This chapter contains requirements for automobile and bicycle parking. The code is intended to be flexible in requiring adequate parking, rather than a minimum number of parking spaces, for each use. It provides standards for the location, size, and design of parking areas to ensure such areas can be accessed safely and efficiently. This chapter also encourages nonmotorized transportation by requiring bicycle parking for some uses.
(Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
1. 
Where the Regulations Apply. The regulations of this chapter apply to all parking areas in all zones, at all times, whether a parking area is required by this code or created for the convenience of property owners or users.
2. 
Occupancy. All required parking areas must be developed in accordance with the requirements of this code prior to occupancy of any structure on the subject site. Where landscaping, screening or other improvements are required pursuant to this code, all such improvements must be installed and approved by the City Administrator prior to occupancy.
3. 
Calculations of Amounts of Required and Allowed Parking.
a. 
When computing parking spaces based on floor area, parking structures and nonleasable floor spaces, such as storage closets, mechanical equipment rooms, and similar spaces, are not counted.
b. 
The number of parking spaces is computed based on the primary uses on the site only, except as stated in subsection (3)(c) of this section. When there are two or more separate primary uses on a site, the minimum and maximum parking for the site is the sum of the required or allowed parking for the individual primary uses. For shared parking, see HMC § 18.80.030(3).
c. 
When more than 20 percent of the floor area on a site is in an accessory use, the required or allowed parking is calculated separately for the accessory use. An example would be a 10,000-square-foot building with a 7,000-square-foot warehouse and a 3,000-square-foot accessory retail area. The minimum and maximum parking would be computed separately for the retail and warehouse uses.
d. 
Required parking spaces periodically used for the storage of equipment or goods may be counted toward meeting minimum parking standards; provided, that such storage is an allowed use under HMC § 18.45.030 and is permitted as a temporary use under HMC § 18.50.140.
4. 
Use of Required Parking Spaces. Except as otherwise provided by this section, required parking spaces must be available for residents, customers, or employees of the use. Fees may be charged for the use of required parking spaces. Required parking spaces may not be assigned in any way to a use on another site, except as approved by the City for shared parking pursuant to HMC § 18.80.030.
5. 
Proximity of Parking to Use. Required parking spaces for residential uses must be located on the site of the use or on a parcel or tract owned in common by all the owners of the properties that will use the parking area. Required parking spaces for nonresidential uses must be located on the site of the use or in an approved parking area that has its closest pedestrian access point within 400 feet of the site.
6. 
Improvement of Parking Areas. Motorized vehicle parking is allowed only on streets with an improved shoulder of sufficient width; within garages, carports, and other approved structures; and on driveways or parking lots that have been developed in conformance with this code. For applicable design standards, see Chapter 18.65 HMC, Building Orientation and Design, Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation, Chapter 18.75 HMC, Landscaping, Fences and Walls, Outdoor Lighting, and Chapter 18.85 HMC, Public Facilities.
(Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
1. 
Minimum Number of Off-Street Automobile Parking Spaces. Except as provided by this subsection, or as required for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance under subsection (6) of this section, off-street parking shall be provided pursuant to one of the following three standards:
a. 
Standards in Table 18.80.030.1;
b. 
A standard from Table 18.80.030.1 for a use that the City Administrator determines is similar to the proposed use; or
c. 
Subsection (2) of this section, Exceptions and Reductions to Off-Street Parking, which includes a parking demand analysis option.
Table 18.80.030.1 – Automobile Parking Spaces by Use
Use Categories
(Chapter 19.55 HMC contains examples of uses and definitions.)
Minimum Parking per Land Use
(Fractions are rounded down to the closest whole number.)
Residential Categories
Household Living
Single-family dwelling, including manufactured homes on lots
Two spaces per dwelling
Duplex
Two spaces per dwelling unit
Multifamily
Two spaces per dwelling unit
Group living, such as nursing or convalescent homes, rest homes, assisted living, congregate care, and similar special needs housing
One-half space per four bedrooms
Commercial Categories
Commercial outdoor recreation
Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Bed and breakfast inn
Two spaces per use, plus one space for each bedroom offered as lodging
Educational services, not a school (e.g., tutoring or similar services)
One space per 300 square feet floor area
Entertainment, major event
Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Hotels, motels, and similar uses
Three-quarters space per guest room. See also parking requirements for associated uses, such as restaurants, entertainment uses, drinking establishments, assembly facilities. One space per two employees
Mortuary or funeral home
One space per 300 square feet floor area
Offices
General office: one space per 500 square feet floor area
Medical or dental office: one space per 500 square feet floor area
Outdoor recreation, commercial
Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Surface parking lot, when not accessory to a permitted use
Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Quick vehicle servicing or vehicle repair
Two spaces, excluding vehicle service or queuing area, or per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Retail sales and commercial service
Bank: one space per 300 square feet floor area
Retail: one space per 300 square feet floor area, except one space per 1,000 square feet for bulk retail (e.g., auto sales, nurseries, lumber and construction materials, furniture, appliances, and similar sales)
Restaurants and bars: one space per 200 square feet floor area
Health clubs, gyms, continuous entertainment (e.g., bowling alleys): one space per 300 square feet
Theaters and cinemas: one space per six seats
Self-service storage
Two spaces, plus adequate space for loading and unloading
Industrial Categories
Industrial service
One space per 1,000 square feet of floor area
Manufacturing and production
One space per 1,000 square feet of floor area; or as required by conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Warehouse and freight movement
One-half space per 1,000 square feet of floor area; or as required by conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Waste-related
Per conditional use permit review (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Wholesale sales, e.g., building materials, heavy equipment, agricultural supplies, etc.
One space per 750 square feet
Institutional Categories
Basic utilities
Parking based on applicant's projected parking demand, subject to City approval
Community service, including government offices and services
Parking based on applicant's projected parking demand, subject to City approval, except as specifically required elsewhere in this table for individual uses (See public assembly, office, retail, housing, etc.)
Daycare
Family daycare: one space, plus required parking for dwelling
Daycare center: one space per 400 square feet of floor area
Medical center or hospital
One space per 300 square feet floor area
Parks and open space
Parking based on projected parking demand for planned uses
Public assembly
One space per 75 square feet of public assembly area; or as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Religious institutions and houses of worship
One space per 75 square feet of main assembly area; or as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Schools
Preschool through middle school: one space per classroom
High schools: seven spaces per classroom
Colleges: one space per 400 square feet of floor area exclusive of dormitories, plus one space per two dorm rooms
Other Categories
Accessory Uses
See HMC § 18.80.020(3)(b) and (c).
Agriculture
None, except as required for accessory uses
Radio frequency transmission facilities
None, except as required by conditional use permit (Chapter 19.25 HMC)
Temporary uses
Parking standards for temporary uses are the same as for primary uses, except that the City Administrator may reduce or waive certain development and design standards for temporary uses.
Transportation facilities (operation, maintenance, preservation, and construction)
None, except for park-and-ride facilities; and where temporary parking is required for construction staging areas
2. 
Exceptions and Reductions to Off-Street Parking.
a. 
There is no minimum number of required automobile parking spaces for uses within the downtown historic district zone.
b. 
The applicant may propose a parking standard that is different than the standard under subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this section for review and action by the City Administrator through a Type II procedure. The applicant's proposal shall consist of a written request and a parking analysis, prepared by a qualified professional. The parking analysis, at a minimum, shall assess the average current or anticipated parking demand and available supply for existing and proposed uses on the subject site; opportunities for shared parking with other uses in the vicinity; existing public parking in the vicinity; transportation options existing or planned near the site, such as frequent bus service, carpools, or private shuttles; and other relevant factors.
c. 
The City Planning Commission through a Type III procedure may reduce the off-street parking standards of Table 18.80.030.1 for sites with one or more of the following features:
(1) 
Site has a bus stop with frequent transit service located adjacent to it, and the site's frontage is improved with a bus stop waiting shelter, consistent with the standards of the applicable transit service provider: allow up to a 20 percent reduction to the standard number of automobile parking spaces;
(2) 
Site has dedicated parking spaces for carpool or vanpool vehicles: allow up to a 10 percent reduction to the standard number of automobile parking spaces;
(3) 
Site has dedicated parking spaces for bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, or electric carts: allow reductions to the standard dimensions for parking spaces;
(4) 
Site is located in the C-1 zone bounded by 3rd Street, Monroe, Kesling and 1st Street.
(5) 
Site has more than the minimum number of required bicycle parking spaces: Allow up to a five to 10 percent reduction to the number of automobile parking spaces.
d. 
Met through the provision of shared parking, pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.
e. 
The City Administrator through a Type II procedure may reduce the off-street parking standards of Table 18.80.030.1 by one parking space for every two on-street parking spaces located adjacent to the subject site, provided the parking spaces meet the dimensional standards of subsection (4) of this section.
f. 
The City Administrator or Planning Commission may authorize the payment of a fee to the City for future development or management of public parking areas to offset up to 50 percent of the requirements of Table 18.80.030.1.
3. 
Shared Parking. Required parking facilities for two or more uses, structures, or parcels of land may be satisfied by the same parking facilities used jointly, to the extent that the owners or operators show that the need for parking facilities does not materially overlap. Shared parking requests shall be subject to review and approval through a Type II process.
4. 
Parking Stall Design and Minimum Dimensions. Where a new off-street parking area is proposed, or an existing off-street parking area is proposed for expansion, the entire parking area shall be improved in conformance with this code. At a minimum, except as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section, parking spaces and drive aisles shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or other City-approved materials, provided the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements are met, and shall conform to the minimum dimensions in Table 18.80.030.5 and the figures below.
a. 
In M-1 and M-2 Industrial zones, all areas for parking or maneuvering vehicles that are within 200 feet of a residence or residentially zoned property, or within 50 feet of commercially zoned property, or a public street, shall be hard surfaced.
b. 
All off-street parking areas shall contain wheel stops, perimeter curbing, bollards, or other edging as required to prevent vehicles from damaging buildings or encroaching into walkways, landscapes, or the public right-of-way. Parking areas shall also provide for surface water management, pursuant to HMC § 18.85.050.
Table 18.80.030.5 – Parking Area Minimum Dimensions*
PARKING ANGLE
< °
CURB LENGTH
STALL DEPTH
AISLE WIDTH
BAY WIDTH
STRIPE LENGTH
SINGLE D1
DOUBLE D2
ONE-WAY A1
TWO-WAY A2
ONE-WAY B1
TWO-WAY B2
90°
8' 6"
18'
36'
23'
23'
59'
59'
18'
60°
10'
20'
40'
17'
18'
57'
58'
23'
45°
12'
18' 6"
37'
13'
18'
50'
55'
26' 6"
30°
17'
16' 6"
33'
12'
18'
45'
51'
32' 8"
0°
22'
8' 6"
17'
12'
18'
29'
35'
8' 6"
Notes:
* See also Chapter 18.65 HMC, Building Orientation and Design, for parking location requirements for some types of development; Chapter 18.70 HMC, Access and Circulation, for driveway standards; and Chapter 18.75 HMC for requirements related to landscaping, screening, fences, walls, and outdoor lighting.
5. 
Adjustments to Parking Area Dimensions. The dimensions in Table 18.80.030.5 are minimum standards. The City Administrator, through a Type II procedure, may adjust the dimensions based on evidence that a particular use will require more or less maneuvering area, where the criteria in Section 19.40.030(2) are met. For example, the City Administrator may approve an adjustment where an attendant will be present to move vehicles, as with valet parking. In such cases, a form of guarantee must be filed with the City ensuring that an attendant will always be present when the lot is in operation.
6. 
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Parking shall be provided consistent with ADA requirements, including, but not limited to, the minimum number of spaces for automobiles, van-accessible spaces, location of spaces relative to building entrances, accessible routes between parking areas and building entrances, identification signs, lighting, and other design and construction requirements.
7. 
Electric Charging Stations. Charging stations for electric vehicles are allowed as an accessory use to parking areas developed in conformance with this code, provided the charging station complies with applicable building codes and any applicable State or Federal requirements. Charging stations are considered accessory to a permitted use and are not considered a quick vehicle service use where such parking comprises less than 10 percent of all on-site parking. Electric charging stations shall count toward meeting parking requirements.
(Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 1000 § 2 (Exh. B), 2023)
1. 
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide adequate loading areas for commercial and industrial uses that do not interfere with the operation of adjacent streets.
2. 
Applicability. This section applies to uses that are expected to have service or delivery truck visits as part of their normal operations. It applies only to uses visited by trucks with a 40-foot or longer wheelbase, at a frequency of one or more vehicles per week. The City Planning Commission shall determine through site design review the number, size, location, and design, access and circulation and other requirements of required loading areas, if any.
(Ord. 987 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
1. 
Standards are applicable to new multifamily residential developments of four units or more, new retail, office and institutional developments, and all transit transfer stations and park-and-ride lots.
a. 
Multifamily residential of four units or more: one space per dwelling unit.
b. 
Retail/office/institutional, transit transfer stations, park-and-ride lots, and general parking lots: two spaces or one space per 10 vehicle spaces, whichever is greater.
c. 
Parks: four spaces per facility.
d. 
Schools: two spaces per classroom.
e. 
Places of worship/institutional uses: two spaces per primary use or one per 10 vehicle spaces, whichever is greater.
2. 
Design. Bicycle parking shall consist of staple-design steel racks or other City-approved racks, lockers, or storage lids providing a safe and secure means of storing a bicycle.
3. 
Exemptions. This section does not apply to single-family and duplex housing, home occupations, and agricultural uses. The City may exempt these requirements without a land use review upon finding that, due to the nature of the use or its location, it is unlikely to have any patrons or employees arriving by bicycle.
4. 
Hazards. Bicycle parking shall not impede or create a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, and shall be located so as to not conflict with pedestrian and/or auto movement.
(Ord. 1010 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025)