The purpose of this division is to ensure that:
•
Adequate off-street parking is provided;
•
Standards are established for the functional design of off-street parking facilities;
•
Sufficient parking is provided in nonresidential areas that are near residential neighborhoods, so that the character and quality of life in the residential neighborhoods are protected from overflow parking;
•
Adequate loading areas are provided that do not interfere with the function of other vehicular use areas;
•
Adequate stacking areas are provided to ensure safe and efficient circulation within sites that contain drive-in or drive-through uses;
•
Access to sites is managed to maintain the desired function and safety of the adjacent street(s); and
•
Vehicular use areas and sites are designed and lighted to promote public safety without creating undue light pollution and off-site glare.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Districts.
Development shall comply with all provisions of this division and provide the quantity of parking spaces required in the district tables in sections:
(1) 
Section 28-2-5, estate residential (ER);
(2) 
Section 28-2-6, suburban residential (SR);
(3) 
Section 28-2-8, semi-urban residential (SU);
(4) 
Section 28-2-11, suburban commercial (SC).
(5) 
Section 28-2-14, general commercial (GC);
(6) 
Section 28-2-13, downtown (DD);
(7) 
Section 28-2-12, suburban office (SO); and
(8) 
Section 28-2-15, industrial (IN).
(b) 
Change in demand.
Redevelopment, significant improvements, and expansions of existing development and changes in the use(s) of existing buildings that require additional parking shall provide parking to the extent of the new demand created by the improvement, expansion, or change in use(s).
(c) 
Change in use.
Changes in the use(s) of existing buildings that result in fewer required parking spaces shall not be required to provide additional parking spaces.
(d) 
Timing of compliance.
No building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued unless and until off-street parking and loading is provided in accordance with this division.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Generally.
The standards of this section set out the means for calculating the number of parking spaces required for specific land uses.
(b) 
Rounding.
When a computation of required parking results in a fraction of 0.5 or greater, the requirement must be rounded up to the next whole number.
(c) 
Variables for calculating the required parking.
The variables used for parking calculations are measured as follows:
(1) 
Gross floor area.
Unless otherwise indicated, parking requirements are based on gross floor area (GFA). Gross floor area for the purpose of this calculation shall exclude any interior space used for the parking or loading of vehicles.
(2) 
Per dwelling unit (DU) or per bedroom (BR).
The phrase "per dwelling unit" means that the number of parking spaces is calculated based on the number of dwelling units. In some cases, the parking requirements are based on the number of bedrooms (per "#" BR unit) in the dwelling units.
(3) 
Per bed.
The phrase "per bed" means that the number of parking spaces is based on the number of beds in the facility instead of the number of sleeping rooms or some other measure. Per bed calculations are normally applied to uses that offer residential care or overnight accommodations with shared rooms.
(4) 
Per employee.
The phrase "per employee" means that the number of parking spaces is based on the number of employees during the shift in which the maximum number of employees is present.
(5) 
Per square feet (sf.) of assembly area.
The phrase "per sf. of assembly area" means that the number of parking spaces is based on the number of square feet in the largest room used for assembly (e.g., at a school, this is often a gymnasium, but it could also be a theater or a lunch room).
(6) 
Others.
Other variables are measured according to their common meanings.
(d) 
Uses that involve fleets or vehicle inventory.
Uses that involve fleets of vehicles (e.g., post offices, police stations, fire stations, etc.) shall provide parking for the fleet or inventory, in addition to that required to park the principal use of the property, as applicable. Further, a fleet of more than ten vehicles shall be screened from public view with a fence, wall, or a type B bufferyard.
(e) 
Multiple nonresidential uses.
If several nonresidential uses occupy a single parcel or building, the off-street parking and loading requirements shall be the cumulative total for all uses, unless the uses are of different categories or unless shared parking is permitted via a special study.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
With the approval of a site plan pursuant to section 28-7-19, site plan, off-street parking facilities for different uses or for mixed uses may be provided and used collectively or jointly in any zoning district in which separate off-street parking facilities for where each land use would be permitted, subject to the following provisions:
(a) 
Legal document required.
A legally sufficient written agreement assuring the perpetual joint usage of said common parking for the combination of uses or buildings is properly drawn and executed by the parties concerned, approved as to form and execution by the city attorney, and filed with and made part of the application for a building permit.
(b) 
Percentage reduction.
A reduction in parking requirements is permitted up to 60 percent for land uses that have opposite peak usage timeframes.
(1) 
Any combination of land uses selected one from group A and one from Group B is permitted.
a. 
Group A.
i. 
Amphitheater or outdoor performance venue;
ii. 
Park and outdoor recreation, non-commercial;
iii. 
Place of public assembly, indoor;
iv. 
Recreation and amusement, indoor; or
v. 
Recreation and amusement, outdoor.
b. 
Group B.
i. 
Adult day care center;
ii. 
Bank, credit union, and financial services;
iii. 
Child-care, family home;
iv. 
Child-care facility, group home;
v. 
Office, general; or
vi. 
Office, government.
(2) 
Additional land use combinations will only be permitted by specific evidence that proves that the peak usage of the parking facility will not have any overlapping timeframes.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Generally.
All uses shall provide off-street loading as required by this section and shall be configured as shown in this section.
(b) 
Dimensions.
(1) 
Minimum width of loading bay (side to side): 12 feet.
(2) 
Minimum length of loading bay (front to back):
a. 
For semi-trailers: 60 feet.
b. 
All other loading spaces: 25 feet.
(3) 
Minimum vertical clearance: 14 feet.
(c) 
Use.
(1) 
No motor vehicle repair work or service of any kind is permitted in conjunction with any off-street loading facilities.
(2) 
A loading space or berth may not be used to satisfy the space requirements for any off-street parking.
(d) 
Location.
(1) 
All loading spaces or berths must be located on the same lot as the use served.
(2) 
No loading space or berth may be located within 40 feet of the nearest point of intersection of any two streets or highways.
(3) 
Adequate off-street truck maneuvering space shall be provided on lot (and not within any public street right-of-way or other public property), so that trucks can maneuver to the docking area.
(4) 
No loading space or berth may be located in a required front yard, a sight distance triangle, or in a manner that results in partially or wholly obstructing an alley or other public right-of-way.
(e) 
Access.
(1) 
Each required off-street loading space or berth must be designed with appropriate means of vehicular access to a street, highway or alley in a manner which will least interfere with traffic movement.
(2) 
Off-street loading facilities shall be designed so as not to interfere with any fire exits or emergency access facilities to either a building or site.
(3) 
Where off-street loading areas are required, at no time shall any part of a truck or van be allowed to extend into a public right-of-way while the truck or van is being loaded or unloaded.
(f) 
Screening.
All motor vehicle off-street loading berth spaces for the loading or unloading of materials which are abutting or adjacent to a residential use or district must comply with the following standards:
(1) 
The length of the loading area shall be screened by a type B bufferyard that contains a six to eight-foot tall masonry wall; or
(2) 
The loading area is enclosed by a roof and a wall between the building and the property line (a "loading shed"). The screening between the loading shed and property line may be reduced to a type A bufferyard.
(g) 
Surfacing.
All open off-street loading spaces or berths must be graded and paved or otherwise improved with an all-weather, dust-free material.
(h) 
Size.
Each required loading space in the IN district must be at least 12 feet wide and 35 feet in length. All other required loading spaces must be at least 12 feet wide and 18 feet in length. All required loading spaces must be designated by signs as loading spaces.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Parking facility location for personal vehicles.
Personal vehicles including passenger cars, vans, pick-up trucks, camper trailers, recreational vehicles, and boats are subject the following standards:
(1) 
Location of parking.
a. 
Within enclosed structure.
Parking is permitted within any enclosed structure when such structure conforms to the regulations of its zoning district.
b. 
Outside of an enclosed structure.
Parking is permitted outside of an enclosed structure subject to the following conditions:
i. 
The requirements of section 28-3-17, surface and maintenance, are met; and
ii. 
The vehicle does not encroach on public right-of-way.
(2) 
Parking for recreational vehicles.
Parking and storage of recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and boats is subject to the following additional conditions:
a. 
Vehicle length.
The length of the vehicle shall not exceed 20 feet if the vehicle is parked or stored in a required front yard or street side yard. Longer vehicles may be parked or stored within rear yards or interior side yards behind the required front yard setback.
b. 
The vehicle:
i. 
May not be used for the storage of goods, materials, or equipment other than those items which pertain to the use of the vehicle;
ii. 
May not be permanently connected to utility lines;
iii. 
May be used only by non-paying guests for a maximum of three consecutive days or 14 days during any calendar year; and
iv. 
Is maintained in a clean, well-kept state.
(b) 
Storage prohibited.
(1) 
Storing or displaying materials, inoperable vehicles, or parking trucks or trailers longer than 40 feet is prohibited in parking areas, unless:
a. 
The use requires outdoor storage or display on the subject property; and
b. 
The areas that are set aside for such parking are not counted towards the parking requirements for the use within the applicable district.
(2) 
The storage of trailers in loading spaces for a period in excess of 48 hours is prohibited. Such spaces shall be available for routine use by delivery vehicles.
(3) 
Trash enclosures, dumpsters, recycling or donation bins, and transformers shall not be located in required parking areas or in locations that interfere with the circulation or use of parking spaces.
(c) 
Vehicle work prohibited.
No vehicle work of any kind or nature is permitted within off-street parking lots or parking garages except for emergency repairs.
(d) 
Blocking access prohibited.
(1) 
Loading or parking spaces shall not be designed or located in a manner that blocks access to other loading spaces, parking spaces, drive aisles, fire lanes, ingress or egress points, or building entrances. However, tandem parking spaces may be used in valet lots.
(2) 
Parking within a driveway approach or across public sidewalks is prohibited.
(e) 
Dedication of spaces.
Off-street parking, loading, and stacking spaces shall not interfere with one another nor shall they be used interchangeably to meet one another's requirements.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Dimensions of standard parking spaces.
Parking spaces shall have the following dimensions.
(1) 
Generally:
Nine feet in width by 19 feet in standard depth.
(2) 
90-degree parking spaces that abut a curb or the edge of pavement (allowing for an overhang):
Nine feet in width by 17 feet reduced depth provided there is a six-foot-wide sidewalk or a minimum eight-foot planting area as shown in figure 28-3-15-1, parking space dimensions.
(3) 
Parallel parking spaces:
Eight feet in width by 20 feet standard depth.
Figure 28-3-15-1
Parking Space Dimensions
(b) 
Traffic control devices.
All traffic control devices (signs, marking, and signals) shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, latest edition, published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.
(c) 
Vertical clearance.
A vertical clearance of not less than eight feet shall be provided over all parking spaces. Additional clearance shall be provided for larger vans, sports utility vehicles, and light trucks that require such clearance if parking demand from such vehicles is anticipated. All parking garage entrances shall include an overhead bar to alert oversized vehicles regarding clearance.
(d) 
Parking module dimensions.
Parking modules shall conform to the standards as shown in table 28-3-15, parking module standards. The dimensions that are set out in the table are illustrated in figure 28-3-15, parking module dimensions.
Table 28-3-15
Parking Module Standards
Measurement
Parking Space Angle (Degrees)
0/Parallel Parking
45
60
90
One Stall Row, One-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth
8 ft.
20 ft. 7 in.
21 ft. 11 in.
19 ft.
Drive Aisle Width
13 ft. 2 in.
13 ft. 10 in.
15 ft. 6 in.
24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)
21 ft. 2 in.
34 ft. 5 in.
34 ft. 5 in.
44 ft.
Two Stall Rows, One-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth
16 ft.
41 ft. 1 in.
43 ft. 8 in.
38 ft.
Drive Aisle Width
13 ft. 2 in.
13 ft. 10 in.
15 ft. 6 in.
24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)
29 ft. 2 in.
54 ft. 11 in.
59 ft. 2 in.
64 ft.
One Stall Row, Two-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth
8 ft.
20 ft. 7 in.
21 ft. 11 in.
19 ft.
Drive Aisle Width
23 ft. 3 in.
20 ft.
22 ft.
24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)
31 ft. 3 in.
40 ft. 7 in.
43 ft. 11 in.
44 ft.
Two Stall Rows, Two-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth
16 ft.
41 ft. 1 in.
43 ft. 8 in.
38 ft.
Drive Aisle Width
23 ft. 3 in.
20 ft.
22 ft.
24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)
39 ft. 3 in.
61 ft. 1 in.
65 ft. 8 in.
64 ft.
Figure 28-3-15-2
Parking Module Dimensions
Illustrative dimensions for two stall row parking module
Illustrative dimensions for two stall row parking module
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Generally.
Stacking spaces are used to measure the capacity of a drive-through lane to hold cars while transactions are taking place at drive-through stations or car washes. Stacking spaces measure eight feet wide by 20 feet long and provide direct access to a service window or wash bay. The position in front of a drive-through station (e.g., a service window, ATM, wash bay, or station at a drive-through bank) or car stall is counted as a stacking space.
(b) 
Requirements.
Uses that include drive-through service or a car wash shall not have fewer than the following numbers of stacking spaces:
(1) 
Financial institutions, convenience stores, or pharmacies:
Four stacking spaces per drive-through station.
(2) 
Drive through restaurants:
a. 
If two service windows are provided (one for payments and one for pick-up):
i. 
Four stacking spaces to each menu board;
ii. 
Four stacking spaces between the menu board and the first window (including the position at the first window); and
iii. 
Two spaces between the first window and the second window (including the position at the second window). See figure 28-3-16, illustrative stacking requirements.
Figure 28-3-16
Illustrative Stacking Requirements
b. 
If one service window is provided (for both payments and pick up):
i. 
Six stacking spaces to each menu board; and
ii. 
Five stacking spaces between the menu board and the service window.
(3) 
Drive-through only uses:
In buildings with less than 300 square feet of floor area and no separate menu board (e.g., coffee stands, photo processing): Three stacking spaces per service window.
(4) 
Dry cleaners:
Two stacking spaces, including the position at the window.
(5) 
Car wash:
Two stacking spaces, including the car stall.
(6) 
Day care center:
Five stacking spaces, including the car stall.
(c) 
Design.
(1) 
Stacking lanes shall be clearly marked and shall not interfere with on-site or off-site traffic circulation.
(2) 
Stacking areas shall not be located between the façade of a building and the public street upon which the building fronts.
(3) 
Stacking lanes shall be designed with an abutting eight-foot wide bypass lane.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Surfacing.
(1) 
Generally.
Off-street parking and vehicular use areas shall be surfaced, graded and constructed with Portland cement concrete (PCC) or asphalt. Such surface must protect against potholes, erosion, and dust.
(2) 
Exceptions.
a. 
A permeable parking surface may be used on 20 percent of the total surface area of the required lot provided that the location of the permeable surface is not used in a drive aisle.
b. 
Within the storage yards of uses within the IN district, less durable surfaces for portions of off-street parking facilities are permitted provided that:
i. 
The perimeter of such areas is defined by curbing, bricks, stones, railroad ties, or other similar devices;
ii. 
Surfaces with loose materials are set back at least 25 feet from public street right-of-way;
iii. 
The material does not generate an inordinate amount of dust;
iv. 
The proposed location is proximate to on-site storm water control devices; and
v. 
The area does not exceed 25 percent of the required parking area for the site.
(b) 
Maintenance.
Off-street driveways, parking surfaces, access aisles, and traffic control devices shall be kept in good condition and parking space lines or pavement markings on hard-surfaced lots shall be kept clearly visible and distinct.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Location of spaces.
The spaces designated for ADA compliance shall be the spaces that are closest to the front door of the business.
(b) 
Number of spaces.
(1) 
Required parking spaces.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a certain number of required disabled parking spaces as part of new development and redevelopment. The required disabled parking spaces shall be incorporated into, rather than in addition to, the overall number of parking spaces required in all zoning districts, as established in the zoning district tables titled, permitted uses and minimum off-street parking spaces, in division II-2, zoning districts:
(2) 
Specific number of required spaces.
The minimum number of required disabled parking spaces is set out in table 28-3-18, parking for persons with disabilities.
Table 28-3-18
Parking for Persons with Disabilities
Number of Standard Automobile Spaces
Number of Required Disabled Parking Spaces
Number of Disabled Spaces that Must be Van Accessible
1 to 25
1
1
26 to 50
2
1
51 to 75
3
1
76 to 100
4
1
101 to 150
5
1
151 to 200
6
1
201 to 300
7
1
301 to 400
8
1
401 to 500
9
2
501 to 1,000
2 percent of total
1 out of 8 disabled parking spaces, rounded up
1,001 and over
20, plus 1 for each 100 over 1,000
1 out of 8 disabled parking spaces, rounded up
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Generally.
This section sets out parking standards for uses that, based on the nature of the use, can have a large amount of variability and need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The number of off-street parking stalls required shall be based on a special study of the parking demand for the identified use.
(b) 
Special studies.
Required parking for these uses shall be established according to the following standards:
(1) 
Requirements.
a. 
A special study shall be conducted by a qualified, certified traffic engineer at the applicant's and/or owner's expense.
b. 
The special study shall provide:
i. 
A peak parking analysis of at least five functionally comparable uses; and
ii. 
Documentation regarding the comparability of the referenced uses, including: name, function, location, gross floor area, parking availability, access to transportation networks (including vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit, as applicable), use restrictions, and other factors that could affect the parking demand.
(2) 
Approval of special study.
The city may rely upon the special study or may request additional information or analysis, including, but not limited to: alternative or new data points, or consideration of additional or alternative factors related to comparability or peak demand, as supported by sound engineering principles.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)
(a) 
Ingress and egress.
(1) 
Direct access to a public street.
Adequate provision for ingress and egress to all parking spaces shall be provided by driveways or maneuvering areas with direct access to a public street or to a private right-of-way easement.
(2) 
Cross access.
Cross access shall be provided for all non-residential developments to all property lines that do not run adjacent to right-of-way.
(3) 
Easement requirements.
A private right-of-way easement shall be:
a. 
Legally binding in form and substance;
b. 
Recorded in the office of the register of deeds of Fort Bend County; and
c. 
A certified copy of the same, with evidence of recording thereon, shall be filed with the administrator.
(b) 
Required driveway design.
(1) 
One-way driveways shall be:
a. 
At least 12 feet wide when the angle of parking is 45 degrees; and
b. 
Seventeen feet, six inches when the angle of parking is 60 degrees.
(2) 
Parking facilities other than driveways for single-family and manufactured home residential uses and on-street parking must permit vehicles to enter a street in a forward position.
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2024-1453, 4-16-2024)
(a) 
Generally.
Where bicycle parking is provided, this section applies. In commercial and multi-family developments with 50 or more parking spaces for motor vehicles required, bicycle parking is also required, in accordance with this subsection. There shall be parking for five bicycles if there are 50 to less than 100 motor vehicle spaces required, parking for 10 bicycles if there are 100 to less than 150 motor vehicle spaces required, and parking for 15 bicycles if there are 150 or more motor vehicle spaces required.
(b) 
Bicycle parking design standards.
If provided, bicycle parking shall be designed with the following characteristics:
(1) 
The bicycle frame and one wheel can be locked to the rack with a high security, U-shaped lock with both wheels left on the bicycle (designs that only allow one locking point at the wheel are prohibited);
(2) 
A bicycle that is six feet long can be securely held with its frame supported so that the bicycle cannot be pushed or fall in a manner that will damage the wheel components; and
(3) 
The racks are securely anchored to a hard surface as shown in figure 28-3-21, illustrative permitted bicycle parking system.
Figure 28-3-21
Illustrative Permitted Bicycle Parking System
(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1433, 9-19-2023)