Chapter 18.135
OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
Sections:
18.135.010 Application of requirements.
18.135.030 Type and size of facilities.
18.135.040 Parking areas not in or adjacent to residential districts.
18.135.050 Parking areas in or adjacent to residential districts.
18.135.060 Mixed or multi-uses.
18.135.080 Amount of off-street parking.
18.135.090 Access and service drives.
18.135.100 Off-street loading.
18.135.110 Combining off-street loading spaces.
18.135.120 Interior parking area green space.
18.135.010 Application of requirements.
(A) A person who constructs or structurally alters a building, or who initiates or alters a use after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall provide and maintain off-street parking facilities as provided in this title.
(B) The owner or operator of a building or use shall not discontinue or reduce the off-street parking facilities required by this title.
(C) Permits. All parking areas shall be installed after issuance of an improvement location permit; Site Review Committee approval required. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 1; 1982 Code § 153.090; 1983 Code § 15.153.090.]
18.135.020 Location.
(A) Off-street parking facilities shall be on the same lot as the principal use except as provided in subsection (B) of this section.
(B) If the size or shape of the lot or the existence of a nonconforming building or use prevents providing the parking facilities on the lot, the owner may provide the facilities on an alternate lot within 300 feet if he files a copy of the deed or lease agreement to the alternate lot with the Area Plan Commission. The alternate lot may not be subsequently used for any other use unless the subsequent use has been approved by the Area Plan Commission.
(C) Parking spaces for all uses may be in either garages or open parking areas; providing, however, that garages must meet all requirements of EMC 18.130.070.
(D) Automotive vehicles, including campers and motorhomes of any kind or type, without current license plates, shall not be parked or stored on any residential property other than in completely enclosed buildings. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 2; 1982 Code § 153.091; 1983 Code § 15.153.091.]
18.135.030 Type and size of facilities.
(A) A parking space must be a minimum of nine feet wide and 18 feet long.
(B) Except on lots occupied by single-family or two-family residences, aisles shall be provided depending on the angle of parking from the curb as follows:
|
Angles in degrees from curb |
Aisles |
|
|---|---|---|
|
One-Way |
Two-Way |
|
|
0 |
10 feet |
18 feet |
|
15 |
8 feet |
18 feet |
|
30 |
10 feet |
18 feet |
|
45 |
12 feet |
18 feet |
|
60 |
18 feet |
22 feet |
|
90 |
24 feet |
24 feet |
(C) Except on lots occupied by single- or two-family dwellings, access drives or driveways to or from any parking space or lot shall provide an access drive measured at right angles to the centerline of the drive, as follows (widths do not include required entrance and exit radii):
|
|
One-Way Min. – Max. |
Two-Way Min. – Max. |
|---|---|---|
|
Residential |
|
|
|
1 – 2 Units |
10 |
10 – 20 |
|
3 – 8 Units |
10 |
20 – 30 |
|
8 or more |
12 – 20 |
24 – 40 |
|
Commercial |
12 – 20 |
24 – 40 |
|
Industrial |
12 – 20 |
24 – 40 |
A divided entrance drive must be between 20 feet and 30 feet for each divided section with a median width of four feet minimum. [Ord. G-93-7, passed 4-13-93; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 3; 1982 Code § 153.092; 1983 Code § 15.153.092.]
18.135.040 Parking areas not in or adjacent to residential districts.
Parking areas shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the following requirements:
(A) Limitations on Use.
(1) A building other than a parking garage shall not be constructed in a parking area.
(2) The parking area must be designed to eliminate vehicles backing out into street right-of-way.
(3) Off-street parking areas located on a lot separate from the lot occupied by the principal use shall not be used for the storage, display, advertisement, sale, repair, dismantling, or wrecking of any vehicle, equipment, or materials.
(B) Signs. One exit sign and one entrance sign not more than three square feet in size each.
(C) Yards. Minimum required yards as shown on EMC 18.130.010 must be planted and maintained in grass or other natural ground cover.
(D) Paving.
(1) Parking areas and access drives shall be installed and maintained with a hard and sealed surface except in R-1, R-2, and A districts where any durable surface is permitted.
(2) The parking area surface shall be graded and drained so that there will be no flow of water onto either adjacent properties or sidewalks.
(3) When the front end of a parking space is adjacent to the perimeter of the parking area, a bumper guard shall be provided to prevent any part of a parked vehicle from extending beyond the parking area.
(E) Maintenance. Off-street parking areas shall be maintained in good condition and be kept free of weeds, trash and debris.
(F) Lighting. Lighting must be shaded and shall be located so that it does not cause glare onto adjacent properties or interfere with street traffic. [Ord. G-2010-6 § 1, passed 3-9-10; Ord. G-95-1, passed 2-28-95; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 4; 1982 Code § 153.093; 1983 Code § 15.153.093.]
18.135.050 Parking areas in or adjacent to residential districts.
Off-street parking areas for all nonresidential uses located in or adjacent to residential districts are required to meet the provisions of EMC 18.135.040 and also the following restrictions:
(A) Limitations in Residential Districts.
(1) SU 10 approval is required for parking lots located on a lot separate from the lot occupied by the principal use.
(2) No charge shall be made for parking.
(3) The parking area shall be used only for parking of passenger motor vehicles.
(B) Access.
(1) Access to the parking area shall not be through a required front yard, unless no other access is reasonably available.
(2) Access shall be through the principal use lot or from a public alley.
(C) Yards.
(1) Required yards must be maintained in grass or natural ground cover. Minimum front and side yards shall meet or exceed the minimum front and side yards required in EMC 18.130.010.
(2) If a setback line has already been established in the same block as the parking area, the minimum front yard shall be equal to the average setback of existing buildings on the same side of the street.
(3) Required side and rear yards shall not be less than five feet.
(D) Buffer Screens around the Parking Area. Along the length of all required yards adjacent to a residential lot there shall be a wall or fence as described below:
(1) An opaque wall or fence of ornamental block, brick, solid wood fencing, or a combination of these materials at least 42 inches in height.
(2) A compact hedge of evergreen or deciduous shrubs at least 36 inches in height at the time of planting. [Ord. G-95-1, passed 2-28-95; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-78-13, passed 5-8-78; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 5; 1982 Code § 153.094; 1983 Code § 15.153.094.]
18.135.060 Mixed or multi-uses.
(A) In the case of mixed or multi-uses, the total requirements for off-street parking are the sum of the requirements of the various uses computed separately unless specifically listed.
(B) Except as provided in EMC 18.135.070, off-street parking spaces for one use may not be considered spaces for another use. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 6; 1982 Code § 153.095; 1983 Code § 15.153.095.]
18.135.070 Joint uses.
(A) An off-street parking area for one use may be included in the requirements for another use if the Area Plan Commission determines that the periods of usage are not concurrent.
(B) Theaters and churches may reduce the off-street parking facilities by the number of spaces available in commercial or industrial parking areas within 500 feet of the theater or church, if the areas are not used during theater and church usage hours. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 7; 1982 Code § 153.096; 1983 Code § 15.153.096.]
18.135.080 Amount of off-street parking.
(A) Off-street parking facilities are required for uses as follows:
(1) Use Group 1 (one-family dwelling): two spaces per dwelling; providing, however, that all extended families, as defined in this title must provide adequate off-street parking for all such family vehicles.
(2) Use Group 2 (residential occupations): two spaces per dwelling plus one space for each 200 square feet used for home occupation.
(3) Use Group 3 (duplex): two spaces per dwelling unit.
(4) Use Group 4 (Multiple-Family Dwelling).
(a) Efficiency or bedroom unit: one per unit.
(b) One-bedroom: one and one-half per unit.
(c) Two-bedroom: two per unit.
(d) Three-plus bedroom: two per unit.
(e) Plus one visitor space for each three units.
(5) Use Group 5.
(a) Nursery, nursery school, child care center: one space for each six children, plus one space for each two employees of the largest working shift, plus one space for each company vehicle.
(b) All other listed uses: one parking space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area.
(6) Use Group 6.
(a) Group home/community residential facility: one space for each three residents plus one space for each staff member of the largest working shift.
(b) Sorority and fraternity: one and one-half spaces for each two beds.
(7) Use Group 7.
(a) Restaurants and cafeterias: one parking space for each three customer seats.
(b) Beauty and barber shops: two spaces per barber or beautician or one space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is more restrictive.
(c) All other listed uses: one parking space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area.
(8) Use Group 8.
(a) Business and commercial trade schools, dance/theatrical school or studio: one parking space for each classroom, plus one and one-half spaces for each two students of largest enrollment.
(b) Nightclub, bar, tavern, and similar uses: one space for each two customer seats.
(c) Archery range, trampoline center, pool or billiard room, arcade, skating rink, exercise or sports club and similar uses: one space for each 500 square feet of gross floor area.
(d) Bowling alley: four parking spaces for each alley.
(e) Theater: one parking space for each four seats, plus one space for each employee of the largest working shift.
(f) Automobile service station: one parking space for each employee of the largest working shift, two spaces for each service stall, plus adequate spaces for visitors.
(g) Tennis courts: four parking spaces for each court, plus one space for each employee of the largest working shift.
(h) Party houses, lodges, private clubs, dance halls, and meeting halls: one-half parking space per person as calculated by building capacity.
(i) Supermarkets, drugstores, package liquor stores, and department stores: five and one-half spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area for building over 3,000 square feet; all smaller buildings, one space for each 200 square feet.
(j) Hotels and motels (exclusive of retail uses): one parking space for each rental dwelling unit, plus one space for each five employees of the largest working shift.
(k) Laundromats: one parking space for each three washing or dry cleaning machines.
(l) Shopping centers over 25,000 square feet in size: five spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross lease area; shopping centers less than 25,000 square feet in size: one space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area.
(m) Mortuary: one space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area.
(n) All other listed uses: one parking space for each 500 square feet of gross floor area.
(9) Use Group 9. All listed uses: one parking space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area.
(10) Use Group 10.
(a) Retail uses: one space for each 500 square feet of gross floor area; minimum two spaces.
(b) Service, storage, warehouse, and wholesale uses: one parking space for each two employees of the largest working shift, one space per company vehicle, plus adequate spaces for visitors; minimum two spaces.
(11) Use Group 11.
(a) Plant and shrub nursery: one parking space for each employee of the largest working shift plus an adequate number of spaces to serve the public.
(b) Retail use: one space for each 500 square feet of gross floor or sales area; minimum two spaces.
(c) Service, storage, warehouse and wholesale uses: one parking space for each two employees of the largest working shift, one space per company vehicle, plus adequate space for visitors; minimum two spaces.
(d) Recreational uses: parking spaces in an amount to be determined by Site Review Committee to be reasonably adequate to serve the public for customers, patrons, visitors, and employees.
(12) Use Group 12.
(a) Restaurants and refreshment stands: one space for each three customer seats.
(b) All other listed uses: one parking space for each two employees of the largest working shift plus an adequate number of spaces to serve the public.
(13) Use Groups 13, 14, 15, and 16. All listed uses: one parking space for each two employees of the largest working shift, one space per company vehicle, plus adequate number of spaces for visitors.
(14) Use Group 17. Agricultural and forestry operations: one parking space for each employee.
(15) Use Group 18. All listed uses: one parking space for each employee plus an adequate number of spaces for visitors.
(16) Use Group 19.
(a) Drive-in theater: two parking spaces for each 100 square feet of gross floor area plus one space for each employee of the largest working shift in addition to patron parking.
(b) All other listed uses: one parking space for each employee plus an adequate number of spaces for visitors.
(17) Use Group 20. Bed and breakfast, boardinghouse, and similar uses: two spaces per dwelling unit plus one space per rental unit.
(18) Use Group 21. Adult uses shall provide the following number of parking spaces:
(a) Adult arcade: one parking space for each two customer seats or arcade devices (whichever is greater) plus one parking space for each employee of the largest working shift.
(b) Adult bookstore, adult novelty store or adult video store: one parking space for each 200 square feet of floor space.
(c) Adult cabaret, juice bar, or bikini bar: one parking space for each two customer seats, plus one parking space for each employee of the largest working shift.
(d) Adult motion picture theater: one parking space for each four seats, plus one parking space for each employee of the largest working shift.
(e) Adult theater: one parking space for each four seats, plus one parking space for each employee of the largest working shift.
(f) Nude model studio: two parking spaces for each employee of the largest working shift.
(g) Sexual encounter center: two parking spaces for each employee of the largest working shift.
(h) Peep show facility: two parking spaces for each employee of the largest working shift.
(B) Special Uses.
(1) As provided by Chapter 18.145 EMC and the special use approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals:
|
SU 1 |
Elementary and middle schools: one per staff member plus adequate for visitors and buses. High schools: two-tenths per student plus one per staff member plus adequate for visitors and buses. |
|
SU 2 |
Three-tenths per seat. |
|
SU 3 |
Hospitals: one and one-half per bed. Nursing homes, convalescent and custodial care centers: one space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area. |
|
SU 4 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 5 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 6 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 7 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 8 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 9 |
One-half per employee. |
|
SU 10 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 11 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 12 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 13 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 14 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 15 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 16 |
Three-tenths per seat. |
|
SU 17 |
One per employee plus two for each service stall. |
|
SU 18 |
One in addition to residential requirements. |
|
SU 19 |
One-half per employee. |
|
SU 20 |
One-half per employee. |
|
SU 21 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 22 |
One per employee, plus an adequate number for visitors. |
|
SU 23 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 24 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 25 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 26 |
One per 200 square feet. |
|
SU 27 |
See subsection (B)(2) of this section. |
|
SU 28 |
One space for each six children plus one space for each two employees, in addition to residential requirements. |
|
SU 29 |
One per 200 square feet. |
|
SU 30 |
One parking space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area or one space for each three students, whichever is more restrictive. |
|
SU 31 |
One space in addition to residential requirements. |
|
SU 32 |
Two spaces in addition to residential requirements. |
|
SU 33 |
See subsection (A)(17) of this section. |
|
SU 34 |
See subsection (A)(17) of this section. |
|
SU 35 – SU 42 |
Repealed by Ord. G-2008-13. |
|
SU 43 |
One space in addition to residential requirements. |
|
SU 46 |
One space for each three residents, one space for each employee of the largest working shift, plus one space for each company vehicle. |
(2) Parking spaces in an amount to be determined by the Board of Zoning Appeals to be reasonably adequate to serve the public for customers, patrons, visitors, and employees.
(C) “Gross floor area” for the purposes of this section means the total horizontal areas of the floors of the building or portion of the building, including accessory storage areas located within selling and working space and basement floors devoted to retail activities, production or processing of goods, or offices. Gross floor area does not include area devoted entirely and permanently to parking, loading, restrooms, utilities, elevator shafts, or stairwells.
(D) Whenever a use is added to use groups as provided in EMC 18.125.020, the off-street parking facilities are those for the use within that use group most similar to the added use, unless otherwise provided by the commission.
(E) One-half or more of a fractional parking space in a computation requires providing one full parking space.
(F) Off-street parking for all uses in the AIR district will be determined by the Evansville-Vanderburgh Airport Authority District (EVAAD). [Ord. G-2013-17 § 5, passed 11-19-13; Ord. G-2011-7 § 1(I), passed 5-16-11; Ord. G-2008-13 § 1, passed 4-15-08; Ord. G-96-16, passed 10-21-96; Ord. G-96-11, passed 8-19-96; Ord. G-95-1, passed 2-28-95; Ord. G-93-24, passed 12-14-93; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-78-13, passed 5-8-78; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 8; 1982 Code § 153.097; 1983 Code § 15.153.097.]
18.135.090 Access and service drives.
(A) An access or service drive for any use may not be constructed over a public sidewalk or right-of-way without approval from the City Engineer as provided in EMC 18.170.010.
(B) All uses are subject to the following requirements:
(1) Access drives are determined as follows:
|
0 – 200 feet of road frontage |
One access drive |
|
200 – 400 feet |
Two access drives |
|
Over 400 feet |
Access drives to be determined |
(2) An access drive must be at least 50 feet from any parallel access drive on the same property; provided, that in residential-1 districts, by a unanimous vote of the Site Review Committee, that distance may be reduced on local streets only.
(3) An access drive must be at least 200 feet from the base of a bridge incline, measured from the centerline of access drive to the base of the bridge incline.
(4) An access drive must be at least 400 feet from an interchange ramp, measured from the centerline of access drive to the nearest edge of the ramp.
(5) Access drives in residential-1 districts must be at least 30 feet from a parallel public street; provided, that by a unanimous vote of the Review Committee the 30 feet requirement may be reduced to not less than 15 feet on local streets only. The distance is measured from the nearest side line of the drive to the nearest right-of-way line of the street. Access drives in all other districts must be at least 50 feet from any parallel public street, measured from the nearest curb line of the street.
(6) All access drives shall be in conformance with the current Evansville Urban Transportation Access Standards Manual.
(7) Auxiliary lanes, such as passing blisters and turn lanes, shall be installed, when required, according to the current Evansville Urban Transportation Access Standards Manual.
(8) Where an access drive is located in front of a garage on a public street, the garage shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the right-of-way or the driveway to the garage shall be at least 20 feet long to provide enough space for a vehicle to park without overhanging into the right-of-way, if the garage door is closed. This shall not be interpreted to waive a larger required minimum setback required by the zoning district.
(9) Access drives for a single-family residential use, located on a street classified as local, and that has a front or side load three-car garage may have an access drive of a maximum width of 30 feet located directly in front of the garage door location. All access drive standards above still apply.
(C) The Site Review Committee shall also consider the following factors in approval of a site plan:
(1) Automotive and pedestrian safety;
(2) Traffic flow and control;
(3) Accessibility for emergency vehicles;
(4) Effects of the access drives on abutting properties.
(D) If the location or site of a lot prevents development in accordance with the above requirements, access shall be provided which most closely complies with these requirements. Access may not be denied to any property. [Ord. G-2022-19, passed 10-11-22; Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 9; 1982 Code § 153.098; 1983 Code § 15.153.098.]
18.135.100 Off-street loading.
(A) A use shall provide space separate from off-street parking areas, streets, and alleys for loading and unloading, and shall not block off-street parking, streets, or alleys.
(B) Vehicles may not be parked or stored in the required off-street loading areas during the time the use is in operation, except for loading and unloading purposes.
(C) Off-street loading space shall be provided and maintained in accordance with the following schedule:
|
(1) |
For each commercial and industrial use not specified in subsection (C)(3) of this section which has an aggregate floor area of the following: |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
10,000 to 25,000 square feet: |
1 space |
|
|
(b) |
25,001 to 60,000 square feet: |
2 spaces |
|
|
(c) |
60,001 to 120,000 square feet: |
3 spaces |
|
|
(d) |
120,001 to 200,000 square feet: |
4 spaces |
|
|
(e) |
200,001 to 290,000 square feet: |
5 spaces |
|
|
(f) |
For each additional 90,000 square feet or fraction thereof: |
1 additional space |
|
(2) |
For each apartment building with 25 or more dwelling units: |
1 space |
|
|
(3) |
For each hotel or motel, office building or public use which has an aggregate floor area of the following: |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
10,000 to 40,000 square feet: |
1 space |
|
|
(b) |
For each additional 40,000 square feet or fraction thereof: |
1 additional space |
(D) Each space must be at least 12 feet by 35 feet in an area with a 14-foot clearance to classify as a required space.
(E) The Site Review Committee may recommend the reduction of a space to 12 feet by 30 feet in an area with an eight-foot clearance if the use will not normally involve the service by vehicles requiring the larger space.
(F) Plans for buildings or uses requiring off-street loading facilities by this title shall clearly indicate the location, dimensions, clearance, and loading facilities. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 10; 1982 Code § 153.099; 1983 Code § 15.153.099.]
18.135.110 Combining off-street loading spaces.
Off-street loading spaces may be combined for two or more uses if the combined spaces are equal to the requirements of all the uses and may be used conveniently by all the uses. [Ord. G-89-17, passed 5-24-89; Ord. G-76-10, passed 2-28-77. 1962 Code, Art. 9, Ch. 24, § 11; 1982 Code § 153.100; 1983 Code § 15.153.100.]
18.135.120 Interior parking area green space.
(A) In order to reduce the visual and environmental impact of large parking lots, interior parking area green space shall be provided in landscaped islands, bumpouts and/or strips within (1) all new surface parking areas, or (2) expansions of existing parking areas having 30 or more parking spaces. The term “landscaped island” shall refer to this required parking area green space. These requirements are in addition to any required front, side, and rear yard setbacks, and shall meet the following standards:
(1) Parking lots shall provide one landscaped island for every 15 parking spaces. When computing results in a fraction of 0.5 of an island or higher, the fraction shall be rounded up to the next whole number. The parking area shall be considered as the pavement devoted to parking spaces and adjoining aisles. To the extent possible, islands should be dispersed throughout the parking area.
(2) The minimum size of a landscaped island that can be applied towards these requirements shall be 136 square feet. The minimum dimension for an island without a tree is six feet. The dimensions for an island shall be measured from the inside of the curb or other barrier provided.
(3) Barriers such as permanent curbing or wheel stops shall be installed around islands to minimize damage to landscaping and for easier parking area maintenance. Pavement (at or below the surface) is prohibited inside the island barriers. However, light pole standards, storm inlets, electrical boxes and other utility/drainage facilities are allowed within landscaped islands provided they do not occupy more than 25 percent of the island area, do not block a drainage way and they meet any applicable drainage requirements.
(B) The preferred design option for landscaped islands is an island strip placed in the parking area between rows of head-to-head parking (see Figure A).
(1) To encourage this form of landscaped island, a credit will be provided for the area where a vehicle could overhang the island strip as long as the strip is at least 10 feet wide. This credit allows two feet of the island adjacent to the front end of the parking spaces to be counted as part of the parking spaces, reducing the paved length of the spaces from 18 feet to 16 feet (see Figure B). Only ground cover plants are allowed within the overhang area.
(2) The design grade of landscaped strips can be above or below the parking lot surface (see Figure A). Island strips with an elevation below the parking lot also function as bio-swales that can be integrated into the project drainage system. Gaps must be provided in curb or other barriers around this type of an island to allow for storm water flow into the area. Bio-swale islands are a best management practice for dealing with storm water and can lower drainage system cost. Design criteria for bio-swales must meet applicable drainage requirements.
(C) Landscaped islands can also be used to safely separate parking spaces and pedestrians, and to define access drives that help direct vehicle circulation.
(D) Each island shall contain plantings and be maintained as green space. Appropriate ground cover species, flowers, shrubs and/or trees shall be used to create an appealing landscape with shade and color. Trees are strongly encouraged, as well as use of native plantings. Lists of native trees by size recommended for planting can be obtained from the City of Evansville Arboricultural Specifications Manual. This document also offers guidance on planting procedures, soil treatment, irrigation and maintenance. Additional advice can be obtained from the City Arborist in the Evansville Urban Forestry Office, and from the County Extension Office.
(1) Site plans for new development must show islands and indicate the species of trees to be planted.
(2) The island plantings must be installed on a site of new or expanded development within six months of the date a certificate of occupancy (C of O) is issued. For attached multi-tenant businesses in a common structure, the six months shall start from the date a C of O is issued for the first business in the structure. After six months, enforcement actions will be taken including the possibility of fines if plantings have not been installed per these requirements.
(3) In parking lots with 60 or more parking spaces, trees are required to be planted in islands at a rate of one tree for every 30 parking spaces. When computing results in a fraction of 0.5 of a tree or higher, the fraction shall be rounded up to the next whole number. All required trees are to be from the medium and large tree lists in the document referenced herein (no dwarf trees are allowed), unless other equivalent sized trees are approved by the City Arborist or the County Extension Office. At least 50 percent of required trees must be from the large tree list. Any existing trees to be preserved that meet these requirements as shown on a site plan approved by the City Arborist or the County Extension Office shall also count toward the required tree total.
(a) Minimum Size of Islands Containing Trees.
Small/medium tree – 136 square feet with a minimum dimension of eight feet.
Large tree – 315 square feet with a minimum dimension of 10 feet.
(b) Minimum Distance from Tree to Pavement.
Small tree – three feet.
Medium tree – four feet.
Large tree – five feet.
(c) The minimum sizes for islands with trees can be reduced upon approval by the City Arborist or the County Extension Office. To obtain approval, a site plan and island construction details must be submitted for commercial review indicating the use of structural soil, permeable pavement or an equivalent material or design (e.g., landscaped bumpouts adjacent to perimeter green space).
(d) The size of the tree stock at the time of planting shall be as follows:
|
Small tree – |
At least one and one-half-inch caliper for a single trunk. |
|
Medium/large tree – |
Two and one-half-inch caliper for single trunk. |
|
Evergreen or multi-stem trees: |
Small – 10 feet in height. |
|
|
Medium/large – 12 feet tall. |
(e) Parking Deduction for Islands with Trees. For islands that contain medium or large trees, the amount of parking spaces that these required island areas represent shall be deducted from the total amount of the parking spaces needed to comply with the off-street parking requirements as follows:
|
Island Size |
Island Parking Deduction |
|---|---|
|
136 to 314 square feet |
1 parking space deducted/island |
|
315 square feet or larger |
2 spaces deducted/island |
This parking deduction shall also be granted for parking areas smaller than 30 spaces as long as the islands meet these standards.
(f) Islands in addition to those required to meet these standards are not eligible for the parking deduction unless they contain trees. This parking deduction shall not exceed 15 percent of the total required parking spaces before deductions are applied.
(4) In areas where sight distance is needed, landscaping shall not obstruct visibility between three and six feet above the pavement surface (no evergreens).
(E) The landowner and tenant, if any, of the parking area shall be jointly responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the islands and the landscaping to ensure the green space is kept in good condition. This shall include any necessary island repairs and replacement of landscaping as needed. If any trees die for which parking deductions were granted pursuant to this section, they shall be replaced in kind with healthy specimens on the appropriate medium or large tree lists.
(F) Existing Parking Lots.
(1) Islands may be retrofitted into an existing parking lot despite not being depicted on the approved site plan without requiring a revised site plan to be approved; provided, that the number of remaining parking spaces is sufficient to comply with the parking requirements.
(2) If a developer is not changing the dimensions or configuration of an existing parking lot that has been legally permitted, no landscape islands will be required, even when the use is changed.
(3) The following developments are exempt from the standards and requirements of this section:
(a) Parking areas located within an enclosed parking structure.
(b) Public parks.
(c) Paved areas for site loading/unloading.
(d) Opaque fenced storage areas.
|
Requirement/Standard (parking lots smaller than 30 spaces are exempt)
Minimum Landscape Island Size – 136 square feet With Large Tree – 315 square feet
Islands Required – 1 island/15 parking spaces Trees Required – 1 tree/30 spaces (in parking lots with 60 or more spaces)
Results with a fraction of 0.5 or higher shall be rounded up to the next whole number. |
[Ord. G-2022-25 § 1, passed 1-25-23; Ord. G-2010-6 § 2, passed 3-9-10.]