§ 313-109 | Humboldt County Code

313-109

109.1.1.1The intent of these requirements is to provide for the on-site, off-street parking of motor vehicles that are associated with any use or uses on the premises. The facilities required by this section represent the minimum that will be required for the various land use types (as specified by the zoning designation or as allowed by a permit for the use). (Former Section CZ#A314-26)

109.1.1.2It shall be the responsibility of the developer, owner or operator of any specific use to provide “adequate off-street parking,” even if the amount of such parking is in excess of the minimum requirements set forth in this section. “Adequate Off-Street Parking” means an amount of parking sufficient to meet the level of anticipated parking demand generated by the use for which the parking is required. (Former Section CZ#A314-26)

109.1.1.3The purpose of these requirements is to enhance public safety by minimizing traffic congestion, by providing for off-street motor vehicle parking, and thereby permitting safe passage for vehicle passengers and pedestrians to and from their destinations. More off-street parking will allow on-street parking to be limited or prohibited to permit greater utilization of streets for moving traffic. (Former Section CZ#A314-26))

109.1.2 Applicability. These requirements shall apply in all zones to the activities specified herein. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(B))

109.1.3.1 Location of Off-Street Parking. Required parking facilities shall be located on the same building site and conveniently proximate to the use or uses they serve, and shall be designed, located, constructed and maintained so as to be fully and independently usable and accessible at all times. Exceptions to the location requirement for parking facilities for commercial uses may be allowed if it is found that: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(1))

109.1.3.1.1A substitute parking area is provided and remains available for as long as the use for which the parking is required continues; and (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(1)(a))

109.1.3.1.2The substitute parking is within an area designated in the General Plan for commercial or other business use, and within which area parking is a permitted and compatible use; and (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(1)(b))

109.1.3.1.3All or part of the substitute location is within 400 feet of the principal use for which the parking is being provided, measured in walking distance along a way open to public pedestrian passage; and (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(1)(c))

109.1.3.1.4The substitute parking area is either: (1) owned by the owner of the property on which is located the use for which the parking is required, or (2) is owned by a public entity empowered to provide public parking facilities, and the property is developed for that purpose; or (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(1)(d))

109.1.3.1.5Consistent with the general requirements in this section which may be applicable, there is available a site specifically designated for entrepreneurial parking at which substitute parking can be provided at the expense of the party seeking the exception to on-site parking. When substitute parking is provided in this manner, a Special Permit shall be required for such substitute parking unless the use to which the parking relates is being conducted pursuant to a Use Permit. In either instance, the Special Permit or Use Permit shall contain conditions providing that: (1) an easement for the use of the site for parking shall be obtained and filed with the County Recorder prior to the issuance of building permits, and (2) providing that the use shall automatically terminate at any time when the required parking is not fully available for the associated use. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(1)(e))

109.1.3.2.1Each normal size parking space shall be not less than eight feet (8') wide, eighteen feet (18') long and contain seven feet (7') of vertical clearance; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(a))

109.1.3.2.2Each compact car space shall be not less than seven and one-half feet (7½') wide and sixteen feet (16') long. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(b))

109.1.3.2.2.1No compact car spaces shall be allowed in parking areas containing less than ten (10) parking spaces. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(b)(i))

109.1.3.2.2.2In lots where compact car spaces are permitted, up to twenty-five percent (25%) of all spaces in the lot may be compact car parking spaces. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(b)(ii))

109.1.3.2.2.3Compact car spaces shall be visibly marked with signs and shall be clustered in one section of the parking area. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(b)(iii))

109.1.3.2.3Each loading space shall be not less than ten feet (10') wide, sixty feet (60') long and shall contain at least fourteen feet (14') of vertical clearance. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(c))

109.1.3.2.4In recreational use areas, adequate parking facilities shall be provided consistent with the level of anticipated use. Special parking provisions shall be made for recreational vehicles, boats and trailers. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(d))

109.1.3.2.5All improvements to parking spaces, driveway locations, and maneuvering areas shall be improved to levels consistent with the anticipated uses as determined by the Department of Public Works. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(2)(e))

109.1.3.3.1Off-street parking facilities shall be provided for any new building constructed and for any new use established. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(3))

109.1.3.3.2Off-street parking facilities shall be provided for any addition or enlargement of an existing building or use, or any manner of operation that would result in additional parking spaces being required, provided that the required additional parking shall be based only on the parking required for the addition, enlargement, or change. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(3))

109.1.3.4 Requirements for Lots Fronting Unimproved Roads. Wherever the use for which off-street parking is required is served by a roadway not improved to a width of forty feet (40') with asphalt or gravel, the following provisions shall be applicable: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(4))

109.1.3.4.1Additional improved off-street parking must be provided consistent with the standards of Section 313-109.1.4, or a parking lane may be constructed along the frontage of the lot in lieu of such additional parking requirements. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(4)(a))

109.1.3.4.2If the lot frontage exceeds 120 feet the parking lane shall not be required to accommodate more than three (3) vehicles. Construction standards for the parking lane shall be as specified by the Department of Public Works in accordance with the Appendix to Title III, Division 2 of this Code, establishing subdivision design and improvement standards. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(4)(b); Amended by Ord. 1842, Sec. 23, 8/16/88)

109.1.3.5Parking Requirements for Lawfully Established Uses Which Are Not in Compliance with Current Parking Requirements. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(5))

109.1.3.5.1Whenever existing uses not in compliance with the parking standards of this Code are transferred to new owners or operators who will continue the use without significant change, or when new uses are initiated within existing structures which generate the same level of parking demand as the former use, no additional parking spaces shall be required. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(5)(a))

109.1.3.5.2Whenever the use of any premises which is not in compliance with the parking standards of this Code is enlarged, expanded, or intensified, additional parking spaces consistent with this Code shall be provided only for the enlargement, expansion, or intensification, and not for the entire use. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(5)(b))

109.1.3.5.3Whenever the use of any premises which is not in compliance with the parking standards of this Code is changed to a use where a higher parking demand is identified, additional parking spaces consistent with this Code shall be provided only for the additional intensity of the use, and not for the entire use. When a new use generates a lower parking demand, no additional parking spaces will be required. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(5)(c))

109.1.3.5.4Levels of use, as they relate to this division, shall be determined by the Director based on engineering standards and design studies, and the principal and conditional uses of the specific zone district. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(5)(d))

109.1.3.5.5Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, existing uses are not subject to the requirements for parking only to the extent that the use was lawfully created and continues as a lawful use. If the use was not lawfully established or is no longer lawfully being carried out, the parking provisions of this section apply to both the existing use as well as any expansion thereto.

109.1.3.6.1Whenever more than one use is proposed for a development site, the total off-street parking spaces required shall be the sum of the spaces required for each use. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(6)

109.1.3.6.2Off-street parking facilities for one use shall not be considered as providing parking facilities for any other use, except when use of the parking facilities for the different uses would not be concurrent or would otherwise not be conflicting, as determined by the Planning Commission at a noticed public hearing. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(6))

109.1.3.7 Lighting. Any lights used to illuminate the parking spaces or driveways shall be designed and located so that direct rays are confined to the property where the parking is located. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(7))

109.1.3.8 Parking Facilities for the Physically Handicapped. Facilities accommodating the general public, including but not limited to auditoriums, theaters, restaurants, hotels, motels, stadiums, retail establishments, medical offices and office buildings shall provide parking spaces for the physically handicapped in compliance with the Humboldt County Code and the following provisions: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(8))

109.1.3.8.1The handicapped parking spaces shall be fourteen feet (14') wide and eighteen feet (18') long. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(8)(a))

109.1.3.8.2Parking facilities containing six (6) through forty (40) spaces, inclusive, shall include one (1) handicapped parking space permanently signed with the International Symbol of Accessibility. One handicapped space shall be provided for each additional forty (40) spaces or portion thereof. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(8)(b))

109.1.3.8.3Two (2) handicapped spaces, permanently signed, shall be required in conjunction with any use or combined uses which occur within a space of more than 10,000 square feet gross floor area. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(8)(c))

109.1.3.9 Parking Spaces for Uses Not Specified. The parking space requirements for uses not set forth herein shall be fixed by the Director and shall be based upon the available studies and standards for the most comparable use. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(9))

109.1.3.10 Fractional Spaces. Where the application of the parking schedule results in a fractional parking space requirement, a fraction of 0.5 or higher shall be resolved to the higher whole number. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(10))

109.1.3.11 Variable Parking Demand. Where demand for parking is variable because of work shifts or peak business periods, parking space requirements shall be based upon the periods of highest parking demand. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(11))

109.1.3.12 Exceptions. Exceptions to the requirements for the number of off-street parking spaces may be allowed subject to securing a Special Permit. Exceptions may be granted by the Hearing Officer based upon the following factors: geographic location of site, site-specific topographic constraints, historically designated structures, proximity to urban built-up areas, and levels of anticipated use. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(C)(12))

109.1.4 Parking Spaces Required. The number of off-street parking spaces required shall not be less than the following: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D))

109.1.4.1.1 Single Detached and Duplex Building Types. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a))

109.1.4.1.1.1 Spaces Required, Setback. One (1) parking space for each dwelling unit containing not more than one (1) bedroom; two (2) parking spaces for each dwelling unit containing more than one (1) bedroom. The required parking shall be sited outside the front yard setback. The following exceptions apply to accessory dwelling units: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a)(i))

109.1.4.1.1.1.1.1One (1) parking space for each accessory dwelling unit. These spaces may be provided in tandem on a driveway. Off-street parking shall be permitted in setback areas or through tandem parking, unless parking in setback areas or tandem parking is not feasible based on specific site conditions, or regional topographical conditions, or fire and life safety conditions.

109.1.4.1.1.1.1.2Parking standards for an ADU shall not apply if the ADU is (1) located within one-half (1/2) mile of public transit; (2) located within an architecturally and historically significant district; (3) part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure; or (4) when on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the ADU; or (5) when there is a car share vehicle located within one (1) block of the accessory dwelling unit. In mapped Housing Opportunity Zones, for ADUs less than one thousand (1,000) square feet in size, no parking shall be required.

109.1.4.1.1.2Except as provided in subsection 109.1.4.1.1.3, when a single family residence or duplex is proposed on a parcel that is served by a roadway not improved to a width of forty feet (40') with asphalt or gravel, parking spaces in addition to those required by subsection 109.1.4.1.1.1, shall be provided as follows: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a)(ii))

109.1.4.1.1.2.1One (1) space for each single family residence containing one bedroom or less; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a)(ii))

109.1.4.1.1.2.2One (1) space for each duplex unit; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a)(ii))

109.1.4.1.1.2.3Two (2) spaces for each single family residence containing two or more bedrooms. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a)(ii); Amended by Ord. 1842, Sec. 23, 8/16/88)

109.1.4.1.1.3Instead of providing the additional parking spaces required by subsection 109.1.4.1.1.2, a parking lane may be constructed along the frontage of the lot. The parking lane shall meet the standards required by subsection 313-109.1.3.4, Requirements for Lots Fronting Unimproved Roads. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a)(iii))

109.1.4.1.1.4Driveway opening shall be in conformance with the standards detailed in Section 411 and following of this Code (the Encroachment Regulations). (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(a)(iv))

109.1.4.1.2Multiple Unit Building Types With More Than Two Dwelling Units. (Former Section CZ#A314- 26(D)(1)(b))

109.1.4.1.2.1One (1) parking space for each unit containing one (1) bedroom or less; two (2) parking spaces for each two (2) or three (3) bedroom dwelling unit; two and one-half (2½) parking spaces for each dwelling unit containing four (4) or more bedrooms. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(b)(i))

109.1.4.1.2.2Except as provided in subsection 109.1.4.1.2.3, if the units are proposed on a parcel that is served by a roadway not improved to a width of forty feet (40') with asphalt or gravel, parking spaces in addition to those required by subsection 109.1.4.1.2.1, shall be provided as follows: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(b)(ii))

109.1.4.1.2.2.1One-half (½) space for each one bedroom unit; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(b)(ii))

109.1.4.1.2.2.2Three-quarters (¾) space for each two or three bedroom unit. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(b)(ii))

109.1.4.1.2.2.3One (1) space for each four bedroom unit. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(b)(ii))

109.1.4.1.2.3Instead of providing the additional parking spaces required by subsection 109.1.4.1.2.2, a parking lane may be constructed along the frontage of the lot. The parking lane shall meet the standards required by subsection 313-109.1.3.4. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(b)(iii))

109.1.4.1.2.4Driveway openings shall be in conformance with the standards detailed in the Encroachment Regulations of Section 411 and following of this Code. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(b)(iv))

109.1.4.1.3 Hotel, Motel, Rooming House. One (1) parking space for each sleeping unit, plus two (2) manager parking spaces. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(c))

109.1.4.1.4 Senior Housing Complex. One (1) parking space for every two dwelling units (2du). A parking space requirement study may be conducted to identify the special parking needs for such projects. Parking facilities shall include handicapped parking spaces no less than specified in this Section 109.1.4. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(1)(d))

109.1.4.1.5 Rest Homes and/or Convalescent Homes. One (1) parking space for every five (5) licensed patient beds, plus the higher of either: one (1) parking space for every 500 square feet of gross floor area; or one parking space for each employee of the peak shift. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(e))

109.1.4.2.1 Hospitals. One (1) parking space per bed, plus one (1) space for every three (3) employees and medical staff members. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(a))

109.1.4.2.2 Clinics. One (1) parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area, plus one (1) space for each employee and doctor or other professional attendant serving the clinic, with a minimum of four (4) spaces required. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(b))

109.1.4.2.3 Churches. One (1) parking space for every four (4) seats of seating or occupancy capacity, as determined by the Fire Marshal, in the largest assembly area of the church, plus one (1) parking space for every thirty square feet (30sf) of gross floor area in said assembly area not used for seating. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(c))

109.1.4.2.4.1 Kindergarten/Day Care Center. One (1) parking space for every ten (10) children, plus one (1) space for each employee. Additionally, sufficient loading area should be provided for the safe loading and unloading of children and adults; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(d)(i))

109.1.4.2.4.2 Elementary Schools. One (1) parking space for every ten (10) children, plus one (1) space for each employee; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(d)(ii))

109.1.4.2.4.3 Junior High/Middle Schools and High Schools. One (1) parking space for every five (5) students, plus one (1) space for each employee; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(d)(iii))

109.1.4.2.4.4 College and Trade Schools. One (1) parking space for every five (5) students, plus one (1) space for each employee; (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(2)(d) (iv))

109.1.4.3.1 Retail Sales/Service. One (1) parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area, with a minimum of four (4) spaces plus one (1) for each employee. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(a))

109.1.4.3.2 Furniture/Appliance Sales. One (1) parking space for every 750 square feet of gross floor area, with a minimum of four (4) spaces plus one (1) for each employee. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(b))

109.1.4.3.3 Restaurants. The higher of either: one (1) parking space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area; or one (1) parking space for every four (4) seats. Additionally, one (1) parking space for every two (2) employees shall be provided. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(c))

109.1.4.3.4 Theaters/Stadiums. One (1) parking space for every four (4) seats, plus one (1) space for every two (2) employees. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(d))

109.1.4.3.5 Offices. One (1) parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area, plus one (1) for each employee. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(e))

109.1.4.3.6 Dance Halls/Amusements. The higher of either: one (1) parking space for every four (4) seats; or one (1) parking space for each 200 square feet of gross floor area. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(f))

109.1.4.3.7 Shopping Centers. A shopping center covering two acres (2a) or more shall provide one (1) parking space per 200 square feet of gross floor area. Neighborhood shopping centers less than two acres (2a) shall provide parking spaces as required for retail sales or service uses. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(g))

109.1.4.4.1 Management Offices. One (1) parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area, plus one (1) for each employee. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(3)(e); CZ#A314-26(D)(4)(a))

109.1.4.4.2 Manufacturing. The higher of either: one (1) parking space for each 1500 square feet of gross floor space within all enclosed building areas; or one (1) parking space for each employee at the peak shift. A minimum of two (2) parking spaces are required. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(4)(b))

109.1.4.4.3 Warehouse. The higher of either: one (1) parking space for every four (4) employees; or one (1) parking space for each 2,500 square feet of gross floor area. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(D)(4)(c))

109.1.5 Loading Spaces Required. The minimum number of off-street loading spaces required shall be as follows: (Former Section CZ#A314-26(E))

109.1.5.1One (1) loading space for each twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of gross floor area, or portion thereof. The loading space requirement for uses containing ten thousand (10,000) square feet or less may be eliminated upon issuance of a special permit by the Director, in conjunction with the Public Works Department, based on the type and intensity of the proposed use. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(E)(1))

109.1.5.2Exceptions to loading space size requirements may be allowed subject to securing a Special Permit. Exceptions may be granted by the Hearing Officer based upon the following factors: geographic location of the site; site specific topographic constraints; identification as a Rural Center in the Community Plan; historically designated structures; proximity to urban built-up areas; and levels of anticipated use. (See, Chapter 2, Section 312-9, Public Hearing Requirements, regarding Hearing Officers; and Section 312-41.1, Required Findings for Granting Exceptions with a Special Permit.) (Former Section CZ#A314-26(E)(2))

109.1.6.1Any off-street parking area for other than residential uses wherein five (5) or more spaces are proposed shall be in conformance with the standards detailed in Section 411 and following (Encroachment Regulations) of this Code, and shall be designed so as to provide sufficient maneuvering room for vehicles on-site so that they may leave the site to enter onto any street without backing onto the street. The adequacy of maneuvering room shall be determined by the Department of Public Works, based upon engineering standards. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(F)(1))

109.1.6.2 Landscaping. The Planning Commission may require the landscaping of any off-street parking facility. The landscaping material, if required, should be appropriately placed within off-street parking areas that are equivalent to not less than two percent (2%) of the total area devoted to such off-street parking areas and associated drives or aisles. Such landscaping shall be designed to be consistent with Title III, Division 4 of the Humboldt County Code relating to visibility corridors along streets and highways. The Planning Commission may require a landscaping plan approved by the Design Review Committee established as part of each area plan. (Former Section CZ#A314-26(F)(2)) (Ord. 2717, § 7, 6/27/2023)