§ 17.16.3. Basic requirements for multifamily, institutional and commercial off-street parking and loading.

A.

When Required. When a new building is proposed in a downtown zoning district, a major alteration is proposed for an existing building in a downtown zoning district, a new multifamily building is proposed, or the alteration of an existing multifamily building is proposed, off-street parking and loading facilities which are adequate to meet the increased need for parking shall be provided without necessarily meeting the criteria stated in this chapter. In addition, when a change in the use of an existing building will increase the need for parking, off-street parking facilities and off-street loading facilities shall be provided as required by this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, "major alteration" is any physical change which will affect parking and loading. A change in occupancy is not a change of use unless the new occupant is considered to be in a use classification different from that of the former occupant.

B.

Nonconforming Parking or Loading. No existing use of land or structure shall be required to conform to this chapter solely because of the lack of off-street parking or loading facilities required by this chapter; provided, that facilities being used for off-street parking and loading as of February 1, 2000, shall not be reduced.

C.

Spaces Required for Multiple Uses. Except as otherwise provided in this title, if more than one use is located on a site, the number of off-street parking spaces and loading berths to be provided shall be equal to the sum of the requirements prescribed for each use. This requirement applies not only to multiple uses under separate ownership but also to multiple uses in the same ownership. If the gross floor area of individual uses on the same site is less than that for which a loading berth would be required, but the aggregate gross floor area of all uses is greater than the minimum for which loading berths would be required, the aggregate gross floor area shall be used in determining the required number of loading berths.

D.

Joint Use. Except as otherwise provided in this title, off-street parking and loading facilities required by this chapter for any use shall not be considered as providing parking spaces or loading berths for any other use.

E.

Location and Ownership. Subject to approval of the Zoning Administrator, or, if a use permit is required, the Planning Commission, parking for commercial, group residential and residential care facilities may be located on a different site under the same or different ownership within a reasonable distance of the building served.

F.

Changes Require Prior Approval. No use shall be continued if the number of required parking spaces is diminished unless substitute parking facilities are provided to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator prior to the change.

G.

Common Loading Facilities. The off-street loading facilities requirements of this chapter may be satisfied by the permanent allocation of the prescribed number of berths for each use in a common truck loading facility; provided, that the total number of berths shall not be less than the sum of the individual requirements and that no joint use conflicts would arise for either use.

H.

Computation of Spaces Required. If, in the application of the requirements of this chapter, a fractional number greater than one-half is obtained, one additional parking space or loading berth shall be required.

I.

Use of Parking Facilities.

1.

A parking space may not be used for any purpose other than the temporary location of a vehicle.

2.

No overnight parking is allowed for recreation vehicles, trucks (other than small pickup trucks), or other equipment, unless specifically permitted by other provisions of this title.

(Ord. 02-03 § 17; Ord. 99-5 § 2 Exh. A (part))