§ 28-100. Off-street parking, loading, and access design standards.
(a)
General provisions for off-street parking.
(1)
The regulations of this article must be met in all districts whenever any uses are established or any building or structure is erected, enlarged, or increased in capacity.
(2)
Plans and specifications showing required off-street parking spaces, including the means of access, ingress, egress, drainage and circulation must be submitted to the zoning administrator (or designee) for review on or before the time of application for a building permit for the erection or enlargement of a building or at the time spaces are added or altered, unless a site plan is required under section 28-135 (site plan review procedures and requirements), in which case this requirement does not apply.
a.
Modification of standards. The zoning administrator (or designee) will perform an independent site review analysis and may allow the applicant to deviate from zoning regulations if unique or restrictive circumstances exist.
(3)
No parking area or parking space which exists at the time this section becomes effective, or which subsequently thereto is provided for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this section, may thereafter be relinquished or reduced in any manner below the requirements established by this section.
(4)
Residential parking.
a.
One-family residential off-street parking spaces must consist of a parking strip, driveway, garage, or combination thereof, and must be located on the premises they are intended to serve.
b.
No parking is permitted on lawns or other unpaved areas on residential lots.
c.
Parking areas in a front yard are limited to a drive or driveway and may not exceed thirty-five (35) percent of the front yard area.
d.
Parking in a front yard is prohibited except in an approved driveway which:
1.
Must be paved in accordance with subsection (g)(3) of this section.
2.
Cannot be more than twenty (20) feet wide, extending from the curb cut, unless otherwise approved by the zoning administrator (or designee).
e.
Carports and garages will be calculated as parking spaces on a one-to-one basis. Carports must be enclosed or obscured at least twenty-five (25) percent along all sides visible from public streets, residential districts or vehicular drives within the site.
(5)
Location.
a.
The parking of vehicles will not be permitted except in an area that has been designated and improved to provide for such vehicle parking in accordance with the provisions of this article.
b.
Off-street parking for uses other than one- or two-family dwellings in the R-3, R-4, and R-6 zoning districts must be located only in the side and rear yards and must meet the setbacks of subsection (a)(6) of this section. The zoning administrator (or designee) may allow parking in the front yard in consideration of site characteristics such as lot size, configuration, site circulation, number of spaces required, topography, existing structures, parking arrangement on adjacent sites, views, uses across the street and similar features.
c.
Off-street parking for uses other than one- or two-family dwellings in the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, I-1, and I-2 zoning districts must meet the setbacks of subsection (a)(6) of this section.
d.
Off-street parking for all multiple-family and nonresidential uses must be either on the same lot or within lots under the same ownership and control as the lot or use being served, except where provided in subsection (a)(5)e., below.
e.
Required parking may be provided off-site, on a lot or lots where there is a lease or shared parking agreement to accommodate parking, provided such arrangement is approved by the zoning administrator (or designee). Any lease or shared parking agreement must include a provision that requires notification to the zoning administrator (or designee) of any change in the terms or expiration. The zoning administrator (or designee) may allow modifications to parking agreements where parking compliance is achieved in some other manner or the zoning board of appeals grants a variance.
f.
All off-street parking required to meet the requirements of this section must be within a convenient walking distance of the building entrances, as determined by the zoning administer (or designee), except that valet parking may be provided elsewhere.
g.
Parking is prohibited in the lawn extensions and/or terraces or on sidewalks within public rights-of-way, on lawn areas or otherwise outside of designated parking spaces.
(6)
Parking lot setbacks for uses other than one- or two-family dwellings. Parking lots, including drives and maneuvering aisles, but excluding driveways, must maintain a minimum of a five (5) foot setback from the abutting right-of-way(s) and abutting property lines. Where two unlike zoning districts abut, a minimum of an eight (8) foot setback shall be maintained. The zoning administrator (or designee) may waive this requirement where a shared access driveway, connected parking lots, or rear service drive is provided, or where landscaping, a wall or a fence is provided to screen views and headlight glare. Required parking lot setback areas must be landscaped according to the standards of section 28-105 of this chapter.
(7)
Change in use or intensity.
a.
Whenever the use of a building or lot is changed, parking facilities must be provided as required by this section for the new use.
b.
When an existing use changes employment, operations or activities that may produce parking demand in excess of available spaces, the city will require documentation showing adequate parking is provided or will be expanded to meet the requirements of this section.
c.
If any building, structure, or lot is increased through the addition of dwelling units, increased floor area, increased seating capacity, or through other means, additional off-street parking must be provided to bring the use or site into compliance with this section.
d.
Any area once designated as required off-street parking must not be altered unless and until equal facilities meeting the standards of this section are provided elsewhere, or the parking requirements of the site change as determined by the zoning administrator (or designee).
e.
Off-street parking existing at the effective date of this section, in connection with the operation of an existing building or use, may not be reduced to an amount less than required for a similar new building or new use.
(8)
Storage and repair. The use of required parking and loading areas for any other purpose is expressly prohibited.
(9)
Shared parking. The shared provision of off-street parking for two (2) or more buildings or uses is permitted where the locational requirements of subsection (a)(5) of this section are met, and a notarized agreement submitted on behalf of all pertinent parties is approved by the zoning administrator (or designee). In such cases, the total number of spaces provided collectively must not be less than the sum of spaces required for each separate use. However, the zoning administrator (or designee) may reduce the total number of spaces by up to thirty (30) percent if it is determined that the operating hours of the buildings or uses do not overlap.
(10)
Construction parking. During construction, gravel surfacing may be permitted for such temporary parking as determined by the zoning administrator (or designee).
(11)
Deferred parking spaces.
a.
The zoning administrator (or designee) may approve a lesser amount of parking, based upon demonstration by the property owner and applicant (if different) that the required amount of parking is greater than the intended use will generate. In order to meet the parking space requirements of this section, the area in which the deferred parking would be located must be retained as open space in the event additional parking is required. The site plan must note the area where parking is being deferred, including dimensions and a dotted parking lot layout. Any required landscaping placed within the "banked" parking area must be replaced by the owner/applicant if the parking area is expanded. The owner must agree to construct the additional parking, based on observed use, within six (6) months of being informed of such request by the city.
b.
Design of the stormwater management facilities for the entire potential parking area (i.e., including the "banked" parking area) must be carried out at the time of the approval of the lesser amount of parking by the zoning administrator (or designee). Only the construction of stormwater management facilities needed to serve the portion of the parking to be built may be required. In such cases, however, the property owner must agree to construct the additional stormwater management facilities when the additional parking is constructed. The site plan must note the area where the deferred stormwater management facilities will be constructed.
(b)
Rules for calculating required number of parking spaces.
(1)
Usable floor area and gross floor area.
a.
Where useable floor area (UFA) or gross floor area (GFA), is the unit for determining the required number of off-street parking spaces, determination of the floor area must be based upon a floor plan submitted as part of the site plan review application (see section 28-5 of this chapter for definitions).
b.
Where the UFA cannot be established at the time of site plan review, it will be considered to be eighty-five (85) percent of the gross floor area.
(2)
Bench seating. In stadiums, sports arenas, churches, and other places of assembly in which those in attendance occupy benches, pews, or similar seating facilities, each twenty-four (24) inches of such seating will be counted as one (1) seat. In cases where a place of assembly has both fixed seats and an open assembly area(s), requirements will be computed separately for each type and added together.
(3)
Employees. For requirements stated in terms of employees, the calculation will be based upon the maximum number of employees likely to be on the premises at one time and may include overlap of employees during shift changes.
(4)
Capacity. For requirements stated in terms of capacity or permitted occupancy, the number will be determined on the basis of the largest ratings by the building, fire or health codes of the city, county, or state.
(5)
Partial spaces. When the number of required parking spaces results in a partial space, any portion of a space up to and including one-quarter (0.25) will be disregarded and portions of a space over one quarter (0.25) will be counted as one (1) additional required space.
(6)
Public parking is available. Where a common municipal parking area is in existence, the off-street parking requirements can be waived or reduced if: (a) sidewalks are provided between the parking area and the use and (b) the parking area is no more than a five hundred-foot distance, as measured along the sidewalks from the entrance of the establishment concerned. A notarized letter or memo containing this information must be submitted to the zoning administrator (or designee). Any change in tenancy or use will be judged as sufficient cause for review by the zoning administrator (or designee) for the purpose of determining off-street parking requirements.
(7)
Two (2) or more uses proposed. The number of parking spaces required for land or buildings used for two (2) or more purposes will be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed in accordance with this subsection.
If a parking lot serves two (2) or more uses where the operating hours of the uses do not overlap, the total number of required spaces may be less than the sum of requirements for each use. In no case, however, may the number of spaces required be less than the sum of the largest number of spaces required for one use plus one-half (½) of the required spaces for each additional use. A notarized agreement must be submitted to the zoning administrator (or designee) which identifies (1) the hours of operation for each use and (2) the use with the largest parking requirement as the primary use. The zoning administrator (or designee) will determine the conditions of overlapping requirements and the amount of reductions in the required number of spaces which will be permitted, in accordance with this subsection.
(8)
Similar uses. Where a use is not specifically listed in the table of off-street parking space requirements, the parking requirements of a similar use will apply. The zoning administrator (or designee) will make the interpretation. The zoning administrator (or designee) may also refer to national parking generation studies in determining the required parking calculation.
(9)
Reduction or modification of required spaces. The required number of spaces in the tables that follow may be reduced or modified by the zoning administrator (or designee) under the following circumstances:
a.
A shared parking agreement or leased parking is provided as noted in this section.
b.
Convenient municipal off-street parking is available to meet peak time parking demands of the use. The city council may require payment to offset acquisition, construction and maintenance costs.
c.
The number of required spaces may be reduced in consideration of available curbside spaces within a convenient walking distance, but not those located fronting a residential use.
d.
Where the applicant has provided a parking study, conducted by a qualified traffic engineer, which demonstrates that another standard based on actual number of employees, expected level of customer traffic or actual counts at a similar establishment would be more appropriate.
(c)
Off-street parking space requirements.
(1)
General off-street parking requirements. The requirements in this subsection apply to uses outside of the downtown. Please refer to subsection (c)(2) of this section for the off-street parking requirements which apply in the C-3 district.
Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Requirements
Use Range of Parking Spaces
Min. Max. Measurement
Dwellings and other residential uses One-family dwellings 2.00 4.00 spaces for each dwelling unit Two-family dwellings 2.00 3.00 spaces for each dwelling unit Multiple-family dwellings 1.00 1.50 spaces for each dwelling unit; plus 0.50 0.55 spaces per dwelling unit for visitor parking Manufactured housing communities 2.00 2.00 spaces per dwelling unit (per the Mich. Admin. Code r. 125.1925); plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per every 3 dwelling units for visitor parking (per the Mich. Admin. Code r. 125.1926) Buildings converted to dwellings outside of the C-3 District 1.0 1.1 spaces per dwelling unit Elderly housing dwelling units 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 2 dwelling units; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Apartment hotels, dormitories, and fraternity and sorority houses, including work release (halfway) houses 1.00 1.10 spaces per room or resident (whichever is greater) Rooming and boarding houses 1.00 1.10 spaces per room or resident (whichever is greater) Adult and child group home facilities 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee on site at any one time as well as the required spaces for the dwelling Assisted living facilities, convalescent homes, nursing homes, and children's homes 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 4 beds; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 2 employees on maximum shift Bed and breakfast inns 2.00 2.00 spaces for the owner(s) of the bed and breakfast; 1.00 1.10 spaces for each guest room Institutional uses Adult and child day care facilities 2.00 2.20 spaces; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per 8 adults or children of licensed authorized capacity; and 1.00 1.10 drop-off spaces per 8 adults or children of licensed authorized capacity Churches, temples and similar places of worship and related establishments 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 4 seats of capacity Essential public services 1.00 1.10 spaces per 100 square feet of UFA Hospitals 1.75 2.00 spaces per bed; plus the spaces required per 1,000 square feet of UFA devoted to office, research or other related uses; or the required spaces for outpatient care centers Medical and dental offices and clinics 4.00 4.40 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA Outpatient care centers, urgent care facilities or other similar uses 2.00 2.20 spaces per exam or outpatient procedure/operating room; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per room for employee parking Private clubs and lodge halls 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 3 persons of maximum capacity Public and quasi-public institutional buildings, structures and uses 0.50 0.75 spaces per 3 seats of permitted capacity with fixed seats (e.g., arenas, auditoriums, and stadiums) ; or 1.00 1.10 spaces per 300 square feet of UFA without fixed seats (e.g., community centers) Schools: Elementary and middle schools 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee on maximum shift; plus 50% 55% of spaces required for any assembly, auditorium and/or outdoor arena areas; and 10.00 11.00 pick-up/drop-off spaces as well as any necessary waiting or loading area for buses Schools: High schools 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee on maximum shift plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 20 students of capacity; and 50% 55% of spaces required for any assembly, auditorium, and/or outdoor arena areas; and 10.00 11.00 pick-up/drop-off spaces as well as any necessary waiting or loading area for buses Schools: Colleges and business, vocational, and trade schools 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each ten students of capacity; and 50% 55% of spaces required for any assembly, auditorium, and/or outdoor arena areas Libraries, museums, art galleries and centers, and other cultural facilities 1.00 1.10 spaces per 300 square feet of UFA Commercial uses Automobile: Gasoline stations and repair establishments 1.00 1.10 spaces for each gasoline pump; plus 2.00 2.20 spaces for each service bay; and 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee on maximum shift; and 1.00 1.10 spaces per 200 square feet of UFA for retail sales; and 1.00 1.00 spaces per 4 seats for restaurants; and 5.00 11.00 stacking spaces per drive-through lane Automobile: New and used dealerships and other types of vehicle dealers (e.g., recreational vehicles, tractors, commercial trucks, etc.) 1.00 1.50 spaces for each 300 square feet of interior sales area in addition to the spaces dedicated for vehicle sales (refer to Sec. 28-115, site design standards); plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each service bay; and 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 2 employees on maximum shift Automobile: Wash establishments (automatic) 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee during peak shift; plus 12.00 14.00 stacking spaces for the initial car wash bay; and 5.00 7.00 stacking spaces for each additional car wash bay; or 6.00 7.00 stacking spaces when accessory to a gas station Automobile: Wash establishments (manual) 2.00 2.20 spaces; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per each employee on maximum shift; and 2.00 2.20 stacking spaces per bay Automobile: Oil change establishments 3.00 3.30 spaces; plus 2.00 2.20 stacking spaces per service bay Banquet facilities 1.00 1.10 spaces per 2 persons of capacity authorized by the building code; or 1.00 1.10 spaces per 300 square feet of UFA (whichever is greater) Barber shops and beauty salons, including day spas 2.00 2.20 spaces for each chair; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee on maximum shift Conference centers, exhibit halls and similar uses 1.00 1.10 spaces per two persons of capacity authorized by the Building Code; or 10.00 11.00 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA, (whichever is greater) Convenience stores 1.00 2.00 spaces per 150 square feet of GFA, and 1.00 1.00 space for each 2.5 seats of on-site seating, and 1.00 1.00 space per each employee based upon the peak shift Dry cleaners, jewelry stores, repair shops, and similar uses 5.00 5.55 spaces for the initial 1,000 square feet; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each additional 1,000 square feet; and 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Funeral homes and mortuary establishments 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 50 square feet of UFA in service parlors, chapels and receptions areas; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each fleet vehicle Furniture, appliance, and household equipment stores 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 1,000 square feet of UFA; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee on maximum shift Gas station with or without a mini-mart 1.00 2.00 spaces per 150 square feet of GFA, and 1.00 1.50 stacking spaces per each fueling station, and 1.00 1.00 space for each 6 seats of on-site seating, and 1.00 1.00 space per each employee based upon the peak shift, and 2.00 3.00 spaces per each service bay General commercial and retail sales establishments (excluding convenience stores and liquor stores of less than 5,000 square feet in GFA) 5.00 5.00 spaces; and 1.00 1.50 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA for stores up to 25,000 square feet of GFA; and 0.50 1.75 spaces per each additional 1,000 square feet of UFA for stores greater than 25,000 square feet of GFA such as shopping centers, discount stores, club warehouses, home improvements centers and grocery stores; and 0.00 0.25 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA of outdoor display and sales areas Hotels and motels 1.00 1.10 spaces per guest room; plus 10.00 11.00 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA of lounge, restaurant, conference, banquet rooms or exhibit space (if the majority of the patrons are expected to be hotel/motel guests) or the individual standards Kennels or boarding areas 5.00 5.50 spaces; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Liquor stores (sale by package) 1.00 2.00 spaces per 150 square feet of GFA, and 1.00 1.00 space per each employee based upon the peak shift Lumberyards/stores 3.00 3.30 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA 0.00 0.25 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA of outdoor display and sales areas Mini-self-storage warehouse 3.00 3.30 spaces; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Restaurants: Bars, taverns, and lounges 10.00 12.00 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Restaurants: Fast food, drive-through, and drive-in 15.00 16.50 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA, excluding the areas used for food preparation; plus 5.00 7.00 stacking spaces per lane from the location where orders are placed 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Restaurant: Standard 20.00 25.00 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA, excluding the areas used for food preparation; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift and the spaces required for bars, taverns, or lounges and/or banquet or meeting rooms Restaurant: Carry-out and open front window 6.00 6.60 spaces; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Restaurant: Coffee, tea, and "Wi-Fi" cafes 1.50 2.00 spaces per 125 square feet of UFA 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift Self-serve laundry (laundromat) 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 2 machines Studios for photography, dance, music, art and similar uses 3.00 3.30 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee Theaters, cinemas, and auditoriums 1.00 1.10 spaces per three seats Video arcade 1.00 1.10 spaces per 100 square feet of UFA; or 6.00 6.60 spaces (whichever is greater) Video rental stores 10.00 11.00 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA Office: General 4.00 10.00 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA Office: Professional 5.00 5.50 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA Banks, credit unions, and similar financial establishments 1.00 1.10 spaces per 200 square feet of UFA; plus 1.00 1.10 stacking spaces for each drive-up teller and each ATM; and 4.00 5.00 spaces per employee on maximum shift Banking centers separate from a financial establishment (including ATM's) 4.00 4.40 parking spaces for walk-up banking centers; or 4.00 4.40 stacking spaces per lane for drive-through banking centers Veterinary offices, clinics and hospitals 4.00 4.40 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA, plus the required spaces for kennels or boarding areas Industrial uses Light and general manufacturing, research establishments, testing labs and development centers 2.00 5.00 spaces; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift; and the spaces required for any office or sales area Utility substations, including wireless telecommunication facilities 2.00 2.00 spaces for each substation Warehousing establishments 2.00 5.00 spaces; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces per employee on maximum shift; and 1.00 1.10 spaces for each vehicle to be stored on the premises Recreational uses Batting cages 3.00 3.30 spaces per batting cage Bowling alleys 4.00 5.00 spaces for each alley; plus the parking for accessory uses as provided herein Fitness centers and health clubs 5.00 5.50 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA; plus the required parking spaces for swimming pools, courts, restaurants and other uses Golf driving ranges 1.00 1.10 spaces per 2 tees plus the parking required for other uses on the site Golf courses (public or private) 6.00 6.60 spaces for each golf hole; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee; and the spaces required for each accessory use, such as a restaurant Miniature golf courses 2.00 2.20 spaces for each golf hole; plus 1.00 1.10 spaces for each employee; and the spaces required for each accessory use, such as a restaurant Municipal recreation centers 5.00 8.00 spaces per 1,000 square feet of UFA; plus the spaces required for outdoor courts, field and facilities Racquetball/tennis courts 2.00 3.00 spaces per court Stadiums, sports arenas, and rolling or ice skating rinks 1.00 1.10 spaces per 3 persons of capacity authorized by the Building Code Swimming pools 1.00 1.10 spaces per 3 persons of capacity authorized by the Building Code Swimming pool clubs, tennis clubs, and similar uses privately operated 1.00 1.10 spaces for each 2 member families; plus spaces as required for each accessory use, such as restaurant (2)
Downtown off-street parking requirements.
a.
The requirements in this subsection apply to uses in the downtown, which are reduced requirements in recognition of the opportunities for shared parking and trips in the C-3 district and the proximity to residential areas and public parking areas. Please refer to subsection (c)(1) of this section for the general off-street parking requirements.
Table of Downtown Off-Street Parking Space Requirements
Use Range of Parking Spaces
Min. Max. Measurement
Commercial and retail sales establishments 30% 50% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards Restaurants: Bars, taverns, lounges 50% 70% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards Restaurants: Fast food, excluding drive-through or drive-in 50% 70% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards Restaurant: Standard 50% 70% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards Restaurant: Standard with bars, taverns, lounges 50% 70% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards Restaurant: Carry-out and open front window 50% 70% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards Restaurant: Coffee, tea, and "Wi-Fi" cafes 50% 70% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards Personal service establishments and offices 50% 70% of the spaces required in the Table of General Off-Street Parking Space Standards New multiple-family dwellings and existing buildings converted to dwellings 0.00 1.00 spaces for each dwelling unit in buildings with 4 units or less 1.00 1.10 spaces for each dwelling unit in buildings with 5 to 20 units 0.50 0.55 spaces for each dwelling unit in buildings with 20 units or more b.
If the required spaces above are obtained by participating in the city's meterless parking system, notarized and signed documentation must be provided to the zoning administrator (or designee).
(d)
Storage of recreational vehicles and equipment.
(1)
Recreation vehicles and equipment. Recreational vehicles and equipment includes, but are not limited to: boats and boat trailers; snowmobiles; trail cycles; all-terrain vehicles; travel trailers; camp trailers; tent trailers; motor homes; utility trailers; floats, rafts and similar equipment; trailers; cases and boxes used for transporting recreational equipment; and all equipment designed to be used for a temporary dwelling for travel, recreation and vacation use or periodical and occasional family recreational and vacation use.
(2)
Standards in residential districts. The following standards will apply in all residential districts:
a.
Except as otherwise permitted in this section, recreational vehicles and equipment greater than eight (8) feet in width, twenty-two (22) feet in length, and seven (7) feet in height cannot be parked or stored on any lot or parcel in any residential district, and/or parcel used for residential purposes, unless all of the following applies:
1.
The lot/parcel is located adjacent to a property zoned for commercial use.
2.
The vehicle/equipment is parked adjacent to the commercial use and behind the rear corner of the home.
3.
The front and side yard setbacks are satisfied.
b.
Recreational vehicles and equipment eight (8) feet in width, twenty-two (22) feet in length, and seven (7) feet in height or less may be parked and stored in the rear yard, behind the back building line, on any lot or parcel in any residential district, and/or parcel used for residential purposes, providing the following is satisfied:
1.
No less than a five-foot side yard setback is maintained.
2.
No less than a ten-foot setback is maintained from the adjacent home unless abutting the garage in which case only the five-foot side yard setback will apply.
3.
No less than three (3) feet shall be maintained between the on-site home and the vehicle/equipment.
4.
On a corner lot, vehicles and equipment must be stored behind the established front yards as defined in section 28-5 of this chapter.
c.
No more than one (1) unit can be parked outside of a garage or similar structure. For purpose of this limitation, a unit will be recreational equipment used in conjunction with other recreational equipment (i.e. a recreational vehicle mounted on a trailer shall be considered one (1) unit).
d.
For the purposes of loading and unloading, recreational vehicles and equipment may be parked anywhere in a driveway or parking area on a residential premises for a period not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours, for the purposes of loading and unloading. Parking of self-propelled (i.e. motorized) vehicles (as defined in the motor vehicle code) within the public street shall also be acceptable for the same period, contingent upon other on-street parking regulations contained in this Code.
e.
Such equipment cannot be used for living or sleeping purposes when parked or stored on a residential lot, or in any location not approved for such use, other than as follows:
1.
The location must be in accordance with the above noted provisions, and can never be within the public right-of-way.
2.
Duration cannot exceed two (2) weeks per year.
f.
Recreational vehicles and equipment cannot be parked or stored on any public right-of-way other than as noted above in subsection (d)(2)e. of this section.
g.
Stored recreational vehicles must have a current license plate and be registered to an occupant of the dwelling unit on the parcel(s) on which it is stored.
h.
The following shall apply to all recreation equipment:
1.
Unmounted camper enclosures or boats are not permitted in the front or side yard or driveway and must be stored on a paved surface approved by the zoning administrator (or designee) and stabilized.
2.
Open top utility trailers may not be used to store any material other than recreational equipment.
3.
All boats must be covered.
4.
Refer to subsection (f) of this section for commercial vehicle parking and storage regulations.
(3)
No recreational vehicles or equipment are allowed in multiple family development or manufactured housing communities.
(4)
Repairs in residential districts. Recreational vehicles and equipment may not be stored or parked in residential districts for the purpose of making major repairs (i.e. engine rebuilding, reconditioning of motor vehicles, body work, etc.), refurbishing, or reconstruction of the recreational vehicle or equipment.
(5)
Nonresidential districts. The storage of recreational vehicles, equipment, and any other motorized or non-motorized (excluding bicycles) in nonresidential districts when it is not associated with the business of the property, must provide proper screening (i.e. no less than eight-foot evergreens and/or an eight-foot high solid fence, as approved by the zoning administrator (or designee)) so that it is not visible from the street and abutting residential areas. All such areas must also be maintained in accordance with of chapter 26, article III (grass and noxious weeds) of this Code.
(e)
Repair of vehicles. The carrying out of repair, restoration and maintenance procedures or projects on vehicles in any residential zoning district, when such work is not conducted entirely within the interior of the vehicle, is subject to the following limitations:
(1)
Procedures exceeding forty-eight (48) hours in duration or which require the vehicle to be immobile or inoperable in excess of forty-eight (48) hours must be carried out within an enclosed building.
(2)
Inoperable vehicles and vehicle parts must be stored inside an enclosed building.
(f)
Commercial vehicle parking and storage.
(1)
Commercial vehicles cannot be considered as an accessory use to a residential dwelling except as permitted below:
a.
The vehicle is used as the principal means of transportation for a resident in the conduct of such resident's employment or profession.
b.
The vehicle cannot be a utility trailer, dump truck, stake truck, flat-bed truck, wrecker or semi-tractor.
c.
No part of the vehicle may exceed seven (7) feet in overall height, measured from grade.
d.
The vehicle cannot have outside brackets or holders for ladders, tools, pipes or other similar equipment.
e.
The vehicle cannot have more than four (4) rear wheels.
f.
The vehicle cannot exceed twelve thousand (12,000) pounds gross weight.
(2)
The parking or storage of essential public service vehicles, such as a police vehicle, fire department or vehicle of a public agency where the vehicle is operated by the homeowner or the occupant is exempt from these provisions provided that the vehicle does not exceed the height and weight standards contained in subsection (f)(1) of this section.
(3)
Commercial vehicles which are employed in conjunction with the permitted use of a lot, parcel or any premises must be parked or stored in compliance with the following provisions:
a.
For sites with a site plan approved subsequent to the effective date of this subsection, such vehicles must be parked or stored in parking or loading spaces designated for that purpose on the site plan.
b.
For situations not covered under subsection (f)(3)a. of this section, such vehicles cannot be parked while the commercial establishment is closed to the public or stored in any parking space adjacent to the public right-of-way except when the number of commercial vehicles under control of the owner and/or occupant exceeds the number of available parking spaces.
(4)
Commercial vehicles intended to be used as signs are prohibited. No commercial vehicle may be parked on a business premises or an industrial lot for a time period exceeding forty-eight (48) hours for the intended purpose, as determined by the zoning administrator (or designee), of advertising a product or serving as a business sign.
(5)
In any multiple-family residential district, the property owner or the controlling authority must provide a designated area, approved by the zoning administrator (or designee), to park or store commercial vehicles. Required parking spaces shall not be used for the parking or storage of commercial vehicles and must be hard surfaced, as approved by the zoning administrator (or designee).
(6)
The parking or storage of commercial vehicles and/or for residential, office or storage purposes shall not be permitted, except as allowed in subsection (f)(1) of this section.
_____
(g)
Off-street parking space layout standards, construction and maintenance. Wherever a parking lot is built, such parking lot must be laid out, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:
(1)
Aisle lane widths, parking space widths and parking space length. Aisle lane widths, parking space widths and parking space lengths are to be provided as shown in the table of off-street parking layout standards and the figure of off-street parking layout standards, unless otherwise approved by the zoning administrator (or designee). All spaces must have adequate access by means of aisles or lanes. Aisles for access to all parking spaces on two-way aisles must be designed and clearly marked for two-way movement. Aisles for angle parking spaces must have one-way movement only and must be clearly marked for one-way movement.
Table of Off-Street Parking Space Layout Standards
Parking Space
AngleTraffic
Direction
Aisle Lane
Width
Parking Space
Width
Parking Space
Length
30 to 74 degrees One-way Min. 16 feet
Max. 18 feet9 feet Min. 19.5 feet
Max. 21 feet*75 to 90 degrees Two-way Min. 22 feet
Max. 24 feet9 feet Min. 18.5 feet
Max. 20 feet*Parallel One-way 12 feet 9 feet with a minimum 4-foot wide maneuvering area between each space 25 feet Two-way Min. 22 feet
Max. 24 feet*See subsection 9 of this chapter.
(2)
Stormwater drainage. All off-street parking areas must drain into the appropriate facilities for handling stormwater run-off (per the requirements of the stormwater utility ordinance (section 27-180 et seq.)), and must be directed to prevent direct drainage onto abutting properties, toward buildings, or onto public rights-of-way.
(3)
Surface treatment. Surfaces of parking areas or drives must be constructed over an approved and inspected base and maintained in the following manner with concrete or asphalt surfaces and curb and gutters in accordance with city standards. The entire parking lot includes maneuvering lanes and driveways.
a.
One-and two-family residential. The depth of pavement and base must meet one of the following standards, or as otherwise approved by the city engineer (or designee):
1.
Three and a half (3½) inches of asphalt placed in two (2) lifts; or
2.
Four (4) inches of concrete.
b.
Other residential and commercial. The depth of pavement and base must meet one of the following standards, or as otherwise approved by the city engineer (or designee):
1.
Four (4) inches of asphalt placed in two (2) lifts with six (6) inches of base comprised of MDOT 22a aggregate compacted to ninety-eight (98) percent proctor for parking spaces and six (6) inches of asphalt placed in two (2) lifts with six (6) inches of base comprised of MDOT 22a aggregate compacted to ninety-eight (98) proctor for maneuvering lanes and loading areas for commercial vehicles; or
2.
Six (6) inches of concrete.
c.
Industrial. The depth of pavement and base must meet one (1) of the following standards, or as otherwise approved by the City Engineer (or designee):
1.
Four (4) inches of asphalt placed in two (2) lifts with six (6) inches of base comprised of MDOT 22a aggregate compacted to ninety-eight (98) proctor for parking spaces and six (6) inches of asphalt placed in a minimum of two (2) lifts with six (6) inches of base comprised of MDOT 22a aggregate compacted to ninety-eight (98) proctor for maneuvering lanes and loading areas used for commercial and industrial vehicles.
2.
Six (6) inches of concrete with six (6) inches of base comprised of MDOT 22a aggregate compacted to ninety-eight (98) proctor.
(4)
Curbs. A raised or rolled concrete curb and gutter at least six (6) inches in height shall be installed. All curbing shall be installed per the concrete curb and gutter detail illustration below. Parking bumpers or stops, of any material, are strictly prohibited in any zoning district.
a.
New industrial use.
1.
Corner lots: Curbing shall be required in all addressed and non-addressed front yards and designated side yards;
2.
Interior lots: Curbing shall be required for all parking areas located along public rights of way. No curbing shall be required for parking areas located in the designated rear yard; and
3.
All lots: All interior islands and access aisles shall be curbed.
b.
New commercial use.
1.
Corner lots: Curbing shall be required in all addressed and non-addressed front yards and designated side yards;
2.
Interior lots: Curbing shall be required for all parking areas located along public rights of way and the designated side yards. At the discretion of the zoning administrator (or designee) curbing may be required for parking areas located in the designated rear yard; and
3.
All lots: All interior islands and access aisles shall be curbed.
c.
Existing commercial and industrial use. If the use of property has been vacant, abandoned or discontinued for a period of nine (9) consecutive months or more, or, if the damage, repair, alteration or improvement costs to the structure meets or exceeds one hundred (100) percent of the taxable value, then;
1.
Corner lots: Curbing shall be required in all addressed and non-addressed front yards and designated side yards;
2.
Interior lots: Curbing shall be required for all parking areas located in the designated front yard and along public rights of way. At the discretion of the zoning administrator (or designee) curbing may be required for parking areas located in the designated side yard and rear yard based on the abutting or adjoining property use or condition;
3.
All lots: All interior islands and access aisles shall be curbed.
(5)
Pavement structures. All catch basins, manhole covers, valve boxes, and similar structures must be encased in eight-inch thick concrete (as illustrated in the figure of pavement structure standards) with a minimum two-foot diameter outside of the structure, or as approved by the city engineer (or designee).
(6)
Maneuvering lanes. All off-street parking areas that make it necessary or possible for vehicles to back directly into a public street are prohibited provided that this prohibition does not apply to off-street parking areas of one-family or two-family dwellings.
(7)
Ingress and egress. Ingress and egress to parking lots must be provided for all vehicles by means of clearly limited and defined drives. One-way driveways must be twelve (12) feet wide and two-way driveways must be twenty-four (24) feet wide to the front building line of a principal structure.
a.
The zoning administrator (or designee) retains the authority to approve or deny the existing ingress and egress based on criteria such as, but not limited to, the following:
1.
Condition of the surface treatment material in place;
2.
If the width meets the minimum allowable dimension per this chapter;
3.
If the design meets general engineering standards and is approved by the city engineer (or designee).
_____
(8)
Small vehicles. A limited number of spaces in each parking lot may be provided for parking of smaller vehicles. The number of such spaces must not exceed ten (10) percent of the required spaces. The spaces must be clearly identified through the use of signs and/or pavement markings as being for small vehicles. Small vehicle parking spaces must be a minimum of seven and a half (7.5) feet wide and a minimum of eight (8) feet long.
(9)
Parking overhang of curbs abutting sidewalks or landscape areas. The required length of a parking space can be reduced by one and a half (1½) feet if either of the following applies:
a.
The useable (net) width of the sidewalk is no less than five (5.5) feet, once the one and a half-foot vehicle overhangs are accounted for; or
b.
The landscape area is deep enough to accommodate both the one and a half-foot vehicle overhang and the mature widths of any proposed/required shrubbery.
(10)
Stacking spaces. Stacking spaces must be nine (9) feet wide and twenty-five (25) feet long. Stacking spaces must be illustrated on the site plan and must not block driveways, parking aisles or circulation around a building or restrict access to waste receptacles and loading areas.
(11)
Pavement markings. All parking and loading spaces must be delineated with pavement markings. The visibility of pavement markings delineating parking and loading spaces and directional control must be maintained.
(12)
Barrier-free parking.
a.
Off-street parking facilities required for buildings under separate ordinances or zoning laws must be provided in accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1989, as amended.
b.
In no case may that parking be less than the following:
1.
Each reserved parking space must be not less than eight (8) feet wide and adjacent to an access aisle not less than five (5) feet wide.
2.
Where a curb exists between a parking lot surface and a sidewalk surface, an inclined approach or a curb cut with a gradient of not more than one (1) foot in twelve (12) feet, a width of not less than four (4) feet, and a six-foot taper along the sidewalk must be provided for wheelchair access.
c.
Parking spaces for the physically handicapped must be located as close as possible to walkways and entrances. There must be a barrier-free route of travel from the parking space to the front entrance of the building. Where possible this route must not cross parking lot maneuvering lanes. Signs must be provided when necessary indicating the direction of travel to an accessible entrance.
Table of Michigan Barrier-Free
Parking Requirements
Total Number
of Spaces in the
Parking LotRequired Number of Handicap
Accessible SpacesUp to 25 1 26 to 50 2 51 to 75 3 76 to 100 4 101 to 150 5 151 to 200 6 201 to 300 8 301 to 400 12 Over 400 12; plus 2 for every 250 or fraction thereof over 400 (h)
Off-street loading facilities.
(1)
Applicability. In connection with every building or part thereof hereafter erected, except one- and two-family dwellings, off-street loading and unloading spaces for uses which customarily receive or distribute material or merchandise by vehicles must be provided on the same lot with such buildings. Off-street loading spaces are hereby required in order to avoid interference with public use of streets and parking areas.
(2)
Required parking. Loading areas cannot be included in calculations for off-street parking space requirements.
(3)
Review required. Plans and specifications showing required loading and unloading spaces and the means of ingress and egress and internal circulation must be submitted to the zoning administrator (or designee) and any appropriate state or county agency for review at the time of application for a building permit for the erection or enlargement of a use of a building or structure or at the time such spaces are added or altered, except as required in section 28-135 (site plan review procedures and requirements), in which case this requirement will not apply.
(4)
Size of spaces. The size of all required loading/unloading spaces must be at least ten (10) feet by fifty (50) feet (five hundred (500) square feet) for office uses and at least ten (10) feet by seventy (70) feet (seven hundred (700) square feet) in areas for commercial and industrial uses, with a clearance of at least fourteen (14) feet in height.
(5)
Number of spaces. The minimum number of loading spaces in all zoning districts must be provided in accordance with the following table. The zoning administrator (or designee) may modify these requirements upon making the determination that another standard would be more appropriate because of the number or type of deliveries experienced by a particular business or use.
Table of Off-Street Loading
Facility Requirements
Usable
Floor Area in
Square FeetLoading and Unloading Space Required in Terms of Square Feet of Useable Floor Area 0—5,000 None 5,001—20,000 One (1) space 20,001—100,000 One (1) space; plus one (1) additional space for each 20,000 square feet in excess of 20,001 square feet 100,001—500,000 Five (5) spaces; plus one (1) additional space for each 40,000 square feet in excess of 100,001 square feet 500,001 and over Fifteen (15) spaces; plus one (1) additional space for each 80,000 square feet in excess of 500,001 square feet (6)
Location. Loading spaces must meet the following location requirements:
a.
Loading spaces must be provided off-street in the rear or side yard behind the front building line of the principal structure and will not be permitted in the front yard or where visible from a street or residential district.
b.
Loading spaces must meet the parking space setback requirements of subsection (a)(6) of this section.
c.
Loading spaces must not be closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any residential district property line, unless otherwise approved by the zoning administrator (or designee), upon the installation of additional landscaping and/or a barrier.
d.
Where the loading space requires an overhead door on the building elevation, the overhead doors cannot be visible from the street.
e.
In accordance with section 28-105, the zoning administrator (or designee) has the discretion to require additional screening in order to provide adequate screening of loading areas from abutting properties.
(7)
Access and vehicular movement. Site plans must illustrate expected vehicular path and turning radii of loading/unloading vehicles in order to demonstrate there are no conflicts with internal circulation, parking and accessory structures. Off-street loading facilities that make it necessary or possible to back directly into a public street are prohibited. All maneuvering of trucks and other vehicles must take place on the site and not within a public right-of-way.
(8)
Surface. Loading dock approaches and loading spaces must be surfaced with asphalt or concrete paving in order to provide a permanent, durable, and dustless surface with a base sufficient to accommodate expected vehicle weight.
(9)
Stormwater drainage. Loading areas must be graded and drained consistent with the stormwater drainage standards for parking lots described in subsection (g)(2) of this section.
(10)
Storage and repair. The storage of merchandise, sale of motor vehicles, storage of inoperable vehicles, or repair of vehicles is prohibited in required loading spaces.
(11)
Change in use or intensity.
a.
Whenever the use of a building or lot is changed, loading facilities must be provided as required by this section for the new use.
b.
If any building, structure or lot is increased in floor area or through other means, additional loading must be provided to bring the site into compliance with this section.
c.
Any area designated for required loading must not be changed to any other use unless and until equal facilities meeting the standards of this section are provided elsewhere, or the loading requirements of the site change as determined by the zoning administrator (or designee).
d.
Loading facilities, existing at the effective date of this section, in connection with the operation of an existing building or use, cannot be reduced to an amount less than required for a similar new building or new use.
e.
When changes in activity occur that may produce loading demand in excess of available loading facilities, the city will require documentation showing adequate loading facilities will be provided or will be expanded to meet anticipated needs.
(i)
Site access location and design (access management). The standards of this section are intended to preserve the capacity of the street system and to minimize the potential for traffic collisions, in balance with the need to provide reasonable access to properties.
(1)
Location in general. Driveways must be located to minimize interference with the free movement of traffic, to provide adequate sight distance, and to provide the most favorable driveway grade. Driveways (including the radii but not including right turn lanes, passing lanes, and tapers) must be located entirely within the right-of-way frontage, unless otherwise approved by the city and upon written certification from the adjacent property owner agreeing to such encroachment.
(2)
Number of driveways. The number of commercial driveways (not including driveways for two-family dwelling units or unmanned public utility uses) must be the minimum necessary to provide reasonable access for regular traffic and emergency vehicles, while preserving traffic operations and safety along streets.
(3)
Driveway spacing from an intersection. Minimum spacing requirements between a proposed driveway and an intersection (either adjacent or on the opposite side of the street) may be set on a case-by-case basis but in no instance may not be less than the distances listed in the table of minimum commercial driveway spacing from street intersections, unless approved by the zoning administrator (or designee) in consultation with the city engineer (or designee). The following measurements are from the near edge of the proposed driveway (measured at the throat perpendicular to the street) to the near lane edge of the intersecting street or pavement edge for uncurbed sections.
Table of Minimum Commercial Driveway Spacing From Street Intersections
Location of Driveway Minimum Spacing for a Full Movement Driveway Minimum Spacing for a Driveway Restricting Left Turns Along State Trunkline and City Major Streets, intersecting street is a State Trunkline or City Major Streets 250 feet 125 feet Along State Trunkline and City Major Streets, intersecting street is a Local Street 200 feet 125 feet Along Local Streets 75 feet 50 feet (4)
Minimum spacing between driveways. Minimum spacing between two commercial driveways is determined based upon posted speed limits along the parcel frontage. The minimum spacing indicated in the table of minimum spacing between commercial driveways are measured from centerline to centerline, and may only be deviated from upon the approval of the zoning administrator (or designee) in consultation with the city engineer (or designee).
Table of Minimum Spacing
Between Commercial Driveways
Posted Speed Limit
Minimum Driveway Spacing 25 MPH 130 feet 30 MPH 185 feet 35 MPH 245 feet 40 MPH 300 feet 45 MPH or higher 350 feet (5)
Offset. To reduce left-turn conflicts, commercial driveways must be aligned with driveways or streets on the opposite side of the roadway where possible. If alignment is not possible, driveways should be offset based upon the posted speed limit along the parcel frontage. The minimum spacing indicated below are measured from centerline to centerline.
Table of Minimum Offsets
Between Commercial Driveways
Posted Speed Limit
Minimum Driveway Spacing 25 MPH 255 feet 30 MPH 325 feet 35 MPH 425 feet 40 MPH 525 feet 45 MPH or higher 630 feet (6)
Modification of standards. Given the existing built conditions through much of the city, the standards above may be modified by the zoning administrator (or designee) on a case-by-case basis depending upon analysis of existing and expected traffic operations, and restrictions imposed by current development or site conditions. The zoning administrator (or designee) may require preparation by the applicant of a traffic study and/or a review by the city engineer (or designee) to assist in their decision. In no case, however, can the minimum distance between driveways be less than sixty (60) feet. The zoning administrator (or designee) may require a shared access system as described in subsection (i)(7) of this section (see below).
(7)
Shared access system. The zoning administrator (or designee) may require a shared access system where it is determined to have a beneficial impact on traffic operations and safety. This determination will be based on the expected traffic patterns, existing traffic conditions and the feasibility for shared access. This shared access system may involve a shared driveway, connections of parking lots or a drive connecting two (2) or more lots or uses, access from a side street, a shared driveway or service road connecting two (2) or more properties or uses. In such cases a shared access agreement must be provided to the city.
(8)
Changes in use. When a use is proposed to change or expand the zoning administrator (or designee) may require the removal or redesign of access points to bring the site closer to conformity with this section.
(Ord. No. 2012.16, § 5, 7-17-12; Ord. No. 2012.17, § 2, 7-17-12; Ord. No. 2015.12, § 2, 4-14-15; Ord. No. 2016.04, § 3, 3-15-16)