§ 14.18

In addition to the general purposes listed in Section 14.01.030, the specific purposes of parking regulations are to:

A.

Promote the safety and convenience of all land use and circulation systems within the city by providing standards and policies for the creation and maintenance of vehicular off-street parking and loading;

B.

Promote more efficient street systems by reducing to a minimum the congestion which may be created by uncontrolled parking;

C.

Promote the continued health and vitality of all land uses by providing reasonable satisfaction for normal parking demands;

D.

Promote compatibility among adjacent land uses and enhance the appearance of the city through appropriate design and aesthetic standards related to parking;

E.

Ensure that off-street parking and loading facilities are provided for new land uses and for major alterations and enlargements of existing uses in proportion to the need for such facilities created by each use;

F.

Establish parking standards for commercial and industrial uses consistent with need and with the feasibility of providing parking on specific commercial and industrial sites;

G.

Ensure that off-street parking and loading facilities are designed in a manner that will ensure efficiency, protect the public safety and, where appropriate, insulate surrounding land uses from adverse impacts;

H.

Acknowledge the unique conditions in the downtown mixed use district, where there are a variety of land uses and parking facilities, including a downtown parking district.

(Ord. 1694 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) § 20, 11-19-2018; Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.1), 8-16-2021)

14.18.020 - Applicability.

A.

Off-street parking, loading and bicycle facilities shall be provided for any new building constructed and for any new use established, for any addition or enlargement of an existing building or use, and for any change in the occupancy of a building or the manner in which the use is conducted that would result in additional spaces being required, subject to the provisions of this chapter.

B.

Provisions of this chapter shall apply uniformly throughout the city according to specific land usage and shall be without regard to zoning district classification.

C.

Parking areas may be reconfigured in compliance with the provisions of this chapter only.

D.

The provisions of this chapter are applicable to properties with the downtown mixed use district except for provisions specific to: 1) parking requirements; 2) the downtown parking district; and 3) parking lot screening and landscape standards. For these parking provisions, refer to the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code, which adopted by separate ordinance and incorporated herein by reference.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1882, § 64, 6-21-2010; Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.2), 8-16-2021)

If, in the application of the requirements of this chapter, a fractional number is obtained, one (1) parking space or loading berth shall be required for a fraction of one-half (½) or more, and no space or berth shall be required for a fraction of less than one-half (½).

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

A.

Off-street parking shall be provided in accord with the following chart. Where the specific use in question is not listed, the community development director shall determine if another similar use exists which may be used to select an appropriate parking standard. In order to make this determination, the community development director may require the submission of survey data from the applicant or collected by the community development department, planning division at the applicant's expense. Parking surveys conducted for this purpose shall be subject to the review and recommendation by the department of public works.

B.

Parking Modification. The parking requirement for any specific use listed may be modified so as to provide adequate parking which is fair, equitable, logical and consistent with the intent of this chapter. Such modification may also include reduction in parking ratios for businesses in the downtown zoning districts that allow the use of private parking facilities to be used for public parking during evening or weekend hours. Parking modifications shall require an application for a use permit and shall be subject to review by the community development director and public works director, and approval by the zoning administrator.

C.

For properties located within the downtown mixed use district and Downtown parking district, refer to the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code for off-street parking standards, which is adopted by separate ordinance and incorporated herein by reference.

D.

In addition to the off-street parking requirements listed below, off-street loading and unloading shall be provided for certain uses in accord with Section 14.18.050, Off-street loading and unloading.

E.

Off-street parking is not required for FAR increases up to ten percent (10%) of the building or seven hundred fifty (750) square feet, whichever is larger, as granted under Section 14.16.150(G)(1)(b).

F.

Operation. As specified in the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code adopted by separate ordinance, parking in the downtown mixed use district may be operated to serve the uses for which the parking was approved, or may be shared with other uses in the downtown mixed use zoning district, and/or be made available to the public, subject to a use permit for parking modifications.

Table 14.18.040

(Ord. 1694 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1882, Exh. A, §§ 65, 66, 6-21-2010; Ord. No. 1923, § 2(Exh. A), 6-16-2014; Ord. No. 1955, (Exh. A, § 11), 3-19-2018; Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) §§ 21—23, 11-19-2018; Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.3), 8-16-2021; Ord. No. 2002, div. 13, 12-6-2021; Ord. No. 2013, § 4, 8-1-2022)

14.18.045 - Designated parking for clean air vehicles.

A.

Applicability. Parking spaces serving new nonresidential buildings shall be designated for any combination of low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and carpool/van pool vehicles, as defined by Section 5.102 of the California Green Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, Part 11 of Title 24.

B.

Number of Short-Term Spaces Required. Parking spaces for clean air vehicles shall be provided in accord with the following chart:

C.

Parking Stall Marking. The following characters shall be painted, using the same paint for stall striping, such that the lower edge of the last word aligns with the end of the stall striping and is visible beneath a parked vehicle: "CLEAN AIR VEHICLE".

D.

Prewiring for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. In new or substantially renovated parking facilities of twenty-five (25) or more spaces electrical conduit capable of supporting suitable wiring for an electric vehicle charging station shall be installed between an electrical service panel and an area of clean air vehicle parking spaces as required by this section. The conduit shall be capped and labeled for potential future use.

(Ord. No. 1892, § 2, 2-22-2011; Ord. No. 1923, § 2(Exh. A), 6-16-2014)

The minimum off-street loading and unloading space required for specific uses shall be as follows:

A.

Retail and service establishments: one off-street loading and unloading space with minimum dimensions of ten feet (10′) in width by thirty-five feet (35′) in length, with a fourteen-foot (14′) height clearance.

B.

Light industrial or mixed-use light industrial/office buildings: one off-street loading and unloading space for each twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of gross building area. Each loading space shall have minimum dimensions of twelve feet (12′) in width by sixty-five feet (65′) in length, with a fourteen-foot (14′) height clearance.

C.

Each loading area shall have adequate driveways, turning and maneuvering areas for access and usability, and shall at all times have access to a public street or alley.

D.

In the office and industrial/office districts, loading areas shall not be located in required front or street side yards.

E.

Off-street loading and unloading spaces shall be adequately screened from view from public rights-of-way to the satisfaction of the planning director.

F.

In the downtown mixed use district, on lots less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet, and where a parking lot is provided, the loading area may be incorporated into an aisle or backup area; provided, that there is adequate backup space for required parking spaces as determined by the traffic engineer.

(Ord. 1694 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.4), 8-16-2021)

The downtown parking district boundaries shall be as defined by the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code, which is adopted by separate ordinance and incorporated herein by reference. Parking for nonresidential uses in the downtown parking district shall be provided consistent with the following:

A.

The off-street parking requirement is waived for up to 1.0 FAR of the total square footage of buildings located within the downtown parking district.

B.

Off-street parking for building square footage above 1.0 FAR and for all residential uses shall be provided consistent with the parking requirements the Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code.

(Ord. 1694 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996: Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) § 24, 11-19-2018; Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.5), 8-16-2021)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) § 24, adopted November 19, 2018, amended § 14.18.060 and in so doing changed the title of said section from "Downtown parking assessment district" to "Downtown parking district," as set out herein.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.6), adopted August 16, 2021, repealed § 14.18.061, which pertained to Downtown's West End and environs and derived from Ord. No. 1882, Exh. A, § 67, June 21, 2010.

14.18.070 - Parking requirements for multiple uses.

A.

Multiple Uses—Basis for Calculation. Where there is more than one use in a single structure or on a site, or two (2) or more separate instances of the same use, off-street parking requirements shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses. Off-street parking required for one occupant of a structure shall not be considered as satisfying the required parking facilities for another occupant of the structure, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.

B.

Changes in Occupancy in Multi-Tenant Buildings. Master use permits filed in accordance with Section 14.22.040, Master use permits, for multi-tenant buildings or sites with multiple uses shall specify the types and allowable amounts of various uses. The total parking provided for the site shall be consistent with subsection A above. When occupants of a multi-tenant building or a multiple-use site change, the approved mix and amount of land use shall be consistent with the master plan approval to ensure the provision of adequate parking facilities.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

14.18.080 - Parking requirements for reciprocal uses with shared parking facilities.

When two (2) or more uses share a common parking area and when a significant and complementing variation in period of daily demands occurs (i.e., exclusive day and night uses), the zoning administrator may grant reductions in the total parking required through a use permit; provided, that in no instance shall the total parking required be less than would be required for any one of the independent uses. The zoning administrator shall base a decision to approve or deny a parking reduction on a shared parking demand study prepared by a qualified transportation engineer or other qualified parking professional.

(Ord. 1694 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996: Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1882, Exh. A, § 68, 6-21-2010; Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) § 25, 11-19-2018)

14.18.090 - Bicycle parking.

A.

Applicability. Bicycle parking shall be required for all new nonresidential buildings and in major renovations of nonresidential buildings having thirty (30) or more parking spaces, and for all public/quasi-public uses.

B.

Number of Short-Term Spaces Required.

1.

Commercial, office, industrial, and multi-family residential uses: five percent (5%) of the requirement for automobile parking spaces, with a minimum of one two-bike capacity rack.

2.

Public/quasi-public uses: as determined by parking study, or as specified by use permit.

3.

Exempt uses: animal sales and service; motor vehicle sales and services; building materials and supplies (large-item); catering establishments; funeral and interment services; temporary uses; recycling facilities; other uses as determined by the planning director.

C.

Number of Long-Term Spaces Required.

1.

For nonresidential buildings with over ten (10) tenant-occupants: Five percent (5%) of the requirement for automobile parking spaces, with a minimum of one space.

D.

Reduction of Vehicle Parking. Properties that provide bicycle parking in excess of the bicycle parking spaces identified in Section 14.18.090.B. and/or C. may qualify for a reduction to the overall vehicle parking requirements subject to the approval of a use permit for parking modification.

E.

Design.

1.

Short-Term Parking: Bike racks shall be provided with each bicycle parking space. The rack shall consist of a stationary object to which the user can lock the bike.

2.

Long-Term Parking: Acceptable parking facilities include:

a.

Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks for bicycles,

b.

Lockable bicycle room with permanently anchored racks, or

c.

Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.

3.

Parking facilities shall support bicycles in a stable position.

4.

The facilities shall provide at least an eighteen inch (18″) clearance from the centerline of adjacent bicycles on the left and right, and at least ten inches (10″) to walls or other obstructions.

5.

An aisle or other space shall be provided to bicycles to enter and leave the facility. This aisle shall have a width of at least five feet (5′) to the front or rear of a standard six-foot (6′) bicycle parked in a facility.

6.

Bicycle parking should be situated at least as conveniently to building entrances as the most convenient car parking area, but a minimum distance of one hundred feet (100′) of a visitors' entrance. Bicycle and auto parking areas shall be separated by a physical barrier or sufficient distance to protect parked bicycles from damage by cars.

7.

Bicycle parking facilities should be located in highly visible, well-lit areas to minimize theft and vandalism.

8.

Overhead coverage or rain shelters for bicycle parking facilities are encouraged.

9.

The planning director (or the planning director's designated appointee) shall have the authority to review the design of all bicycle parking facilities required by this title with respect to safety, security and convenience.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1892, § 3, 2-22-2011; Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) § 26, 11-19-2018)

14.18.100 - Parking space dimensions.

A.

Standard size parking spaces shall be nine feet (9') by nineteen feet (19') in dimension, except that in downtown, the standard size parking space shall be eight and one-half feet (8.5') by eighteen feet (18') in dimension.

B.

Compact parking spaces shall be eight feet (8′) by sixteen feet (16′) in dimension.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1882, Exh. A, § 69, 6-21-2010)

14.18.110 - Compact spaces—Allowable percentage.

A.

Allowable Percentage. A maximum thirty percent (30%) of the required parking spaces may be compact spaces for facilities exceeding five (5) spaces.

B.

Spaces Labeled. Compact spaces shall be labeled in parking facilities as compact spaces to the satisfaction of the city traffic engineer.

C.

Distribution. Compact spaces should be distributed throughout the parking lot to the extent feasible.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

Tandem parking is prohibited, unless approved under this section:

A.

Under Section 14.18.150, Alternate parking locations for uses with insufficient parking;

B.

With an environmental and design review permit under the Hillside Residential Design Guidelines Manual;

C.

For an accessory dwelling unit, as provided for in Section 14.16.285 of this title; or

D.

As a concession granted for residential projects which include sufficient affordable housing units, as provided for in Section 14.16.030(H)(3)(a)(i) of this title.

E.

Within the downtown mixed use district, when the tandem parking spaces are assigned to a single residential unit or where the tandem spaces are assigned to a single tenant subject to exception permit as outlined under Section 14.24.020.G.3.

F.

As part of a mechanical or automated parking system.

(Ord. 1838 § 41, 2005; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) § 27, 11-19-2018; Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.7), 8-16-2021)

14.18.130 - Parking facility dimensions and design.

A.

Minimum Standards.

1.

The following shows the minimum dimensions for aisle widths and parking spaces for parking facilities. Where the configuration and/or layout angle for proposed parking differs from those shown, the dimensions shall be prorated and adjusted accordingly, as approved by the city traffic engineer.

Aisle widths and parking space dimensions in excess of the minimum standards may be required on the recommendation from the city traffic engineer, city engineer or fire department where indicated by traffic, grade or site conditions. An exception to the minimum aisle widths may be granted, subject to Section 14.24.020(F), Parking.

Illustration A for Section 14.18.130

==> picture [372 x 155] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [366 x 156] intentionally omitted <==

* As approved by the Traffic Engineer.

B.

Parking Spaces for the Handicapped. All parking facilities shall comply with state requirements regarding parking for the disabled, as per state Chapter 71 of the Uniform Building Code, Site Development Requirements for Handicapped Accessibility.

C.

Double Line Striping. Delineation of parking stalls by double line striping is encouraged, and may be required by the city traffic engineer based on site conditions, such as "high turnover" utilization or restricted maneuvering space.

D.

Tree Wells. Tree wells shall have a minimum area of thirty-six (36) square feet and a minimum interior width of six feet (6'), exclusive of curbs. See Section 14.18.160, Parking lot screening and landscaping for additional landscape design standards.

E.

Curb Overhang. A minimum of two feet (2′) shall be allowed for overhang at curblines. Where overhangs are provided, the minimum stall depth (dimension "B") may be reduced by two feet (2′). Wherever "parking overhang" encroaches into sidewalk areas, the sidewalks shall be a minimum of six feet (6′) in width. In landscaped areas, ground cover and irrigation systems should not be placed within the overhang areas.

F.

Parking Stall Access. Use of a required parking space shall not require more than two (2) vehicle maneuvers. At the end of a parking facility with four (4) or more parking spaces, an aisle or driveway providing access to the end parking space shall extend at least two feet (2′) beyond the required width of the parking space in order to provide adequate on-site area for turnaround purposes.

Illustration B for Section 14.18.130

==> picture [216 x 127] intentionally omitted <==

TYPICAL END STALL TREATMENT

• (Ord. 1694 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

• (Ord. No. 1882, Exh. A, § 70, 6-21-2010; Ord. No. 1923, § 2(Exh. A), 6-16-2014)

14.18.140 - Access to public right-of-way.

A.

Driveway Widths. The minimum curb cut for driveways at the face of the curb shall have the following minimum inside depressed width.

1. Serving a residential use:

The zoning administrator, planning commission or city council may, on the basis of a recommendation from the city traffic engineer, city engineer or fire department, require driveways in excess of the above widths where needed by traffic, grade or site conditions. They may also require driveways to be constructed with full curb returns and handicapped ramps as opposed to simple curb depression.

B.

Separation Distance of Driveways Serving the Same Parking Facility. Driveways serving the same parking facility shall be located at least twenty-five feet (25′) apart.

C.

Driveway Grades. Driveway grades shall be subject to review and determination by the city engineer. Maximum driveway grade typically allowed is eighteen percent (18%).

D.

Encroachment Permit Required. An encroachment permit is required from the public works department for work done in the public right-of-way. (Note: See Chapter 11.04 of the municipal code).

(Ord. 1663 § 1 (part), 1994; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

To reduce existing on-street parking congestion where dwelling units were legally built with fewer than the currently required number of parking spaces, additional on-site parking for vehicles belonging to the residents of such developments shall be permitted as follows.

A.

The zoning administrator, by environmental and design review permit, may approve, for single-family or duplex units, the location, including tandem parking, of additional parking spaces in the front or street side yards, providing that the following findings can be made:

1.

Additional on-site parking is not used as the basis for increasing the number of residential units;

2.

Such parking will not create hazards by obstructing views to or from adjoining sidewalks and streets;

3.

Fifty percent (50%) of the front and street side yards are landscaped.

B.

The zoning administrator, by environmental and design review permit, may approve, for multifamily development, additional on-site parking in patterns or locations that do not meet current standards, providing that the following findings can be made:

1.

Such parking will not create a hazard or nuisance to the neighborhood or adjoining neighbors;

2.

Such parking is likely to be used;

3.

Such parking will reduce existing on-street parking congestion;

Needed on-site recreation facilities are not adversely affected.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

New or substantially renovated parking lots with more than five (5) spaces shall provide landscaping in accordance with the following standards. Substantially renovated parking lots shall be those for which paving material and curbing is removed and the resulting lot is reconfigured. With the exception of subsections F, G, H, I, and J below, the provisions of this section do not apply to properties within the downtown mixed use district. The Downtown San Rafael Precise Plan Form-Based Code, which is adopted by separate ordinance includes provisions and requirements for parking lot screening and landscaping.

The following provisions shall also be used as guidelines for parking lot improvements on remodel projects.

A.

Screening. Parking areas visible from the public right-of-way shall be screened to headlight height through the use of landscaped earth berms, low walls, fences, hedges, or combination thereof, with trees and plantings, or similar means. Fences, walls, and hedges need not be solid.

B.

Minimum Trees. A minimum of one (1) canopy tree shall be provided for every four (4) parking spaces. Trees shall be distributed throughout the parking area to shade cars and paved areas. Clustering of trees may be considered subject to approval of the decision-making body, where it is demonstrated that the intent will be met to provide ample shading and screening of parking areas and enhance the visual appearance of parking lots. In downtown, this section does not apply to parking lots for twenty (20) or fewer cars, and the standards in this section may be reduced for parking lots for twenty-one (21) to forty (40) cars, with the approval of a minor design review permit.

C.

Tree Selection and Distribution. Parking lot trees shall be selected and located to achieve maximum shading of paved surfaces, through utilization of the following techniques:

1.

Distribute trees uniformly throughout parking areas, incorporating use of regularly spaced finger islands (see illustration below) and landscape medians between parking rows to the extent practicable.

2.

Cluster trees on southerly and westerly perimeters of parking lots.

3.

Provide minimum tree canopy diameters of fifteen feet (15') and include tree species with large canopy diameters, e.g., greater than thirty feet (30').

4.

Increase tree planting ratios as necessary to provide equivalent canopy coverage of the site where less than half of the required trees are proposed as large canopy tree species.

D.

Minimum Size of Planting Areas and Tree Wells. Planting areas containing trees and tree wells shall have a minimum area of thirty-six (36) square feet and a minimum interior width of six feet (6'), exclusive of curbs. For large canopy tree species, tree wells shall have a minimum area of sixty-four (64) square feet and a minimum width of eight feet (8') exclusive of curbs, to the extent this larger planting area is practicable and can be accommodated on-site.

E.

Curbs and Wheel Stops. A maximum overhang of two feet (2') shall be allowed for overhang of vehicles into planting areas. All planters and sidewalks located adjacent to driveways, loading areas, or parking lots shall be protected along the parking lot side with concrete curbs or wheel stops. Alternative treatments may be considered, subject to the approval of the community development director (or the director's designated appointee) or the appropriate hearing review body.

F.

Irrigation. Permanent, automatic irrigation systems shall be provided for all planted areas, in compliance with Section 14.16.370 Water-Efficient Landscape.

G.

Soil Preparation and Verification. Planting areas and tree wells shall be prepared by excavation to a minimum depth of three feet (3'), scarifying sides of tree wells (to promote soils integration, water absorption and healthy root growth), amendment of soil (as recommended based on soils analysis), and compaction to no more than seventy-five percent (75%) within twelve inches (12") of a curb or sidewalk. For parking lots containing twenty-five (25) spaces or more a licensed landscape architect shall monitor tree well excavation, soil preparation and tree planting and provide written verification to the community development director that excavation, soil preparation and tree planting have complied with the standards established by this subsection to promote normal healthy tree growth. Such written verification shall be received by the community development director prior to use of the parking facility and/or occupancy of the use.

H.

Maintenance. Landscaped areas associated with parking lots shall at all times be maintained in a healthy and clean condition, with replanting as necessary to maintain compliance with the previously approved landscape plan. For parking lots containing twenty-five (25) spaces or more the property owner shall obtain a minimum one (1) year maintenance contract and warranty for tree growth and provide documentation of

such to the community development director prior to use of the parking facility and/or building or site occupancy.

I.

Parking Structures. The top level of parking structures shall utilize light-colored/high albedo paving material (reflectance of at least 0.3), or utilize shade structures, photovoltaic carports, landscaped trellises, or trees to achieve at least fifty percent (50%) daytime shading.

J.

Bio-filtration. Persons owning or operating a parking lot, gas station, area of pavement or similar facility developed with hardscape surfaces shall undertake all practicable measures to minimize discharge of pollutants to the city storm drain, in compliance with city standards, including utilization of all best management practices and the requirements of San Rafael Municipal Code Title 9.30 (Urban Runoff) enforced by the department of public works. To facilitate compliance with city storm drain pollution discharge requirements, innovative landscape design concepts may be substituted for the above standards subject to the approval of the appropriate review body, including use of permeable pavers, bio-swales, at grade curbs and openings in curbs to allow filtration of runoff through landscape areas. Landscape plans and alternative measures shall subject to compliance with any recommendations of the department of public works.

Illustration 14.18.160

==> picture [180 x 260] intentionally omitted <==

(Ord. 1694 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 1996; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1923, § 2(Exh. A), 6-16-2014; Ord. No. 1996, div. 2(Exh. A, 8.8), 8-16-2021; Ord. No. 2039, § 3(Exh. B), 7-15-2024)

Lights provided to illuminate any parking facility or paved area shall be designed to reflect away from residential use and motorists. It is the intent to maintain light standards in a low profile design, as well as to be compatible to the architectural design and landscape plan. Light fixtures (e.g., pole and wall-mount) should be selected and spaced to minimize conflicts with tree placement and growth. (See Section 14.16.227 for additional standards on foot-candle intensity).

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1923, § 2(Exh. A), 6-16-2014)

14.18.180 - Residential districts—Garage and carport standards.

A.

Single-Car Garages. The minimum interior dimensions of single-car garages shall be ten feet (10′) by twenty feet (20′).

B.

Double-car Garages. The minimum interior dimensions of double-car garages shall be twenty feet (20′) by twenty feet (20′).

C.

Single-car Carports. The minimum interior dimensions of single-car carports shall be nine feet (9′) by nineteen feet (19′).

D.

Double-car Carports. The minimum interior dimensions of double-car carports shall be eighteen feet (18′) by nineteen feet (19′).

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

14.18.190 - Recreational vehicle parking in residential districts.

In any of the following locations, parking of recreational vehicles, camper shells, trailers, boats and other similar equipment, when parked or stored incidental to the basic residential use of the property, is permitted for loading, unloading and storage purposes providing it does not obstruct the view of pedestrians and vehicles on the adjacent sidewalk and/or street and does not otherwise constitute a nuisance.

A.

For Single-Family and Duplex Residential Units. Recreational vehicle parking is permitted:

1.

Within the garage, carport or parking space required by the zone in which the use is located; or

In the front yard setback when on the driveway to the garage, carport or parking spaces required by the zone; or

3.

In the front yard setback between the existing driveway and the side property line when the distance between the two is no greater than twelve feet (12′) at any point; or

4.

In rear yards, interior side yards or other areas not defined as "yards," providing the unit is partially or fully screened as viewed from off-street by a solid fence that conforms to the permitted height limits, vegetation, structures or topography;

5.

Recreational vehicles shall be parked in an orderly manner, generally perpendicular to the street. Parking parallel to the front property line is prohibited;

6.

No part of the recreational vehicle shall extend over the public sidewalk or right-of-way;

7.

The parking space and connecting driveway shall be surfaced with gravel, concrete, asphalt or similar materials.

B.

For Multifamily Residential Units (Three (3) or More Units Whether Constructed as Apartments, Townhouses or Condominiums) and Mobilehome Parks. Recreational vehicle parking is permitted in areas that are designed and constructed for such purposes under permits approved by the planning commission.

(Ord. 1163 § 1 (part), 1994; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

Parking or maneuvering areas, excluding access driveways, shall be prohibited in all required yard areas in the medium- and high-density residential districts.

(Ord. 1663 § 1 (part), 1994; Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

14.18.210 - Commercial parking in MR and HR districts.

Public or private parking lots for automobiles may be permitted in a medium-density or high-density residential district adjacent to any nonresidential district, providing a use permit and environmental and design review permit are first obtained in each case.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

A.

All off-street parking and loading areas required herein shall be located on the same lot and readily accessible to the specified use, provided that if the strict application of this requirement creates undue hardship and in the opinion of the planning director creates conditions contrary to desirable development practices but all other areas of intent for this chapter are complied with, remote parking areas which satisfy all or part of specific parking requirements may be approved.

B.

Remote parking areas shall be located within thirteen hundred feet (1,300′) of the specified use and shall possess direct and convenient pedestrian access. Remote areas may serve more than one use, provided that the gross number of spaces available shall not be less than the combined requirements for all uses served.

C.

Requests for remote, off-site parking shall require an application for a use permit and shall be subject to a review and recommendations by the community development director and traffic engineer, and approval by the zoning administrator. Upon zoning administrator approval of any remote, off-site parking area, and prior to occupancy of the proposed use, which parking satisfies the parking requirements, the owner of the lot (proposed for remote parking site) shall execute and record a declaration of restriction, legally binding or similar instrument satisfactory to the community development director, to restrict the use of the lot to public and private parking of vehicles so long as the use conducted by applicant, or the applicant's successors in interest, on the original site shall require the furnishing of parking facilities under the terms of the use permit.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1882, Exh. A, § 71, 6-21-2010; Ord. No. 1964, § 2(Exh. B) § 28, 11-19-2018)

Where practical difficulty is involved in meeting the off-street parking requirements for a building hereafter constructed, the requirement may be met wholly or in part by in-lieu payments where the owner of the building site offers (in writing) to make, and the city council agrees to accept, such payments. When such an offer is made, the planning commission shall investigate and report to the city council its findings as to the reasons which are alleged to make such substitution necessary. The city council may accept or reject the proposal for substitution, and if it finds the substitution necessary, shall determine the amount of payment to be made. The payment shall equal the fair market value of the land which would otherwise have been devoted to off-street parking, plus the cost of paving and other improvements as determined by the city engineer. All moneys collected shall be used for the purchase and improvement of off-street parking facilities. Each of such facilities shall be so located as to serve primarily the general area and class of zoning district from which the respective in-lieu payments are derived.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

A.

No use of land lawfully existing on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be considered nonconforming solely because of the lack of off-street parking, loading or bicycle facilities prescribed in this chapter.

B.

The number of existing required parking spaces may be reduced to achieve compliance with state or federal disabled access requirements. In such instances, properties shall not be considered nonconforming solely because of the lack of off-street parking prescribed by this chapter.

C.

The number of required spaces within an existing parking lot approved or established prior to adoption of this section (i.e., June 16, 2012) may be reduced in order to achieve greater conformity with the city urban runoff pollution prevention standards contained in San Rafael Municipal Chapter 9.30, as required by the department of public works, and/or the parking lot landscape regulations contained in Section 14.18.160, provided that the property owner can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the public works department and/or community development director that sufficient parking and vehicle maneuvering will remain to support the intended use(s) of the subject property. In such instances, properties shall not be considered nonconforming solely because of the lack of off-street parking prescribed by this chapter.

D.

For additions or enlargements of any existing building or use, or any change of occupancy or manner of operation that would increase the number of parking, loading or bicycle spaces required, additional parking shall be required for such addition, enlargement or change. Where parking for an existing use is substandard, improvements to improve or upgrade the parking may also be required where feasible.

E.

A nonconforming structure which has been damaged or destroyed more than seventy-five percent (75%) and which is rebuilt to its original condition must provide parking equivalent to prior existing parking. Where parking was substandard, improvements to improve or upgrade the parking may also be required where feasible.

F.

Determination of the amount of parking improvements required to upgrade or improve existing substandard parking conditions shall be made by the community development director or the appropriate hearing review body. Such determination shall consider the size of the proposed addition in relation to the existing development, off-site parking conditions and site constraints.

(Ord. 1838 § 42, 2005: Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

(Ord. No. 1923, § 2(Exh. A), 6-16-2014)

A.

Once any off-street parking or loading space has been provided, which wholly or partially meets the requirements of this title, such off-street parking or loading space shall not thereafter be reduced, eliminated or made unusable in any manner which renders the on-site parking inadequate for the building and/or uses in existence on or created after the adoption of the ordinance codified in this title. Covered parking shall not be converted to uncovered parking.

B.

Accessory off-street parking or loading facilities which are located on the same lot as the building or use served, and which were in existence on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, or were provided voluntarily after such effective date, shall not hereafter be reduced below, or if already less than, shall not further be reduced below, the requirements of this title for a similar building or use.

(Ord. 1625 § 1 (part), 1992).

Chapter 14.19 - SIGNS