Alameda Municipal Code § 30-7 Off-Street Parking, Electric Vehicle Charging, and Transportation Demand Management Regulations

Footnotes:

--- (2) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 3309, § 5, adopted November 16, 2021, repealed the former § 30-7, subsections 30-7.1—30-7.19, and enacted a new § 30-7 as set out herein. The former § 30-7 pertained to off-street parking and loading space regulations and derived from Ord. No. 535 N.S.; Ord. No. 1277 N.S.; Ord. No. 2375 N.S.; Ord. No. 2784 N.S.; Ord. 2920 N.S.; Ord. No. 2943 N.S.; Ord. No. 2989 N.S.; Ord. No. 3030 N.S., adopted April 19, 2011; Ord. No. 3168 N.S., adopted November 15, 2016; Ord. No. 3074 N.S., adopted May 21, 2013; Ord. No. 3183 N.S., adopted July 5, 2017 and Ord. No. 3184 N.S., adopted July 5, 2017.

The off-street parking, electric vehicle charging, and transportation demand management regulations are established in order to:

a. Implement City of Alameda climate change, transportation, affordable housing, economic development, and historic preservation policy objectives established by the City of Alameda General Plan, Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, and Transportation Choices Plan;

b. Relieve automobile congestion and provide for the safe, efficient, and equitable use of the public street network by pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, emergency vehicles, and automobiles; and

c. Reduce the air pollution, storm water runoff, urban heat island effects, and greenhouse gas emissions generated by automobile use.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)

The provisions of this section (Section 30-7) shall apply to all of the following development activities:

a. New buildings;

b. New dwelling units;

c. Expansions of existing buildings that, in any ten (10) year period, would cumulatively represent more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the existing gross floor area.

When a development activity does not involve the provision of new off-street parking spaces, only subsections 30-7.6, Off-Street Bicycle Parking Requirements and 30-7.7, Transportation Demand Management Requirements shall apply.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)

Off-street vehicle parking shall be provided consistent with the following requirements:

a. No Minimum. Except for the accessible parking spaces required by subsection 30-7.4, Off-street Parking for Persons with Disabilities, no off-street vehicle parking is required for any use.

b. Maximum Parking Spaces. The ratios stated in Table A determine the maximum number of off-street vehicle parking spaces that may be provided for each land use.

c. Fractions. When the calculation of permitted off-street parking spaces results in a fraction, the fraction shall be rounded up to allow for one off-street parking space.

d. Sites with Multiple Uses. Where two or more primary uses occupy a single site, the maximum number of parking spaces permitted for each use shall be calculated separately, then summed to determine the total number of spaces permitted for the site. Uses ancillary to a primary use shall utilize the same ratio as the primary use.

e. Use Permit Required to Exceed Maximum. The maximum number of permitted off-street parking spaces may be exceeded only upon issuance of an administrative use permit pursuant to Section 30-21.4, Administrative Use Permits, if, in addition to the findings of subsection 30-21.3(b), all of the following findings are made:

1. Transportation demand management measures will reduce the need for the additional off-street parking;

2. The additional parking demand cannot reasonably be accommodated through formal arrangements such as shared parking or reciprocal parking agreements that make use of other available off-site parking;

3. There are unique characteristics of the users or the land use activity that result in a high level of automobile parking demand; and

4. The project provides positive environmental, social, or other community benefits that outweigh the adverse effects of additional parking, such as improving public safety, or improving and/or preserving access for pedestrians, cyclists or users of public transit. In its decision the Zoning Administrator may impose such conditions as are necessary to minimize transportation impacts from the increased parking.

f. Existing Nonconforming Parking Spaces. If the number of existing off-street vehicle parking spaces on a site is greater than the number that would be allowed by Table A, the existing spaces in excess of the allowed maximums may be maintained, but the maximum parking ratios shall not be further exceeded unless a use permit is granted pursuant to subsection 30-7.3(e).

g. Uses Not Specified. Uses not specified in Table A shall utilize the same rates as the most similar uses specified in Table A, as determined by the Planning Director based on demonstrated parking need for comparable uses.

h. Table A: Allowable Maximum Off-Street Parking Requirements.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)

Any new or expanded parking facility shall be provided with the minimum number of spaces required to serve persons with disabilities in accordance with the requirements of the California Building Code (CBC). For the purposes of this subsection, the minimum number of accessible spaces required by the CBC shall be calculated based on the maximum number of spaces set forth in Section 30-7.3, Off-Street Vehicle Parking Regulations. Projects exceeding the maximum number of spaces permitted in Section 30-7.3 shall meet the CBC minimum requirements.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)

Electric vehicle charging facilities shall be provided and maintained for projects whenever off-street parking is provided, including in existing parking facilities. The number and type of charging facilities provided shall meet the following requirements. Where two (2) or more primary uses occupy a single site, the EV parking required for each use shall be calculated separately, then summed to determine the total number of spaces permitted for the site. Uses ancillary to a primary use shall utilize the same requirement as the primary use.

a. Residential Use—With Private, Dedicated Garage. One (1) parking space provided shall be a Level 2 EV Ready Space.

b. Residential Use—Multifamily Shared Parking Facilities. Twenty-five (25%) percent of parking spaces provided shall be at least a Level 2 EV Ready Space. Twenty-five (25%) percent of spaces provided shall be at least a Level 1 EV Ready Space.

c. Nonresidential—Offices, research and development, life sciences, banks, financial services, institutional uses, community care facilities, hospitals, personal services, health clinics, industrial, distribution, hotels/motels and other similar uses with daily parking demand. Ten (10%) percent of parking spaces provided shall be equipped with an installed electric vehicle charging station. Thirty (30%) percent of parking spaces provided shall be Level 2 EV Capable. One 80kW Direct Current Fast Charger may be substituted for up to five (5) Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

d. Nonresidential—Retail uses, grocery stores, commercial recreation, restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters or similar uses with hourly parking demand. Ten (10%) percent of parking spaces provided shall be equipped with an installed Electric Vehicle Charging Station. One 80kW Direct Current Fast Charger may be substituted for up to five (5) Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

e. Automatic Load Management Systems (ALMS) permitted. Nothing in this subsection excludes the use of Automatic Load Management Systems in parking facilities. ALMS systems must be designed to deliver a minimum of 8-amperes and not less than 1.4-kiloWatts at the provided voltage, to each EV Capable, EV Ready or EVCS space served by the ALMS.

f. Non-proprietary infrastructure. Electric vehicle supply equipment installed pursuant to this subsection shall be compatible with a broad range of electric vehicle makes and models.

g. Definitions:

1. Level 1 EV Ready Space shall mean a space that is served by a complete electric circuit with a minimum of 110/120 volt, 20-ampere capacity including electrical panel capacity, and such additional elements deemed necessary by the Building Official.

2. Level 2 EV Ready Space shall mean a space that is served by a complete electric circuit with a minimum of 208/240 volt, 40-ampere capacity including electrical panel capacity, and such additional elements deemed necessary by the Building Official, or b) electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a minimum output of 30 amperes.

3. Level 2 EV Capable shall mean a parking space linked to a listed electrical panel with sufficient capacity to provide at least 208/240 volts and 40-amperes to the parking space. Raceways linking the electrical panel and parking space only need to be installed in spaces that will be inaccessible in the future, and such additional elements deemed necessary by the Building Official.

4. Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) shall mean a parking space that includes installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a minimum capacity of thirty (30) amperes connected to a circuit serving a Level 2 EV Ready Space. EVCS installation may be used to satisfy a Level 2 EV Ready Space requirement. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code, Article 625.

5. Automatic Load Management Systems (ALMS): A control system which allows multiple EV chargers or EV-Ready electric vehicle outlets to share a circuit or panel and automatically reduce power at each charger, providing the opportunity to reduce electrical infrastructure costs and/or provide demand response capability.

h. Exceptions. The Planning Director or Planning Board may authorize exceptions to the EV charging requirements of this section for one hundred (100%) percent affordable housing development if such exception is required to address cost constraints, unique site constraints, or any unique or special characteristics of the use.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)

Secure long- and short-term bicycle parking spaces shall be provided consistent with the following requirements:

a. Number of Spaces Required. Table B states the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces that shall be provided for each land use.

b. Uses not specified in Table B shall utilize the same rates as the most similar uses specified in Table B as determined by the Planning Director based on demonstrated bicycle parking need for comparable uses. Bicycle parking shall be designed consistent with the City of Alameda Bicycle Facility Design Standards.

c. Dedicated Private Garages. Dwelling units with private, dedicated garages are considered as having satisfied the requirement for long-term bicycling parking spaces.

d. Table B: Minimum Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces.

e. Design Standards. Bicycle parking shall be designed consistent with the City of Alameda Bicycle Facility Design Standards.

f. Manual Lifting. For projects requiring at least ten (10) long-term bicycle parking spaces, spaces that require the user to manually lift the bicycle vertically two (2′) feet or more off the ground shall not constitute more than thirty (30%) percent of the total spaces. All other spaces shall not require lifting the bicycle or be equipped with mechanical or other built-in assistance to secure the bicycle.

g. Other Bicycle Types. For projects requiring at least ten (10) long-term bicycle parking spaces, a minimum of ten (10%) percent of spaces shall accommodate bicycles that might not fit in traditional racks such as cargo bikes, adult tricycles and electric bicycles with wider tires.

h. Use of Public Right-of-Way. Short-term bicycle parking may be located in the public right-of-way, subject to an Encroachment Permit or other Public Works Director approval.

i. Exceptions. The Planning Director or Planning Board may authorize exceptions to the requirements of the minimum number of bike parking spaces stated in Table B, location, or the design standards, if such exception is required to address unique site constraints, any unique or special characteristics of the use, or is appropriate to provide improved access to bicycle parking facilities.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs shall be implemented to relieve automobile congestion and provide for the safe, efficient, and equitable use of the public street network by pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, emergency vehicles, and automobiles; and to reduce the air pollution, storm water runoff, urban heat island effects, and greenhouse gas emissions generated by automobile use, consistent with the following requirements:

a. TDM Program. Any development or project under Section 30-7.2 that will result in a net increase of one hundred ten (110) vehicle trips per day onto the public street network as determined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual shall implement a TDM Program designed to reduce the number of vehicle trips generated by the project. The TDM program shall implement measures and/or improvements designed to change individual travel behavior to encourage greater use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, vehicle miles traveled, and parking demand.

b. Unbundled Parking. The cost of private residential parking in a shared common parking facility shall be unbundled from the price of the housing unit such that potential renters or buyers shall have the option of renting or purchasing a dwelling unit at a price lower than would be the case if there were a single price for both the dwelling unit and the parking space. The following rules shall apply to the sale or rental of parking spaces in new multi-family residential buildings of ten (10) units or more:

1. All off-street parking spaces shall be leased or sold separately from the rental or purchase fees for the individual units for the life of the units, such that potential renters or buyers have the option of renting or buying a unit at a price lower than would be the case if there were a single price for both the unit and the parking space(s).

2. Potential buyers and renters of affordable residential units have an equal opportunity to buy or rent parking spaces on the same terms and conditions as offered to the potential buyers and renters of market rate units, at a price proportional to the sale or rental price of their units as compared to comparable market rate units. This stipulation shall be included in any agreement recorded between the City and the developer pertaining to the affordable housing units.

3. Affordable units that include financing requirements that conflict with these provisions may be granted an exception from these provisions by the Planning Director or Planning Board.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)

Off-street vehicle parking spaces are subject to the following requirements and standards:

a. Improved Surface. All parking areas and access driveways shall have a smoothly graded, stabilized, all weather and dustless surface with adequate drainage so that damage will not be caused to adjacent properties, nor will such water drain across a public walk. Appropriate bumper guards or curbs shall be provided, where needed, in order to define parking spaces or limits of paved areas.

b. Landscaping. For unenclosed parking lots, a minimum of one (1) tree for every four (4) parking spaces shall be provided to reduce heat island effect and create a tree canopy throughout the parking lot. Unenclosed parking spaces next to the walls of adjacent buildings or property lines shall be separated from such by a minimum three (3′) feet of landscaped area. Backup areas and driveways shall have a minimum of one (1′) foot of landscaped separation from property lines as measured from inside of curb, or adjacent pavement if no curb. Any unenclosed parking space or backup area that is adjacent to a public street shall be separated from the public street or sidewalk by a minimum of five (5′) feet of landscaped area.

c. Location on Site. No parking space for a residential building may be located in any minimum required front yard, or in any minimum required side yard on the street side of any corner lot. No parking spaces for a non-residential building shall be located between the main building(s) and the street frontage(s). Parking spaces located between the main building(s) and the street frontage(s) may be approved through design review if it can be demonstrated that:

1. To locate the parking in conformance with subsection 30-7.8(b) would not constitute a change in the existing conditions on the site, or

2. The nature of the proposed use or the configuration of the property requires that some or all of the parking be located in front of the building, and

3. The design of the parking area and driveways will not adversely impact pedestrian, bicycle, vehicular, or transit visibility, as defined by subsection 30-5.14(b)10 or access in the vicinity of the site as determined by the Public Works Director.

d. Wheel Stops. Where parking is provided perpendicular or angled into a public or private sidewalk or other pedestrian or bicycle pathway, wheel stops or other appropriate measures such as extending the curb and landscaped area as described below shall be utilized to prevent encroachment by parked vehicles. The required parking space lengths may, for nonparallel spaces, be reduced by up to one and one-half (1½′) feet, with the curb to serve as a tire stop. The one and one-half (1½′) feet wide area that would otherwise be paved as part of the parking space (i.e. the "overhang" area), shall either be landscaped (with lawn or ground covers not exceeding six (6") inches in height), or if abutting a walkway, shall be paved with material similar to that of the walkway.

e. Lighting. Parking areas shall be adequately illuminated to ensure public safety. Lighting shall be so designed and located to shield light from adjoining properties and shall not cause a glare hazardous to pedestrians or auto drivers. The maximum height of a parking lot light standard shall be twenty-five (25′) feet. All light fixtures in residential zones, or on parcels adjacent to any residential use, shall be limited to "full cut-off" type illumination. Ground level illumination shall not exceed a minimum standard of two (2) foot candles, with a ratio no greater than fifteen to one (15 to 1) between the highest and lowest areas of illumination. In a residential zone, or on a parcel adjacent to any residential use, the permitted minimum standard is reduced to one-half (½) foot candles. Any proposal for parking lot lighting that would vary from the above standards is subject to approval by the Planning Director.

f. Physical Clearance. All parking backup and driveway access areas shall have a minimum vertical clearance of seven (7′) feet, except handicapped parking and access areas which shall have eight (8′) feet vertical clearance. Parking spaces shall be maintained free and clear of obstruction except as necessary to accommodate landscape wells, supporting structures for parking lifts, and other parking facility elements approved by the Planning Director.

g. Access Design. Parking areas with five (5) or fewer spaces may be designed for vehicles to back out onto the street. All other parking areas shall be designed for vehicles to enter and exit in a forward direction, unless otherwise permitted by the Public Works Director.

h. Residential Driveway Width. For residential uses, a minimum driveway width of eight and one-half (8½′) feet and a maximum of ten (10′) feet is permitted. Driveways that provide access to two (2) or more adjacent single car garages, if separated from each other by a landscaped strip not less than three (3′) feet wide, are measured as individual driveways when determining compliance with this subsection.

1. Exceptions to the ten (10′) foot limitation for residential driveways may be permitted to: (i) allow a maximum width of up to sixteen (16′) feet in order to provide access to a two (2) car garage located no further than fifty (50′) feet from the lot's street frontage(s); or (ii) allow a "flare out" that provides adequate maneuvering area to a multi car garage located more than fifty (50′) feet from the lot's street frontage(s), subject to approval by the Public Works Director.

i. Commercial Driveway Width. For non-residential uses, a driveway occupying no more than forty (40%) percent of lot frontage or twenty (20′) feet in width (whichever is less) is permitted. For service stations a maximum driveway width of forty (40′) feet is permitted.

j. Driveway Location. The centerline of an access driveway where it connects to a street shall be at least thirty-five (35′) feet from the nearest street right-of-way line of an intersection, unless otherwise permitted by the Public Works Director.

k. Curb Cuts. No more than one (1) curb cut per lot shall be allowed per parcel, or if one use is occupying multiple parcels with cross access easements, per use, except for service stations where access shall be limited to a maximum of two (2) curb cuts, unless otherwise approved by the Planning and Public Works Directors.

1. Notwithstanding subsection (k) above, new curb cuts for automobile access to new, expanded, or existing off-street parking lots are prohibited on Park Street and Webster Street frontage within the C-C zoning district, as well as crossing any Class IV separated bikeways that are built or part of an adopted plan. Existing curb cuts may be relocated, or access may be provided from a side street, provided that the property does not already include one (1) curb cut on the side street or has sufficient frontage on the side street to safely accommodate the additional curb cut, as determined by the Public Works Director. If access cannot be provided from an existing, relocated, or side street curb cut, then the project applicant may request a waiver of this requirement as approved by the Planning and Public Works Directors.

l. Regular Spaces. At least fifty (50%) percent of the provided parking spaces shall be not less than eight and one-half (8½′) feet wide by eighteen (18′) feet long exclusive of access driveways and backup areas. The parking space length shall be increased to twenty-one (21′) feet for parallel spaces. Trees, bollards, poles or other obstructions shall not encroach into these dimensions.

m. Compact Spaces. A maximum of fifty (50%) percent of the provided parking spaces may be compact car spaces, at least seven and one-half (7½′) feet wide by fifteen (15′) feet long. When more than three (3) compact spaces are provided immediately adjacent to one another, spaces shall be not less than eight (8′) feet wide. All compact spaces shall be clearly marked "COMPACT." The parking space length shall be increased to eighteen (18′) feet for parallel spaces. Trees, bollards, poles, or other obstructions shall not encroach into these dimensions.

n. Backup Area. Minimum backup areas for parking spaces shall be as listed below. When standard and compact spaces share the same backup area, the backup depth for standard spaces shall be utilized.

(Ord. No. 3309 N.S., § 5, 11-16-2021)