The purpose of this subchapter is to limit the number of parking spaces which promotes efficient use of land, enhances urban form, encourages use of alternative modes of transportation, provides for better pedestrian movement, and protects air and water quality and establishes flexible standards for parking, access, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and bicycle facilities as follows:
A. 
To ensure that the parking and circulation aspects of all developments are well designed with regards to safety, efficiency and convenience of vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit.
B. 
To provide safe access to all buildings.
C. 
To reduce demand for parking by encouraging alternative means of transportation, including public transit, rideshare, and bicycles.
D. 
To promote efficiency through reductions in the number of parking stalls, shared driveway access and shared parking facilities.
E. 
To assure safe and adequately sized parking facilities.
F. 
To increase pedestrian mobility and provide safe, pleasant and direct pedestrian access.
G. 
To reduce hardscape areas in the built environment to reduce the heat island effect and further the city’s climate goals.
(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 6(A), 2000; Ord. 1043 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
Repealed by Ord. 1043.
(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 6(B-1), 2000; Ord. 581 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2010; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 663 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 669 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 731 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 767 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 824 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 850 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 907 § 1 (Exhs. A – C), 2020; Ord. 930 § 1 (Exh. A-1), 2021; Ord. 984 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
Repealed by Ord. 1043.
(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 6(B-2), 2000; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 669 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 731 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 760 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 833 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 839 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 907 § 1 (Exh. B), 2020; Ord. 930 § 1 (Exh. A-1), 2021; Ord. 968 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022)
A. 
All vehicle parking and storage for residential and nonresidential uses must be in a garage, carport or on an approved impervious surface or pervious concrete or pavers, including grass block pavers. Any surface used for vehicle parking or storage must have direct access.
B. 
Not more than six vehicles associated with a dwelling unit may be wholly or partially parked or stored outside of a building or carport, excluding a maximum combination of any two boats, recreational vehicles, or trailers.
C. 
The minimum parking space and aisle dimensions for the most common parking angles are shown in Table 20.50.410C below. For alternative parking stall and aisle dimensions other than shown below, an analysis of safe vehicular movement shall be provided and approved by the Director at time of building permit.
Table 20.50.410C – Minimum Parking Stall and Aisle Dimensions
A
B
C
D
E
Parking Angle
Stall Width (feet)
Curb Length (feet)
Stall Depth (feet)
Aisle Width (feet)
1-Way
2-Way
0
8.0
20.0
20.0
8.0
8.0
12.0
12.0
20.0
20.0
30
8.0
16.0
16.0
15.0
15.0
10.0
10.0
20.0
20.0
45
8.0
11.5
11'6"
17.0
17.0
12.0
12.0
20.0
20.0
60
8.0
9.6
9'7"
18.0
18.0
18.0
18.0
20.0
20.0
90
8.0
8.0
8.0
16.0
20.0
23.0
23.0
23.0
23.0
Figure 20.50.410(C)(1): Diagram of corresponding parking dimensions A through D from Table 20.50.410C
Exception 20.50.410(C)(1): The parking space depth may be reduced up to 18 inches when vehicles overhang a walkway under the following conditions:
1.
Wheel stops or curbs are installed that provide a maximum 18-inch overhang; and
2.
The remaining walkway provides a minimum of 60 inches of unimpeded passageway for pedestrians.
Exception 20.50.410(C)(2): Tandem or end-to-end parking is allowed for residential uses.
Figure Exception to 20.50.410(C)(2): Illustration of tandem parking.
D. 
Asphalt or concrete surfaced parking areas shall have parking spaces marked by surface paint lines or suitable substitute traffic marking material in accordance with Washington State Department of Transportation standards. Wheel stops are required where a parked vehicle encroaches on adjacent property, pedestrian access or circulation areas, right-of-way or land-scaped areas. Typical approved markings and wheel stop locations are illustrated in Figure 20.50.410(D).
Figure 20.50.410(D): Pavement marking and wheel stop standards.
Note that parking spaces must meet setbacks from property lines where required by the zone.
E. 
Any parking spaces shall not encroach into any required landscaped areas.
F. 
Every nonresidential building, excluding self-service storage facilities, shall provide loading spaces in accordance with the standards listed below in Table 20.50.410F.
Table 20.50.410F
FLOOR AREA
REQUIRED NUMBER OF LOADING SPACES
20,000 to 50,000 square feet
1
More than 50,001 square feet
2
G. 
Every multifamily or mixed-use building with commercial and residential uses shall provide loading spaces in accordance with the standards listed in Table 20.50.410G.
Table 20.50.410G
DWELLING UNITS
REQUIRED NUMBER OF LOADING SPACES
Less than 60 dwelling units
0
60 to 200
1
More than 200
2
H. 
Each loading space required by this section shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide, 30 feet long, and have an unobstructed vertical clearance of 14 feet six inches, and shall be surfaced, improved and maintained as required by the Engineering Development Manual. Loading spaces shall be located so that trucks shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic movement or project into any public right-of-way.
I. 
Multi-story self-service storage facilities shall provide two loading spaces, single-story facilities one loading space, adjacent to each building entrance that provides common access to interior storage units. Each loading berth shall measure not less than 25 feet by 12 feet with an unobstructed vertical clearance of 14 feet six inches, and shall be surfaced, improved and maintained as required by the Engineering Development Manual.
J. 
Any floor area additions or structural alterations to a building shall be required to provide loading space or spaces as set forth in this section.
K. 
All parking lot lighting shall be nonglare and shielded to minimize direct illumination of abutting properties and adjacent streets.
L. 
Electric Vehicle Signage.
1. 
Electric vehicle charging stations available for public use shall have posted signage, as identified in this subsection L, allowing only charging electric vehicles to park in such spaces. For purposes of this subsection L, “charging” means that an electric vehicle is parked at an electric vehicle charging station and is connected to the charging station equipment.
2. 
Signage for parking of electric vehicles shall include:
a. 
Information about the charging station to identify voltage and amperage levels and any time of use, fees, or safety information.
b. 
As appropriate, directional signs at appropriate decision points to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).
3. 
EV signage is exempt from a sign permit.
M. 
Legally nonconforming parking spaces that do not conform to the requirements of this section may continue to be utilized to meet off-street parking requirements and are not required to be modified or resized, except for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Existing paved parking lots are not required to change the size of existing parking spaces during resurfacing.
(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 6(B-3), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 352 § 1, 2004; Ord. 391 § 4, 2005; Ord. 469 § 1, 2007; Ord. 560 § 4 (Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 654 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 663 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2013; Ord. 669 § 1 (Exh. A), 2013; Ord. 706 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 731 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015; Ord. 789 § 1 (Exh. A), 2018; Ord. 850 § 1 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 907 § 1 (Exh. B), 2020; Ord. 930 § 1 (Exh. A-1), 2021; Ord. 959 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 984 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023; Ord. 1027 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025; Ord. 1043 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
A. 
Driveways providing ingress and egress between off-street parking areas and abutting streets shall be designed, located, and constructed in accordance with the adopted Engineering Development Manual.
B. 
Driveways for nonresidential development may cross required setbacks or landscaped areas in order to provide access between the off-street parking areas and the street.
C. 
Direct access from the street right-of-way to off-street parking areas shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 20.60 SMC, Adequacy of Public Facilities, and the Engineering Development Manual.
D. 
Businesses with drive-through windows shall provide stacking space to prevent any vehicles from extending onto the public right-of-way, or interfering with any pedestrian circulation, traffic maneuvering, or other parking space areas.
E. 
A stacking space shall be an area measuring eight feet by 20 feet with direct forward access to a service window of a drive-through facility.
F. 
Uses providing drive-up or drive-through services shall provide vehicle stacking spaces as follows:
1. 
For each drive-up window, a minimum of five stacking spaces shall be provided.
G. 
Alleys shall be used for loading and vehicle access to parking wherever practicable.
(Ord. 238 Ch. V § 6(B-4), 2000; Ord. 299 § 1, 2002; Ord. 469 § 1, 2007; Ord. 631 § 1 (Exh. 1), 2012; Ord. 1043 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)
A. 
Purpose. The purpose of these standards is to:
1. 
Provide bicycle parking in a safe, accessible, and convenient location to support a bicycle-friendly community;
2. 
Address the circulation and access needs of people using bikes by requiring safe, attractive and direct access for bicyclists;
3. 
Minimize conflicts between pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists through safe and well-designed parking, loading, access and circulation standards;
4. 
Provide a space for securing a bicycle at any location, including both the space of the bicycle rack and the space to properly attach the bicycle to the rack; and
5. 
Provide parking for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
B. 
Areas devoted to bicycle parking shall not be used for any other purpose, except as authorized by this Code.
C. 
Departures from the bicycle facilities standards may be granted, subject to administrative design review approval under SMC § 20.30.297.
D. 
Short-term and long-term bicycle parking, as defined under SMC § 20.20.012, shall be required as part of the full site improvements identified in SMC § 20.50.230, or when compliance with parking standards is otherwise required.
E. 
The following information must be submitted with applications for a construction or land use permit when bicycle parking is required:
1. 
Location, access route to long-term bicycle parking and number of bicycle parking spaces for short-term and long-term bicycle parking requirements; and
2. 
The model or design of the bicycle parking facilities to be installed; and
3. 
Dimensions of all aisles and maneuvering areas.
F. 
Bicycle Parking Rates.
1. 
The minimum amounts of bicycle parking specified in Table 20.50.440.F.3 are required for all land uses and shall be developed and maintained pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. These amounts are subject to the following calculation rules:
a. 
If the formula for determining the number of bicycle parking spaces results in a fraction, the number of required spaces shall be rounded to the nearest whole number, with fractions of 0.50 or greater rounding up and fractions below 0.50 rounding down.
b. 
Sites with co-located uses such as shopping centers and mixed-use buildings are encouraged to share parking. Uses with peak parking expected at different times may share or combine parking.
2. 
Exceptions.
a. 
The Director may authorize an exemption from or reduction to bicycle parking requirements where the use serves a population where biking is unlikely, such as assisted living facilities or other uses serving people with special needs or disabilities.
b. 
Neighborhood Commercial uses in NR zones shall provide two bike parking spaces. Off-street bike parking shall not be required if on-street bike parking is available within 200 feet of the property.
c. 
When an existing, permitted commercial space converts to a new commercial use, no change to bike parking is required unless site improvements are required pursuant to SMC § 20.50.440.D.
Table 20.50.440(F)(3): Bicycle Parking Requirements
Type of Use
Short-Term Bicycle Parking
Long-Term Bicycle Parking
Residential Uses
Single-Family and Middle Housing
None for developments with <30 units
1 per 15 dwellings
None
Multifamily
1 per 20 DU; Min 2;
Maximum of 20 spaces required.
1 per 2 DU; Min 2
Nonresidential Uses
Professional Office; Research, Development and Testing
1 per 20,000 SF; Min 2
1 per 12,000 SF; Min 2
Hotel/Motel
1 per 20 rentable rooms plus 1 per 4,000 SF of conference and meeting rooms
1 per 20 rooms; Min 2
General Retail Trade/Services
1 per 2,000 SF;
Min 2; Max 12
1 per 12,000 SF; Min 2
Eating and Drinking Establishments, Brewpub
1 per 1,000 SF;
Min 2; Max 12
Clinics and Hospitals (including Veterinary Clinics)
1 per 2,000 SF;
Min 2; Max 12
Daycares
1 per 2 classrooms; Min 2
Other Uses (Institutional, Recreation, etc.)
K-12 Schools and similar (Specialized Instruction Schools, Vocational Schools)
4 per classroom
1 per classroom
College/University
1 per 2,500 SF; Min 2
1 per 12,000 SF; Min 2
Libraries, Museums, Government Uses and Buildings (Nonassembly)
1 per 2,000 SF of publicly accessible area; Min 2
Houses of Worship
1 per 4,000 SF of assembly space;
Min 2; Max 12
1 per 12,000 SF of assembly space;
Min 2
Entertainment, Cultural and Recreation Uses (Ex: Theaters, Gymnasiums, Bowling Alleys, etc.)
1 per 2,000 SF customer/public facing areas; Min 2
1 per 12,000 SF;
Min 2
Parks
Subject to approval by the Director, based on amenities and land use characteristics
None unless staffed; Otherwise, 2.
Unlisted Uses
Subject to approval by the Director based on details about use and land use characteristics
Note: DU = Dwelling unit, as defined in SMC § 20.20.016.
Note: SF = Square feet. Square footage in this subchapter refers to net usable area and excludes walls, corridors, lobbies, bathrooms, etc.
Note: Where maximums are indicated, this is the maximum number of required stalls. The code does not limit how many bike parking spaces may be located on a site.
G. 
Bicycle Parking Design Standards.
1. 
Design and Installation.
a. 
A bicycle parking space shall be in a paved, lighted area with access to a right-of-way without the use of stairs, and shall consist of either:
i. 
One side of a securely fixed “inverted U,” “staple,” or “loop” style rack element as shown in Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(a) that supports the bicycle upright by its frame, prevents the bicycle from tipping over, and allows the frame and at least one wheel to be locked to the rack element with one lock; or
ii. 
A bicycle locker constructed of theft-resistant material with a lockable door which opens to the full width and height of the locker. Bicycle lockers shall be weather-proof if exposed to the elements; or
iii. 
For long-term bicycle parking only, wall-mounted “vertical” racks or “two-tier” racks as shown in Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(a)(iii). No more than 75 percent of long-term bicycle parking may be vertical or two-tier racks.
Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(a): Samples of compliant short-term bicycle parking racks.
Inverted U, also called staple or loop racks. A maximum tube or material diameter of two inches works with most bicycle locks.
Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(a)(iii): Samples of long-term bicycle parking racks for nonlocker facilities.
Vertical. Typically used for secured or indoor parking.
Two-Tier. Typically used for indoor parking. Requires maintenance for moving parts.
b. 
Bicycle parking facilities shall adhere to the required clearances detailed herein and shown in Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(b)(i) and standard bike sizes in Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(b)(ii).
i. 
Each bicycle parking space shall be no less than two and a half feet feet in width by six feet in length to allow sufficient space between parked bicycles. Wedge-shaped spaces may be narrower than two and a half feet feet at one end.
ii. 
At least one bicycling parking space per bike parking area shall accommodate a family or cargo bike, with no less than three feet in width by eight feet in length.
iii. 
Each row of bicycle parking spaces shall be served by an aisle no less than four feet wide. The closest edge of rack elements must be placed at least two feet from walls, fences or curbs.
c. 
Required bicycle parking may not be tandem; parking or removing a bicycle shall not require moving another parked bicycle.
d. 
Bicycle rack elements shall be fixed, securely anchored to the ground or to a structure by means that resist tampering or removal. Bicycle locker edges shall be secured with no exposed fittings or connectors.
e. 
Long-term bicycle parking areas with four or more required spaces must provide an outlet for charging electric bikes.
Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(b)(i): Bicycle Parking Facility Clearances
Recommended clearances are given first, with required minimums in parentheses where appropriate.
The footprint of a typical bicycle is approximately six feet by two feet, though cargo bicycles and bikes with trailers can extend to eight to 10 feet or longer.
There must be at least four feet behind all bicycle parking spaces to allow room for bicycle maneuvering. Racks must be at least two feet from any walls, and three feet from other racks.
Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(b)(ii): Standard Bike Sizes
The standard bicycle space is six feet long, two feet wide, and three feet, four inches tall.
2. 
Location.
a. 
Bicycle parking shall be located near main building entrances. The main building entrance excludes garage entrances, trash room entrances, and other building entrances that are not publicly accessible.
i. 
Long-term bicycle parking shall be covered or otherwise protected from the weather. These spaces may be provided in one or more of the following locations:
(A) 
Within a building, including on the ground floor or on individual building floors; or
(B) 
On site, including in parking areas and structured parking; or
(C) 
In any area where the closest point is within 300 feet of the site; or
(D) 
In a residential dwelling unit. Up to 80 percent of long-term bicycle parking spaces may be provided in a residential dwelling unit if they meet all of the following items. In-unit spaces are exempt from design standards in SMC § 20.50.440(G)(1).
(1) 
The bicycle parking is located in a closet, alcove, balcony or similar space of the dwelling unit that meets the standard bicycle parking spacing dimensions in Figure 20.50.440(G)(1)(b)(ii);
(2) 
For buildings with no elevators, only ground-floor units may have their bike parking within units; and
(3) 
The development shall have a shared bike repair station amenity, including a pump, for fixing flat tires and making minor adjustments;
(4) 
Short-term bicycle parking shall be placed within 50 feet of the main entrance to the building or tenant space and shall be located in highly visible areas with lighting of not less than one foot-candle of illumination at ground level.
b. 
Bicycle parking facilities shall be protected by a physical barrier such as curbs, wheel stops, poles, bollards, or other similar features capable of preventing automobiles from entering the bicycle facility.
c. 
Bicycle parking facilities shall not impede pedestrian or vehicular circulation.
d. 
Short-term bicycle parking may be provided in the public right-of-way only when approved by the Director of Public Works.
(Ord. 1043 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)