Chapter 18.76 — PARKING AND LOADING

The purposes of this chapter are to provide on-site vehicle parking for a variety of vehicle types (cars, bicycles, RVs, and trucks); adequate parking and loading spaces for all uses; and design standards and requirements to promote public safety and visual enhancement. (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

The requirements of this chapter shall apply to the construction, change, or expansion of a use or structure as specified below. Off-street parking and loading requirements of this chapter shall be calculated as follows:

• A. New Uses and Structures. For all buildings or structures erected and all uses of land established after the effective date of this title, parking for vehicles and bicycles, and loading facilities, shall be provided as required by this chapter.

• B. Change in Use. When the use of any building, structure, or premises is changed, resulting in the required number of parking spaces to increase more than ten percent, additional parking shall be provided consistent with Section 18.76.030 (Off-street parking requirements). Previous parking modifications granted by the approving authority shall be null and void.

• C. Change of Occupancy. Where a new business license is required, additional parking spaces shall be provided if the new occupancy would result in an increase of more than ten percent in the required number of parking spaces.

• D. Modification to Existing Structures. Whenever an existing building or structure is modified such that it creates an increase of more than ten percent in the number of parking spaces required, additional parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.

• E. Downtown Core Exemptions. Off-street parking is not required within the downtown core (DC) exempt area.

• F. Extended Parking. See Section 18.72.070 (Extended storage and parking) for requirements related to parking of recreational vehicles or personal utility trailers.

• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

The purpose of the parking schedule is to establish minimum standards that will provide adequate on-site parking, prevent the need for off-site parking, and provide adequate loading facilities. Every effort should be made to design parking capacity to meet but not exceed minimum zoning requirements listed in the table below.

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City of Patterson, CA

PATTERSON CODE

§ 18.76.030

§ 18.76.030

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Table 18.76.030-1 Off-Street Parking Requirements
Use Parking Spaces Required
Dwellings 1 covered space per dwelling unit having 0 or 1
bedroom 2 spaces (1 covered) per dwelling unit
having 2 or more bedrooms
2 spaces (2 covered) per dwelling unit having 3 or
more bedrooms
Apartments 1 covered space per dwelling unit having 0 bedrooms
(studio)
1.5 spaces (1 covered) per dwelling unit having 1
bedroom
2.0 spaces (1 covered) per dwelling unit having 2
bedrooms
2 spaces (1 covered) per dwelling unit having 3 or
more bedrooms
Plus 1 additional guest parking space for each 3 units
Housing for the elderly Same number of spaces required for dwellings or
apartments; however, the number of spaces may be
reduced if the planning commission makes a finding
that not all spaces are needed. In making this finding,
the commission shall consider: (1) the anticipated
vehicle usage and characteristic visitor patterns of
the occupants; (2) proximity of the building or site to
shopping, service, health care facilities, and other
transportation facilities; (3) proximity of public and
commercial parking areas; (4) effect a reduced
number of spaces would have on existing and
anticipated parking conditions in the neighborhood;
and (5) conditions deemed relevant by the planning
commission.
Auditoriums, stadiums, theaters, sports 1 space for every 4 seats
arenas
Automobile sales 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of floor area
Automobile service and repair 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of floor area
Bowling alleys 3 spaces per lane
Child care facilities and day nurseries 1 space per classroom plus 1 for every 20 children
Churches, temples, or other places used 1 space for every 4 seats in the building with the
for religious worship largest capacity
Convalescent facilities, group care 1 space for every 3 beds
facilities, nursing facilities
Dance halls, assembly halls without 4 spaces per 150 sq. ft. of floor area used for dancing
fixed seating, meeting halls, clubs or assembly
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City of Patterson, CA

ZONING

§ 18.76.030

§ 18.76.030

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Table 18.76.030-1 Off-Street Parking Requirements
Use Parking Spaces Required
Establishments for the sale and 1 space for every 4 seats
consumption (on premises) of alcoholic
beverages, food, or refreshments
Furniture sales, major appliance sales, 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of floor area
warehouse commercial
Golf courses, golf driving ranges 5 spaces per golf course hole; 1 space per driving tee
on a golf range; plus 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of floor
area used for other commercial uses
Hospitals 1 space per bed
Hotels, motels 1 space per individual sleeping unit, plus 1 space for
each 2 employees on the largest shift
Libraries, museums, galleries 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of floor area
Manufacturing, processing, assembly 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. of building area
machine and trade shops, and similar
uses
Medical or dental offices 1 space per 200 sq. ft. of floor area
Mortuaries/funeral homes 10 spaces for each room used as a chapel/parlor, or 1
space per 35 sq. ft. of floor area of assembly rooms
used for services, whichever amount is greater
Open air commercial uses, nurseries, 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area devoted to sales
equipment rental and display
Open air industrial uses, salvage yards 1 space per 2,500 sq. ft. of outside storage area
Parks 10 spaces per net acre of active recreational area
within a park or playground; plus 5 spaces per net
acre of passive recreational area within a park or
playground
Professional offices, financial 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of floor area
institutions, business offices
Schools 1 space per classroom, plus 1 space per 100 sq. ft. of
auditorium or general assembly area
Shopping centers 1
1 space per 200 sq. ft. of floor area
Warehousing/storage facilities/data 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area, or 1 space for
centers every 2 employees on the largest shift, whichever is
greater
All uses not listed which are permitted 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of floor area, excluding
in commercial districts basements, mechanical areas, etc.
All uses not listed which are permitted 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of floor area or 1 space for
in industrial districts every 2 employees on the largest shift, whichever is
greater
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City of Patterson, CA

PATTERSON CODE

§ 18.76.030

§ 18.76.040

• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013; Ord. 868 § 1, 2023)

• A. Number of Spaces. Each parking area associated with any type of land use listed in the Patterson zoning code, except for single-family and two-family residential dwellings, shall include a number of accessible parking spaces specifically reserved for vehicles licensed or authorized by the state of California for use by physically challenged/disabled drivers in accordance with the following table or as otherwise required by state or federal requirements.

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Table 18.76.040-1 Accessible Parking Requirements
Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
Total Spaces in Parking Area Required
1—25 1 van accessible space
26—50 2 including 1 van accessible space
51—75 3 including 1 van accessible space
76—100 4 including 1 van accessible space
101—150 5 including 1 van accessible space
151—200 6 including 1 van accessible space
201—300 7 including 1 van accessible space
301—400 8 including 1 van accessible space
401—500 9 including 2 van accessible spaces
501—1,000 2% including 3 van accessible spaces
One space for each 200 spaces thereafter.
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• B. Location. Such parking spaces shall be located within a reasonable proximity of any conveniently accessible entrance to the building served by the parking area.

• C. Dimensions. Typical accessible parking stalls shall be nine feet wide with a five-foot-wide loading/unloading area. Van accessible parking stalls shall be nine feet wide with an eightfoot-wide loading/unloading area. Any combination of two accessible parking stalls may share a single loading/unloading area of five feet in width, unless one of the parking stalls is van accessible, in which case the shared loading/unloading area shall be eight feet in width. The minimum length of each parking space shall be nineteen feet. Parking spaces required by this section shall be identified per state law requirements and designated per adopted city standards as shown below.

• D. Design. A bumper is required when no curb or barrier is provided, to prevent encroachment of cars over walkways. A curb ramp is required within the loading/unloading area when the adjacent walkway is at a different level than the parking elevation. Wheelchair users must not be forced to go behind parked cars, other than their own, to access the adjacent walkway.

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City of Patterson, CA

ZONING

§ 18.76.040

§ 18.76.050

Figure 18.76.040-1 Disabled Parking Space Requirements

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• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

Each parking area associated with any type of land use listed under Section 18.76.030, except for single-family and two-family residential dwellings, shall provide a number of bicycle parking spaces in accordance with the following:

• A. Number of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces.

  1. Short-Term Bicycle Parking. If a land use or project is anticipated to generate visitor traffic, the project must provide permanently anchored bicycle racks within two hundred feet of the visitors' entrance. To enhance security and visibility, the bicycle racks shall be readily visible to passersby. The bicycle capacity of the racks must equal an amount equivalent to five percent of all required off-street vehicle parking, as identified in Section 18.76.030. There shall be a minimum of one rack with capacity for two bicycles.

  2. Long-Term Bicycle Parking. Buildings with over ten tenant-occupants (e.g., multifamily tenants, owners, employees) shall provide secure bicycle parking for five percent of all required off-street vehicle parking spaces, as identified in Section 18.76.030. There shall be a minimum of one long-term bicycle parking space. Acceptable parking facilities shall be convenient from the street and include one or a combination of the following:

     • a. Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles.

     • b. Lockable bicycle rooms with permanently anchored racks.

     • c. Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.

     • d. In the case of residential development, a standard garage is sufficient, if available.

  3. A minimum of two bicycle parking spaces per acre is required with no fewer than two

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City of Patterson, CA

PATTERSON CODE

§ 18.76.050

§ 18.76.050

racks provided per site for all park and recreation facilities.

Figure 18.76.050-1 Required Bicycle Parking

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• B. Bicycle Racks. Required bicycle parking may be provided in floor, wall, or ceiling racks. Where required bicycle parking is provided with racks, the racks must meet the following requirements:

  1. The bicycle frame and one wheel can be locked to the rack with a high security U- shaped shackle lock if both wheels are left on the bicycle.

  2. A bicycle six feet long can be securely held with its frame supported so that the bicycle cannot be pushed or fall in a manner that will damage the wheels or components.

• C. Parking and Maneuvering Areas. Each required bicycle parking space must be accessible without moving another bicycle. There must be an aisle at least five feet wide adjacent to all required bicycle parking to allow room for bicycle maneuvering. Where the bicycle parking is adjacent to a sidewalk, the maneuvering area may extend into the right-of-way. The area devoted to bicycle parking must be hard surfaced.

• D. Visibility. If required bicycle parking is not visible from the street or main building entrance, a sign must be posted at the main building entrance indicating the location of the bicycle parking.

• E. Parking on Public Sidewalks. Bicycle parking on public sidewalks may be beneficial to nearby businesses, particularly in the downtown. Bicycle racks should be installed so as to not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Encroachment permits may be required. See Figure 18.76.050-2 (Bicycle Parking on Downtown Sidewalks).

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City of Patterson, CA

ZONING

§ 18.76.050

§ 18.76.075

Figure 18.76.050-2 Bicycle Parking on Downtown Sidewalks

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(Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

Repealed by Ord. 868 .

(Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

Repealed by Ord. 868. (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

• A. Sizes and Access.

  1. Each standard-size off-street parking space shall have dimensions of not less than nine feet width and nineteen feet depth, exclusive of access drives or aisles, and shall be of usable shape, location, and condition.

  2. Compact spaces having dimensions not less than seven and one-half feet width and fifteen feet depth, exclusive of access drives and aisles, shall be permitted, not to exceed thirty percent of the total required parking stalls. Small car spaces shall have the word "compact" painted on the pavement at the entrance of each stall.

  3. Small vehicle spaces (e.g., motorcycles, mopeds) have a dimension of not less than four feet in width and nine feet in depth, exclusive of access drives and aisles, shall be permitted, not to exceed fifteen percent of total required parking stalls.

  4. End stalls and stall adjacent to raised curbing shall be a minimum of one foot wider than the normal stall width. The length of the space may be reduced by two feet if landscaped planters of sufficient width are used as curb stops.

• B. Standards for the design of parking spaces shall meet the following requirements and

1. Code reviser's note: Ord. 738 adds this section as 18.76.070. It has been renumbered to avoid duplication.

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City of Patterson, CA § 18.76.075

PATTERSON CODE

§ 18.76.080

graphic:

1. Space for turning around must be provided for parking areas of four or more spaces, so that no cars need to back into the street.

2. The minimum width of a driveway serving four or less parking spaces shall be twelve feet.

3. The minimum width of a driveway serving five to eight parking spaces shall be fifteen feet.

4. A two-lane driveway with a minimum width of twenty-four feet, or separate twelvefoot, entrance and exit driveways shall be provided for parking areas having nine or more spaces.

Figure 18.76.070-1 Parallel Parking Space and Drive Aisle Dimensions

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• C. Type and Location. Parking spaces required in connection with land uses shall be provided in designated parking areas, private garages or carports, or storage garages located on the same building site. Residential parking spaces shall not be permitted within a required front yard setback.

• D. Units of Measurement. For the purposes of this chapter, "floor area" in the case of offices, merchandising, or service types of uses shall mean the gross floor area used, or intended to be used, for service to the public as customers, patrons, clients or patients, or as tenants, including areas occupied by fixtures and equipment used for display or sale of merchandise. It shall not include areas used primarily for nonpublic purposes such as storage, packaging of merchandise, show windows, restrooms, utility rooms, kitchens, fitting or alteration rooms, and similar incidental uses.

• E. In stadiums, sports arenas, churches, and other places of public assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews, or other similar seating facilities, each twenty inches by such seating facilities shall be counted as one seat for the purpose of determining requirements for off-street parking facilities.

• F. When units of measurements determining number of required parking spaces result in requirement of a fractional space, any fraction less than one-half shall be discarded and fractions of one-half or more shall require an additional parking space.

• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

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City of Patterson, CA

ZONING

§ 18.76.080

§ 18.76.080

Every parcel of land used as a public or private parking area shall be developed and maintained as follows:

• A. Surface of Parking Area. Parking areas shall be paved with a minimum of two inches of an asphalt or cement binder pavement over an approved sub-base to provide a durable and dust-free surface. The parking area shall be paved, graded, and drained to dispose of all surface water in accordance with the requirements of the city engineer.

• B. Temporary, unpaved parking areas are allowed subject to conditional use permit approval under the following conditions:

  1. Temporary parking lot must be located on the same parcel or contiguous parcel as a principal use and have access only through the principal use.

  2. Temporary parking lot area shall not exceed one acre in size.

  3. Temporary parking shall be permitted for a maximum period of one year with a possible one-year extension by the planning commission.

  4. In reviewing the conditional use permit, the planning commission may attach conditions for fencing, drainage, dust control, and other items as necessary to assure compatibility with surrounding uses.

• C. Protective Installation.

  1. To ensure the proper maintenance and utilization of parking facilities, parking areas shall be designed so that a parked vehicle does not overhang so as to obstruct pedestrian traffic and be destructive to plant materials.

  2. A continuous landscape divider with a minimum width of three feet shall be provided between every row of head-to-head parking unless waived in writing by the planning director.

  3. A permanent curb, bumper, wheel stop, or similar device shall be installed that is adequate to protect any structure or landscaping from vehicular damage. If such protection is designed to stop the wheel rather than the bumper, the wheel stop shall be placed no closer than two feet from the edges of required sidewalks, planter areas, or other landscaped areas and from any building or structure.

• D. Striping. All parking spaces shall be marked by striping, buttons, or a similar device to delineate spaces. Spaces shall be painted with a line width of four inches. Buttons shall be a minimum of three and one-half inches in diameter, spaced no more than three feet on center. Spaces shall be double striped with one foot of striping line within each stall, nineteen feet for each full-sized space and fifteen feet for compact car space, not including the semi-circular cap.

• E. Maintenance and Use. Parking surface, striping, and landscaping shall be maintained in good condition. Required parking and circulation areas shall not be converted to other uses.

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City of Patterson, CA

PATTERSON CODE

§ 18.76.080

§ 18.76.090

Figure 18.76.080-1 Parking Space Striping

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• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

The required number of parking spaces may be reduced in accordance with the following requirements:

• A. Exemptions.

  1. Hardship. In the case of unusual hardship, the planning commission may conduct a hearing to consider exceptions to the foregoing requirements. Applications for a reduction to off-street parking may be considered through the adjustment process (Section 18.16.110). However, the findings shall include that the establishment, maintenance, or use of off-street parking facilities, as proposed, are as nearly in compliance with the requirements set forth in this chapter as are reasonably possible.

  2. Downtown Core Exemption. Off-street parking is not required within the downtown core (DC) exempt area. The exempt area boundary shall be I Street to the north, Fifth Street to the west, E Street to the south, and Second Street (State Route 33) to the east. For any discretionary permit within the exempt area, the planning director may refer off-street parking requirement issues to the planning commission for its review. The planning commission may withdraw the exempt status of any new development within the exempt area.

• B. Minor Reductions. The following reductions may be permitted with administrative review approval by the planning director. The required number of parking spaces shall not be reduced by more than twenty percent without the issuance of a conditional use permit by the planning commission.

  1. On-street parking spaces adjacent to the property boundary may be counted toward off-street parking requirements if easily accessible to the primary entrance of the building.

  2. Ten percent reduction in total required parking space if the property boundary is adjacent to or within two hundred fifty feet of a transit stop.

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City of Patterson, CA

ZONING

§ 18.76.090

§ 18.76.100

3. Fifteen percent reduction for a development that includes a minimum of ten residential units and fifty thousand square feet of office space.

4. Within nonresidential zoning districts, the provision of clean air vehicle spaces may be used to reduce the total number of required vehicle spaces. One clean air vehicle space counts toward one and a half required (standard sized) parking spaces. Total reduction in required parking spaces cannot exceed a fifteen percent reduction.

5. Up to five percent reduction for existing uses to enable property enhancements. Parking requirements for existing nonresidential development may be reduced by up to five percent, if spaces are replaced with any of the following: on-site public pedestrian plazas, seating areas, shelters, and/or walkways.

• C. Moderate Reductions. The following reductions may be permitted by the planning commission as part of a discretionary action (e.g., conditional use permit or design review):

  1. Use of Shared Parking. A shared parking plan must be submitted, which addresses the following requirements:

• a. Calculation of total parking requirements for conjunctive uses be based on the number of spaces adequate to meet various needs of the individual uses operating during the peak parking period.

  • b. The peak hours of parking demand from all uses do not coincide so that peak demand will not be greater than the parking provided.

  • c. The efficiency of parking provided will equal or exceed the level that can be expected if parking for each use were provided separately.

  • d. A written shared parking agreement between the landowners and in some cases the city that runs with the land shall be filed, in a form satisfactory to the city attorney.

  2. Use of Car-Share Vehicles. The applicant has provided on-site parking for car-share vehicles and proof of a perpetual agreement with a car-share agency to provide at least one car-share vehicle on-site.

  3. Implementation and documentation of parking or travel demand management programs that encourage occupants to carpool, ride share, or use alternate transportation to reduce parking demand at the site.

• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

The number of loading spaces to be required shall be determined by the planning director based upon consideration of the following criteria:

• A. Evidence of the probable loading space needs of the proposed use.

• B. The following minimum standards:

  1. One truck loading space for the first ten thousand square feet of floor area; and

  2. One additional truck loading space for each additional twenty thousand square feet or

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City of Patterson, CA § 18.76.100

PATTERSON CODE

§ 18.76.110

major fraction thereof.

• C. Minimum Truck Loading Stall Dimensions. The planning director shall establish the dimensions of each loading space required by this chapter, based upon the dimensions of vehicles which will likely utilize such space.

• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

• A. Provision of Pedestrian Paths to and Through Parking Areas. The pedestrian paths system shall be designed to provide the pedestrian safe passage throughout the project area and parking lot. Adherence to all of the following provisions will create maximum safe connectivity for pedestrians.

  1. A continuous path which connects the primary entrances of the structure(s) on the site to the parking area.

  2. Designated walking path along at least one side of drive aisles leading to main entrances.

  3. Where parking areas are located between a public right-of-way and a primary entrance into a site's primary use structure, a continuous and well-designated pedestrian path shall be provided through the parking area that connects the public right-of-way and the primary entrance.

• (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013)

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City of Patterson, CA