The purpose of this chapter is to provide for adequate vehicle parking, as well as safe on-site circulation for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
(Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)
A.
Number of parking space requirements is as set forth under each specific zoning district provisions.
1.
When several uses occupy a single structure or parcel of land, the total number of parking spaces shall be the sum of all requirements of the several uses computed separately.
B.
When Required.
1.
New Construction. Prior to the occupancy of a new structure within any zoning district, off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the parking ratios required as set forth under each specific zoning district provisions and other applicable project conditions of approval.
2.
Enlargement of Existing Structure. Prior to occupancy of a building that is expanded in floor area, or outdoor use is expanded in activity area, off-street vehicle parking shall be provided subject to the following:
a.
Enlargement of an existing structure or outdoor activity area up to a maximum of additional one thousand square feet of gross floor area: no additional parking required.
b.
Enlargement of an existing structure or outdoor activity area of more than additional one thousand one square feet: parking provided as set forth in the applicable zoning district chapter parking requirements.
c.
When additional parking is required, the number of new parking spaces shall be based only on new gross square footage of the enlargement using the minimum parking ratios required as set forth under each specific zoning district provisions; unless there is an excess of vehicle parking on the site to accommodate the additional required spaces.
3.
Change of Use. When an existing structure is changed from one use to another use as listed in the applicable zoning district’s use table, the following provisions shall apply:
a.
If the parking requirements for each use are the same, no additional vehicle parking shall be required.
b.
Where a change results in an intensification of use in terms of the number of vehicle parking spaces required, additional vehicle parking spaces shall be provided in an amount equal to the difference between the minimum number of spaces required for the existing use and the minimum number of spaces required for the change of use; unless there is an excess of vehicle parking on the site to accommodate the difference.
c.
Existing attached commercial developments with multiple businesses and shared parking areas are exempted from this requirement.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, IV(A)), 2003. Formerly 18.52.010; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)
A.
Parking plans shall be reviewed in conjunction with the associated land use application. In the event that the parking plan is proposed as a separate action and is ten or more parking spaces, the planning director shall review the parking plan through site plan review, as set forth in Chapter 18.270.
B.
If the parking plan provides parking spaces in excess of forty percent over the minimum required, the additional parking spaces shall be located in an underbuilding lot or parking structure, if feasible.
C.
The required minimum vehicle parking shall:
1.
Be available for the parking of operable passenger vehicles of residents, patrons and employees only.
2.
For nonresidential uses, it shall not be used for storage of vehicles or materials.
3.
Not be rented, leased or assigned to any other person or organization, unless as part of a joint parking agreement.
D.
All parking spaces and accessible routes for travel for the disabled shall comply with the standards of the state of Washington and the city of Poulsbo applicable building code.
E.
All parking lots shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times. Breaks in paved surfaces shall be repaired promptly. Broken or splintered wheel stops shall be replaced.
F.
The use of property in any R zoning district for commercial parking is prohibited, unless otherwise authorized through an appropriate land use permit.
G.
Parking lot spaces shall be designed so exiting vehicles are not required to back into streets, except for residential uses on local access streets.
H.
Driveways.
1.
Entrances and Exits. The minimum width of driveway into a parking area shall be twelve feet for one-way traffic and twenty-four feet for two-way traffic, or as otherwise required by the city engineer or fire marshal.
2.
Combined Driveway. The owners of adjoining nonresidential properties shall provide combined driveways wherever practical. In conjunction with approval of a development, the city may require a property owner to provide an access and circulation easement to an abutting owner where joint access is reasonable to serve future development.
3.
Driveway Dimensions. Internal circulation driveways that do not provide direct access to parking stalls must be a minimum of twenty feet wide for two-way traffic and fifteen feet wide for one-way traffic unless otherwise specified by the city engineer or by the fire marshal.
I.
ADA parking space number and size requirements are as set forth in the latest edition of the International Building Code (IBC).
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, IV(B)), 2003. Formerly 18.52.020; Ord. 2007-56 § 7 (part), 2007; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2020-10 § 2 (Exh. A § 13), 2020; Ord. 2025-10 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
A.
Residential Uses.
B.
Nonresidential Uses.
1.
Required parking spaces must be located on the same parcel as the use they serve.
C.
Joint Use of Parking Facilities. Parking facilities may serve more than one use or property when peak demand times do not significantly overlap. Joint parking is subject to the following:
1.
Nonoverlapping Peak Hours. If the uses served by joint parking have nonoverlapping peak hours, the parking facility must provide at least the number of spaces required by the use with the greatest parking demand.
2.
Overlapping Peak Hours. If the uses served have overlapping peak hours, the combined total number of required parking spaces must be provided. However, this total may be reduced by up to ten percent if all of the following conditions are met:
3.
Documentation. Legal documentation (e.g., deeds, leases, or contracts) must be submitted to the planning director to verify the joint use arrangement. This documentation must be recorded with the Kitsap County auditor’s office for all properties involved.
4.
Termination of Joint Use. If a joint use parking arrangement is terminated, each use must thereafter meet the full parking requirements independently, as outlined in this title.
D.
Parking shall not be located in required setbacks; provided, that single-family dwellings’ required space may be located in the required front or side yard setback.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, IV(B)), 2003. Formerly 18.52.020; Ord. 2007-56 § 7 (part), 2007; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2025-10 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
[1]
Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 2013-04 adds two sections numbered 18.140.040. This section has been editorially renumbered to avoid duplication of numbering.
A.
Space and Aisle Dimensions. Table 18.140.040 sets forth the required minimum dimensions for parking spaces and drive aisles.
Table 18.140.040 Parking Space and Aisle Minimum Dimensions | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Parking Angle (degree) | Standard Stall Dimensions | Compact Stall Dimensions | Aisle Width Dimensions | |||
Stall Width (feet) | Stall Depth (feet) | Stall Width (feet) | Stall Depth (feet) | 1-way Aisle Width | 2-way Aisle Width | |
0 | 20 | 8 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 20 |
45 | 8 | 18 | 8 | 15 | 14 | 20 |
60 | 8 | 18 | 8 | 15 | 16 | 22 |
90 | 8 | 18 | 8 | 15 | 22 | 24 |
1.
Other parking angles may be approved, with dimensional requirements consistent with those set forth in Table 18.140.040.
2.
When a parking space abuts a fence, structure, wall or other obstruction, an additional eighteen inches of width to the parking space are required. When a parking space abuts landscaping, an additional twelve inches are required.
3.
Two additional feet beyond the last parking space in an aisle are required.
B.
Compact Spaces. Up to forty percent of all required on-site vehicular parking spaces may be compact spaces. Such spaces shall be marked as “Compact” or “C.”
C.
Parking Space Clustering. No more than fifteen parking spaces shall be placed side by side with-out an intervening break by a circulation aisleway, pedestrian walkway or landscaping. If an average of no more than fifteen side-by-side stalls is maintained overall, up to twenty may be located side by side. Where landscaping provides a break in the group of spaces, the landscape island shall extend at least one foot into the circulation aisleway to provide a visual narrowing of the aisleway.
D.
Tandem Parking. Tandem parking may be permitted to satisfy the off-street parking requirement in accordance with the following:
1.
No more than two vehicles shall be placed one behind the other;
2.
Both spaces shall be assigned to a single dwelling unit;
3.
The tandem parking bay shall equal two standard stall dimensions per Table 18.140.040;
a.
Tandem parking stalls may be allowed on a case-by-case basis when their size equals the combination of a standard stall and a compact stall per Table 18.140.040. In reviewing the proposal, the review authority shall consider the possible impacts of allowing the reduced tandem stall size, including the amount of tandem parking in relationship to side-by-side parking; the amount of overall parking; the width of the drive aisle;
4.
Tandem parking shall not be used to satisfy the parking requirement for guest parking; and
5.
The ingress and egress for the tandem parking stalls shall not interfere with the safety of residents or adjacent property owners, and the functionality of adjacent parking.
E.
Parking Lot and Access Striping.
1.
Except for single-family residences, any area intended to meet the off-street vehicle parking requirements as contained in this title shall have all parking spaces clearly marked.
2.
All interior drives and access aisles shall be clearly marked and signed to show direction of flow and maintain vehicular and pedestrian safety.
F.
Wheel Stops. Parking spaces along the boundaries of a parking lot or adjacent to interior landscaped areas or sidewalks shall be provided with a wheel stop or bumper rail at least six inches high located two feet back from the front of the parking stall. The front two feet of the parking stall may be concrete, asphalt or low-lying landscape material that does not exceed the height of the wheel stop, provided sidewalks or other pedestrian paths are not obstructed.
G.
Parking Lot Surfacing. All areas used for parking or maneuvering of any vehicle shall be improved with asphalt, concrete or other permanent surface approved by the city engineer. The city engineer may approve the use of city and Washington State Department of Ecology alternative paving best management practices to enhance on-site water quality, when determined to be appropriate.
H.
Vehicle Circulation between Adjoining Property Required. Parking lots shall be designed to provide for off-street vehicle circulation to adjoining property and parking areas whenever physically feasible.
I.
Parking Lot Lighting. Lighting shall be screened, hooded or otherwise limited in illumination area so as to minimize excessive “light throw” to off-site areas.
J.
Rideshare Spaces. In the C, OCI, BP and LI zoning districts, rideshare/carpool parking spaces may be designated in an approved parking lot.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, IV(D)), 2003. Formerly 18.52.040; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2020-10 § 2 (Exh. A § 14), 2020; Ord. 2025-10 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
A.
Space and aisle dimensions shall be as set forth in Table 18.140.040.
1.
Other parking angles may be approved, with dimensional requirements consistent with those set forth in Table 18.140.040.
2.
When a parking space abuts a column, wall or other obstruction, one extra foot of width to the parking space is required. Columns or other structural elements may encroach into the parking space a maximum of six inches on a side, except in the area for car door opening, five feet from the longitudinal centerline or four feet from the transverse centerline of a parking space. No wall, post, guardrail, or other obstruction, or lot line, is permitted within the area for car door opening.
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3.
Two additional feet beyond the last parking space in an aisle are required.
B.
Lighting on and/or within multi-level parking structures shall be screened, hooded or otherwise limited in illumination area so as to minimize excessive “light throw” to off-site areas.
C.
The parking structure shall incorporate architectural elements, window-like openings, trellis-work, surface treatments, offset planes, and integrated planters to provide design interest and visual variety to the parking structure exterior facade.
D.
Adequate vision clearance shall be provided so that motorists leaving a parking structure have a clear view of the sidewalk or pedestrian pathway on either side of the exit, and so that approaching pedestrians have a clear view of any approaching vehicle. Parking structure entrances and exits shall require a vehicle stop directly prior to crossing the street sidewalk or pedestrian pathway. Entrance and exit areas shall be designed so that vehicles approaching or leaving the parking structure can queue to enter/exit the traffic stream without blocking the sidewalk or pedestrian pathway.
E.
Parking structure internal circulation design shall include provisions for the safe and convenient circulation of pedestrians. Traffic control measures shall be provided at any location where vehicle circulation crosses a pedestrian walkway.
(Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2020-10 § 2 (Exh. A § 15), 2020)
A.
Bicycle Parking Shall Be Provided. Two bicycle spaces shall be required, and then one additional space provided for every twenty spaces; however, the maximum number of bicycle spaces required shall not exceed twenty. By providing at least five covered bicycle parking spaces, one vehicle parking space may be eliminated. No more than two vehicle parking spaces or ten percent, whichever is less, shall be replaced with covered bicycle parking spaces.
B.
Bicycle parking facilities shall be stationary racks that support the bicycle with at least one point to which the user can lock the bicycle and both wheels and frame (with the removal of the front wheel) with a high security U-shaped lock or cable lock.
C.
Bicycle facilities should be located no further from a public entrance than the nearest non-ADA parking stall.
D.
Bicycle parking areas should be separated from a motor vehicle parking area by a barrier, post or bollard, or by at least five feet of open space behind the maneuvering area.
E.
Entry and directional signs shall be provided if bicycle parking facilities are not directly visible and obvious from the public right-of-way.
F.
The property owner of a site shall have a continuing obligation to properly maintain any bicycle parking facilities on their property.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, IV(E)), 2003. Formerly 18.52.050; Ord. 2007-56 § 7 (part), 2007; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013)
A.
When Required. Off-street loading and unloading spaces are required for all uses having a gross floor area of over four thousand square feet and from which deliveries or pickups are made by trucks or truck-trailer combinations over thirty-five feet in length more frequently than monthly.
B.
Design Requirements. Loading and unloading spaces shall be a minimum of forty-five feet in length, ten feet in width and provide for clearance of fifteen feet. Adequate access shall be provided to each space. No area required for off-street parking may be used as a loading or unloading space. Loading spaces shall be located so that trucks shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic movement or project into any public right-of-way.
C.
Number of Spaces Required. The following number of off-street loading and unloading spaces is required:
1.
For uses having more than four thousand but less than ten thousand square feet of gross floor area: one space.
2.
For uses having more than ten thousand but less than fifty thousand square feet of gross floor area: two spaces.
3.
For uses having more than fifty thousand square feet but less than one hundred thousand square feet of gross floor area: three spaces.
4.
For uses having over one hundred thousand square feet of gross floor area: three spaces plus one additional space for every additional fifty thousand square feet of gross floor area.
(Ord. 2003-10 § 1 (Exh. A, IV(F)), 2003. Formerly 18.52.060; Ord. 2013-04 § 2 (Exh. A (part)), 2013; Ord. 2020-10 § 2 (Exh. A § 16), 2020)
A.
Buildings and accessory structures shall be provided with EV charging stations, EV-ready parking spaces, and EV-capable parking spaces in accordance with IBC Section 429, as amended. Calculations shall be consistent with Section 18.150.020.
1.
Where spaces are open to the general public and not limited to those frequenting the business/residence, additional non-EVC parking spaces may be required at the director’s discretion.
2.
Where a building contains more than one occupancy, the electric vehicle charging infrastructure percentages shall be applied to the number of spaces required for each occupancy.
B.
The station installation and equipment shall be consistent with the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to RCW 19.27.540, Electric vehicle infrastructure requirements, and with applicable regulations under the city’s building and fire codes.
C.
Electric vehicle charging spaces may be reserved for parking and charging electric vehicles only. The property owner may set hours and conditions of use on the spaces and the charging stations. The owner of the property may charge a fee for charging any electric vehicle.
D.
Electric vehicle charging spaces shall have the same dimensions as standard parking stalls as identified in Table 18.140.040. Accessible charging spaces shall have the dimensions required in the building code for accessible parking stalls.
E.
Where charging equipment is provided within an adjacent pedestrian circulation area, such as a sidewalk or accessible route to the building entrance, the charging equipment shall be located so as not to interfere with accessibility requirements of WAC 51-50-005.
F.
Design, location and layout of electric vehicle parking is expected to vary based on the design and use of the primary parking lot. The following required and additional locational and design criteria are provided in recognition of the various parking lot layout options:
1.
Except for those located in residential zones, each charging station space shall be posted with signage indicating the space is for electric vehicle charging purposes. Days and hours of operations may be included if time limits or tow away provisions are to be enforced.
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2.
Electric vehicle charging spaces in nonresidential zones with advertising signs shall obtain a sign permit and the signage shall count towards overall site totals per Chapter 18.170.
3.
Where charging station infrastructure is installed, adequate site lighting shall exist, unless charging is for daytime purposes only.
4.
Charging station infrastructure shall be maintained in all respects, including the functioning of the charging equipment. A phone number or other contact information shall be provided on the charging station equipment for reporting when the equipment is not functioning, or other problems are encountered.
5.
Related charging station infrastructure, including transformers, switchgear, and other similar items must be screened with a fence, wall, berm, evergreen landscaping, or any combination. Any landscaping used for screening purposes must be maintained.
(Ord. 2020-10 § 2 (Exh. A § 17), 2020; Ord. 2023-04 § 2 (Exh. A § 8), 2023)
The planning director may approve a decrease in the required number of off-street parking spaces if the number of spaces proposed is documented by an adequate and thorough parking demand and utilization study to sufficiently serve the use with appropriate off-street parking without adversely impacting other uses and streets in the vicinity. The study shall be prepared by a licensed transportation engineer or other qualified professional with parking demand expertise and shall analyze the operational characteristics of the proposed use which justify a parking reduction. The planning director may require a thirdparty review of the study prior to its approval and the recording of a covenant or other instrument restricting the use of the property to the specific use for which the alternative minimum parking requirement was approved.
(Ord. 2025-10 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)