Chapter 15.38
PARKING

Sections:

15.38.010    Purpose and intent.

15.38.020    Determination of required parking.

15.38.030    Spaces required for residential uses.

15.38.040    Spaces required for nonresidential uses.

15.38.050    Approval of parking facilities.

15.38.060    Parking accessibility and location.

15.38.070    Parking facility design.

15.38.080    Parking structures.

15.38.090    Screening and landscaping.

15.38.100    Loading facilities.

15.38.110    RV, motorcycle and bicycle parking.

15.38.120    Modified parking standards.

15.38.130    Joint parking.

15.38.140    Alternative parking plans and off-site parking.

15.38.150    Valet parking.

15.38.160    Disabled parking.

15.38.170    Nonconforming parking.

15.38.010 Purpose and intent.

A. Purpose. Off-street parking is required for all land uses in accordance with this chapter. These regulations are intended to: (1) provide for the demand for off-street parking generated by the various land uses in the city; (2) ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public by ensuring safe access to homes and businesses; and (3) provide for properly designed parking facilities with adequate numbers of parking spaces in order to reduce traffic congestion, promote business and enhance public safety.

B. Applicability. Off-street vehicle parking requirements shall be determined and provided in accordance with this chapter when a building is constructed or a use established or changed. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.020 Determination of required parking.

A. Alternative Parking Standards. The number of parking spaces required for each land use pursuant to AVMC 15.38.030 and 15.38.040 shall be provided unless the city decision-making authority determines that an alternative standard is more applicable pursuant to the procedures of AVMC 15.38.120 and 15.38.140, as applicable.

B. Land Uses Not Listed. If no provisions for the required number of off-street parking spaces are set out in Table 15.38.030 or 15.38.040, the decision-making authority for the applicable use or project shall determine the number of parking spaces required.

C. Increase in Required Spaces. The required number of parking spaces for a use shall be increased in accordance with the parking ratios in this chapter if an existing building is expanded or dwelling units or guest rooms are added, or if a use is intensified by the addition of floor space or seating capacity or is changed to a use requiring additional parking.

D. Fractional Parking Spaces. Whenever the computation of the number of off-street parking spaces required by this chapter results in a fractional parking space, one additional parking space shall be required for one-half or more fractional parking space, and any fractional space less than one-half of a parking space shall not be counted.

E. Electric Charging Stations. Spaces with provision for electric vehicle charging shall be credited toward the off-street parking requirements of this chapter. [Ord. 2012-146 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.030 Spaces required for residential uses.

Residential land uses shall provide off-street parking in accordance with the following table unless modified per the provisions of AVMC 15.38.020.

TABLE 15.38.030:

RESIDENTIAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS 

Land Use	Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirement	Additional Requirements
Single-family detached and single-family attached	2 spaces per unit in a garage	Plus 0.5 off-street guest spaces per unit if there is no on-street parking in front of the units. Each garage space shall have minimum unobstructed interior dimensions of 10 ft. x 20 ft.
Multifamily dwellings, townhomes	2 spaces per unit in a garage
Multifamily dwellings, apartments (either rental or condominium):
• Studio:	• 1 covered space per unit	Plus 0.5 guest spaces per unit, with parking distributed so that all units are within 150 feet of the resident’s assigned or reasonably available parking space and within 150 feet of the nearest designated guest space.
• 1 bedroom:	• 1.2 covered spaces per unit
• 2 or more bedrooms:	• 2 covered spaces per unit
Affordable housing pursuant to Chapter 15.58 AVMC:
• Studio to 1 bedroom:	1 space per unit	Spaces may be tandem or uncovered.
• 2 – 3 bedrooms:	2 spaces per unit
• 4 or more bedrooms:	2.5 spaces per unit
Live/work and other mixed use developments	2 spaces per unit in a garage plus the spaces required for the nonresidential uses per this chapter; or as required in applicable specific plan	Each garage space shall have minimum unobstructed interior dimensions of 10 ft. x 20 ft.
Mobilehome parks	2 covered spaces per unit, which may be in tandem, plus 0.5 guest spaces per unit
Single-room occupancy housing	1 space per dwelling unit
Boarding or rooming houses	1 space per sleeping room
Homeless and emergency shelters	1 space per employee in the largest shift; provided, that the required parking is no more than other residential or commercial uses within the same zone
Transitional and supportive housing	• 1 space per dwelling unit; or • 0.3 spaces per bed in dormitory housing	If the number of beds is uncertain at the time of city review, the requirement shall be 0.3 spaces per each 100 sq/ft of sleeping area
Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery facilities and residential care facilities; all for 6 or fewer persons	As required for the single-family or multifamily dwelling unit in which the facility is located
Clubhouses and community pools and cabanas	1 space per each 500 sq/ft of gross site area

[Ord. 2024-237 § 5; Ord. 2018-202 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2017-192 § 4; Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.040 Spaces required for nonresidential uses.

A. Parking Required. Nonresidential land uses and uses in the special purpose districts (Chapters 15.18 and 15.26 AVMC) shall provide off-street parking in accordance with the following table unless modified per the provisions of AVMC 15.38.120.

B. Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking. In addition to the automobile parking spaces required per this section, bicycle and motorcycle parking shall be provided for certain nonresidential uses in accordance with AVMC 15.38.110.

TABLE 15.38.040:

NONRESIDENTIAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS 

Land Use		Minimum Off-Street Parking Requirement (GFA = gross floor area)	Additional Requirements
AUTOMOTIVE USES:
Auto, motorcycle, truck, recreation vehicle and marine sales and service		1 space per each 2,500 sq/ft of gross site area, but not less than 8
Auto repair services, major and minor (as a principal or accessory use)		1 space per 400 sq/ft GFA, excluding areas used exclusively for storage
Auto, truck, recreation vehicle and marine storage and equipment rental		1 space per each 5,000 sq/ft of gross site area, plus 1 for any caretaker’s residence
Auto rental agencies		1 space for each 250 sq/ft GFA plus 1 space for each rental car allowed on the site at one time
Car washes, automated		1 space for self-drying after wash tunnel
Car washes, full service		10 spaces, not counting the wash queuing area before the wash tunnel, plus a stacking area after the wash tunnel equal to five times the capacity of the tunnel	Parking and stacking requirements may be modified if an exception permit is approved pursuant to AVMC 15.74.070
Gas stations		4 spaces, plus the spaces required for any fast food, convenience store, auto repair or other accessory uses
DINING, DRINKING AND ENTERTAINMENT USES:
Bars, taverns, cocktail lounges and microbreweries		1 space per 80 sq/ft GFA	Outdoor dining or drinking area is included in GFA
Coffee houses, cyber or Internet cafes, and hookah lounges		1 space per 100 sq/ft GFA
Live entertainment and dancing as a principal use		1 space per 60 sq/ft GFA
Restaurants, full-service		1 space per 80 sq/ft GFA
Restaurants, drive-through, subject to AVMC 15.38.070(H)		1 space per 100 sq/ft GFA
Retail sale of take-out food such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, and bakery goods, with ancillary seating		1 space per 150 sq/ft GFA
Theaters and cinemas, live or motion picture		See “Public, Recreation and Assembly Uses”
Video arcades as a principal use		1 space per each 200 sq/ft GFA
GROUP CARE USES:
Child day care centers and preschools		1 per employee plus 1 drop-off space per each 8 children based on total capacity	Access/drop-off plan may be required
Health facilities, subject to AVMC 15.22.220		1 space per 1.5 patient beds plus 1 space per 300 sq/ft of GFA of office area
Homeless and emergency shelters		0.3 spaces per bed	For shelter and dormitory space, if the number of beds is uncertain at the time of city review, the requirement shall be 0.3 spaces per each 100 sq/ft of sleeping area
Transitional/supportive housing		• 1 space per dwelling unit; or • 0.3 spaces per bed in dormitory housing
LODGING USES:
Hotels and bed and breakfast inns	Under 200 guest rooms	1.1 spaces for each guest room plus 1 space for every 75 sq/ft of meeting room floor area	Plus the spaces required for restaurants, retail stores and other ancillary facilities open to the public
	200 guest rooms or more	1.3 spaces for each guest room plus 1 space for every 75 sq/ft of meeting room floor area
Motels		1.2 spaces for each guest room plus 1 space for every 75 sq/ft of meeting room floor area	Plus the spaces required for restaurants, retail stores and other ancillary facilities open to the public
OFFICE, RETAIL AND SERVICE USES:
Animal boarding/kennels		1 space per 500 sq/ft GFA
Animal grooming services		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Animal hospitals/veterinary clinics		1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA
Banks and other financial institutions with tellers		1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA
Barber shops		1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA
Beauty, nail, tanning and similar salons		1 space per 150 sq/ft GFA
Check cashing facilities		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Convenience stores and liquor stores		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Dry cleaners, with no central plant on site		1 space per 300 sq/ft GFA
Fortune telling, palmistry and similar services		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Furniture and appliance stores		1 space per 500 sq/ft GFA
Live/work and other mixed use developments		2 spaces per unit in a garage plus the spaces required for the nonresidential uses per this chapter; or as required in an applicable specific plan	Each garage space shall have minimum unobstructed interior dimensions of 10 ft. x 20 ft.
Laundromats		1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA
Massage parlors, massage centers, day spas and any other establishment offering massage services		1 space per 200 sq/ft GFA
Miscellaneous small-scale services such as travel services, photo developing, shoe repair, appliance repair, and similar uses		1 space per 300 sq/ft GFA
Office uses, general and professional		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Office uses, outpatient medical uses		1 space per 200 sq/ft GFA
Pet stores selling live animals and pet supplies and accessories		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Plant nurseries and garden supply stores		1 space per 1,000 sq/ft of retail display area, plus 1 space per 500 sq/ft of any indoor display area
Printing and copy services		Services with self-service facilities for the public such as copiers, computers and similar: 1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA. Services without facilities for the public: 1 space per 500 sq/ft GFA
Retail home improvement and hardware stores over 80,000 sq/ft GFA		1 space per 400 sq/ft GFA	Home improvement stores under 80,000 sq/ft shall conform to the general retail parking standard
Retail stores, general,* under 80,000 sq/ft GFA		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Retail stores, general,* over 80,000 sq/ft GFA		1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA
*Such as supermarkets and other retail stores selling such items as food, apparel, shoes, books, office supplies, gifts, and similar merchandise to the general public. Typically open less than 24 hours/day.
Shopping centers		1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA
Tattoo parlors		1 space per 220 sq/ft GFA
Thrift stores and pawn shops		1 space per 300 sq/ft GFA
Video rental stores		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
PUBLIC, RECREATION AND ASSEMBLY USES:
Bowling alleys		3 spaces per lane plus the spaces required for restaurant and bar area and other uses on the premises
Churches, temples, other religious institutions		1 space per every 35 sq/ft of seating area in the main auditorium plus additional spaces for any ancillary facilities on the same site in the amount of 50 percent of the number of spaces required for the main auditorium. Such additional spaces may be provided off site and may be exempted from the locational limitations set forth in AVMC 15.38.060(B)(2) if approved by conditional use permit pursuant to AVMC 15.38.140
Cinemas and live theaters		1 space per every 3 fixed seats
Clubs, lodges, union halls, and similar uses		1 space per each 75 sq/ft GFA
Colleges and universities, public or private		1 space per every 3 full-time equivalent students based on maximum capacity, plus 1 space for every 2 faculty or staff members	Additional spaces may be required for athletic facilities on the site such as stadiums and gymnasiums and for performance facilities such as performing arts theaters
Community centers and senior citizen centers		1 space per each 4 persons based on the maximum capacity of all facilities capable of simultaneous use, as determined by the planning director
Driving ranges, lighted or unlighted		1 space per tee plus the spaces required for other uses on the site
Electric substations		1 space per each employee plus 1 space per each vehicle used in connection with the facility
Family/children entertainment centers, indoor, with climbing apparatus, play equipment, food service, video games, party facilities, and similar attractions		1 space per every 4 guests based on maximum capacity, plus bus and drop-off spaces as determined for each use in the conditional use permit
Family/children entertainment centers, outdoor, and similar outdoor recreation uses, with such attractions as miniature golf, batting cages, boat rides. May also include indoor attractions
Fire and police stations		1 per employee plus 1 per each fire, police or other emergency vehicle
Golf courses, miniature, pitch and putt and par 3		3 per hole, plus the spaces required for other uses on the premises
Golf courses, regulation		5 per hole, plus the spaces required for other uses on the premises
Government offices		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Group instruction (all floor area sizes)		1 space per 150 sq/ft GFA	For purposes of this use, swimming pool area shall be counted as part of GFA
Gymnasiums		1 space per every 3 seats, or 1 space per every 35 sq/ft of seating area where there are no fixed seats
Health clubs (all floor area sizes)		1 space per 150 sq/ft GFA	For purposes of this use, swimming pool area shall be counted as part of GFA
Helicopter pads		As required by conditional use permit
Libraries and museums		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
Mortuaries and funeral homes		1 space per every 3 seats, plus 1 space per every 35 sq/ft of seating area in the main auditorium where there are no fixed seats	For bench/pew seating, 18 inches of lineal bench shall count as 1 seat. Spaces provided for funeral services may be tandem if approved by conditional use permit
Outdoor amphitheaters and stadiums		1 space per every 3 seats, or 1 space per every 35 sq/ft of seating area where there are no fixed seats
Parks and open space, passive, public		As determined for each park based on the size of the site and the facilities to be provided
Pool halls/billiard centers as a principal use		1 space per 200 sq/ft GFA
Roller and ice rinks, indoor		1 space per 100 sq/ft GFA
Schools, private, with outdoor facilities:			Additional spaces may be required for athletic facilities on the site such as stadiums and gymnasiums and for performance facilities such as performing arts theaters
• Elementary and middle schools		• 2 spaces per classroom
• High schools		• 1 space per every 6 full-time equivalent students based on maximum capacity, plus 1 space for each faculty or staff member
Schools, private, without outdoor facilities, such as business, vocational and professional		1 space per every 1.5 students, based on the maximum capacity
Schools, public		Same as private school requirements
Skateboard, roller hockey, and stunt bike facilities, indoor or outdoor		1 space per 500 sq/ft of activity area
Stations and terminals, train, bus and taxi		As determined in the conditional use permit for each facility
Tutorial services, not including schools or colleges		1 space per 250 sq/ft GFA
RESEARCH, INDUSTRIAL AND HEAVY COMMERCIAL USES:
Computer data centers and server farms		1 space per 1,000 sq/ft GFA or 1 space per employee, whichever is greater. The number of spaces per employee shall be based on the number of employees on duty during any 1 shift
Contractor and construction equipment yards, with outside storage		1 space per 300 sq/ft GFA of associated office space plus 1 per vehicle stored on the premises
Dry cleaners and laundries, central plants		1 space per 500 sq/ft GFA plus the spaces required for delivery vehicles
Laboratories, dry		1 space per 400 sq/ft GFA
Laboratories, wet, when accessory to a permitted use and under 1,000 sq/ft in floor area (wet laboratories as a principal use are listed under “Specialized research, development, manufacturing and wet laboratories,” below)		1 space per 400 sq/ft GFA
Light manufacturing and light industrial uses, including the manufacture and assembly of products from materials such as cloth, fiber, fur, glass, leather, stone, wood, plastics, metal, and paper (except milling); may include offices, storage and other incidental uses on the same site		1 space per 400 sq/ft GFA
Lumber yards and other building materials sales, outdoor		1 space per 1,000 sq/ft of outdoor retail display area, plus 1 space per 500 sq/ft of any indoor retail display area
Pest control services		1 space per 500 sq/ft GFA
Plumbing repair shops		1 space per 500 sq/ft GFA
Recycling recovery facilities as a principal use, with collection and sorting only (such as a materials recovery facility), not including auto salvage or junkyards		1 space per every 1.5 employees
Recycling collection facilities as an accessory use, such as drop-off bins and mobile recycling units		5 spaces plus 1 space for each attendant, if any
Research and development, other than specialized (see below)		1 space per 400 sq/ft GFA
Specialized research, development, manufacturing and wet laboratories, where chemicals, drugs or biological matter are tested and analyzed, typically requiring water, direct ventilation, specialized piped utilities and protective measures		1 space per 400 sq/ft GFA
Storage facilities, personal, indoor, such as miniwarehouses		1 space per every 4,000 sq/ft of gross leasable area
Welding, machine, milling and plating operations		1 space per 500 sq/ft GFA
Warehouses and distribution facilities as a principal use, for storing or shipping food, beverages, packages, merchandise or other items		1 space per 1,000 sq/ft GFA or 1 space per employee, whichever is greater
OTHER USES:
Temporary uses and events		As required in the temporary use permit
Adult businesses, subject to Chapter 4.12 AVMC, Adult Business Regulations		1 space per 150 sq/ft GFA

[Ord. 2018-202 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2015-165 § 4 (Exh. A); Ord. 2012-140 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.050 Approval of parking facilities.

A. Site Development and Grading Permits. Establishment or expansion of off-street parking facilities shall be subject to approval of a site development permit in accordance with AVMC 15.74.020 unless the parking facilities are for single-family detached and single-family attached residences or are part of a previously approved development project. The director may administratively approve off-street parking facilities that are part of a previously approved development project if the director determines that all requirements of this chapter have been satisfied. A grading permit shall also be required unless exempted under the city’s grading code.

B. Site Plan Requirements. A site plan shall be filed with all applications for a parking facility and/or development project site development permit. The plan shall show the off-street parking facilities and the use(s) to be served, together with pedestrian arrangements (including crosswalks, if necessary) connecting them. The plan shall be accompanied by information required to determine parking as required by AVMC 15.38.030 or 15.38.040. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

Cross-reference: grading and excavation code, Chapter 13.08 AVMC.

15.38.060 Parking accessibility and location.

A. Parking Accessibility.

1. All required off-street parking spaces shall be designed, located, constructed and maintained so as to be fully usable and accessible at all times. Violation of this requirement shall be deemed a violation of the discretionary permit authorizing the land use or development served by the parking and shall make the permit subject to revocation pursuant to AVMC 15.74.120.

2. Unless otherwise provided by an approved discretionary permit, no off-street parking spaces required by this chapter shall be converted to another use or leased, rented or otherwise made unavailable to intended users.

3. No required parking spaces shall be used for the display of vehicles for sale unless part of a permitted vehicle sales use.

4. If an area of parking is set aside for park-and-ride use, those spaces shall be in addition to the required parking for the use on the site.

B. Parking Location.

1. Residential Uses. Required parking shall be located on the same parcel as the residential building which the parking serves, except that such parking may be located on an adjacent parcel if all of the following conditions are met:

a. The adjacent parcel is and continues to be under the same ownership as that of the residential building;

b. The parking is located where the construction of garages, carports or shade structures is permitted; and

c. The placement and distribution of required parking spaces are such that for any dwelling unit, the resident’s assigned or reasonably available parking spaces and the nearest designated guest space are no further than 150 feet by walkway to the entry of that dwelling unit.

2. Nonresidential Uses.

a. Required parking shall be located on the same parcel as the use served, unless otherwise approved pursuant to AVMC 15.38.130 and 15.38.140, as applicable.

b. The main entry of all uses served by the required parking spaces shall be no greater than 150 feet from the nearest parking space.

c. Parking spaces within the ultimate right-of-way of a street, either public or private, shall not be credited toward meeting the minimum off-street parking requirements of this chapter. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.070 Parking facility design.

A. Design Alternatives for New Facilities. Proposed modifications to the on-site circulation, landscaping and parking design requirements of this section shall be reviewed pursuant to the provisions of AVMC 15.38.120(A).

B. Modifications to Existing Facilities. No existing parking facility shall be modified with respect to paving, layout, striping, aisle width, numbers or sizes of spaces, street access, or any other physical characteristic without prior review by the planning director. The director shall determine if discretionary review is required for the modification pursuant to Chapters 15.70 and 15.74 AVMC.

C. Parking Lot Surfacing.

1. All parking and maneuvering areas shall be paved with pavers, asphaltic concrete, portland cement concrete or pervious paving material approved by the public works director. The structural section of the pavement and base material shall be commensurate with the anticipated loading and shall be calculated in accordance with the method promulgated by the California Department of Transportation.

2. All parking areas shall be designed and built with positive drainage to an approved drainage conveyance. No design which allows ponding shall be permitted.

3. Paving materials in parking facilities shall not be modified without prior review by the planning director pursuant to subsection (B) of this section.

D. Parking Facility Lighting.

1. All parking lots, parking structures, pedestrian walkways, and loading areas shall be provided with adequate lighting to ensure security and safety and shall conform to the provisions of AVMC 15.22.110.

2. All lighting for parking areas shall be designed to prevent spillover onto neighboring properties.

3. Prior to construction of a parking facility, a lighting plan shall be submitted identifying the type, location and height of proposed lighting fixtures, with an associated photometric analysis showing lighting illumination levels and spillover. The lighting plan shall conform to the provisions of Appendix A of this code and shall be reviewed and approved by the planning director and the police services department prior to issuance of a building permit.

E. Parking Layout and Circulation.

1. Except for single-family detached, single-family attached and townhome residential uses, no parking facility shall be designed so that vehicles are required to back into a public or private street to exit the facility.

2. Tandem parking shall be prohibited except for the following: in mobilehome parks/subdivisions, as driveway guest parking for residential uses with driveways of sufficient length pursuant to this chapter, where valet parking is provided, and where otherwise expressly permitted in this code.

3. Individual wheel stops are prohibited in surface parking lots unless an exception permit is approved pursuant to AVMC 15.74.070. All parking bays within parking lots shall be bordered by continuous curbs to serve as wheel stops for perimeter spaces. Individual wheel stops shall not be permitted in lieu of such curbs.

4. All driveways, accessways and parking aisles shall be designed for positive drainage. If an inverted crown is proposed for a driveway, accessway or aisle, the center portion shall be a ribbon gutter of portland cement concrete rather than asphaltic concrete unless an alternative design is approved by the public works director.

5. Parking lot layouts shall provide a clear hierarchy of major access drives (connecting the parking area to the public street), fire lanes, loading areas, minor drives, parking bay maneuvering areas, etc. Parking shall be arranged so as to avoid backing out into major access drives.

6. In order to avoid dead-end aisles, parking bays with 10 spaces or more shall connect with other parking bays or drive aisles or shall provide a turnaround area at the end of the bay.

7. Driveways shall be located a minimum of 300 feet from the intersection of two public streets unless the public works director determines on a case-by-case basis that, due to unusual traffic conditions and/or street configuration, a shorter distance will achieve the same purpose in terms of traffic safety and access and the driveway location(s) is approved by the decision-making authority.

8. Joint entry driveways for adjacent land uses are encouraged and shall be arranged to allow parking lot maneuvering from one establishment to another without requiring exit to the street. Properties sharing such joint access shall maintain agreements which permit reciprocal driveway connections across property lines.

9. Parking Lot Interconnections. The decision-making authority may require the parking and circulation layouts of adjoining developments to be coordinated and interconnected to allow for reciprocal vehicular and pedestrian access without reentering the street.

F. Parking Dimensions.

1. Regular Space Dimensions. All parking spaces up to the minimum required shall be designated for regular vehicle parking. Regular vehicle spaces shall have the following minimum dimensions: width: nine feet; length 16 feet to curb plus two feet overhang. Where curbs are not provided, a minimum length of 18 feet is required.

2. Compact Spaces Prohibited. Compact parking spaces or other spaces with dimensions less than the minimums required per this section are prohibited unless an exception permit is approved pursuant to AVMC 15.74.070.

3. End Spaces. Parking spaces at the end of a parking aisle and against a curb or wall shall be widened by two additional feet and/or shall be provided with a back-out “pocket.”

4. Parallel Spaces. Spaces provided for parallel parking shall be a minimum of nine feet wide and 24 feet in length to permit room for maneuvering. If a wall or curb in excess of eight inches in height is adjacent to the parallel parking space, the space shall be minimum 10 feet in width. All end spaces confined by a curb shall be minimum 30 feet long.

5. Space Marking. With the exception of residential garage or carport spaces, all parking spaces shall be clearly marked with white or yellow paint or other easily distinguished material. Marking shall be a minimum four-inch-wide single or double (“hairpin” style) stripe.

6. Parking Aisles. The following table sets out the minimum required dimensions for parking aisles:

TABLE 15.38.070:

MINIMUM PARKING AISLE DIMENSIONS 

Parking Angle (degrees)	One-Way Aisle Width (feet)	Two-Way Aisle Width (feet)
0 – 44 (0 = parallel)	14	24
45 – 54	16	24
55 – 64	18	24
65 – 79	22	24
80 – 90	25	24

7. Parking Accessways. Parking accessways are required to provide access between a street and parking aisles and internally between parking aisles. Such accessways shall conform to the following standards:

a. No parking is permitted on a parking accessway.

b. One-way parking accessways shall have a minimum width of 15 feet, unless the accessway is a fire lane, which requires a minimum of 20 feet. Two-way accessways shall have a minimum width of 28 feet.

c. Parking accessways shall not be intersected by a parking aisle or another parking accessway for a minimum distance of 30 feet from the ultimate curbline of arterial highways and a minimum distance of 20 feet from the ultimate curbline of local and other nonarterial streets.

8. Entry/Exit Driveways. Entry and exit driveways for parking lots shall be a minimum 28 feet in width plus any median width (medians shall be a minimum three feet in width). Additional turning lanes, if required, shall be a minimum 12 feet in width. One-way entry or exit drives shall be a minimum 16 feet in width.

9. Curve Radii. Entry driveways shall have a minimum curb radius of five feet. Internal curb radii shall be a minimum of three feet. Driveway curve radius shall be a minimum of 16 feet inside and 29 feet outside if confined by a curb or other construction.

G. Garages and Carports. Minimum interior dimensions in residential garages and carports for dwellings constructed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this code shall be 10 feet in width per car by 20 feet in depth (thus, a two-car garage shall be minimum 20 feet wide by 20 feet deep). Alterations to existing garage and carport spaces which retain or create smaller dimensions than those preceding may be permitted provided: (1) no space is reduced to less than nine feet by 18 feet and (2) an exception permit is approved pursuant to AVMC 15.74.070.

H. Drive-Through Facilities. Drive-through restaurants and other drive-through facilities, except car washes, shall conform to the following regulations:

1. Safe traffic and pedestrian circulation shall be provided including, but not limited to, traffic circulation which does not conflict with entering or exiting traffic, with parking, or with pedestrian movements.

2. A stacking area shall be provided for each service window or machine which contains a minimum of seven tandem standing spaces inclusive of the vehicle being served. The standing spaces shall not extend into the public right-of-way nor interfere with any internal circulation patterns.

3. The drive-through facility shall be designed to integrate with existing or proposed structures, including roof lines, building materials, signs and landscaping.

4. Vehicles at service windows or machines shall be provided with an overhead structure.

5. Amplification equipment, lighting and location of drive-through elements and service windows shall be screened from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties.

I. Shopping Cart Storage. Every land use which provides shopping carts for patrons shall provide shopping cart collection areas or cart racks as follows:

1. Cart racks shall be distributed so that no parking space within the facility is more than 150 feet from the nearest cart rack in order to prevent parking spaces from being lost to abandoned shopping carts.

2. Each cart rack shall include either a steel frame or curbs on the lower side to contain the shopping carts.

3. If sidewalks adjacent to stores are used for storage of assembled shopping carts, such sidewalks shall be designed with extra width so that pedestrian flows are not blocked by shopping carts. The decision-making authority may also require a screening wall or landscape screening integrated into the design of the project in front of such a cart storage area. [Ord. 2012-140 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

Cross-reference: design standards, Chapter 15.62 AVMC.

15.38.080 Parking structures.

A. Site Development Permit Required. Parking structures and underground parking shall conform to the requirements of this section and shall be subject to the approval of a site development permit.

B. Minimum Dimensions. The minimum dimensions for parking structures and underground parking shall be as set out in AVMC 15.38.070, except additional dimensional requirements may be imposed for conditions or structural impediments created by the parking structure.

C. Support Posts. No support posts or other obstructions shall be placed within two feet of any parking stall, except that such obstructions are allowed adjacent to the stall within the first six feet of the front of the stall, including any overhang area.

D. Mirrors for Sight Distance. Blind corners shall be provided with viewing mirrors maintained in a position and condition to provide adequate sight distance.

E. Interior Treatment. The interior treatment shall include a coordinated interior sign program designed to identify parking levels and locate stairwells, elevators, phones, exits, and other interior features. Interior colors shall be of light shades.

F. Exterior Treatment. Special care shall be taken to mitigate the visual impacts of the mass and height of parking structures. Among other design features, the decision-making authority may require that upper levels be set back from the level immediately below in order to minimize the apparent mass of the structure from the street.

G. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be incorporated into aboveground parking structures to soften their building mass. This shall include perimeter planting, side wall planting and rooftop landscaping as deemed appropriate by the decision-making authority. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.090 Screening and landscaping.

Parking facility landscaping as a percentage of site area in residential, nonresidential and special purpose districts shall be provided pursuant to Tables 15.10.030, 15.18.030 and 15.26.030, respectively. Design of parking facility screening and landscaping shall conform to AVMC 15.62.060(F). [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

Cross-references: water efficient landscape regulations, Chapter 7.30 AVMC; nuisances, AVMC 8.24.010; subdivision landscaping and screening, AVMC 14.10.150; residential landscaping and open area, AVMC 15.14.110; residential screening of equipment and facilities, AVMC 15.14.120; nonresidential landscaping and open area, AVMC 15.22.070; nonresidential screening of equipment and facilities, AVMC 15.22.080; fire hazard regulations, AVMC 15.50.010.

15.38.100 Loading facilities.

A. When Required. When the normal operation of any use or development requires that goods, merchandise, or equipment be routinely delivered to or shipped from that location, sufficient off-street loading and unloading area must be provided in accordance with this section to accommodate such activities in a safe and efficient manner. For purposes of this chapter, the term “loading” means both loading and unloading.

B. Size and Design. The dimensions and design of loading berths shall be determined during discretionary review of each project pursuant to Chapters 15.70 and 15.74 AVMC.

C. Location of Loading Berths.

1. Loading berths may occupy all or any part of any required yard setback area except front and exterior side yards and shall not be located closer than 50 feet from any lot in any residential zone unless enclosed on all sides (except the entrance) by a wall not less than eight feet in height. In addition, the decision-making authority may require screening walls or enclosures for any loading berth if it determines that such screening is necessary to mitigate the visual impacts of the facility.

2. Loading berths shall be so located and designed that the vehicles intended to use them can maneuver safely and conveniently to and from a public right-of-way and complete the loading and unloading operations without obstructing or interfering with any fire lane, public right-of-way or any parking space or parking lot aisle. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

Cross-references: residential screening of equipment and facilities, AVMC 15.14.120; nonresidential screening of equipment and facilities, AVMC 15.22.080.

15.38.110 RV, motorcycle and bicycle parking.

A. Recreational Vehicles.

1. Recreational vehicles (RVs) may be stored within residential rear or side yards except where fence heights are limited to less than six feet, provided a two-foot setback is maintained between the RV and the property line. For purposes of this section, the term “stored” shall mean the same as “parked.”

2. RVs stored in residential districts shall not be used for sleeping purposes or as a dwelling.

B. Motorcycle Parking. Motorcycle parking areas shall be provided for all nonresidential uses as follows:

1. Uses with 25 to 99 automobile parking spaces shall provide one designated area of minimum 50 square feet for use by motorcycles.

2. Uses with more than 100 automobile parking spaces shall provide motorcycle parking areas at the rate of one motorcycle parking area of minimum 50 square feet for every 100 automobile parking spaces or fraction thereof provided.

C. Bicycle Parking. Bicycle parking shall be provided as follows:

1. Uses required to provide bicycle parking equal to three percent of the total required automobile parking spaces include: video and game arcades, bowling alleys, cinemas/movie theaters, commercial recreation, health clubs, libraries, schools, and skating rinks.

2. Uses required to provide at least five bicycle parking spaces include: banks, churches, clubs/halls, hospitals, restaurants (all categories).

3. Uses required to provide bicycle parking equal to one space for each 25,000 square feet of gross floor area include all office uses.

4. Shopping centers shall provide five bicycle parking spaces for each major tenant having over 20,000 square feet of gross floor area. The spaces shall be provided at or near the tenant’s main entry. [Ord. 2015-165 § 4 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

Cross-reference: standards for recreational vehicles in the floodplain management overlay district, Chapter 7.50 AVMC.

15.38.120 Modified parking standards.

A. Modified Design Standards. Modified space and aisle dimensions, on-site circulation, and other parking design standards contained in this chapter may be allowed if an exception permit is approved pursuant to AVMC 15.74.070. No such exception shall be approved unless the decision-making authority makes the following findings in addition to the standard findings for approval of an exception permit set out in AVMC 15.74.070:

1. Given the specific conditions of the site and the projected use of the parking facility, the modified design standards will provide sufficient stall, maneuvering and aisle dimensions for the use(s) served; and

2. Topographic or other physical conditions make it impractical or infeasible to require strict compliance with the design standards.

B. Modifications to Required Number of Spaces. The number of parking spaces required for each land use shall be provided pursuant to AVMC 15.38.030 and 15.38.040, unless otherwise permitted pursuant to this section or AVMC 15.38.140.

1. Exception Permit Required for 15 Percent Reduction. A reduction in the required number of parking spaces of 15 percent or less shall require approval of an exception permit pursuant to AVMC 15.74.070. In addition to the findings required for approval of an exception permit set forth in AVMC 15.74.070, the decision-making authority shall make the following findings for approval of an exception permit pursuant to this section:

a. Given the specific conditions of the site and the adjacent area, the alternate parking standards will provide sufficient parking for the use(s) served; and

b. The alternate parking standards comply with the purpose and intent of this chapter.

2. Conditional Use Permit Required for Reduction in Excess of 15 Percent. A reduction in the required number of parking spaces over 15 percent shall be subject to the requirements of AVMC 15.38.140, which requires approval of a conditional use permit. [Ord. 2012-140 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.130 Joint parking.

A. Joint Parking with No Overall Space Deficiency. Two or more adjacent nonresidential land uses may provide common parking facilities when there is no overall deficiency in the number of parking spaces provided all of the following requirements are met:

1. The cumulative number of parking spaces required for all adjacent nonresidential land uses per AVMC 15.38.030 or 15.38.040 is provided.

2. The joint parking plan shall show that the main entries of all uses served shall be no greater than 150 feet from the nearest parking space.

3. Assurance of the availability of all affected parking spaces shall be provided by means of a written agreement between all affected property owners to remain in effect for the duration of the respective uses. The agreement shall be approved by the director and the city attorney and shall provide that no modification of the agreement that will materially affect rights to parking may be made without the prior written approval of the planning director and city attorney. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.140 Alternative parking plans and off-site parking.

A. Alternative Parking Plan Required. The applicant may request approval of an alternative parking plan to permit a reduction in the required number of parking spaces in excess of 15 percent and/or to permit off-site parking to satisfy the parking requirements set forth in this chapter provided the requirements of this section are satisfied.

B. Conditional Use Permit Required. Alternative parking plans permitted by this section shall require approval of a conditional use permit pursuant to AVMC 15.74.040.

C. Parking Study Required. The applicant shall prepare and submit to the city for review and approval a parking study that includes the following information:

1. A site plan showing all parking spaces, building square footage and tenant spaces located on parcels proposed to be included in the alternative parking plan.

2. A parking matrix with the following information:

a. Project building(s) and tenant address(es);

b. The number of parking stalls available or proposed to be provided on each parcel that is proposed to be included in the alternative parking plan (parking supply);

c. Gross square footage of all building and tenant spaces;

d. The name, type of use, and the days and hours of operation for each user or tenant;

e. The number of parking stalls required by this chapter for each tenant or land use, based on the gross square footage and type of use;

f. The hourly parking demand for all tenants on weekdays (Monday through Friday), Saturday, and Sunday;

g. A comparison between hourly parking demand and the parking supply to show that demand will not exceed parking supply.

3. If off-site parking is proposed, feasibility of customers or users of each parcel or land use proposed to be included in the alternative parking plan using the proposed off-site parking.

4. If off-site parking is proposed, identification of methods for addressing any safety concerns regarding vehicular or pedestrian access to the proposed parking spaces and any opportunities in the area for illegal parking.

5. Evaluation and analysis of applicant’s current and projected parking demand. If off-site parking is proposed, evaluation and analysis of the current and projected parking demand for all tenants or land uses that will share parking. The parking study shall provide a conclusion as to the adequacy of the alternative parking plan proposed by the applicant.

D. Waiver of Parking Study. In the event that a parking study that includes and analyzes the parking availability for the specific nonresidential land use proposed by an applicant for applicant’s property has been submitted and relied upon by the city for another project within one year of the date the applicant’s application is submitted to the city, the director may waive the requirement for a parking study set forth in subsection (C) of this section and the decision-making authority may rely upon the previously submitted parking study in making the findings set forth in subsection (F) of this section; provided, that all other land uses included and analyzed in the previously submitted parking study are the same as of the date that applicant’s application is submitted.

E. Off-Site Parking Agreement. If off-site parking is proposed as an element of the alternative parking plan, assurance of the availability of the off-site parking spaces shall be provided by means of a written agreement between all affected parking owners to remain in effect for the duration of the use permit, which shall be recorded with the county clerk recorder within five days after approval of the alternative parking plan. The agreement shall be subject to the approval of the director and the city attorney, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld provided the agreement satisfies the requirements of this section. The agreement shall provide that no amendment or modification of the agreement that would materially affect rights to parking may be made without the prior written approval of the planning director and the city attorney.

F. Findings. In addition to the findings required for approval of a conditional use permit as set forth in AVMC 15.74.040, the following findings shall be made by the decision-making authority prior to approval of an alternative parking plan:

1. Given the specific conditions of the site and the adjacent area and based upon the information and conclusions of the parking study, the alternate parking standards will provide sufficient parking for the use(s) served.

2. The alternative parking plan complies with the purpose and intent of this chapter.

3. If off-site parking is proposed, sufficient access and property rights in the off-site parking are provided to ensure that sufficient parking is provided for the use(s) served for the life or term of the use(s).

4. If off-site parking is proposed, the distance between the use(s) served and the off-site parking is no greater than reasonably feasible to ensure that sufficient parking is provided for the use(s) served. In making this finding, greater weight shall be given to off-site parking that is closer to the use(s) served. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.150 Valet parking.

A. Valet parking proposals shall be reviewed by the decision-making authority in conjunction with the discretionary permit application or other entitlement for the use or separately as an administrative use permit pursuant to the procedures of AVMC 15.74.040 if no discretionary permit is required for the use.

B. When valet parking is provided, a minimum of 25 percent of the required parking spaces shall be designated and arranged for self-parking.

C. The drop-off point for valet parking shall be convenient to the front door of the facility, shaded, one way, and of sufficient capacity to accommodate a minimum of three cars.

D. The accessway from the drop-off point to the parking area shall be via an on-site private drive and shall not utilize any public street. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.160 Disabled parking.

Public accommodations and facilities shall provide parking spaces for the physically disabled in compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More specifically, one of every 25 parking spaces shall be set aside for and accessible to the disabled. The design of such disabled spaces and additional requirements for van accessible spaces shall conform to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design published by the U.S. Department of Justice. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].

15.38.170 Nonconforming parking.

A. Continuation of Uses. A use which was a legal use on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this code shall be allowed to continue in operation at whatever parking ratio was in effect at the time the use was established, provided such use was properly permitted and parked in accordance with the regulations in effect at that time.

B. Discontinued Nonconforming Uses. If a use which is nonconforming with regard to parking is not used continuously for a period of one year, any use of the premises shall conform to the parking requirements of this chapter.

C. Expansions and Additions. Any additional uses, intensifications of use, expansions, or changes of use which generate a need for added parking shall comply with the parking required by this chapter. [Ord. 2011-138 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-137 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-132 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].