(a)
Applicability
of Parking Requirements.
For all buildings and uses established
after the effective date of this ordinance, off-street parking shall
be provided as required by this Article.
(1)
Whenever
use of a building or lot is changed to another classification of use,
off-street parking facilities shall be provided as required by this
Article.
(2)
If
the intensity of use of any building or lot is increased, through
the addition of floor area, increase in seating capacity or other
means, additional off-street parking shall be provided for such increase
in intensity of use.
(3)
Off-street
parking facilities in existence on the effective date of this ordinance
shall not be reduced below the requirements of this Article.
(4)
An
area required for off-street parking shall not be changed to another
use, unless equal parking facilities are provided elsewhere in the
City in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
(b)
Required
Off-Street Parking Spaces.
The minimum number of required
off-street parking spaces shall be provided on premise, in accordance
with Table 11.1, or as otherwise allowed by this Article.
(1)
Fractional Spaces.
When units or measurements determining
the number of required parking spaces result in a fraction over one-half
(1/2) a full parking space shall be required.
(2)
Uses not Listed.
For uses not specifically listed in
Table 11.1, the required parking shall be in accordance with that
of a similar use as determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission,
based on documentation provided by the applicant regarding the specific
parking needs of the use.
(3)
Bench Seating.
In calculating bench seating, if sought,
for places of assembly, each 24 inches of bench, or similar seating
facilities shall be counted as one (1) seat; except, if specifications
and plans filed with the City denote a certain seating capacity that
may be used as the basis for required parking space.
(4)
Employees.
Where the number of spaces required is based
on the number of employees, calculations shall be based upon the maximum
number of employees likely to be on the premises during the peak shift.
(5)
Floor Area.
Unless otherwise indicated, floor area shall be gross floor area (GFA) as defined in the Definitions Article [section 18.07].
(6)
Occupancy.
Where parking requirements are based upon
maximum seating or occupancy capacity, the capacity shall be as determined
by the building code and the fire code.
|
Table 11.1. Required Off-Street Parking Spaces
| |
|---|---|
|
Residential
|
|
|
Single-family detached dwellings, two-family dwellings, single-family
attached/City houses
|
2 spaces per dwelling
|
|
Multiple-family dwellings
|
2 spaces per dwelling in county
1.5 spaces per dwelling in cities
|
|
Dwelling units for watchmen and operating personnel and their
families
|
1.5 spaces per dwelling
|
|
Mobile home parks and subdivisions
|
2 spaces per dwelling
|
|
Agriculture and Animal-Related Uses
|
|
|
Agricultural uses
|
1 space per employee
|
|
Roadside farm produce stand
|
6 spaces
|
|
Veterinary hospital
|
1 space per 300 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Retail Trade
|
|
|
Retail uses, except as provided below
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Multi-tenant shopping centers
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area for the first 60,000
sq. ft. and 1 space per 225 sq. ft. gross floor area above 60,000
sq. ft.
Where restaurants occupy more than 20% of the total floor area,
their parking requirements shall be calculated separately.
|
|
Retail with drive-through service
|
3 stacking spaces at each drive-through lane in addition to
parking required for retail building
|
|
Convenience stores, grocery stores/supermarkets, liquor stores
|
1 space per 200 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Furniture store
|
1 space per 400 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Home improvement, building material sales, and lumber yard with
open storage
|
1 space per 225 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Services
|
|
|
Service uses, except as provided below
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Barber/beauty shops
|
2 spaces for each beauty or barber chair plus
1 space for each employee
|
|
Dry cleaners
|
1 space per 500 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Interior decorating shops
|
1 space per 400 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Laundries
|
1 space for each 2 washing machines
|
|
Video rental store
|
1 space per 300 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Motor Vehicle Dealers and Service
|
|
|
Automobile rental
|
1 space per employee plus 1 customer space for each 5 rental
car spaces
|
|
Automobile sales (new/used)
|
1 space per 400 sq. ft. gross floor area of sales room and 1
space for each auto service stall in the service area
|
|
Automobile washes
|
1 space per employee. Stacking spaces equal in number to 3 times
the maximum capacity of the auto wash entering the wash plus 2 drying
spaces.
|
|
Gasoline service stations
|
1 space for each employee plus 1 space for each 100 square feet
of floor area used for cashier and retail sales in addition to space
provided at each fuel pump dispenser
|
|
Minor automobile service and repair
|
2 spaces per service stall plus 1 space per employee
|
|
Motorcycle, snowmobile and ATV sales/service
|
1 space per 400 sq. ft. gross floor area of sales room and 1
space for each service stall in the service area
|
|
Parts stores
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Truck rental
|
1 space per employee plus one space for each rental truck
|
|
Truck sales (new/used)
|
1 space per 400 sq. ft. gross floor area of sales room and 1
space for each service stall in the service area
|
|
Truck stops
|
1 space for each employee plus 1 space for each 100 square feet
of floor area used for cashier and retail sales in addition to space
provided at each fuel pump dispenser
|
|
Vehicle salvage yards
|
1 space per employee
|
|
Vehicle auctions
|
1 space per 400 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Accommodation and Food Services
|
|
|
Banquet halls
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Bed/breakfasts
|
1 space per guest room plus 2 spaces for the primary dwelling
unit
|
|
Candy, and ice cream shops and delicatessens
|
1 space per 200 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Catering services
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Exhibition halls
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Hotel-miniums
|
1 space per 1 guest room
|
|
Hotels/motels
|
1 space per 2 guest rooms plus parking equal to 30% of the capacity
of affiliated uses such as dining or meeting rooms
|
|
Restaurants, not including drive-in
|
6 spaces per service or counter station, plus 1 space for each
employee and 1 space for 150 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Restaurant, drive-in
|
1 space per 150 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Restaurant, drive-through
|
1 space for each employee in addition to customer stations
|
|
Restaurant and taverns with outdoor seating
|
1 space per 150 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Taverns and bars
|
1 space per 150 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Professional, Scientific,
and Technical
|
|
|
Banks and financial institutions
|
1 space per 70 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Offices, general and professional with accessory research and
testing, blueprinting and photostating establishments, newspaper offices
including printing, printing and publishing establishments, radio,
television and recording studios, research and development laboratories,
travel agencies
|
1 space per 200 sq. ft. gross floor area. Drive-up windows shall
be provided 4 stacking spaces for the first window, plus 3 spaces
for each additional window.
|
|
Health care and social assistance
|
|
|
Day-care centers, commercial/preschools
|
1 space per 300 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Day-care homes, residential
|
1 space per employee plus 2 drop-off spaces
|
|
Foster care homes
|
2 spaces
|
|
Funeral homes/mortuaries
|
2 spaces
|
|
Hospitals
|
1 space per 50 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Medical and dental clinics
|
2 spaces per patient bed
|
|
Medical laboratories
|
1 space per 200 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Group Homes
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Optical, orthopedic and medical appliance sales
|
1 for each employee plus 1 for each 6 persons in residence
|
|
Entertainment and recreation
|
|
|
Amusement/arcade establishments
|
1 space for each amusement device
|
|
Civic, religious, social assistance organizations
|
|
|
Cemeteries
|
10 spaces for each interment based on the maximum number per
hour
|
|
Churches, chapels, temples, synagogues and similar places of
worship
|
1 space for each 3 seats or 6 feet of pews in the main unit
of worship
|
|
Clubs, lodges, union halls, community centers, conference and
convention halls
|
1 space per 200 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Convents, monasteries and seminaries
|
1 space per 3 beds
|
|
Educational services
|
|
|
Libraries
|
1 space per 300 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Schools, commercial and trade
|
1 space per classroom plus 1 space per 2 students based on the
maximum number of students attending classes at any one time
|
|
Schools, elementary, middle
|
1 space for each one teacher, employee or administrator
|
|
Schools, high
|
1 space for each one teacher, employee, or administrator and
1 for each 10 students, in addition to the requirements of the auditorium
or stadium, whichever seats more
|
|
Training centers, engineering or sales
|
1 space per classroom plus 1 space per 2 students based on the
maximum number of students attending classes at any one time
|
|
Public administration
|
|
|
Government buildings excluding correctional facilities
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Correctional facilities
|
1 space per employee
|
|
Museums, civic buildings and landmarks preserved for public
inspection
|
1 space per 300 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Transportation and warehousing
|
|
|
Warehouses, cartage, express, and parcel delivery establishments,
freight terminals, moving companies
|
1 space per 1500 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Self-storage facilities
|
1 space for each 20 storage units plus 2 spaces for manager’s
residence
|
|
Wholesale business
|
1 space per 500 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Manufacturing
|
|
|
Manufacturing uses
|
1 space per 500 sq. ft. gross floor area
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
Public utility buildings, sewage treatment plants, telephone
exchange buildings, transmission lines for gas, oil and electricity
|
1 space per employee
|
|
Utility substations
|
1 space
|
|
Construction
|
|
|
Construction and contractor establishments
|
1 space per 250 sq. ft. gross floor area or 1 space per employee
|
|
Waste processing and disposal
|
|
|
Waste processing and disposal, recycling facility, salvage yards
and landfills
|
1 space per employee
|
|
Mining
|
|
|
Mineral extraction and general mining operations
|
1 space per employee
|
(1)
Maximum Allowed Parking.
While it is the intent of this
ordinance to ensure that adequate off-street parking is available
in conjunction with all uses, it is also recognized that excessive
paved areas reduce aesthetics, create excess heat and glare and contribute
to high rates of stormwater runoff. Therefore, the maximum parking
permitted for any nonresidential use shall not exceed the minimum
parking space requirements by more than 10%, unless additional parking
is granted by approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. In granting
such additional space, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine
that added parking will be required, based on documented evidence,
to accommodate the use on a typical day. The Planning and Zoning Commission
may require that additional spaces be constructed with alternative
paving materials, such as permeable/grass pavers or pervious concrete
to mitigate the additional runoff.
(c)
Collective
or Shared Parking.
Two (2) or more buildings or uses may use a common parking facility. The total number of parking spaces provided shall be equal to the required number of spaces for all of the uses computed separately. Cumulative parking requirements for mixed-use developments or shared facilities may be reduced by the Planning and Zoning Commission where it can be determined that one or more of the factors listed in subsection (f) [(d)] below apply. Where uses are on separately owned lots, a legal agreement for shared parking shall be recorded and a copy provided to the City of Bells before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
(d)
Reduction
of Parking Requirements.
The Planning and Zoning Commission
may reduce the parking requirements based upon a finding that there
will be a lower demand for parking due to one (1) or more of the following:
(1)
Convenient
City of Bells off-street parking or on-street spaces located along
the site’s frontage are available.
(2)
Expectation
of walk-in business due to sidewalk connections to adjacent residential
neighborhoods or employment centers.
(3)
Availability
of other forms of travel, such as transit or non-motorized transportation,
that can reasonably be expected to reduce parking demand. The Planning
and Zoning Commission may require pedestrian connections be provided
to nearby transit stops or similar facilities.
(4)
Where
the applicant has provided a parking study that demonstrates that
another standard would be more appropriate based on actual number
of employees, expected level of customer traffic or actual counts
at a similar establishment.
(e)
Banked
Parking.
(1)
Where a reduction in the number of parking spaces is not warranted, based on the criteria in subsection (f) [(d)], but an applicant demonstrates that the required parking requirements for a proposed use is not immediately necessary, the Planning and Zoning Commission may defer some of the parking. The site plan shall designate portions of the site for future construction of the required parking spaces, indicating the location, layout, and number of deferred spaces.
(2)
The
banked parking shall meet ordinance requirements, if constructed.
Construction of the deferred parking to add parking spaces may be
initiated by the owner or the City of Bells, based on parking needs
and shall require administrative approval of an amended site plan.
The City of Bells may request a performance guarantee to cover the
cost of developing the deferred parking lot.
(f)
Use
Limitations.
(1)
Off-street
parking areas are intended only for temporary vehicle parking for
public safety by keeping parked cars off the streets. Except when
land is authorized to be used as storage space in connection with
the business of a repair or service garage, parking areas or open
land shall not be used for storage or parking of wrecked or junked
vehicles.
(2)
It
shall be unlawful to use a parking lot or open area for the storage
of merchandise, materials, trucks, trailers, construction trailers,
recreational vehicles and equipment, except for uses approved for
this purpose. This provision shall not apply to areas designated for
fleet and company vehicles, provided they are in the side and rear
yards.
(3)
The
parking of any vehicle for the purpose of displaying the vehicle for
sale shall only be allowed at an approved vehicle sales dealership.
(4)
The
parking or storage of inoperable or unlicensed vehicles shall be prohibited,
except under the following circumstances:
(g)
Location
of Parked Vehicles.
(1)
Vehicles may only be parked in a driveway, garage or parking lot meeting the requirements of Article 11. Vehicles may not be parked in any lawn or yard area, except on a parking lot or driveway. Vehicles shall not be parked in landscaped areas required by this ordinance.
(2)
On-street
parking and parking in the public right-of-way shall be subject to
the applicable parking and traffic-control regulations of the City.
(3)
Vehicles
shall not be parked in locations that obstruct sidewalks or dedicated
trails.
(h)
Accessible
(barrier-free) Parking - Required Number of Accessible Spaces.
(1)
Within
each parking lot, signed and marked barrier-free spaces shall be provided
at a convenient location, in accordance with Table 11.2 or in accordance
with the building code, whichever is more restrictive.
|
Table 11.2. Accessible Parking Space Requirements
| |
|---|---|
|
Number of Spaces in Parking Lot
|
Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
|
|
1 to 25
|
1
|
|
26 to 50
|
2
|
|
51 to 75
|
3
|
|
76 to 100
|
4
|
|
101 to 150
|
5
|
|
151 to 200
|
6
|
|
201 to 300
|
7
|
|
301 to 400
|
8
|
|
401 to 500
|
9
|
|
501 to 1,000
|
2% of total
|
|
1,001 and Over
|
20 plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000
|
(2)
Accessible
free [barrier-free] parking spaces shall meet the standards for parking
facilities for persons with physical disabilities.
(3)
Accessible
free [barrier-free] spaces shall be located as close as possible to
building entrances and walkways.
(4)
Where
a curb exists between a parking lot surface and a sidewalk entrance,
an inclined approach or curb ramp with a running slope not exceeding
1:12, a cross slope not exceeding 1:48, width of four (4) feet minimum,
with detectable warning devices, shall be provided to accommodate
handicapped accessibility in accordance with current ADA requirements.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
Whenever the off-street parking requirements in this Article
require the building of an off-street parking facility, the off-street
parking lots shall be laid out, constructed and maintained in accordance
with the following regulations.
(a)
Location.
Off-street parking facilities shall be located on the lot or
within 150 feet of the building(s) they are intended to serve, as
measured along lines of public access from the nearest point of the
parking facility to the building(s) served.
(b)
Access.
(1)
Adequate ingress and egress, meeting the requirements of Section 11.04, Driveway Access Management, shall be provided to the parking lot for all vehicles by means of clearly limited and defined drives.
(2)
All
spaces shall be provided adequate access by means of maneuvering lanes,
with the exception of single- and two-family residential dwellings.
(3)
Parking
lots shall be designed to prevent vehicles from backing into the street
or requiring use of the street for maneuvering between parking rows.
(4)
Where
a parking lot is located in any district that does not permit single-family
dwellings, ingress or egress shall not be permitted to cross land
zoned for single-family residential use. However, in instances where
access is provided by means of an alley that forms the boundary between
a residential and nonresidential district such access shall be permitted.
(5)
Emergency
vehicle access shall be provided to all parking lots and storage areas.
(c)
Parking
Dimensional Requirements.
All parking lots shall be striped
and maintained showing individual parking bays, in accordance with
Table 11.3.
|
Table 11.3. Minimum Off-Street Parking Dimensional Requirements
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Parking Pattern
|
Parking Space
|
Maneuvering Lane Width
| ||
|
|
Width
|
Length
|
One-Way
|
Two-Way
|
|
0 (Parallel)
|
9 ft.
|
24 ft.
|
12 ft.
|
24 ft.
|
|
30° to 53°
|
9 ft.
|
18 ft.
|
12 ft.
|
24 ft.
|
|
54° to 74°
|
9 ft.
|
18 ft.
|
15 ft.
|
24 ft.
|
|
75° to 90°
|
9 ft.
|
19 ft.
|
22 ft.
|
24 ft.
|
(1)
Angled
parking between these ranges shall be to the nearest degree.
(2)
Stacking
spaces for drive-through uses shall be at least 20 feet long and 10
feet wide. Required stacking spaces shall not block required off-street
parking spaces.
(3)
Space-efficient
parking lot designs are encouraged for a given parking area. Use of
angled parking patterns with one-way drive aisles is encouraged when
practical, to reducing the required area of impervious surface.
(4)
In
commercial parking lots up to 20% of parking spaces may be designed
for compact cars with a minimum width of eight (8) feet and a minimum
length of 14 feet. Signage shall be provided limiting the spaces to
compact vehicles.
(d)
Construction
and Maintenance.
The construction of any parking lot shall require approval of a site plan, in accordance with Section 15.06.
(1)
All
parking lots and vehicle and equipment storage areas shall be paved
with asphalt or concrete meeting the City of Bells engineering standards,
as applicable. Alternative paving materials, such as permeable/grass
pavers may be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and may
be preferred for areas receiving lower traffic volume, such as overflow
parking. For storage areas, the Planning and Zoning Commission may
approve a substitute for hard-surfaced pavement upon a determination
that there are no adverse effects on adjoining properties.
(2)
Parking
aisles may be graded towards sunken, vegetated buffer strips that
are a minimum of eight (8) feet wide and planted with trees, and native
herbaceous vegetation. An underdrain and soil amendment may be provided
in the buffers if on-site soils are poorly drained. Surface water
from parking areas shall be detained on-site in accordance with the
applicable City engineering standards.
(4)
Fire
lanes shall be designated on the site and posted with signage prior
to occupancy. Vehicle circulation shall meet turning radius requirements
set by the fire department.
(5)
All
parking lots shall be maintained free of trash and debris. Surface,
curbing, light fixtures and signage shall be maintained in good condition.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
(a)
Uses
Requiring Loading Area.
On the same premises with every
building erected and occupied for manufacturing, storage, warehouse,
retail sales, consumer services or other uses similarly involving
the receipt or distribution of vehicles, materials or merchandise,
there shall be provided and maintained on the lot adequate space for
standing, loading and unloading services. The Planning and Zoning
Commission may permit central loading areas to be shared by multiple
uses, such as in a retail shopping center or office park.
(b)
Not
Included with Parking.
Required loading areas shall not
be included in calculations for off-street parking space requirements.
(c)
Location.
Loading/unloading areas and docks shall not be provided in the
front yard. Where possible, loading areas shall be integrated into
the design of the building to minimize visibility from traffic.
(d)
Orientation
of Overhead Doors.
Overhead doors for truck loading areas
shall not face a public street or an adjacent residential district.
(e)
Size.
The size of all required loading/unloading spaces shall be at
least 10 feet by 50 feet or 500 sq. ft. in area, with a clearance
of at least 14 feet in height. The Planning and Zoning Commission
may modify this requirement for uses that will involve smaller delivery
trucks, such as office buildings.
(f)
Traffic
Flow.
The size of the loading area shall be sufficient
to prevent undue interference with adjacent required parking spaces,
maneuvering aisles, or traffic flow on public streets.
(g)
Number.
The minimum number of loading spaces shall be provided in accordance
with Table 11.4.
|
Table 11.4. Off-Street Loading Requirements
| |
|---|---|
|
Gross Floor Area
(in square feet)
|
Loading and Unloading Space Required
|
|
Commercial, Office and Institutional Uses
|
|
|
Up to 20,000
|
1 space
|
|
20,001 - 60,000
|
1 space plus 1 space for each additional 20,000 sq. ft.
|
|
60,001 and over
|
3 spaces plus 1 space for each additional 50,000 sq. ft.
|
|
Industrial Uses
|
|
|
Up to 20,000
|
1 space
|
|
20,001 - 100,000
|
1 space plus 1 space for each additional 20,000 sq. ft.
|
|
100,001 - 500,000
|
5 spaces plus 1 space per additional 40,000 sq. ft. in excess
of 100,000
|
|
500,001 and over
|
15 spaces plus 1 space for each additional 80,000 sq. ft. in
excess of 500,000
|
(h)
Exceptions.
For uses that will not require large truck deliveries, the Planning
and Zoning Commission may determine that loading may take place in
undesignated places in parking lots provided such loading is of a
short-term nature.
(i)
Pavement.
Loading dock approaches shall be constructed of asphalt or concrete
with a base sufficient to accommodate expected vehicle weight.
(k)
Lighting.
Illumination of loading areas shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 10.03.
(l)
Maintenance.
Loading areas shall be maintained free of trash and debris.
Surface, curbing, light fixtures and signage shall be maintained in
good condition.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
(a)
Purpose.
This section is intended to provide standards for the number
and placement of access points (driveways and side street intersections)
in order to preserve the capacity of major roadways and reduce the
potential for crashes. The standards of this section are intended
to promote safe and efficient travel within the City of Bells and
minimize disruptive and potentially hazardous traffic conflicts. Preservation
of roadway capacity through access management protects the substantial
public investment in the roadway system and helps avoid the need for
costly capacity upgrades. Proper driveway location and design will
also help maintain a safe and efficient roadway system minimizing
the loss of life and property from vehicle crashes.
(b)
Driveway
Location in General.
(1)
All
driveways shall comply with the requirements of this section. Driveways
shall also be subject to Bells City engineering, county highway and
TXDOT access requirements. Where conflict occurs, the more restrictive
standards shall apply.
(2)
Driveways
shall be located to minimize interference with the free movement of
traffic and to provide the most favorable driveway grade.
(3)
Driveways
shall be located to meet safe sight distance requirements, as determined
by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The driveway spacing requirements
of this section may be modified by the Planning and Zoning Commission
where necessary to provide safe sight distance.
 |
(c)
Driveway
Spacing Standards.
(1)
Minimum
spacing requirements between a proposed driveway and an intersection
either adjacent or on the opposite side of the street may be set on
a case-by-case basis but in no instance shall be less than the distances
listed in Table 11.5. The following measurements are from the centerline
of the proposed driveway to the near lane edge of the intersecting
street or pavement edge for uncurbed sections.
|
Table 11.5. Minimum Driveway Spacing from Street Intersections(*)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Location of Driveway
|
Minimum Spacing for a Full Movement Driveway
|
Minimum Spacing for a Channelized Driveway Restricting Left
Turns
|
|
Along any street intersecting a limited access highway interchange
|
500 ft.
|
500 ft.
|
|
Along major thoroughfares, where intersecting street is a major
thoroughfare
|
200 ft.
|
125 ft.
|
|
Along major thoroughfares, where intersecting street is not
a major thoroughfare
|
200 ft.
|
125 ft.
|
|
All other streets
|
75 ft.
|
50 ft.
|
|
*For sites with insufficient street frontage to meet the above
criterion, the Planning and Zoning Commission may require construction
of the driveway on a side street, a shared driveway with an adjacent
property, construction of the driveway along the lot line farthest
from the intersection or require a service street.
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(2)
Minimum
spacing between two (2) driveways shall be determined based upon posted
speed limits along the parcel frontage. The minimum spacing indicated
in Table 11.6 are measured from centerline to centerline on the same
side of the street.
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Table 11.6. Minimum Driveway Spacing from Another Driveway (a)
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|---|---|
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Posted Speed Limit
(MPH)
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Minimum Driveway Spacing
(b)
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25
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50 ft.
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30
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60 ft.
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35
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70 ft.
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40
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100 ft.
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45
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120 ft.
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50
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200 ft.
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55 and Over
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400 ft.
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(a)
For sites with insufficient street frontage to meet the above criterion,
the Planning and Zoning Commission may allow a lesser spacing where
the driveway is spaced from other driveways to the maximum extent
possible.
(b)
For residential lots located on minor residential streets, one (1)
driveway shall be permitted per lot. One (1) additional driveway may
be where there is sufficient frontage to meet the driveway spacing
requirements of Table 11.6.
(3)
To
reduce left-turn conflicts, new driveways shall be aligned with those
across the street where possible. If alignment is not possible along
major thoroughfares, driveways shall be offset from those on the opposite
side of the street as follows:
(a)
If the proposed drive is offset such that vehicles turning left into
driveways do not pass prior to reaching the driveways, the minimum
spacing shall be 150 feet.
(b)
If the proposed drive is offset such that vehicles turning left into
driveways will pass prior to reaching the driveways, the minimum spacing
shall be 250 feet.
(d)
Number
of Driveways.
(1)
The
number of driveways serving a property shall be the minimum number
necessary to provide reasonable access, including access for emergency
vehicles, while preserving traffic operations and safety along the
public street.
(e)
One
driveway shall be permitted for each lot frontage.
A
second driveway may be permitted for property that has sufficient
frontage to meet the driveway spacing standards of Table 11.6 above
from the first driveway on the site and all driveways on adjacent
and opposing property.
(f)
Driveway
Design.
(1)
All
driveways shall be designed according to the standards of the City
of Bells and TXDOT, as applicable. Driveways shall have a maximum
width of 20 feet, excluding tapers or curb radii. Wider driveways
shall be allowed for locations with large volumes of truck traffic.
(2)
For
high traffic generators, or for driveways along streets experiencing
or expected to experience congestion, the Planning and Zoning Commission
may require two (2) egress lanes.
(3)
For
a boulevard entrance, a fully curbed island, at least 180 square feet
in area, shall separate the ingress and egress lanes. The radii forming
the edges on this island shall be designed to accommodate the largest
vehicle that will normally use the driveway.
(g)
Shared
Driveways, Frontage Streets and Service Drives.
(1)
The
number of access points may be reduced where the Planning and Zoning
Commission determines that there may be a beneficial effect on traffic
operations and safety, while preserving the property owner’s
right to reasonable access. In this case, a shared driveway, frontage
street or rear service drive connecting two (2) or more properties
or uses may be required. Service streets may be required near existing
traffic signals or near locations having potential for future signalization;
along major thoroughfares with high traffic volumes; and where there
are a relatively high number of crashes or there is limited sight
distance. Shared access or cross access shall be required between
all sites that are in the same or similar zoning district (e.g. between
all adjacent commercially zoned properties).
(2)
Shared
driveways and service streets shall be within a recorded access easement.
A draft of the access easement shall be provided to the City of Bells,
as applicable, for review and approval prior to filing with the County’s
Recorder’s Office.
(3)
Service Street and Shared Driveway Design Standards.
(a)
Location.
Service streets shall generally be parallel
or perpendicular to the front lot line and may be located either in
front of, adjacent to, or behind, principal structures within an individual
parcel. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall determine the most
appropriate alignment, taking into account setbacks of existing buildings
and anticipated traffic flow for the site and the corridor.
(b)
Access Easement.
The service street shall be within
an access easement permitting traffic circulation between properties.
The required width shall remain free and clear of obstructions, unless
otherwise approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(c)
Construction and Materials.
Service streets shall have
a base, pavement and curb with gutter in accordance the applicable
City of Bells engineering standards for public streets, except the
width of the service street shall have a minimum pavement width of
36 feet.
(d)
Access to Service Street.
The Planning and Zoning Commission
shall approve the location of all access points to the service street,
based on the driveway spacing standards of this section.
(e)
Temporary Access.
The Planning and Zoning Commission
may approve temporary access where a continuous service street is
not yet available, and a performance guarantee is provided to assure
elimination of temporary access when the service street is continued.
(f)
Elevation.
The site plan shall indicate the proposed
elevation of the service street at the lot line. The City of Bells
shall maintain a record of all service street elevations so that their
grades can be coordinated.
(g)
Maintenance.
Each property owner shall be responsible
for maintenance of the easement and service drive.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
(a)
Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to enhance the health, safety
and welfare of the public by the development of a comprehensive non-motorized
system to improve access and provide recreation opportunities.
(b)
Applicability.
Sidewalks shall be required in the following areas. Sidewalks
shall be provided along all streets as follows:
(1)
Sidewalks
shall be required along both sides of all streets in all residential
use areas of the City of Bells.
(2)
Sidewalks shall be required for all uses along all major thoroughfare frontages. The applicant, owner or developer of any use that is subject to site plan approval under Section 15.06 shall be required to install a sidewalk along the entire street frontage of the petitioner’s lot, meeting the requirements of this section.
(c)
Location.
Sidewalks shall be installed by the developer one (1) foot within
the dedicated street right-of-way. Sidewalks shall be located to align
with existing or future sidewalks on adjacent lots. Where TXDOT or
the City of Bells determines that there is not sufficient right-of-way
for sidewalks, the sidewalks shall be installed in pedestrian easements
adjacent to the right-of-way.
(d)
Construction
Standards.
All sidewalks shall be four (4) inch thick
concrete, and constructed to the City of Bells engineering specifications.
All sidewalks shall be at least five (5) feet wide. Multi-modal pathways
may be constructed of asphalt or concrete meeting the above thickness
specifications or as specified by the Bells City engineer. Concrete
testing must be performed in compliance with AASHTO Standards.
(e)
Grading.
Sidewalks shall be graded such that runoff sheet flows to an
adjacent vegetated area.
(f)
Ramps.
All new curbs and sidewalks shall be constructed such that the
sidewalk and street blend to a common level. Changes in level greater
than 1/2 inch high shall be ramped. Ramp runs shall have a running
slope of no steeper than 1:12, in accordance with ADA Standards.
(g)
Crosswalks.
An inclined approach shall be required where sidewalks intersect
curbs for barrier-free access to the sidewalk. Crosswalk pavement
markings and signs may be required at intersections.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
