Chapter 22.60
PARKING AND CIRCULATION
Sections:
22.60.002 Chapter application.
22.60.003 Parking space requirements per activity.
22.60.004 Parking demand reduction credit.
22.60.005 Shared parking facilities.
22.60.006 Maximum parking space provisions.
22.60.007 Location of off-street spaces.
22.60.008 Parking and driveway design standards.
22.60.009 Barrier-free parking requirements.
22.60.010 Bicycle parking facilities.
22.60.011 Loading space requirements.
22.60.012 Stacking spaces for drive-through facilities.
22.60.013 Pedestrian circulation and access.
22.60.015 Parking reductions for temporary outdoor sales events.
22.60.016 Micromobility vehicles and facilities.
22.60.001 Purpose and intent.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide for adequate, convenient and safe off-street parking, loading and circulation areas for the permitted land uses described in this title; to protect neighborhoods from the effects of vehicular noise, traffic, and light and glare associated with parking and loading facilities; to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces associated with parking facilities; to reduce demand for parking by encouraging alternative means of transportation including public transit, rideshare and bicycles; and to increase pedestrian mobility within the community.
(b) Intent. The demand for parking responds to changing market forces, technology, and societal preferences. Minimum parking standards have resulted in development patterns dominated by expanses of parking perceived as visual blight, damaging to the environment, and low value in terms of tax base. The amount of parking provided on a site frequently exceeds parking demand – at considerable cost to property and business owners – and the community. In response, municipalities have adopted parking standards that restrict the amount of off-street parking provided for certain uses or locations. These constraints, however, may limit the viability of retail and other uses in some markets. Other municipalities have eliminated minimum parking space requirements and relied on the market to provide an appropriate number.
This chapter supports a transition toward relying on the market to determine parking supply but also reflects community concern that neighborhoods may be impacted by individual market-based decisions that collectively result in an undersupply of off-street parking. The intent of this chapter, therefore, is to balance market considerations with minimum and maximum numerical standards to ensure a sufficient, but not excessive, supply of parking – and authorize the city to approve an increase, or decrease, in the amount of parking being provided relative to a specified standard when a proposal can meet criteria. (Ord. 1667 § 26, 2020; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.002 Chapter application.
New development, alteration to or an expansion of an existing development, and a change in use of a structure or lot, shall comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter.
(a) New Construction. Parking, loading and circulation shall be provided in accordance with this chapter for all new construction and lot development.
(b) Existing Development or Use. Parking, loading and circulation area requirements for alteration or expansion of existing developments or for a change or increase in intensity of use, shall be in accordance with the following:
(1) If the alteration, expansion or increase in intensity would require the addition of 20 percent or five or more additional off-street parking spaces, then the entire parking, loading and circulation area must be brought into conformance with this chapter.
(2) If the alteration, expansion or increase in intensity would require the addition of less than 20 percent or five parking spaces, then only the additional area devoted to parking, loading and circulation must conform with this chapter. (Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.003 Parking space requirements per activity.
The following tables identify the minimum number of parking spaces required to be provided for each activity unless a reduction is authorized in accordance with this chapter. The director or hearing examiner, as specified in this chapter, shall determine the actual required spaces for a proposed activity based on the tables below, the requirements of this chapter and on actual field experience.
If the formula for determining the number of off-street parking spaces results in a fraction, the number of spaces shall be rounded to the nearest whole number with fractions greater than or equal to one-half rounding up and fractions less than one-half rounding down. In the following tables, “sf” means square feet of gross floor area, and “du” means dwelling unit, unless otherwise noted.
(a) Residential and Lodging Activities.
|
Use |
Required Spaces |
|---|---|
|
Single-family (detached) |
2 per du. |
|
Duplex |
1.5 per du. |
|
Cottage housing |
1 per du ≤ 800 sf; 1.5 per du > 800 sf. |
|
Single-family (detached) in small lot development |
2 per du + 1 guest stall. |
|
Single-family (attached) in small lot development |
1.5 per du + 1 guest stall. |
|
Multifamily |
1.00 per du. |
|
Multifamily – Efficiency units (250 – 450 sf in size), student housing, and affordable senior housing* |
0.6 per du. |
|
Congregate care facility |
0.5 per du. |
|
Group residences, including hospice care center, residential care facility, and residential treatment facility |
0.5 per bedroom. |
|
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) |
None. |
|
Short-term rentals |
See FMC 22.58.011. |
|
Hotel/motel |
1 per guest room. |
* “Affordable” means dwelling units priced, rented, or leased only to those households earning 80 percent or less of the median household income for Pierce County, Washington. “Senior” means dwelling units specifically designed for and occupied by elderly persons under a federal, state or local government program or occupied solely by persons who are 62 or older or houses at least one person who is 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units, and adheres to a policy that demonstrates intent to house persons who are 55 or older.
(b) Commercial Activities.
|
Use |
Required Spaces |
|---|---|
|
Commercial use, including retail, service, office, and financial institution |
1 per 400 sf. |
|
Mixed use, including a combination of retail, office, service, recreational and/or residential uses |
See subsection (i) of this section, Joint Use. |
|
Laboratory, including medical, dental, and optical |
1 per 500 sf. |
|
Food-serving establishment |
1 per 200 sf. |
|
Uncovered commercial area, including vehicle lots and plant nursery |
1 per 5,000 sf of retail sales + any parking requirements for buildings. |
|
Motor vehicle repair and services |
1 per 400 sf (indoor maintenance bays shall not be considered parking spaces). |
|
Child day-care |
2 per facility + 1 per 20 children. |
|
Veterinary clinic |
1 per 400 sf. |
|
Mortuary or funeral home |
1 per 100 sf of floor area used for services. |
(c) Educational Activities.
|
Use |
Required Spaces |
|---|---|
|
Elementary, intermediate, middle or junior high school |
1 per classroom + 1 per 50 students. |
|
High school |
1 per classroom + 1 per 10 students. |
|
Vocational school |
1 per classroom + 1 per 5 students. |
|
Preschool |
1 per 6 children. |
(d) Industrial Activities.
|
Use |
Required Spaces |
|---|---|
|
Manufacturing |
1 per 1,000 sf (less office and display space) + 1 per 400 sf of office space + 1 per 500 sf of display space. |
|
Technological or biotechnological laboratory or testing facility |
1 per 1,000 sf (less office space) + 1 per 400 sf of office space. |
|
Speculative light industrial building with multiple use or tenant potential |
1 per 1,500 sf for initial 100,000 sf + 1 per 2,000 sf for remainder of building (less office space). 1 per 400 sf of office space. |
|
NOTE: For each new use or tenant the property owner shall submit a scaled parking plan indicating the assigned parking for the applicable building. |
NOTE: This is a minimum requirement valid for construction purposes only. Parking requirements shall be based upon actual occupancy. |
|
Outdoor storage area |
1 per 5,000 sf of storage area. |
(e) Recreational, Amusement and Assembly Activities.
|
Use |
Required Spaces |
|---|---|
|
Auditorium, theater, place of public assembly, stadium or outdoor sports arena |
1 per 4 fixed seats or 1 per 175 sf of main auditorium or of principal place of assembly not containing fixed seats + 1 per 300 sf of office. |
|
Bowling alley |
3 per lane. |
|
Skating rink |
1 per 200 sf. |
|
Golf course |
4 per hole, plus as required for associated uses including clubhouse, pro shop and maintenance facility. |
|
Golf driving range |
1 per driving station. |
|
Miniature golf course |
1 per hole. |
|
Health club, dance studio |
1 per 300 sf. |
(f) Public, Institutional, Medical and Religious Activities.
|
Use |
Required Spaces |
|---|---|
|
Government facility |
1 per 300 sf of office space; 1 per 1,000 sf of indoor storage or repair area associated with public agency yard. Other use areas shall be calculated based on the above requirements and, if applicable, the shared parking facilities provisions in FMC 22.60.005. |
|
Library, museum, or gallery |
1 per 500 sf. |
|
Civic, labor, social or fraternal organization |
1 per 300 sf. |
|
Convalescent, nursing or rest home |
1 per 3 beds + 0.5 per employee. |
|
Religious institution |
1 per 8 seats in the main sanctuary including balconies and choir lofts. Other use areas shall be calculated based on the above requirements and, if applicable, the shared parking facilities provisions in FMC 22.60.005. |
(g) Other Uses. For uses not specifically identified in this chapter, the amount of parking required shall be based on the requirements for similar uses as determined by the director or hearing examiner, as appropriate.
(h) Speculative Use. When the city has received an application for a site plan approval or other permits for a building shell without tenant uses being specified, off-street parking requirements shall be based on the possible tenant improvements or uses authorized by the zone designation and compatible with the limitations of the site plan or other permit. When the range of possible uses results in different parking requirements, the director or hearing examiner, as appropriate, will establish the amount of parking based on a likely range of uses.
(i) Joint Use. In the case of two or more uses in the same building or on the same lot, for example within a mixed-use development that includes retail, residential and other uses, the total requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately. Off-street parking facilities for one use shall not be considered as providing required parking facilities for any other use. However, an applicant may request a parking demand reduction credit per FMC 22.60.004 and/or a shared parking facilities credit per FMC 22.60.005 to reduce the overall parking requirement. The director or hearing examiner, as appropriate, shall be responsible for determining the various uses within a building or on a lot and the resulting parking requirements for each use. (Ord. 1667 § 27, 2020; Ord. 1638 § 27, 2019; Ord. 1562 § 46, 2015; Ord. 1506 § 1, 2011; Ord. 1470 § 1, 2009; Ord. 1311 § 32, 2002; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.004 Parking demand reduction credit.
A property owner may request a reduction from the minimum required off-street parking by substantiating that parking demand will be reduced for the life of the project. This request shall be reviewed in conjunction with a site plan, conditional use permit, or preliminary development plan application. In such cases, the hearing examiner may approve a reduction of up to 50 percent of the minimum required number of spaces if a parking demand study prepared by a professional traffic engineer (see Urban Land Institute – Shared Parking: Second Edition for a recommended parking demand analysis methodology) substantiates that:
(a) Because of the unique nature of the use, the characteristics of the site and surrounding neighborhood, the availability of alternative means of transportation, proximity to regional transit facilities, the provision of car share, rideshare or micromobility facilities, or other relevant local factors, parking demand can be met with a reduced number of spaces; or
(b) A shared parking facility designed in accordance with FMC 22.60.005 will effectively reduce parking demand to a level below the minimum required parking; or
(c) A combined parking facility for two or more complementary uses which have similar hours of operation will reduce parking demand to a level below the minimum required parking. The hearing examiner may authorize a five percent reduction for two complementary uses, a 10 percent reduction for three uses, and a 15 percent reduction for four or more uses; or
(d) An employee-sponsored commute trip reduction program designed in accordance with state law will effectively reduce parking demand below the minimum required parking; or
(e) Additional public on-street parking will be provided as part of the project. (Ord. 1667 § 28, 2020; Ord. 1638 § 28, 2019; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.005 Shared parking facilities.
A property owner may submit a request for a shared parking facility as part of a site plan, conditional use permit, or preliminary development plan application. In such case, the hearing examiner may reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces when shared parking facilities for two or more uses are proposed, provided:
(a) The total parking area exceeds 5,000 square feet;
(b) The parking facilities are designed and developed as a single on-site common parking facility, or as a system of on-site and off-site facilities, if all parking facilities are connected with improved pedestrian walkways, and no building or use involved is more than 600 feet from the most remote shared facility unless transportation is provided between the parking generator and parking facility;
(c) The amount of the reduction shall not exceed 10 percent for each use, unless:
(1) The normal hours of operation for each use are separated by at least one hour; or
(2) A parking demand study prepared by a professional traffic engineer documents that the hours of actual parking demand for the proposed uses will not conflict and that uses will be served by adequate parking if shared parking reductions are authorized;
(d) The total number of parking spaces in the common parking facility is not less than the minimum required spaces for any single use;
(e) A covenant or other contract for shared parking between the cooperating property owners is approved by the hearing examiner and city attorney. This covenant or other contract must be recorded with the Pierce County auditor as a deed restriction on both properties and cannot be modified or revoked without the consent of the hearing examiner and city attorney; and
(f) If any requirements for shared parking are violated, the affected property owners must provide a remedy satisfactory to the hearing examiner and city attorney or provide the full amount of required off-street parking for each use, in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 1638 § 29, 2019; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.006 Maximum parking space provisions.
For multifamily residential, commercial and industrial uses, the number of off-street parking spaces provided shall not exceed 120 percent of the minimum required number of spaces specified in FMC 22.60.003. A property owner may submit a request as part of a site plan, conditional use permit, or preliminary development plan application to provide parking spaces in excess of the maximum allowable number. The hearing examiner may approve an increase of up to 50 percent of the minimum required number of spaces if:
(a) A parking demand study prepared by a professional traffic engineer (see Urban Land Institute – Shared Parking: Second Edition for a recommended parking demand analysis methodology) supports the need for increased parking and demonstrates that:
(1) Shared and combined parking opportunities in FMC 22.60.005 have been fully explored and will be utilized to the extent practicable;
(2) On-site park and ride facilities have been fully explored and will be provided to the extent practicable;
(3) Commute trip reduction measures will be implemented, if required by state law, to the extent practicable.
(b) The project has been designed to include the following design elements, facilities, and programs to the satisfaction of the hearing examiner. In those instances where site constraints impede compliance with the design requirements, written findings of fact shall be made identifying site and project constraints and included in the final notice of decision. In its findings, the hearing examiner shall determine if a good faith effort has been made in building and site design to accommodate the following design elements, facilities, and programs:
(1) The excess parking spaces shall be located within an enclosed parking structure or constructed of enhanced paving materials such as permeable interlocking pavers, pervious concrete, or porous asphalt that support stormwater infiltration and/or achieve a superior appearance.
(2) Alternative parking lot designs shall be utilized to reduce impervious surface, e.g., one-way instead of two-way access aisles.
(3) The amount of required landscaping within the area of additional parking shall be doubled. This additional landscape area may be dispersed throughout the parking lot.
(4) A minimum of 75 percent of the parking spaces shall be located behind the building, and the remainder shall not be located within the minimum and maximum yard setback areas adjoining a street. Parking lots located along flanking streets shall have added landscape and a superior design to strengthen pedestrian qualities, e.g., low walls, street furniture, seating areas, public art, etc.
(5) Preferential parking shall be located near primary building entrances for employees who rideshare and for high occupancy vehicles, if applicable.
(6) The developer shall create a transit/rideshare information center and place it in a conspicuous location on the premises.
(7) For sites located adjacent to or within 600 feet of a Pierce Transit bus or van route, the developer shall fund the purchase and installation of a transit shelter package, including seating, trash receptacle and related facilities for each side of the street which has a transit route, consistent with Pierce Transit operational needs in accordance with FMC 22.60.014. (Ord. 1667 § 29, 2020; Ord. 1638 § 30, 2019; Ord. 1562 § 47, 2015; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.007 Location of off-street spaces.
(a) For single-family and duplex dwellings, the parking spaces shall be located on the same lot as the associated dwelling unit.
(b) For multifamily dwellings, the parking spaces shall be located on the same lot as associated dwelling units. The spaces may also be located on a contiguous lot if within 600 feet of the dwelling units and if the lot is legally encumbered by an easement or other appropriate means approved by the director and city attorney to ensure continuous use of the parking facilities.
(c) For nonresidential uses, the parking spaces shall be located on the same lot as the associated use. The spaces may also be located on a contiguous or noncontiguous lot if within 600 feet of the associated use and authorized as a shared parking facility in accordance with FMC 22.60.005. (Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.008 Parking and driveway design standards.
(a) Parking Space and Driveway/Aisle Dimensions. The parking space and aisle dimensions for the most common parking angles are shown in the accompanying table. For parking angles other than those shown on the table, the parking space and aisle dimensions shall be determined by the director or hearing examiner, as appropriate. Regardless of the parking angle, one-way aisles shall be at least 12 feet wide, and two-way aisles shall be at least 19 feet wide.
Space and Driveway/Aisle Dimensions
|
|
Space Angle (degrees) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
0° (parallel) |
30° |
45° |
60° |
90° |
|
Space Width (ft) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regular space |
8.5 – 9 |
8.5 – 9 |
8.5 – 9 |
8.5 – 9 |
8.5 – 9 |
|
Compact space |
8 – 8.5 |
8 – 8.5 |
8 – 8.5 |
8 – 8.5 |
8 – 8.5 |
|
Space Depth (ft) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regular space |
22 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
|
Compact space |
19 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
|
Driveway/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
One-way |
12 |
13 |
13 |
17 |
24 |
|
Two-way |
19 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
24 |
|
* See FMC 22.60.009 for information on the accessible parking space dimensions. |
|||||
(b) Compact Car Space Requirements. The installation of compact spaces is required so that impervious surface coverage associated with parking facilities is minimized and the appearance of sites is enhanced by increasing the proportion of landscaping relative to pavement. No less than 40 percent and no more than 50 percent of the total number of spaces provided for a multifamily residential, mixed-use, or nonresidential development shall be sized to accommodate compact cars. Each space shall be clearly identified as a compact car space by painting the word “COMPACT” in capital letters, a minimum of eight inches high, on the pavement at the base of the parking space and centered between the striping. Aisle widths shall conform to the standards set for standard size cars.
(c) Extra Width Adjoining Landscaped Areas. Parking spaces abutting a landscaped area or raised walkway on the drive or passenger side of the vehicle shall provide an additional 18 inches above the minimum space width requirement. This additional space will provide a place to step other than in the landscaped area or allow for easier ingress and egress next to a vehicle. The additional width shall be separated from the adjacent landscaped area by a parking space division stripe.
(d) Parking Space Depth Reduction.
(1) Where parking spaces abut a walkway, parking space depth may be reduced by up to 18 inches and a portion of the walkway utilized for vehicle overhang; provided, that wheelstops or curbs are installed and the remaining walkway provides a minimum of five feet of unimpeded passageway for pedestrians.
(2) To minimize impervious surface and enhance landscaping, parking space pavement depth may be reduced by up to 18 inches when the pavement at the front end of a space is replaced by a landscaped area containing groundcovers which do not exceed a maximum height of six inches above parking space grade. Wheel stops or curbs shall be installed to protect this area from vehicular damage.
(e) Driveway Widths and Locations. Driveways for single-family detached dwellings shall not exceed 20 feet in width unless the director approves an alternative design that uses enhanced paving materials such as permeable interlocking pavers, pervious concrete, or porous asphalt that support stormwater infiltration and/or achieve a superior appearance. In no case shall the driveway exceed 20 feet within the public right-of-way or exceed the minimum width necessary to provide reasonable access to the dwelling. No more than one driveway is permitted to provide access to a single-family detached dwelling. Driveways for all other developments may cross required setbacks or landscaped areas to provide access between the off-street parking areas and the street; provided, that driveway width does not exceed the minimum necessary to provide safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation. Driveways oriented parallel to a street shall not be located within the minimum and maximum yard setback areas adjoining the street unless there is no other practicable alternative to provide access to the interior of a site.
(f) Lighting. Lighting shall be provided in accordance with FMC 22.58.018.
(g) Tandem Parking. Tandem or end-to-end parking is allowed in single-family detached residential developments. Duplex and multifamily developments may have tandem parking areas for each dwelling unit but shall not combine parking for separate dwelling units in tandem parking areas.
(h) Parking Surface. All required vehicle parking and storage must be in a garage, carport or on an approved, dust-free, all-weather surface. Use of enhanced paving materials such as permeable interlocking pavers, pervious concrete, or porous asphalt that support stormwater infiltration and/or achieve a superior appearance are encouraged for spaces which are used infrequently. Any surface used for vehicle parking or storage must have direct and unobstructed driveway access. (Ord. 1667 § 30, 2020; Ord. 1638 § 31, 2019; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.009 Barrier-free parking requirements.
Off-street parking for physically handicapped persons shall be provided in accordance with Section 7503 of the regulations adopted pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW, State Building Code, and Chapter 70.92 RCW, Public Buildings – Provisions for Aged and Handicapped. Any change in the state’s handicapped parking requirements shall preempt the affected requirements of this section.
(a) Accessible Parking Required. Accessible parking spaces shall be provided per the following table:
|
Number of Accessible Parking |
|
|---|---|
|
Total Parking Spaces in Lot or Garage |
Minimum Required Number of Accessible Spaces |
|
1 – 25 |
1 |
|
26 – 50 |
2 |
|
51 – 75 |
3 |
|
76 – 100 |
4 |
|
101 – 150 |
5 |
|
151 – 200 |
6 |
|
201 – 300 |
7 |
|
301 – 400 |
8 |
|
401 – 500 |
9 |
|
501 – 1,000 |
2% of total spaces |
|
Over 1,000 |
20 spaces plus 1 space every 100 spaces, or fraction thereof, over 1,000 |
One of every eight accessible spaces or fraction thereof shall be designed to be accessible to wheelchair side loading vans.
Exceptions:
(1) Inpatient Medical Facilities. Twenty percent of parking spaces provided shall be accessible.
(2) Outpatient Medical Care Facilities. Ten percent of parking spaces provided shall be accessible.
(3) Multifamily Buildings. One accessible parking space for each fully accessible unit shall be provided. When total parking provided on site exceeds one parking space per unit, two percent of the additional parking shall be accessible.
(b) Design and Construction.
(1) Location. Accessible parking spaces shall be located on the shortest possible accessible route of travel to an accessible building entry. In facilities with multiple accessible building entries with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located near the accessible entrances. Wherever practical, the accessible route of travel shall not cross lanes of vehicular traffic. Where crossing traffic lanes is necessary, the route of travel shall be designated and marked as a crosswalk.
(2) Size. Accessible parking spaces shall be no less than eight feet wide and shall have an adjacent access aisle no less than five feet wide. Where two adjacent accessible spaces are provided, the access aisle may be shared between the two spaces. Access aisles shall be marked so that the aisles will not be used as parking space. Van accessible spaces shall have an adjacent access aisle no less than eight feet wide or a total width of 16 feet including the parking space. See Figure 1.
(3) Vertical Clearance. Where accessible parking spaces are required for vans, the vertical clearance shall be no less than nine and one-half feet.
(4) Slope. Accessible parking spaces and access aisles shall be located on a surface with a slope not to exceed one vertical in 48 horizontal.
(5) Surface. Parking spaces and access aisles shall be firm, stable, smooth and slip resistant.
(6) Signs. Accessible spaces must be identified by signs with the international symbol of accessibility (ISA). Signs identifying van spaces must include the term “van accessible.” Signs must be at least 60 inches high measured to the bottom edge so that they are visible while vehicles are parked in a space.
(Ord. 1667 § 31, 2020; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.010 Bicycle parking facilities.
(a) In any development required to provide 12 or more parking spaces, bicycle parking shall be provided. Bicycle parking shall be bike rack or locker-type parking facilities unless otherwise specified.
(b) Off-street parking areas shall contain at least one bicycle parking space for every 12 spaces required for motor vehicles except as follows:
(1) The hearing examiner may reduce bike rack or locker-type parking facilities for patrons when it is demonstrated that bicycle activity will not occur at that location.
(2) The hearing examiner may require additional spaces when it is determined that the use or its location will generate a high volume of bicycle activity. Such a determination will include but not be limited to the following uses:
(A) Park and playfield;
(B) Library, museum, and arboretum;
(C) Elementary or secondary school; or
(D) Recreational or amusement facility.
(c) Bicycle facilities for patrons shall be located on site, designed to allow either a bicycle frame or wheels to be locked to a structure attached to the pavement, or allow for the entire bicycle to be enclosed within a locker.
(d) All bicycle parking and storage shall be located in safe, visible areas that do not impede pedestrian or vehicle traffic flow, well lighted for nighttime use, and located in covered areas or otherwise be protected from the elements where practicable. (Ord. 1638 § 32, 2019; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.011 Loading space requirements.
(a) Applicability. For all new development or uses, adequate permanent off-street loading space and associated maneuvering area shall be provided if the use requires deliveries or shipment of people, materials, and/or merchandise. Structures and uses which require loading space and associated maneuvering area include but are not limited to the following: warehouses, supermarkets, department stores, office buildings greater than or equal to 20,000 square feet, industrial or manufacturing uses, mortuary and other commercial and industrial buildings or uses which, in the judgement of the director or the hearing examiner as specified in this chapter, are similar in nature in regard to loading space and maneuvering area requirements.
(b) Quantity. One loading space shall be provided for each 12,000 square feet of floor area or fraction thereof within a building intended to be used for merchandising, manufacturing, warehousing, or processing purposes. If the building contains more than 24,000 square feet of floor area used for these purposes, then one additional space shall be provided for each additional 24,000 square feet of floor area so used. The hearing examiner may authorize a reduction or waiver based on the quantity of pick-up and delivery vehicles associated with the given structure or use.
(c) Dimensions and Location. Each loading space required by this section shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide and 30 feet long, shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of 14 feet, six inches, and shall be surfaced, improved, and maintained as required by this chapter. Loading spaces shall be located so that trucks will not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic movement or project into any public right-of-way. All loading space and maneuvering areas shall be separated from required parking areas and shall be designated as truck loading spaces. For developments with buffer yards, the loading space and maneuvering area shall be:
(1) Located at the farthest distance from the buffer yard as practicable; and
(2) If possible, located in such a manner that the primary building is between the buffer yard and the loading and maneuvering area.
(d) Impact Mitigations. Any loading space located within 100 feet of areas zoned for residential use shall be screened and operated as necessary to reduce noise and visual impacts. Noise mitigation measures may include architectural or structural barriers, berms, walls, or restrictions on the hours of operation.
(e) Self-Service Storage Facilities. Multi-story self-service storage facilities shall provide two loading spaces, and single-story facilities, one loading space, adjacent to each building entrance that provides common access to interior storage units. (Ord. 1638 § 33, 2019; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.012 Stacking spaces for drive-through facilities.
(a) A stacking space shall be an area measuring eight feet by 20 feet with direct forward access to a service window of a drive-through facility. A stacking space shall be located to prevent any vehicle from extending onto the public right-of-way, or interfering with any pedestrian circulation, traffic maneuvering, or other parking space areas. Stacking spaces for drive-through or drive-in uses may not be counted as required parking spaces.
(b) Uses providing drive-up or drive-through services shall provide vehicle stacking spaces as follows:
(1) For each drive-up window of a bank or financial institution, business service, or other drive-through use not listed, a minimum of five stacking spaces shall be provided; and
(2) For each service window of a drive-through restaurant, a minimum of seven stacking spaces shall be provided.
(c) Generally, to reduce congestion and turning lane conflicts, drive-through facilities shall not take access from a principal arterial street. Drive-through facilities must be provided access from a secondary street or road unless a traffic and circulation study, which includes a vehicle stacking analysis, clearly demonstrates that the proposed use and site design will not result in vehicles encroaching onto the public right-of-way, or interfering with any pedestrian circulation, traffic maneuvering, or other parking space areas. (Ord. 1611 § 19, 2018; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.013 Pedestrian circulation and access.
The following general pedestrian design standards shall apply to all developments throughout the city in addition to those outlined elsewhere within special planning areas and design overlay districts:
(a) All uses, except detached single-family dwellings, shall provide pedestrian access onto the site. Pedestrian access points shall be provided at all pedestrian arrival points to the development including the property edges, adjacent lots, abutting street intersections, crosswalks, and at transit stops. Pedestrian access shall be located as follows:
(1) Access points at property edges and to adjacent lots shall be coordinated with existing development to provide circulation connections between developments; and
(2) Residential developments shall provide links between cul-de-sacs or groups of buildings and nearby streets to allow pedestrian access from within the development and from adjacent developments to activity centers, parks, common tracts, open spaces, schools, or other public facilities, transit stops, and public streets.
(b) Pedestrian walkways shall form an on-site circulation system that minimizes the conflict between pedestrians and vehicular traffic at all points of pedestrian access to on-site parking and building entrances. Pedestrian walkways shall be provided when the pedestrian access point or any parking space is more than 75 feet from the building entrance or principal on-site destination and as follows:
(1) All developments which contain more than one building shall provide walkways between the principal entrances of the buildings;
(2) All nonresidential buildings set back more than 100 feet from the public right-of-way shall provide for reasonably direct pedestrian access from the building to buildings on adjacent lots; and
(3) Pedestrian walkways across parking areas shall be located as follows:
(A) Walkways running parallel to the parking rows shall be provided at a minimum of every four rows; and
(B) Walkways running perpendicular to the parking rows shall be no further than 20 parking spaces.
(c) Pedestrian access and walkways shall meet the following minimum design standards:
(1) Access and walkways shall be physically separated from driveways and parking spaces by landscaping, berms, barriers, grade separation or other means to protect pedestrians from vehicular traffic;
(2) Access and walkways shall be a minimum of five feet of unobstructed width and meet the city’s surfacing standards for walkways or sidewalks;
(3) Access shall be usable by mobility-impaired persons and shall be designed and constructed to be easily located by the sight-impaired pedestrian by either grade change, texture or other equivalent means;
(4) Wherever walkways are provided, raised crosswalks or speed bumps shall be located at all points where a walkway crosses the lane of vehicle travel; and
(5) Lighting shall be provided to an intensity where the access and walkways can be used at night by the employees, residents, and customers. Lighting shall be height appropriate to a pedestrian pathway system.
(d) Blocks in excess of 900 feet in length shall be provided with a crosswalk at the approximate midpoint of the block, or as the hearing examiner determines to be appropriate. (Ord. 1638 § 34, 2019; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.014 Transit facilities.
For uses which generate a parking demand of greater than or equal to 25 parking spaces per FMC 22.60.003 and which are subject to site plan, conditional use permit or preliminary development plan review, the developer shall fund the purchase and installation of one or more transit shelters and related facilities consistent with Pierce Transit operational needs.
(a) Transit shelters and related facilities shall be provided for transit stops which are located adjacent to or within 600 feet of the development site on each side of the street which has a transit route. This requirement may be waived by Pierce Transit or the city when it has been determined by either agency that there is insufficient space for the installation of a transit shelter at the appropriate location. This requirement may also be waived when Pierce Transit has determined that current and projected transit ridership do not warrant the installation of a shelter within the 600-foot distance.
(b) When a transit shelter is required to be installed, seating, garbage receptacles, and lighting shall be provided. Sidewalks next to transit stops shall be at least 10 feet wide and extend to the curb. A transit shelter may be constructed on up to five feet of the sidewalk.
(c) When a transit shelter is not required to be installed, transit stops shall include design features or changes in materials that demarcate the stop. These features may include pavement changes, lighting fixtures, unique designs for nearby walls, or graphics.
(d) Transit pullouts shall be provided if Pierce Transit and the city determine that a pullout is necessary to provide a safe refuge for transit vehicles or to minimize conflicts with other vehicles. (Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.015 Parking reductions for temporary outdoor sales events.
(a) A property owner or business owner may submit a request for a temporary reduction in the number of off-street parking spaces provided on a commercial site when a proposed outdoor sales event will be located within the off-street parking facility associated with the business and the number of parking spaces will be reduced below the minimum required in FMC 22.60.003.
(b) The request shall be processed in accordance with the administrative use permit procedures in Chapter 22.70 FMC. The director shall consider the potential impacts of the sales event on adjoining uses and may limit the number of sales events or their duration, or impose other restrictions, in order to mitigate these impacts.
(c) The director may authorize a parking reduction for one or more temporary sales events if the following standards are met:
(1) At least 50 percent of the off-street parking spaces required in FMC 22.60.003 for the commercial use is maintained during the sales event.
(2) If less than 50 percent of the off-street parking spaces required in FMC 22.60.003 for the commercial use will remain available for customer or employee use during the sales event, the number of spaces needed to meet the 50 percent threshold will be provided at a nearby off-site parking facility. In such case, the applicant shall provide a written statement from the owner/operator of the off-site parking facility agreeing to make available the necessary number of spaces to the operator of the sales event for the duration of the event.
(3) If off-site parking is required in subsection (c)(2) of this section, directional signs will be installed by the applicant, to the satisfaction of the city, to inform the public of the availability of the off-site parking facility.
(d) Temporary outdoor sales events authorized prior to the effective date of this section shall comply with the 50 percent parking threshold and directional signage requirement to the extent possible. (Ord. 1667 § 32, 2020; Ord. 1638 § 35, 2019; Ord. 1246 § 16, 2000).
22.60.016 Micromobility vehicles and facilities.
(a) Micromobility refers to small, manually or electrically powered vehicles used to travel short distances. Also known as little vehicles, micromobility examples include electric pedal assisted (pedelec) bicycles, scooters, velomobiles, motorized skateboards, and other small, human- or battery-powered low-speed alternatives to the automobile.
(b) Battery-powered electric motors make micromobility a viable mode of transportation for more people, whether this is for fun or utility. These vehicles may be used for the “first mile” and “last mile” of longer trips that include transit; for example, the connection between a person’s home or place of employment and a transit facility.
(c) The provision of micromobility facilities can support increased usage of smaller vehicles that require less space for parking and storage compared to larger motor vehicles. The provision of little vehicle parking and storage corrals and dedicated travel lanes within new development can be used to reduce automobile parking demand, if residents, employees, or visitors to an area are successfully encouraged to rely less on private auto ownership and use.
(d) New development within higher density and intensity neighborhoods, especially within the city’s mixed-use districts, is encouraged to provide facilities that support micromobility. Their provision may justify a reduction in the amount of off-street parking provided for autos and other motor vehicles. (Ord. 1667 § 33, 2020).