Reference is made to Articles III and IX of the Zoning Ordinance, which primarily regulate this subject.[1] The following are additional guidelines.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 405, Zoning.
1. 
Curb cuts must be minimized, per the requirements of Article III of the Zoning Ordinance, Traffic Sensitive Districts.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 405, Zoning, Art. III, Sec. G, Traffic Sensitive Overlay District.
2. 
Wherever possible, adjacent parking lots must be connected or, in the case of a vacant commercial lot, a connection provided so that traffic may move between them, reducing traffic on the arterial roadways.
1. 
The visual impact and presence of vehicles should be minimized by generally siting parking areas to the rear or side of the property rather than along street frontages, providing underground parking or parking garages, and/or screening parking areas from views exterior to the site. Parking areas may be appropriate in the front of the site in certain retail areas, such as strip centers and shallow lots, provided appropriate landscaping and setbacks are incorporated into the parking design.
2. 
Driveway entrances should provide ten feet (10') clear behind sidewalk or curb prior to starting the first parking space.
3. 
Where possible, the last parking stall in an aisle should contain an end island area to provide adequate turning and maneuvering room.
4. 
When parking must be adjacent to a street or public thoroughfare, the use of berms and landscaping should be implemented to minimize the visibility of cars and headlights from off the site.
1. 
Parking lots should be designed with adequate landscape areas to avoid the appearance of a "sea of asphalt." A minimum landscape area of seventy-two inches (72") to the back of the perimeter curb stop should be provided where landscape separation is needed. Landscaping areas in which trees will be planted may need a ninety-six-inch (96") minimum clearance.
2. 
Placement of landscape materials and signs should permit adequate sight distance for motorists and pedestrians entering and exiting a site. (See Article IX of the Zoning Ordinance under "Vision Clearance."[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 405, Zoning, Art. IX, Sec. C.
3. 
Landscape materials should not interfere with circulation patterns. Minimum distance of visibility should be three (3) feet times the numeric posted speed limit in miles/hour on the affected road.
4. 
Landscaping should be provided adjacent to and within parking areas to screen vehicles from view and to minimize the expansive appearance of parking areas.
5. 
Shrubs and trees should be selected and installed at optimal locations to avoid damage from vehicles.