avenue (known as the Capital Mall Triangle) are exempt from minimum motor vehicle parking requirements.

D. Reserved Area for Bicycle Spaces. Where specified in Table 38.01 below, an area shall be designated for possible conversion to bicycle parking. Such reserve areas must meet the location requirements of short-term parking and may not be areas where pervious surfaces or landscaping is required. A cover is not required for such areas.

TABLE 38.01
Use	Required Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces	Minimum Required Long-Term Bicycle Spaces (see OMC 18.38.220)	Minimum Required Short-Term Bicycle Spaces (see OMC 18.38.220)
COMMERCIAL
Carpet and Furniture Showrooms	1.25 space per 1,000 square feet of gross showroom floor area. Each store shall have a minimum of 4 spaces.	1 per 16,000 square feet of showroom floor area. Minimum of 2.	1 per 8,000 square feet of showroom floor area. Minimum of 2.
Child and Adult Day Care	1 space for each staff member plus 1 space for each 10 children/adults if adequate drop-off facilities are provided. Adequate drop-off facilities must allow a continuous flow of vehicles which can safely load and unload children/adults. Compliance with this requirement shall be determined by the review authority.
Hotel and Motel	1 space for each room or suite and 1 space per manager’s unit. Hotel/motel banquet and meeting rooms shall provide 6 spaces for each 1,000 square feet of seating area. Restaurants are figured separately.	1 per 10 rooms. Minimum of 2.	1 per 1,000 square feet of banquet and meeting room space. Minimum of 2.
Markets, Shopping Centers and Large Retail/Wholesale Outlets	Less than 15,000 square feet = 3.5 spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor areas. 15,001 to 400,000 square feet = 4 spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. More than 400,001 square feet = 4.5 spaces per 1000 square feet of gross floor area.	1 per 6,000 square feet. Maximum of 5; minimum of 1.	1 per 3,000 square feet. Maximum of 10 per tenant; minimum of 2 within 50 feet of each customer entrance.
Medical and Dental Clinics	4 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.	1 per 10,000 square feet. Minimum of 2.	1 per 10,000 square feet, minimum of 2 within 50 feet of each customer entrance; plus an equal reserved area for adding spaces.
COMMERCIAL
Ministorage	3 spaces minimum or 1 space for every 100 storage units, and 2 spaces for permanent on-site managers.	None	None
Mixed Uses	Shared parking standards shall be used to calculate needed parking. This calculation is based upon the gross leasable area (GLA) for each shop or business and does not include atriums, foyers, hallways, courts, maintenance areas, etc. See shared parking OMC 18.38.180.	See individual use standards.	See individual use standards
Mortuaries and Funeral Parlors	1 space per 75 square feet of assembly area or 13 stalls per 1,000 square feet.	1	2
Offices, General	Gross floor area up to 2,000 square feet = 1 space for each 250 square feet Gross floor area between 2,001 to 7,500 square feet = 1 space for each 300 square feet Gross floor area between 7,501 to 40,000 square feet = 1 space for each 350 square feet Gross floor area of 40,001 and greater = 1 space for each 400 square feet.	1 per 10,000 square feet. Minimum of 2.	1 per 10,000 square feet; plus an equal reserved area for adding spaces. Minimum of 2.
Offices, Government	3.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet	1 per 5,000 square feet. Minimum of 2.	1 per 5,000 square feet; minimum of 2; plus an equal reserved area for adding spaces.
Retail Uses	3.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet	1 per 6,000 square feet. Maximum of 5; minimum of 1.	1 per 3,000 square feet. Maximum of 10 per tenant; minimum of 2 within 50 square feet of each customer entrance.
Service Station (mini-marts are retail uses)	3.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet g.f.a. or 1 space per 300 square feet.	None	None
Warehouse, Distribution	1 space for each 1,000 square foot or 1 space for each employee.	1 per 40,000 square feet or 1 per 40 employees. Minimum of 1.	None
Warehouse Storage	Gross Floor area of 0-10,000 square feet = 1 space for each 1,000 square feet Gross floor area between 10,001 – 20,000 square feet = 10 spaces plus .75 space for each additional 1,000 square feet beyond 10,000 square feet Over 20,000 square feet = 18 spaces plus .50 for each additional 1,000 square feet beyond 20,000 square feet, or 1 space for each employee.	1 plus 1 for each 80,000 square feet above 64,000 square feet; or 1 per 40 employees. Minimum of 1.	None
INDUSTRIAL
Manufacturing	1 for each 2 employees on the largest shift, with a minimum of 2 spaces.	1 for each 30 employees on largest shift. Minimum of 2.	1 for each 30 employees on largest shift. Minimum of 2.
INSTITUTIONAL
Beauty Salons/Barber Shops, Laundromats/Dry Cleaners, and Personal Services		1 per 6,000 square feet. Minimum of 1.	1 per 3,000 square feet. Minimum of 2.
Educational Facilities (to include business, vocational, universities, and other school facilities).		1 per 5 auto spaces. Minimum of 2.	1 per 5 auto spaces. Minimum of 4.
Elementary and Middle School	1 stall per 12 students of design capacity.	1 per classroom.	3 per classroom.
Farmers Market		None	1 per 10 auto stalls. Minimum of 10.
High School	1 space per classroom and office, plus 1 space for each 4 students that are normally enrolled and are of legal driving age. Public assembly areas, such as auditoriums, stadiums, etc. that are primary uses may be considered a separate use.	1 per 5 classrooms, plus 1 for each 40 students (may also require 1 per 4,500 assembly seats). Minimum of 2.	1 per 5 classrooms, plus 1 for each 40 students (may also require 1 per 4,500 assembly seats). Minimum of 4.
Hospitals, Sanitariums, Nursing Homes, Congregate Care, Rest Homes, Hospice Care Home and Mental Health Facilities.	1 for each 2 regular beds, plus 1 stall for every 2 regular employees on the largest shift.	1 per 30 beds, plus 1 per 30 employees on largest shift. Minimum of 2.	1 per 30 beds, plus 1 per 30 employees on largest shift. Minimum of 2.
Libraries and Museums	1 space per 300 square feet of public floor area or 3.3 spaces per 1,000 square feet. 6 stalls either on-site or on-street directly adjacent to the property. The Director may allow pervious-type parking surfaces.	1 per 6,000 square feet of public floor area. Minimum of 2.	1 per 1,500 square feet of public floor area. Minimum of 4.
Marinas		Minimum of 4.	1 per 10 auto stalls. Minimum of 4.
Other Facilities Not Listed		None	1 per 25 auto stalls. Minimum of 2.
Park-N-Ride Lots and Public (Parking) Garages		1 per 15 auto stalls. Minimum of 4.	2.
Parks		None	1 per 5 auto stalls. Minimum of 4.
Transit Centers		10.	10.
PLACES OF ASSEMBLY
Passenger Terminal Facilities	1 space for each 100 square feet of public floor area or 10 spaces per 1,000 square feet	Minimum of 10.	Minimum of 10.
Place of Worship	1 space per 4 seats. When individual seats are not provided, 1 space for each 6 feet of bench or other seating. The Director may use a ratio of 6 stalls/1,000 square feet of assembly area where seats or pews are not provided or when circumstances warrant increased parking; e.g., large regional congregations which attract a large congregation or one which has multiple functions. See shared parking OMC 18.38.180.	1 per 10,000 square feet of gross floor area.	1 per 160 seats or 240 lineal feet of bench or other seating, and 1 per 6,000 square feet of assembly area without fixed seats. Minimum of 4.
Private Clubs or Lodges (does not include health clubs or retail warehouse)	6 spaces per 1,000 square feet	1 per 6,000 square feet. Minimum of 1.	1 per 6,000 square feet. Minimum of 2.
Theater and Auditorium	1 space for each 4.5 fixed seats. If the theater or auditorium is a component of a larger commercial development the above parking standard may be modified to account for shared parking as provided in OMC 18.38.180.	1 per 450 fixed seats. Minimum of 1.	1 per 110 fixed seats. Minimum of 4.
Theater and Auditorium without fixed seats	1 space for each 3 permitted occupants. Maximum building occupancy is determined by the Fire Marshal.	1 per 300 permitted occupants. Minimum of 1.	1 per 75 permitted occupants. Minimum of 4.
RECREATION/AMUSEMENT
Bowling Alleys	5 spaces for each alley.	1 per 12 alleys. Minimum of 1.	1 per 4 alleys. Minimum of 4.
Health Club	4 spaces for each 1,000 square feet.	1 per 5,000 square feet. Minimum 1.	1 per 2,500 square feet. Minimum of 4.
Skating Rinks and Other Commercial Recreation	5 spaces per 1,000 square feet.	1 per 8,000 square feet. Minimum of 1.	1 per 4,000 square feet. Minimum of 4.
RESIDENTIAL
Accessory Dwelling Unit	None	None	None
Single Family Home, Duplex, and Townhouses on individual lots	Minimum of 0.5 spaces per unit. See OMC 18.38.100(C).	None	None
Bed and Breakfast	1 space in addition to space(s) required for the residential unit.	1 per 10 rooms. Minimum of 1.	None
Collegiate Greek system residences and dormitories	1 space for every 3 beds, plus 1 space for the manager.	1 per 14 beds. Minimum of 2.	10 per dormitory, or Collegiate Greek system residence
Community Club Houses		None	1 per 10 auto stalls. Minimum of 2.
Cottage Housing	Minimum of 0.5 spaces per unit.	1 per 5 units, or 1 per 3 units if no on-street parking. Minimum of 2.	1 per 10 units, or 1 per 6 units if no on-street parking. Minimum of 2.
Elder Care Home	1 space in addition to space(s) required for the residential unit.	Minimum of 2.	Minimum of 2.
Group Home	1 space for each staff member plus 1 space for every 5 residents. Additionally, 1 space shall be provided for each vehicle used in connection with the facility.	1 per 10 staff members plus 1 per 30 residents. Minimum of 1. Additional spaces may be required for conditional uses.	None
Home Occupations	None, except as specifically provided in this table.	None	None
Mobile Home Park	0.5 spaces per lot or unit, whichever is greater. If recreation facilities are provided, 1 space per 10 units or lots. See OMC 18.38.100(C).	None	None
Multifamily Dwellings (3 units or more)	0.5-1.5 spaces per unit.	1 storage space per unit	1 per 10 units. Minimum of 2 per building.
Any residential development within half a mile of frequent transit routes (transit service 4 times per hour for 12 or more hours per day)	0-1.5 spaces per unit.	For projects with 3 or more units: 1 storage space per unit.	For projects with 3 or more units: 1 per 10 units. Minimum of 2 per building.
Short-Term Rental	1 additional space when there are more than 2 bedrooms rented in 1 dwelling unit, and 1 additional space when there are 2 vacation rentals on 1 parcel and 1 is a single-family home. EXCEPTION: A short-term rental in existence prior to September 26, 2021, need not provide the additional parking spaces required by the preceding sentence, provided all other applicable requirements are met and provided the unit is continuously operated as a short-term rental.	None	None
Residential units for seniors or people with disabilities, when located within one quarter mile of a transit stop that receives transit service at least 4 times per hour for 12 or more hours per day	None for the units. Staff and visitor parking may be required at a ratio of 1 space per every 4 units. The City may require more parking in areas with a lack of access to street parking capacity, physical space impediments, or other reasons supported by evidence that would make on-street parking infeasible for the units.
RESTAURANT
Cafes, Bars and other drinking and eating establishments.	10 spaces 1,000 square feet.	1 per 2,000 square feet; minimum of 1.	1 per 1,000 square feet; minimum of 1.
Car Hop	1 for each 15 square feet of gross floor area.	1 per 300 square feet; minimum of 1.	1 per 150 square feet; minimum of 1.
Fast Food	10 spaces per 1,000 square feet plus 1 lane for each drive-up window with stacking space for 6 vehicles before the menu board.	1 per 2,000 square feet; minimum of 1.	1 per 1,000 square feet; minimum of 1.

(Ord. 7366 §3, 2023; Ord. 7321 §8, 2022; Ord. 7289 §9, 2021; Ord. 7288 §25, 2021; Ord. 7267 §13, 2020; Ord. 7187 §3, 2019; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7094 §11, 2017; Ord. 7027 §32, 2016; Ord. 6967 §23, 2015; Ord. 6666 §2, 2009; Ord. 6459, §2, 2007; Ord. 6323 §7, 2004; Ord. 6229 §3, 2002; Ord. 5907 §3, 1999; Ord. 5714 §19, 1997; Ord. 5539 §8, 1995; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.140 Loading berths required

[NOTE: Loading berths are not required in Downtown Olympia (see Figure 38-1.5). (See Section 18.36.180(C)(2)(b) for landscape requirement.)]

A. RETAIL, WHOLESALE AND MANUFACTURING USES.

Any building being or intended to be used for retail, wholesale, warehouse, freight, hospital, industrial and manufacturing uses shall be provided with off-street loading berths according to this schedule.

1. For buildings under five thousand (5,000) square feet, an off-street loading space, having access to a public thoroughfare, shall be required adjacent to each business building, hereafter erected or enlarged; and such loading space shall be of adequate size to accommodate the maximum number and size of vehicles simultaneously loaded or unloaded in connection with the business conducted in such building.

2. One (1) berth shall be required for each building containing five thousand (5,000) to twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of floor area.

3. Two (2) berths shall be required for each building containing twenty thousand (20,000) to fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of floor area.

4. Three (3) berths shall be required for each building containing fifty thousand (50,000) to one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of floor area.

5. One (1) additional berth shall be required for each fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of floor area in excess of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet.

B. OFFICE AND HOTEL USES.

Any building intended to be used for offices, hotel, restaurant, assembly area or other similar use shall be provided with off-street loading berths according to this schedule.

1. One (1) berth for each building containing twenty thousand (20,000) to fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of floor area.

2. Two (2) berths for each building containing fifty thousand (50,000) to one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of floor area.

3. One (1) additional berth for each one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet of floor area in excess of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet.

C. LOADING BERTH DESIGN STANDARDS.

Off-street loading facilities shall be designed and maintained in accordance with the standards hereunder.

1. Each loading berth shall be at least ten (10) feet wide, forty-five (45) feet long and fourteen (14) feet high.

2. Loading berths and spaces may be located in any required yard providing such berth is not roofed and is not within a required landscape area.

3. Loading berths and spaces shall be located entirely on the property they are intended to serve and designed in such a way that a street is not used as a maneuvering area.

4. Access to loading berths shall be from an alley when such exists.

5. Two (2) or more separate occupancies or buildings having a common wall may locate their required loading berths in one (1) location; provided, the number of berths is not less than the sum of required berths for all buildings concerned; and there shall be interior access from each building to the loading berth.

6. Loading areas shall be designed that traffic congestion and interference is avoided and the highest possible of safety is maintained.

Downtown Area Exempt From Loading Berth Requirements

FIGURE 38-1.5

(Ord. 7310 §9, 2022; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.160 Specific zone district requirements² Revised 12/23

A. Ten Percent Required Reduction in Parking Requirements.

The median motor vehicle parking requirements contained in OMC 18.38.100 shall be reduced by an additional ten percent for uses in the High Density Corridor 1, 2, 3, and 4 Districts (see High Density Corridor Map), Neighborhood and Urban Villages, and for nonresidential uses within the Downtown (see Figure 38-2).

B. Urban Residential (UR), Residential Mixed Use (RMU) and Commercial Services - High Density (CS-H) Zones.

Residential uses may be provided with one motor vehicle parking space per unit unless otherwise exempted elsewhere in this chapter.

C. Downtown Exempt Parking Area (See Figure 38-2).

1. Existing buildings constructed prior to January 1, 2002, which are located within the Downtown Exempt Parking Area (See Figure 38-2), shall be exempt from the vehicle parking standards. However, a change of use within such existing structures shall comply with the long-term and short-term bicycle parking standards pursuant to Table 38.01;

2. All new residential buildings and uses located within the Downtown Exempt Parking Area (See Figure 38-2) shall be exempt from vehicle parking standards. However, if any new residential parking is constructed, the parking facility shall meet the Parking Design and Design Review Criteria in OMC 18.38.180 through 18.38.240 and applicable criteria in OMC Chapters 18.04, 18.06, and 18.120). All new residential buildings and uses shall comply with the long-term and short-term bicycle parking standards pursuant to Table 38.01;

3. All new commercial buildings or expansions totaling over 3,000 square feet of gross leasable area, constructed after January 1, 2002, which are located within the Downtown Exempt Parking Area (See Figure 38-2) shall be required to meet vehicle parking and bicycle standards (OMC 18.38.020 through 18.38.240); and

4. When not covered by C.1 or C.2 above, bicycle parking is not required for those buildings and uses located within the Downtown Exempt Parking Area (see Figure 38-2) that do not provide on-site motor vehicle parking.

D. High Density Corridor 1 and 2, and Urban Residential (UR).

1. Small restaurants (up to 750 square feet of service area) shall provide two parking spaces/1,000 square feet; and

2. Small retail including food stores and laundries (up to 3,000 square feet) shall provide 2 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet. (The first 350 square feet are exempt from parking requirements.) Small retail may provide additional parking up to 3.5 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet.

FIGURE 38-2

(Ord. 7366 §4, 2023; Ord. 7335 §1, 2022; Ord. 7310 §10, 2022; Ord. 7288 §§28, 29, 2021; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7094 §12, 2017; Ord. 6967 §24, 2015; Ord. 6459 §3, 2007; Ord. 6323 §8, 2004; Ord. 6195 §28, 2002; Ord. 6165 §1 & 2, 2001; Ord. 5714 §20, 1997; Ord. 5539 §9, 1995; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.180 Shared Parking Facility

A. General.

The Director shall require an applicant to provide proof that shared parking is feasible when adjacent land uses have different hours of operation. Mixed use and shopping center developments with similar operating hours may also be required to submit a parking demand study to determine if parking can be combined.

1. Authority. In order to eliminate multiple entrances and exits, reduce traffic hazards, to conserve space and to promote orderly development, the Director and Hearing Examiner are each hereby authorized to plan and group cooperative parking facilities for a number of parking generators in such a manner as to obtain the maximum efficiency in parking and vehicular circulation.

2. Allocation.

a. Shared parking.

i. When two (2) or more land uses, or uses within a building, have distinctly different hours of operation (e.g., office and church), such uses may qualify for a shared parking credit. Required parking shall be based on the use that demands the greatest amount of parking.

ii. If two (2) or more land uses, or uses within a building, have different daytime hours of operation (e.g., bowling alley and auto part store), such uses may qualify for a total parking reduction of no more than fifty (50) percent.

b. Combined parking.

Two (2) or more uses which have similar hours of operation and combine parking facilities may qualify to decrease the number of parking stalls as follows. The Director may require a parking demand study to ensure sufficient parking is provided.

Two (2) uses:	Five (5) percent reduction
Three (3) uses:	Ten (10) percent reduction
Four (4) or more uses:	Fifteen (15) percent reduction

3. Location. Parking spaces provided for one use shall not be considered parking space for another use. Uses may be defined as singular, combined, or shared parking.

a. Shared parking. In case there are uses in close proximity of each other that operate or are used at entirely different times of the day or week, the Director may allow shared parking facilities to satisfy the parking requirements of such uses if the parking facilities are within seven hundred (700) feet of all parking generators being served by such facilities; and

b. Combined parking. Two (2) or more uses may satisfy their parking requirements by permanently allocating the requisite number of spaces for each use in a common parking facility, cooperatively established or operated; provided, the total number of spaces conforms to the requirements in item 4 below.

4. Agreement. An agreement, lease, deed, contract or easement establishing shared use of a parking area, approved by the City Attorney, shall be submitted to the Director and recorded with the County Auditor’s Office. For new buildings which share parking under this provision, such agreements shall run with the land for both and all properties with shared parking. Such agreement requires Director approval for any change or termination. A parking agreement may be attached to a lease if additional parking is required due to a change in occupancy. This only applies in circumstances where there is existing parking and the change in use creates a deficiency.

5. Termination of Shared or Combined Use.

a. In the event that a shared or combined parking agreement is terminated, those businesses or other uses with less than the required parking shall notify the Director within ten (10) days and take one of the following actions:

i. Provide at least fifty (50) percent of the required parking within ninety (90) days, and provide the remaining required parking within three hundred and sixty-five (365) days following the termination of the shared use; or

ii. Demonstrate, based upon a study deemed reliable by the Director, that the available parking is sufficient to accommodate the use’s peak parking demand.

iii. Apply for and receive administrative parking variance.

b. If sufficient parking is not provided, the use, or that portion of the use out of compliance with this chapter, shall be terminated upon the expiration of the time period specified in (5)(a)(i) above. This requirement shall be established as a condition of the occupancy permit for uses relying on shared parking.

(Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 6967 §25, 2015; Ord. 5714 §21, 1997; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.200 Parking facility location

A. Parking facilities may be provided either on the same premises with the parking generator or in any parking facility, the property line of which is located within seven hundred (700) feet of the parking generator. Parking facilities may be provided further than seven hundred (700) feet from the parking generator or building if:

1. Regular shuttle service is provided;

2. A shared parking agreement is approved by the City; or

3. The parking generator is in the Downtown Business or Urban Waterfront zone and the parking facility is within 1,400 feet.

B. Where possible, surface parking lots shall be located behind a building. Where it is not possible to provide parking behind a building, parking lots may be located along the side of a building, provided that it comprises no more than fifty (50) percent of the site’s street frontage. This provision does not apply to commercial parking lots which comprise the only use of a site. In the R-4, R 4-8 and R 6-12 districts;

1. Surface parking lots for co-housing projects (not including garages) within forty (40) feet of perimeter or through streets shall not extend more than seventy-five (75) feet along the street frontage in a continuous segment (i.e., uninterrupted by a landscaped open space, garden or orchard with no dimension less than forty (40) feet; a dwelling; or common structure).

2. The Hearing Examiner may approve the location of surface parking lots in the front and/or along the side of buildings, pursuant to Conditional Use Permit Hearing Examiner Approval (OMC 18.70.180), when all of the following are met:

a. The building is over 5,000 square feet; located in a residential zone; requires Design Review and a Conditional Use Permit; and

b. The site is bounded on two or more street frontages; and

c. The building is oriented to have the least impact on the neighborhood; and

d. Parking lot landscape and screening clearly exceed the provisions set out in OMC 18.36.180 to effectively screen it from the street (See also Alternative Landscape Plans OMC 18.36.100(A) and (B)); and

e. Bicycle/pedestrian facilities provide safety, convenience, security and clear connections for pedestrians and bicycles between all rights-of-way adjoining the parking area and the front door; and

f. Outdoor lighting is designed with regard to placement, intensity, shielding, timing and color to avoid offsite spillover; and

g. Site design provides landscape or other features to screen vehicular headlights from residences.

The approval authority may waive these requirements if the applicant demonstrates that these parking restrictions would not allow reasonable use of the site due to its configuration (e.g., if the site has multiple street frontages and it is impractical to meet this requirement along all frontages due to the amount or relationship of the proposed development) or other physical site constraints, or it would significantly interfere with pedestrian circulation. Where permitted in commercial districts (listed in OMC 16.06), parking areas in front of buildings should be located between buildings or adjacent to an existing parking area to enable shared parking (see Shared Parking Facilities, Section 18.38.180. Also see Landscape Standards, Section 18.36.180).

C. High Occupancy Vehicles - Stall Location. All employers required to operate high occupancy vehicles (HOV) shall mark the closest parking spaces to the building entrance Reserved for HOV. These spaces shall not displace required handicap parking.

D. Arterial Commercial District. Employee and tenant parking in this district may be located up to one thousand (1,000) feet from the parking generator if people are required to walk between the lot and use, or up to three (3) miles if shuttle service is provided at the beginning and end of the work shift.

(Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7094 §13, 2017; Ord. 6858 §1, 2013; Ord. 6408 §25, 2006; Ord. 5801 §5, 1998; Ord. 5664 §8, 1997; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.220 Design standards-General

Off-street parking facilities shall be designed and maintained in accordance with the standards hereunder, provided that up to 30% of parking stalls may be small spaces as described in section B. In the alternative, an applicant may propose and, if providing equal or better function, the Director may approve alternative parking geometrics consistent with the most recent specific standards promulgated by the Institute of Transportation Engineers or the National Parking Association.

A. General Requirements. Also see the specific zone district design standards of OMC 18.38.240.

1	2 SW	3 WP	4 VPW	5 VPi	6 AW	7 W2	8 W4
Parking Class	Basic Stall Width (ft)	Stall Width Parallel to Aisle (ft)	Stall Depth to Wall (ft)	Stall Depth to Interlock (ft)	Aisle Width (ft)	Modules Wall-to-Wall (ft)	Modules Interlock to Interlock (ft)
A	2-Way Aisle-90° 9.00	9.00	17.5	17.5	24	59	59
A	2-Way Aisle-60° 9.00	10.4	18.0	16.5	24	60	57
A	1-Way Aisle-75° 9.00	9.3	18.5	17.5	20	57	55
A	1-Way Aisle-60° 9.00	10.4	18.0	16.5	16	52	49
A	1-Way Aisle-45° 9.00	16.5	16.5	14.5	13	46	42

STANDARD PARKING DIMENSIONS

FIGURE 38-4

FIGURE 38-5

1. Driveways.

a. Approaches. Driveway approaches and curb cuts within public rights-of-way shall be located and designed in accordance with the City’s current Engineering Design and Development Standards.

b. For residential driveways once the driveway is outside of the public right of way, the provisions below apply.

i. Setback. A driveway may be located within any required setback.

ii. Width. All driveways shall meet the access width requirements of the Fire Department (see OMC 16.32.050).

iii. Surfacing. A gravel surface driveway may be allowed for a single-family residence for that portion of the driveway that is more than 75 feet from the right of way line where access is provided. Any driveway approved for a gravel surface shall include a paved apron in front of the garage automobile door entrance extending a minimum depth of 18 feet and at least the width of the garage door.

2. Ingress/Egress Requirements.

a. The Director, or designee, and after appropriate traffic study, including consideration of total parcel size, frontage on thoroughfares, uses proposed and other vicinity characteristics, shall have the authority to fix the location, width and manner of approach of a vehicular ingress and egress from a building or parking area to a public street and to alter existing ingress or egress as may be required to control street traffic in the interest of public safety and general welfare.

b. Generally, but not in all cases, the internal circulation system and the ingress and egress to commercial or multifamily developments from an access street shall be so designed that the principal point of automobile cross-traffic on the street occurs at only one point--a point capable of being channelized for turning movements. Access shall be shared with adjoining parcels by placing ingress/egress points on shared lot lines, wherever safe and practical. Where parcels are bounded by more than a single street, generally, but not in all cases, access shall be provided only from the street having the lowest classification in the hierarchy of streets as established in the Engineering Design and Development Standards.

3. Maneuvering Areas.

a. All maneuvering areas, ramps, access drives, etc. shall be provided on the property on which the parking facility is located; however, if such facility adjoins an alley, such alley may be used as a maneuvering area. A garage or carport entered perpendicular to an alley must be located a minimum of 10 feet from the property line. A garage or carport entered parallel to an alley may be placed on the rear property line; provided sight distances are maintained.

b. Maneuvering areas shall be provided so that no vehicle is obliged to back out of a parking stall onto the street, except into neighborhood collector and local access streets within the R-1/5, RLI, R-4, R 4-8, and R 6-12 use districts, or where approved by the City Engineer.

4. Parking Surface. All parking, maneuvering, and driving areas must be paved and designed to meet drainage requirements. Approved pervious surfaces may be used.

5. Landscaping. Parking areas shall be landscaped according to the requirements of Chapter 18.36.

6. Wheel Stop, Overhang. Appropriate wheel and bumper guards shall be provided to protect landscaped areas, to define parking spaces and to clearly separate the parking area from any abutting street rights-of-way and property lines. Vehicles may overhang landscaped areas up to two feet when wheel stops or curbing is provided.

FIGURE 38-6

7. Contiguous parking lots shall not exceed one (1) acre in size. Parking lots exceeding one (1) acre in size shall be separated by a minimum ten (10) foot wide landscaped strip. This strip is in addition to interior and perimeter landscaping and may be used for stormwater management or pedestrian access.

8. Structured Parking Dimensions. Structured parking facilities may be designed to the general design standards found in Figures 38-4 and 38-5 above, Figure 38-7 below, or to the following structured parking design standard. Within parking structures, small spaces shall not exceed 30% of spaces within each structure.

	Small Space Dimension	Standard Dimensions
Standard Stall Width	8-foot	9-foot
Standard Stall Depth	16-foot	16-foot
Standard Aisle Width	24-foot	24-foot
Standard Wall-to-Wall	57-foot	57-foot

B. Compact Car Dimensions, Layout and Circulation.

1. Parking Dimensions. No more than thirty (30) percent of spaces shall be smaller than the standard sizes. (See Compact Parking Dimensions Table below.)

1	2 SW	3 WP	4 VPW	5 VPi	6 AW	7 W2	8 W4
Parking Class	Basic Stall Width	Stall Width Parallel to Aisle (ft)	Stall Depth to Wall (ft)	Stall Depth to Interlock (ft)	Aisle Width (ft)	Modules Wall-to-Wall (ft)	Modules Interlock to Interlock (ft)
2-Way Aisle-90° A	8.00	8.00	15.0	15.0	21.0	51.0	51.0
2-Way Aisle -60° A	8.00	9.3	15.4	14.0	21.0	52.0	50.0
1-Way Aisle-75° A	8.00	8.3	16.0	15.1	17.0	49.0	47.0
1-Way Aisle-60° A	8.00	9.3	15.4	14.0	15.0	46.0	43.0
1-Way Aisle-45° A	8.00	11.3	14.2	12.3	13.0	42.0	38.0

Source: Guidelines for Parking Facility Location and Design ITE Committee 5D-8, May 1990.

FIGURE 38-7

C. Bicycle Parking Design Standards.

1. A long-term bicycle parking facility shall provide for secure extended and short-term use and shall protect the entire bicycle and its components and accessories from theft and weather. Acceptable examples include, in preferred order: bike lockers; bike check-in systems; in-building parking; and limited-access fenced areas with weather protection.

To discourage improper use a bike locker door should include a see-through window or view hole. For in-building bike parking and limited access fenced areas, fixed structures for locking individual bikes, such as racks, must be provided within the facility. If such an area exceeds five (5) parking spaces, lockable clothing/gear storage lockers must also be provided within the facility. However, facilities such as factories and schools that provide personal lockers are not required to provide additional locker space for bicycle clothing/gear storage.

Exception: For retail uses under five thousand (5,000) square feet, long-term parking facilities exclusively for bicycles must only be provided only upon request of one or more employees. However, if permanent dedicated space is not provided, a sign must be posted at the primary employee entry reading "Secure Bicycle Parking Provided Upon Request - Olympia Municipal Code 18.38."

2. A short-term bicycle parking facility shall provide convenient parking with some security and weather protection. Short-term bicycle parking facilities shall include a covered stationary rack. These facilities may be shared among adjoining establishments.

Short-term bicycle parking facilities shall be located either: no further from a public entry than the nearest non-handicapped parking stall; or visible from and within one hundred (100) feet of the public entry; or within fifty (50) feet of the public entry to the building. A directional sign shall be provided if the selected location is not clearly visible from the primary entrance.

3. Each bicycle parking area shall be separated from motor vehicle parking and maneuvering areas by a barrier, post, or bollard, or by at least five (5) feet of open space. Bicycle parking spaces shall be two (2) feet by six (6) feet each, with no less than a seven (7) foot overhead clearance. A five (5) foot maneuvering aisle shall separate rows of bicycle parking spaces. Bicycle parking facilities shall not be solely accessible by stairs.

4. Bicycle racks shall be covered in such a manner as to protect the entire bicycle from rain and installed to provide adequate maneuvering space and ensure that the requisite number of bicycle parking spaces remain accessible. The rack shall be permanently affixed to the ground and support the bicycle at two (2) or more points, including at least one (1) point on the frame higher than two (2) feet from the ground. The user shall be able to lock the bicycle with a U-shaped lock or cable lock. Bicycle racks which only support a bicycle front or rear wheel are not permitted.

5. Long-term bicycle parking facilities may be substituted for short-term bicycle facilities only if the design is consistent with the purpose of short-term facilities.

D. Pedestrian Routes. Notwithstanding pedestrian accessible route requirements addressed in the International Building Code, a pedestrian access plan shall be prepared for sites with more than 30 parking spaces, or where block sizing requirements are triggered. The plan shall examine where people will walk into, out of, and through the development. The development shall provide clear pedestrian pathways, in a manner that minimizes potential conflicts between moving vehicles and pedestrians. A pedestrian pathway, whether it be a required sidewalk or additional asphalt with a distinct line separating vehicles, shall be located in areas likely to be used by a pedestrian, instead of the driveway or street.

Unless exempted by the City, the plan shall be prepared by a transportation engineer hired by the developer, and the report shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer or designee as well as the Director or designee. The report shall consider the pedestrian and bicycle use of the development and adjacent offsite parcel(s), in light of future growth and build out, and consistent with the goals and purposes of the Comprehensive Plan to mitigate long-term impacts of the development on multi-modal travel. Such pedestrian pathways should connect with other public pathways on property adjacent to the site.

(Ord. 7321 §9, 2022; Ord. 7288 §30, 2021; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7027 §33, 2016; Ord. 6967 §26, 2015; Ord. 6459 §4, 2007; Ord. 6195 §29, 2002; Ord. 6140 §32, 2001; Ord. 5830 §41, 1998; Ord. 5664 §9, 1997; Ord. 5539 §10, 1995; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

18.38.240 District design standards Revised 12/23

In addition to the parking design standards for various zone districts found below, also refer to Design Review, Chapter 18.100.

A. Structured Parking Design Requirements:

1. Structured parking adjacent to designated pedestrian oriented streets on properties not located in one of the Downtown Design Sub-Districts must meet the Parking Structure Design Requirements in the Pedestrian Streets Overlay District Chapter Section 18.16.080(J).

2. For projects in one of the Downtown Design Sub-Districts, all above ground structured parking must meet the Above-Grade Structured Parking Requirements in Chapter 18.120.490.

Parking Garage facade treated with decorative grill work.

FIGURE 38-8

(Ord. 7244 §10, 2020; Ord. 7110 §3, 2017; Ord. 7094 §14, 2017; Ord. 6323 §9, 2004; Ord. 6195 §30, 2002; Ord. 5517 §1, 1995).

Code revisor’s note: OMC 18.38.080, as amended by Ord. 7366, was drafted on a version of this section prior to being amended by Ord. 7364. The amendments of Ord. 7364 have been editorially retained.

Code revisor’s note: OMC 18.38.160, as amended by Ord. 7366, was drafted on a version of this section prior to being amended by Ord. 7335. The amendments of Ord. 7335 have been editorially retained.