In addition to the general purposes listed in Article 1 of Chapter 9-1 TMC, the specific purposes of the off-street parking and loading regulations are to:
(a) 
Ensure that off-street parking and loading facilities are provided for new land uses, and for major alterations and enlargements of existing uses in relation to the need for these facilities created by each use; and
(b) 
Ensure that off-street parking and loading facilities are designed in a manner that will ensure efficiency, protect the public safety, and insulate surrounding land uses from adverse impacts.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
The provisions of this article shall apply to all uses set forth in this article even though the use may be a nonconforming use and even though a variance may have been granted for the establishment of such nonconforming use.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
Every building erected shall be provided with parking spaces as required by the provisions of this article. Such parking spaces shall be made permanently available and shall be permanently maintained for parking purposes. A paved driveway, driveway approach, and/or drive aisle shall be provided to connect parking spaces to the public street. Such driveways shall comply with the development standards contained in this article.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015; 1231-CS, Amended, 04/13/2017)
Every building reconstructed, remodeled, or structurally altered shall be provided with parking spaces to compensate for the additional parking demand, if any, created by such remodeling, reconstruction, or structural alteration.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
Off-street parking spaces which are maintained in connection with existing buildings, structures, and uses, and under the same ownership, shall be maintained as long as such buildings, structures, and uses remain, unless an equivalent number of such spaces is provided in accordance with the requirements of this article. The provisions of this article shall not require the maintenance of more parking spaces than are required for new buildings or structures similar in use and purpose to such existing buildings or structures.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
All required parking spaces shall be located on the same lot as the primary structure or located within a radius of five hundred (500') feet from the property. These parking spaces shall be maintained during the life of the building or until equivalent parking is provided by other means. Should it be necessary to replace the required parking area, the owner, lessee, or assignee shall provide and maintain other parking facilities sufficient to comply with the requirements of this article.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
All parking areas in R districts shall be subject to the same restrictions for accessory buildings according to the applicable zoning district. In addition, all parking areas in R districts shall be subject to the following additional provisions:
(a) 
Paved driveway and parking space required. All parking spaces and driveways shall be paved. All vehicles, trailers, and campers shall park on a paved driveway or parking space. When a covered garage or carport will not be provided for the required parking spaces of a residential structure, the required spaces shall be paved and located so that an enclosed structure could be constructed at a future date.
(b) 
Parking incidental to residential use. Required parking areas shall be incidental and accessory to a use permitted in the district in which the property is located. Parking areas incidental to and accessory to a commercial or industrial use located in an adjacent C or I district may be allowed subject to obtaining an approved conditional use permit from the Planning Commission.
(c) 
Use of parking space. All parking areas shall be used solely for the parking of private passenger vehicles except as provided in TMC 9-2-114.
(d) 
Yard setback restriction. No parking space(s) required pursuant to TMC 9-2-209 shall take place in a front, corner side, side, or rear yard, except as provided in TMC 9-2-114. When a rear property line abuts a public alley and the parking space(s) is (are) accessed from the public alley, the rear yard restriction may be waived by the Director of Development Services.
(e) 
Driveways. Driveways shall comply with the following design standards and permitting requirements:
(1) 
Driveway width. Driveways may range from a minimum of ten (10') feet (for single vehicles) to a maximum of thirty (30') feet (for three (3) vehicles) in width. The width shall be determined based on the number of garage door openings (or the equivalent in covered or open parking areas).
(2) 
Driveway setback. Driveways may encroach into a required side yard when the closest edge of the driveway is no closer than two and one-half (2-1/2') feet to an interior side property line and the required parking is provided in accordance with this article. The area between the driveway and the property line shall be landscaped.
(3) 
Additional driveway storage areas. Driveways may be widened up to ten (10') feet for the purposes identified in TMC 9-2-114 provided the additional storage areas meet the standards and conditions contained in that section.
(4) 
Ribbon driveways. Ribbon driveways, planted with turf or decomposed granite between the concrete strips, are permitted subject to the City's Standard Specifications and Drawings.
(5) 
Circular driveways. Circular driveways with a secondary driveway approach may be permitted for lots with more than sixty-five (65') feet of lot frontage. That portion of the circular driveway that does not lead to the required parking space(s) shall be no greater than ten (10') feet in width. To determine the width and outer edge for a ribbon driveway, the width and outer edge shall be determined using the centerline of the ribbon driveway. The closest edge of the circular driveway shall be no closer than two and one-half (2-1/2') feet to an interior side yard property line. The curve radius of the driveway shall be no less than twenty-five (25') feet. At least twenty-two (22') feet of frontage shall be provided between the inner edges of the two (2) driveway approaches, measured at the curb.
(6) 
Lot frontage restrictions. All driveways shall be constructed with a driveway approach approved by the Engineering Division. Driveway approach(es) shall not utilize more than forty (40%) percent of the lot frontage.
(7) 
Front yard coverage. The total paved area for all driveways and other vehicle storage areas shall not utilize more than fifty-five (55%) percent of the area of the front yard area. The front yard area shall be calculated as the area between the property line and the required front yard setback and the two (2) side property lines.
(f) 
Land use permit required. Prior to constructing a circular driveway or widening a driveway pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, the property owner shall obtain approval of a minor administrative approval pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 9-5 TMC (Minor Administrative and Minor Discretionary Permits).
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015; 1231-CS, Amended, 04/13/2017)
(a) 
When a fence does not separate a parking area or drive aisle from any street or alley, a concrete curb or barrier not less than six (6") inches in height shall be located not less than two (2') feet from the street or alley line. The curb or barrier shall be securely installed and maintained.
(b) 
Every parking area abutting property located in the R district shall be separated from such property by a solid wall, view-obstructing fence, or compact evergreen hedge six (6') feet in height.
(c) 
Any parking areas or drive aisles visible from a public street shall be screened with landscaping to a height of three (3') feet.
(d) 
Any lights used to illuminate any parking area or car sales area shall be arranged to reflect light away from any premises on which a dwelling is located.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
(a) 
Uses enumerated. Except as otherwise provided in this article, the number of off-street parking spaces required shall be as follows:
Off-Street Parking Space Requirements
Use
Space Requirement
Assembly places including churches, clubs, and lodges
1 space per 50 square feet of assembly area
Business, professional, and financial offices
1 space per 250 square feet of gross floor area
Cafes, restaurants, and other eating establishments
1 space per 3 seats or 1 space per 100 square feet of gross floor area when the number of seats is not known
Convalescent, nursing, and group homes
1 space per 400 square feet of gross floor area
Industrial, manufacturing, and warehousing
1 space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area
Medical offices
1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area
Motels, hotels
1 space per sleeping unit
Public facilities
1 space per 400 square feet of gross floor area
Recreational and health facilities
1 space per 100 square feet of gross floor area
Residential:
Single-family
2 spaces per dwelling unit
Multifamily
1.5 spaces per dwelling unit plus 1 guest space per 4 dwelling units
Retail commercial uses
1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Schools and classrooms
1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area
(b) 
Alternative methods for determining parking space requirements. For developments with a known occupant and use, the Development Services Director may utilize alternative methods, such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers Parking Generation Manual, parking surveys conducted at similar locations by the occupant, parking ratios used by other jurisdictions, and other studies, to establish the number of off-street parking spaces required for a particular use.
(c) 
Undetermined uses. In the event it is not possible to determine the number of parking spaces required for a particular use, the Development Services Director shall determine an adequate number of parking spaces based upon the standards and requirements for the most comparable use. Determination by the Development Services Director shall be permitted upon approval of a minor discretionary permit in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 9-5 TMC (Minor Administrative and Minor Discretionary Permits).
(d) 
Shared parking. Parking facilities may be shared if multiple uses cooperatively establish and operate the facilities, and if the uses are open during substantially different days or hours of the week and/or if one (1) use has a surplus of parking. Shared parking may be approved by the Development Services Director if:
(1) 
A sufficient number of parking spaces are provided to participating uses in accordance with this section;
(2) 
The applicant provides documentation substantiating the reasons for the requested parking reduction. The documentation should at least describe the nature of the uses, number of existing and proposed parking spaces, and the times when the uses operate to demonstrate the lack of conflict between the uses; and
(3) 
Additional documents, covenants, deed restrictions, or other agreements as deemed necessary by the Development Services Director are executed to assure that the required parking spaces and access are provided for the life of the uses and other similar future uses. A document shall be recorded to assure shared maintenance of the parking facilities.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
All parking facilities shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code and with the sign requirements of the California Vehicle Code. One (1) parking space shall be provided for each dwelling unit designed for people with disabilities. Parking for people with disabilities shall be provided for all projects on the basis of total parking provided on site.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
(a) 
Where Required. Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided for all commercial, industrial, public, and semipublic uses in accordance with this section and the California Building Code and Green Building Standards Code. Where these codes are more stringent, the codes shall prevail over the standards in this section. Bicycle parking shall be in addition to automobile parking spaces.
(b) 
Number Required.
(1) 
Commercial and industrial use classifications. The number of bicycle parking spaces provided shall be a minimum of ten (10%) percent of the number of automobile parking spaces, with a minimum of one (1) two (2) bike capacity rack. In addition, for buildings with more than ten (10) tenant-occupants that add ten (10) or more vehicular parking spaces, secure bicycle parking for five (5%) percent of additional motorized vehicle parking spaces shall be provided, with a minimum of one (1) space. Acceptable secure parking facilities shall be constructed in accordance with the California Green Building Standards Code and the City of Turlock Standard Specifications and Drawings.
(2) 
Public and semipublic use classifications. The number of bicycle parking spaces shall be provided as specified by a minor administrative permit issued in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 9-5 TMC (Minor Administrative and Minor Discretionary Permits).
(c) 
Design Requirements. For each bicycle parking space required, secure bike parking facilities shall be provided to which a user can secure the bicycle. Bicycle parking facilities may consist of either a freestanding bicycle rack or a wall-mounted bracket; provided, that it complies with the City of Turlock Standard Specifications and Drawings. Bicycle parking shall be provided in open areas near building entrance(s) providing public and employee access to the building and shall not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular circulation. When the employee entrance is separated from the public entrance, bicycle parking spaces shall be provided at both access points to the building.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015; 1231-CS, Amended, 04/13/2017)
Any property located within an off-street parking district created under the general laws of the State shall be credited with its pro rata share of the off-street parking spaces being provided by the district when computing the number of off-street parking spaces required for any new construction, reconstruction, remodeling, or structural alteration of such property.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
Parking spaces, driveways, and drive aisles shall be designed in accordance with the City of Turlock Standard Specifications and Drawings. When an applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Development Services Director that variations on the dimensions required in these standards are necessary, a specific parking area design may be approved, subject to a minor administrative approval obtained in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 9-5 TMC; provided, that the parking area design will not impede the flow of vehicles, reduce pedestrian safety, or hinder loading or unloading.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
Parking lots for commercial, multifamily residential, industrial, and public uses shall have paving, drainage, wheel stops, curbing, lighting, space marking, and directional signs, which shall be subject to approval of the Development Services Director or designee. In reviewing the design of parking structures, the Development Services Director or the Planning Commission, as the case may be, shall consider the compatibility of the design with adjacent buildings or uses. The review of the parking lot design shall be incorporated into the applicable development review process, whenever possible.
The parking lot shall meet the following minimal design standards, as applicable:
(a) 
Driveways shall be provided between parking spaces and the street. A driveway approach shall be required for all driveway connections to the street unless exempted by the City Engineer. All driveways shall be paved. Permeable surfaces may be used if the City Engineer determines that the surface is structurally equivalent to a paved surface.
(b) 
Driveway approaches shall meet City of Turlock standards.
(c) 
Drive aisles providing internal circulation from the driveway to, and between, parking spaces shall be paved.
(d) 
Drive aisles within approved outdoor storage areas may be constructed of an all-weather surface when appropriate markings delineating drive aisles and/or parking spaces are provided and access by the general public is restricted by a permanent barrier.
(e) 
Wheel stops shall be installed to prevent vehicular encroachment into the public right-of-way, pedestrian paths and sidewalks, and to prevent collision with any above-ground obstacles.
(f) 
Raised concrete curbing shall be provided to prevent vehicular encroachment into landscaping. Openings shall be permitted in the curbing to allow storm water runoff to enter the landscaping.
(g) 
Parking spaces in industrial districts may be constructed of an all-weather surface when appropriate markings delineating aisles and spaces are provided.
(h) 
A maximum of thirty (30%) percent of the total parking spaces may be constructed as compact spaces.
(i) 
Parking spaces shall be located no closer than three (3') feet to any building, above-ground equipment, or any other obstacle. A three (3') foot area surrounding the obstacle shall be striped. Bollards or wheel stops shall be provided in parking spaces adjacent to the obstacle to prevent vehicles from entering the striped area.
(j) 
The preferred parking space marking is double-striping to improve the efficiency of the parking area; however, single striping may be used.
(k) 
The parking area shall meet any additional requirements required by the California Building Code and/or the City of Turlock Standard Specifications and Drawings.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015; 1231-CS, Amended, 04/13/2017)
Street corners and driveways connecting with a public street shall be maintained as areas of unrestricted visibility ("clear vision zones") in accordance with the latest version of the City of Turlock Standard Specifications and Drawings.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
Parking lots and parking structures shall have interior and perimeter landscaping areas as prescribed by the following:
(a) 
Parking lots or parking structures adjoining street property lines or public streets shall have a perimeter landscape buffer with a minimum width as follows:
(1) 
If abutting an expressway: twenty (20') feet.
(2) 
If abutting an arterial: fifteen (15') feet.
(3) 
If abutting a collector: fifteen (15') feet.
(4) 
If abutting a local street: five (5') feet.
(b) 
Vehicle overhangs may encroach a maximum of two (2') feet into landscape areas which are a minimum of ten (10') feet wide.
(c) 
An average three (3') foot high (minimum of two and one-half (2-1/2') feet and maximum of three and one-half (3-1/2') feet) continuous screen shall be installed between all parking areas and public streets. A screen shall consist of one (1) or any combination of the following:
(1) 
Walls. A wall shall consist of concrete, concrete block, stone, brick, tile, or similar type of solid masonry material.
(2) 
Solid fences. A solid fence shall be constructed of wood, or other materials.
(3) 
Plant materials. Vegetation, consisting of trees or shrubs.
(d) 
Interior landscaped areas shall be a minimum of five (5') feet in width and length (minimum of twenty-five (25) square feet for tree wells), exclusive of curbs.
(e) 
The end of each row of parking stalls shall be separated from drive aisles by a landscaped planter or sidewalk.
(f) 
In all parking lots with a capacity of five (5) parking spaces or more, a minimum of one (1) shade tree for every five (5) spaces shall be provided in landscape islands within the parking lot. Tree spacing shall be such that every designated parking space is within thirty (30') feet of the trunk of a tree. Parking lot trees shall provide a shade canopy covering fifty (50%) percent of the parking spaces within fifteen (15) years.
(g) 
All planting areas within or abutting a parking lot shall be protected with raised concrete curbs. Openings shall be allowed in the curbing to allow storm water runoff to enter the planting areas.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015; 1231-CS, Amended, 04/13/2017)
All spaces in a parking facility, except single-family and multifamily dwellings with up to two (2) dwellings, shall be accessible and all circulation shall be internal without re-entering a public right-of-way unless it is determined by the Development Services Director to be physically impossible to provide for such access. However, an alley may be used as maneuvering space for access to off-street parking.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
On every lot in any C or I district on which is conducted any commercial use permitted in that district, there shall be provided space for the loading and unloading of goods and materials. These loading spaces shall not be less than fifteen (15') feet in width, nor less than twenty-five (25') feet in length, nor less than fourteen (14') feet in height. Required spaces shall not be within a building, but shall be on the site of the use served or on an adjoining site. On a site adjoining an alley, a required loading space shall be accessible from the alley unless alternative access is approved by the Development Services Director. A required loading space shall be accessible without backing a truck across a street property line unless the Development Services Director determines that provision of turn-around space is infeasible and approves alternative access. An occupied loading space shall not prevent access to a required off-street parking space. A loading area shall not be located in a required front or corner front yard. Except in a C-H or I district, a loading area visible from a street shall be screened on three (3) sides by a fence, wall, or hedge at least six (6') feet in height.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)
Prior to the construction of an off-street parking area for a nonresidential use or a multifamily dwelling with more than four (4) units, a plan shall be submitted to the Development Services Director for the purpose of indicating compliance with the provisions of this article. The plan shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with the procedures for a minor administrative approval as set forth in Article 3 of Chapter 9-5 TMC (Minor Administrative and Minor Discretionary Permits). This plan shall include:
(a) 
The location and placement of required landscaped areas and irrigation layout, including a computation of the required area;
(b) 
A planting plan including a list of plants by name and size keyed to their location on the parking area;
(c) 
Location and description of fencing and architectural screen walls;
(d) 
Location and placement of parking stalls, including bumpers, striping and circulation, and directional signs, with all dimensions to permit comparison with approved parking standards;
(e) 
Placement and illumination data of parking area lights; and
(f) 
Method of drainage.
(1207-CS, Rep&ReEn, 05/28/2015)