Chapter 17.04
OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS

Sections:

17.04.010    Purpose.

17.04.020    Categories of uses and conditions of uses covered by chapter.

17.04.030    Location of off-street parking.

17.04.040    Parking standards for specific activities.

17.04.050    Drive-in businesses.

17.04.060    Off-street parking regulations – Commercial district, C.

17.04.070    Size and design standards.

17.04.080    Overhang exception, landscaping, paving, wheel stops, drainage, lighting and curbing.

17.04.090    Off-street parking plans.

17.04.010 Purpose.

It is the purpose of this chapter to specify the off-street parking and loading requirements for all uses permitted in this title, and to describe design standards and other required improvements. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.020 Categories of uses and conditions of uses covered by chapter.

A. New Construction. New construction is covered by this chapter as follows:

1. Buildings constructed or enlarged.

2. Other structures or use areas constructed or enlarged.

3. Parking lots constructed or enlarged as follows:

a. If new or adding the equivalent of fifty (50) percent or more of the existing parking lot area, the entire parking facility must meet the standards of this title.

b. If adding less than fifty (50) percent of the existing parking lot area, only the new portion must meet the standards of this title.

B. Change in Use. When the occupancy of any land use, structure or building, or any part of a building, structure or land use, is changed to another use, parking shall be provided to meet the requirements of the new use. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.030 Location of off-street parking.

A. Single-Family Dwellings. Required parking for a single-family dwelling shall be located on the same lot as the building it is to serve.

B. Multifamily Dwellings. Required parking for multifamily dwellings may be on a contiguous lot if located within five hundred (500) feet of the dwelling units. The lot shall be legally encumbered by an easement or other appropriate means to ensure continuous use of the parking facilities. Documentation shall require review and approval of the Town Attorney.

C. Other Uses. For uses other than those described in subsections (A) and (B) of this section, required parking may be in areas other than on the premises if the required amount of parking area is set aside for a particular use in such a lot and such area is not located more than five hundred (500) feet from the premises. The lot or area to be utilized shall be legally encumbered by an easement or other appropriate means to ensure continuous use of the parking facilities. Documentation shall require review and approval of the Town Attorney. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.040 Parking standards for specific activities.

The requirement of one (1) space per dwelling unit may be reduced to no less than one (1) space for every two (2) dwelling units plus employee parking as determined by the Planning Director. The Planning Director shall base his decision on the following:

A. Availability for private, convenient, regular transportation services to meet the needs of the tenants;

B. Accessibility to and frequency of public transportation;

C. Pedestrian access to health, medical and shopping facilities;

D. Minimum age requirement to reside in subject apartments;

E. Special support services offered by the facility.

Special parking for recreational vehicles will not be required as long as the facility does not permit recreational vehicles other than campers or vehicles that fit into a regular-sized parking stall. If recreational vehicles are to be permitted on the development, they must be screened and fenced. Compact stalls will not be permitted except for one-third (1/3) of the required employee parking.

Parking standards for specific activities are as follows:

ACTIVITY

NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES

F. Living activities.

 

1. Dwellings.

 

a. Single-family.

Two (2) parking spaces per single-family dwelling.

b. Two (2) family.

Two (2) parking spaces per dwelling unit.

c. Multifamily and apartment.

One (1) parking space per unit for apartments of four hundred (400) square feet or less of floor area in all sized developments; two (2) parking spaces for each dwelling unit for developments with forty-nine (49) or less dwelling units; one and eight-tenths (1.8) parking spaces per dwelling unit for developments of fifty (50) or more dwelling units. For developments of fifty (50) or more dwelling units, one (1) parking space for each fifteen (15) dwelling units for recreational vehicles. Recreational vehicle parking spaces shall be in defined, fenced and screened areas with a minimum of six (6) foot high sight obscuring fences or landscaping as determined by the Planning Director, or the developer may provide areas of usable open space equal to that area that would be required for recreational vehicle parking. A vehicle less than twenty (20) feet long that is used as primary transportation is not subject to recreational vehicle parking regulations. If open space in lieu of recreational vehicle parking is provided, its appropriateness will be determined at the time of development plan review by the Planning Director. Only garages which are accessed by driveways eighteen (18) feet in length shall meet the definition of parking space, as required by this title. Garages without the driveway of required length are permitted, but shall not be counted toward the parking space requirements of this title.

d. Multiple dwellings for low income elderly.

One (1) parking space for each four (4) dwelling units.

e. Exceptions for senior citizen apartments in multifamily and apartment houses.

Approved building plans must show one and eight-tenths (1.8) spaces per dwelling unit. The additional spaces, plus any required landscaping, shall be installed if at any time the structure is not used for senior citizen apartments.

2. Boarding houses and lodging.

One (1) parking space for the proprietor, plus one (1) space per sleeping room for boarders or lodging use, plus one (1) additional space for each four (4) persons employed on the premises.

3. Mobile homes.

Two (2) parking spaces for each mobile home site, plus one (1) screened space for each ten (10) lots for off-street guest parking.

4. Travel trailers.

One (1) parking space for each trailer site.

5. Hotels.

One (1) parking space for each guest room, plus two (2) parking spaces for each three (3) employees.

G. Commercial activities.

 

1. Banks.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area, except when part of a shopping center.

2. Professional and business offices.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred fifty (250) square feet of gross floor area, except when part of a shopping center.

3. Shopping centers.

Four and one-half (4 1/2) spaces per one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross leasable area (GLA) for centers having GLA of less than four hundred thousand (400,000) square feet, and five (5) spaces per one thousand (1,000) square feet of GLA for centers having a GLA of over four hundred thousand (400,000) square feet.

4. Restaurants, nightclubs, taverns, and lounges.

One (1) parking space for each one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area, except when part of a shopping center.

5. Retail stores, supermarkets, department stores and personal service shops.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area, except when located in a shopping center.

6. Other retail establishments, furniture, appliance, hardware stores, household equipment service shops, clothing or shoe repair shops.

One (1) parking space for each five hundred (500) square feet of gross floor area, except when located in a shopping center.

7. Drive-in business.

One (1) parking space for each one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area, except when located in a shopping center.

8. Uncovered commercial area, new and used car lots, plant nursery.

One (1) parking space for each five thousand (5,000) square feet of retail sales area in addition to any parking requirements for buildings, except when located in a shopping center.

9. Motor vehicle repair and services.

One (1) parking space for each four hundred (400) square feet of gross floor area, except when part of a shopping center.

10. Industrial showroom and display.

One (1) parking space for each five hundred (500) square feet of display area.

H. Industrial activities.

 

1. Manufacturing, research and testing laboratories, creameries, bottling establishments, bakeries, canneries, printing and engraving shops.

One (1) parking space for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross floor area. For parking requirements for associated office area, see Professional and business offices.

2. Warehouses and storage buildings.

One (1) parking space for each two thousand (2,000) square feet of gross floor area. Maximum office area may be included without additional parking requirements.

3. Speculative warehouse and industrial buildings with multiple use or tenant potential.

One (1) parking space for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross floor area if building size is less than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, or one (1) parking space for each two thousand (2,000) square feet of gross floor area for buildings which exceed one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet gross of floor area; this is a minimum requirement and valid for construction permit purposes only. Final parking requirements will be based upon actual occupancy.

I. Recreation amusement activities.

 

1. Auditoriums, theaters, places of public assembly, stadiums and outdoor sports areas.

One (1) parking space for each four (4) fixed seats, or one (1) parking space for each one hundred (100) square feet of floor area of main auditorium or of principal place of assembly not containing fixed seats, whichever is greater.

2. Bowling alleys.

Five (5) spaces for each alley, except when located in a shopping center.

3. Dance halls and skating rinks.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area, except when located in a shopping center.

4. Golf driving ranges.

One (1) parking space for each driving station.

5. Miniature golf courses.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area. Such spaces shall be located adjacent to the building and shall be designated for visitors by signing or other special markings.

6. Recreational buildings, whether independent or associated with a multifamily complex.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred (200) feet of gross floor area. Such spaces shall be located adjacent to the building and shall be designated for visitors by signing or other special markings.

J. Educational activities.

 

1. Senior high schools, public, parochial and private.

One (1) space for each employee plus one space for each ten (10) students enrolled. In addition, if buses for the transportation of children are kept at the school, one (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for each bus, of a size sufficient to park each bus.

2. Colleges and universities and business and vocational schools.

Two and one-half (2 1/2) parking spaces for each employee, plus one (1) space for each three (3) students residing on campus, plus one (1) space for each five (5) day student not residing on campus. In addition, if buses for transportation of students are kept at the school, one (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for each bus, of a size sufficient to park each bus. One (1) additional parking space for each one hundred (100) students shall be provided for visitors in the vicinity of or adjacent to the administration portion of the building or complex. Such parking spaces shall be so designated by signing or other special marking as approved by the Public Works Director.

3. Elementary, middle, and junior high.

Two and one-half (2 1/2) parking spaces for each employee. In addition, if buses for transportation of students are kept at the school, one (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for each bus, of a size sufficient to park each bus. One (1) additional parking space for each one hundred (100) students shall be provided for visitors in the vicinity of or adjacent to the administration portion of the building or complex. Such parking spaces shall be so designated by signing or other special marking as approved by the Public Works Director.

4. Libraries and museums.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred fifty (250) square feet in office and public use.

5. Nursery schools and day care centers.

One (1) parking space for each employee, plus loading and unloading areas.

K. Medical activities.

 

1. Medical and dental offices.

One (1) parking space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area, except when located in a shopping center.

2. Convalescent, nursing and health institutions.

One (1) parking space for each two (2) beds, plus one (1) parking space for each staff doctor, plus one (1) parking space for each three (3) employees.

3. Hospitals.

One (1) parking space for each three (3) beds, plus one (1) parking space for each staff doctor, plus one (1) parking space for each three (3) employees.

L. Religious activities.

 

1. Churches.

One (1) space for each five (5) seats in the main auditorium; provided, that the spaces for any church shall not be less than ten (10). For all existing churches enlarging the seating capacity of their auditoriums, one (1) additional parking space shall be provided for each five (5) additional seats provided by the new construction. For all existing churches making structural alterations or additions which do not increase the seating capacity of the auditorium, no additional parking need be provided.

2. Mortuaries or funeral homes.

One (1) parking space for each one hundred (100) square feet of floor area of assembly rooms.

M. Other Uses. For uses not specifically identified in this section, the amount of parking required shall be determined by the Planning Director, based on parking required for similar uses, and, if appropriate, documentation provided by the applicant.

N. Mixed Occupancies or Mixed Use If One (1) Occupancy. In the case of two (2) or more uses in the same building, the total requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for the several uses computed separately, except in shopping centers. Off-street parking facilities for one (1) use shall not be considered as providing required parking facilities for any other use, except as permitted in subsection (O) of this section, pertaining to joint use.

O. Joint Use. The joint use of parking facilities may be authorized only for those uses which have dissimilar peak hour parking demands or parking facilities in excess of the requirements set out in this title. The following conditions must be fulfilled before a joint use facility is allowed:

1. The facility must be located within a radius of five hundred (500) feet of the buildings or use areas it is intended to serve;

2. Documentation of dissimilar peak hour parking demands must be provided by the applicant; and

3. The subject property shall be legally encumbered by an easement or other appropriate means which provides for continuous joint use of the parking facilities. Documentation shall require review and approval of the Town Attorney.

P. Employee Parking. Where employee parking will be maintained separately and in addition to parking for the general public, the regulations of this subsection shall apply:

1. Minimum parking stall sizes, aisle widths and percentage of compact car stall shall be as per other requirements in this chapter.

2. Employee parking must be clearly identified as such and not become parking for the general public.

3. If the employee parking is changed to parking for the general public, the normal regulations for off-street parking shall be in force.

4. Employee parking shall not be in lieu of parking requirements per activity as stated in this section.

Q. Temporary Parking Facilities. Temporary parking facilities may be permitted by the Planning Director when it has been shown that:

1. The existing use of the subject property has adequate legal nonconforming parking or that existing parking conforms to the applicable standards of this title.

2. The temporary parking facility is primarily intended to serve the public at large and not the existing use on the property.

3. The temporary parking facility serves a public need.

4. The temporary facility meets the following minimum standards:

a. There shall be a minimum of two hundred eighty-five (285) square feet gross area per stall.

b. The pavement section shall be a minimum of four (4) inches of five-eighths (5/8) inch minus C.R. crushed rock with bituminous surface treatment, subject to Public Works Director review.

c. On-site drainage control and detention shall be provided per the site development ordinance.

d. Ingress and egress and interior circulation and perimeter control shall be subject to Public Works Director approval.

R. Compact Car Parking.

1. Parking stall size shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet by seventeen (17) feet. Aisle width shall be per the requirements of WMC 17.04.080 and diagram no. 2 following this chapter.

2. Compact car parking spaces shall be clearly identified by signing or other marking as approved by the Public Works Director.

3. Compact car parking spaces shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total required parking, and shall not be interspersed equally throughout the entire parking area.

4. See WMC 17.04.080 and diagram no. 2 following this chapter for typical compact car stall arrangements.

5. No more than four (4) compact car parking stalls shall be placed side-by-side, or eight (8) head-to-head. [Amended during 2014 codification; UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.050 Drive-in businesses.

All banks, savings and loan associations, cleaning establishments and other businesses that maintain drive-in facilities which are intended to serve customers who remain in their motor vehicles during the business transactions, or are designed in such a manner that customers must leave their automobiles temporarily in a driving line located adjacent to the facility, shall provide stacking space for the stacking of motor vehicles as follows:

A. Relationship of Loading Space to Residential Areas. Loading berths shall be located not closer than fifty (50) feet to any residential district, unless wholly enclosed within a building, or unless screened from such residential area by a wall or uniformly painted fence not less than six (6) feet in height.

B. Relationship to Setback. Space for loading berths may occupy all or any part of any required setback as long as the loading berth is uncovered. A covered loading area shall comply with the minimum setback requirements for the district.

C. Types of Uses for Which Loading Space Shall Be Provided. Loading space shall be provided for the following types of buildings or businesses: warehouses, supermarkets, department stores, office buildings with a floor space in excess of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, industrial or manufacturing establishments, freight terminals, railroad yards, mortuaries and such other commercial and industrial buildings which, in the judgment of the Planning Director, are similar in nature in regard to loading space requirements.

D. Maneuvering Area for Buildings with Dock-high Loading Doors. Buildings which utilize dock-high loading doors shall provide a minimum of one hundred (100) feet of clear maneuvering area in front of each door.

E. Maneuvering Area for Buildings with Ground Level Loading Doors. Buildings which utilize ground level service of loading doors shall provide a minimum of forty-five (45) feet of clear maneuvering area in front of each door.

F. Driveways. Ingress and egress points from public rights-of-way (driveways) shall be designed and located in such a manner as to preclude off-site or on-street maneuvering of vehicles. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.060 Off-street parking regulations – Commercial district, C.

It is the purpose of this section to recognize the pedestrian-oriented nature of commercial activities while also recognizing the need for off-street parking facilities to eliminate traffic congestion. No off-street parking shall be required in this district, excepting that one (1) parking space per unit is required for multifamily residential development. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.070 Size and design standards.

A. Parking Stall Size. Parking stall size shall be as follows:

Standard

9 feet by 19 feet (1) (3)

Compact

8 feet by 17 feet (2) (3)

Employee

8 1/2 feet by 17 feet (3)

Parallel

9 feet by 23 feet

Notes:

1. Dimensions may include overhang. See WMC 17.04.080 for exceptions.

2. See diagram no. 2 following this chapter for typical compact stall placement with required landscape area.

3. Parking stall length may be reduced by a maximum of two (2) feet with corresponding increases in aisle width.

B. Minimum Design Standards and Typical Parking Stall Arrangements. For minimum design standards and typical parking stall arrangements, see the diagrams at the end of this chapter.

C. Units of Measurement.

1. Benches. In stadiums, sports arenas, churches and other places of assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews or other similar seating facilities, each twenty (20) inches of width of such seating facilities shall be counted as one (1) seat for the purpose of determining requirements for off-street parking facilities under this title.

2. Fractions. When a unit of measurement determining the number of required parking spaces results in the requirement of a fractional space, any fraction up to but not including one-half (1/2) shall be disregarded and fractions one-half (1/2) and over shall require one (1) parking space. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.080 Overhang exception, landscaping, paving, wheel stops, drainage, lighting and curbing.

A. Landscaping Generally. The landscaping requirements of Chapter 17.06 WMC and diagram no. 2 following this chapter shall apply with respect to off-street parking facilities.

B. Landscape Islands. Landscape islands with a minimum size of one hundred (100) square feet shall be located in the following areas to protect vehicles and to enhance the appearance of parking areas:

1. At the ends of all parking rows.

2. Where loading doors or maneuvering areas are in close proximity to parking areas or stalls.

C. Paving. All vehicular maneuvering areas, including but not limited to off-street parking areas, truck and mobile equipment loading, unloading, storage and maneuvering areas, and related access to and from public right-of-way shall be paved with asphalt or equivalent material, to be approved by the Public Works Director.

D. Wheel Stops. Wheel stops, a minimum of two (2) feet from any obstruction or the end of the parking stall, shall be required in the following locations:

1. Where the parking stall abuts a building or where vehicles may overhang a property line.

2. Where the parking stall abuts a pedestrian walkway of less than six (6) feet in width, or a walkway which is not raised, creating its own barrier.

3. Where a parking stall abuts any physical object which may be impacted (i.e. light standards, fire hydrants, fences, power vaults, utility poles, etc.)

4. Where a hazardous grade difference exists between the parking area and the abutting property.

5. Where other hazardous situations may exist as determined by the Public Works Director.

E. Lighting. Any lighting of a parking lot or storage area shall illuminate only the parking lot or storage area. All lighting shall be designed and located so as to avoid undue glare or reflection of light onto adjoining properties or public rights-of-way. Light standards shall not be located so as to interfere with parking stalls, maneuvering areas, or ingress and egress areas.

F. Vehicle Overhang Exception. Where sufficient area is available to allow safe and efficient overhang of a vehicle, the Planning Director may permit the standard parking stall length to be reduced by two (2) feet with corresponding increase in adjacent walkway or landscaping width.

G. Concrete Curb Placement. In addition to wheel stop requirements as provided in subsection (D) of this section, all landscape areas within or abutting parking areas shall be separated from the paved area by concrete curbing or other acceptable method as approved by the Planning Director and the Public Works Director. [UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].

17.04.090 Off-street parking plans.

A. Off-street parking plans shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Director and Public Works Director. Approval shall be based upon the following criteria:

1. Compliance with the requirements of this title.

2. Safety and efficiency of interior circulation.

3. Safety of ingress and egress points.

4. Effects of access on public streets with regard to street capacity, congestion and delay.

B. All plans must be complete with the information as requested by the Planning Director.

DIAGRAM 1. MINIMUM PARKING DESIGN STANDARDS 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G1

G2

H

I

J

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aisle Width

 

 

 

Angle

Stall Width feet

Stall Depth feet

Curb Length feet

Starting Loss feet

Depth to Wall feet

One-Way feet

Two-Way feet

Depth to Inter-lock feet

Setback feet

Gross Stall Area square feet

0

9.0

23.0

23.0

0.0

9.0

12.0

20.0

9.0

23.0

207

10

8.0

17.0

46.1

61.4

10.8

12.0

20.0

6.9

16.7

499

 

8.5

18.0

48.9

65.2

11.5

12.0

20.0

7.3

17.7

563

 

9.0

19.0

51.8

69.0

12.2

12.0

20.0

7.7

18.7

630

20

8.0

17.0

23.4

36.6

13.3

12.0

20.0

9.6

16.0

312

 

8.5

18.0

24.9

38.9

14.1

12.0

20.0

10.2

16.9

352

 

9.0

19.0

26.3

41.1

15.0

12.0

20.0

10.7

17.9

394

30

8.0

17.0

16.0

26.7

15.4

12.5

20.0

12.0

14.7

247

 

8.5

18.0

17.0

28.3

16.4

12.0

20.0

12.7

15.6

278

 

9.0

19.0

18.0

30.0

17.3

12.0

20.0

13.4

16.5

311

36.9

8.0

17.0

13.3

22.1

16.6

13.5

20.0

13.4

13.6

221

 

8.5

18.0

14.2

23.5

17.6

13.5

20.0

14.2

14.4

249

 

9.0

19.0

15.0

24.8

18.6

13.5

20.0

15.0

15.2

279

40

8.0

17.0

12.4

20.3

17.1

13.5

20.0

14.0

13.0

212

 

8.5

18.0

13.2

21.5

18.1

13.5

20.0

14.8

13.8

239

 

9.0

19.0

14.0

22.8

19.1

13.5

20.0

15.7

14.6

268

45

8.0

17.0

11.3

17.7

17.7

14.5

20.0

14.8

12.0

200

 

8.5

18.0

12.0

18.7

18.7

14.5

20.0

15.4

12.1

225

 

9.0

19.0

12.7

19.8

19.8

14.5

20.0

16.6

13.4

252

50

8.0

17.0

10.4

15.2

13.2

15.5

20.0

15.6

10.9

190

 

8.5

18.0

11.1

16.2

19.3

15.5

20.0

16.5

11.6

214

 

9.0

19.0

11.7

17.1

20.3

15.5

20.0

17.4

12.2

239

53.1

8.0

17.0

10.0

13.8

18.4

16.5

20.0

16.0

10.2

184

 

8.5

18.0

10.6

14.6

19.5

16.5

20.0

16.9

10.8

207

 

9.0

19.0

11.3

15.5

20.6

16.5

20.0

17.9

11.4

232

60

8.0

17.0

9.2

10.8

18.7

17.0

20.0

16.7

8.5

173

 

8.5

18.0

9.8

11.5

19.8

17.0

20.0

17.7

9.0

195

 

9.0

19.0

10.4

12.1

21.0

17.0

20.0

18.7

9.5

218

70

8.0

17.0

8.5

6.8

18.7

20.0

22.0

17.3

5.8

159

 

8.5

18.0

9.0

7.2

19.8

20.0

22.0

18.4

6.2

179

 

9.0

19.0

9.6

7.6

20.9

20.0

22.0

19.4

6.5

200

80

8.0

17.0

8.1

5.0

18.1

23.0

24.0

17.4

3.0

147

 

8.5

18.0

8.6

5.0

19.2

23.0

24.0

18.5

3.1

166

 

9.0

19.0

9.1

5.0

20.3

23.0

24.0

19.5

3.3

185

90

8.0

17.0

8.0

5.0

17.0

26.0

26.0

17.0

0.0

136

 

8.5

18.0

8.5

5.0

18.0

26.0

26.0

18.0

0.0

153

 

9.0

19.0

9.0

5.0

19.0

26.0

26.0

19.0

0.0

171

.

DIAGRAM 2.

[UDC Ord. dated 7/21/1998].