Queen Annes County, MD Article XIII Off-Street Parking and Loading

§ 18:1-83 Application of article.

This article describes required standards for off-street parking and off-street loading.

A. Application of section.

(1) The County Commissioners recognize that the parking space requirements set forth in this section cannot and do not cover every possible situation that may arise. Therefore, in cases not specifically covered, the Planning Commission may determine the parking space requirement using this article as a guide.

(2) Shared and mixed-use parking.

(a) In some cases one parking area may contain required spaces for several different uses, but except as otherwise provided in this section, the required space assigned to one use may not be credited to any other use.

(b) To the extent that developments that wish to make joint use of the same parking spaces operate at different times, the Planning Commission may allow for the same spaces to be credited to both uses, thereby reducing the overall parking space requirement. For example, if a parking lot is used in connection with an office building on Monday through Friday but is generally 90% vacant on weekends, another development that operates only on weekends could be credited with 90% of the spaces on that lot. Or, if a church parking lot is generally occupied only 50% of capacity on days other than Sunday, another development could make use of 50% of the church lot's spaces on those other days.

(c) If the joint use of the same parking spaces by two or more principal uses involves satellite parking spaces, then the provisions of § 18:1-83A(3) are also applicable.

(3) Satellite parking.

(a) If the number of off-street parking spaces required by this Chapter 18 cannot reasonably be provided on the same lot where the principal use associated with these parking spaces is located, then the Planning Commission may allow spaces to be provided on adjacent or nearby lots in accordance with the provisions of this section. These off-site spaces are referred to in this section as "satellite parking spaces."

(b) All such satellite parking spaces, except spaces intended for employee use, must be located within 400 feet of a public entrance of a principal building housing the use associated with such parking, or within 400 feet of the lot on which the use associated with such parking is located if the use is not housed within any principal building. Satellite parking spaces intended for employee use may be located within any reasonable distance.

(c) The developer wishing to take advantage of the provisions of this section must present a binding legal contract that he has the permission of the property owner of the satellite parking spaces to use such spaces. The developer must also sign an acknowledgment that the continuing validity of his certificate of occupancy or zoning permit depends upon his continuing ability to provide the requisite number of parking spaces.

(d) Existing parking spaces used for satellite parking shall satisfy the paving, maintenance, design and landscaping requirements of this Chapter 18, insofar as practical.

B. In general, required number of parking spaces to be provided. Unless modified by the Planning Commission, as described in § 18:1-83, the following minimum number of parking spaces shall be required for the uses specified in Subsections C through P of this section.

C. Commercial and entertainment uses.

(1) Except as otherwise specifically designated in this subsection, for commercial and entertainment uses, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 350 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service and office gross floor area; and

(b) One space per 500 square feet of storage or warehousing area or, if the use has at least 100,000 square feet of gross floor area, four spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.

(2) For banks, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 200 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) Five off-street waiting spaces (same size as a parking space) per drive-in lane.

(3) For beauty and barber shops, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) The greater of:

[1] Two spaces per operator; or

[2] One space per 100 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(4) For funeral homes, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be the greater of:

(a) One space per four patron seats; or

(b) Twenty spaces per chapel unit.

(5) For grocery stores and supermarkets, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 200 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(6) For hospitals and emergency centers, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

[Amended 1-24-2012 by Ord. No. 11-17]

(a) Two spaces per three patient beds; and

(b) One space per staff doctor and each other employee on the largest work shift.

(7) For hotels, guest lodges, country inns and bed-and-breakfasts, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per room, guest lodge, or suite;

(b) One space per every three employees on the largest work shift;

(c) One space per three individuals to the maximum capacity of each public meeting and/or banquet room;

(d) Fifty percent of the spaces otherwise required for accessory uses (e.g., restaurants and bars); and

(e) For hotels with more than 20 units located along or adjacent to arterial roadways four pull-through parking spaces shall be provided.

(8) For private clubs, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per three individuals to the maximum capacity of the facility.

(9) For auto, boat and RV repair services, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 300 square feet of gross floor area;

(b) Two spaces for each existing repair bay; and

(c) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(10) For restaurants, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) The greater of:

[1] One space per three patron seats; or

[2] One space per 200 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(11) For commercial and trade schools, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per three students; and

(b) One space per employee (including faculty) at capacity class attendance period.

(12) For shopping centers of 100,000 square feet or more of floor area, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be four spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.

(13) For shopping centers of less than 100,000 square feet of floor area, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be equal to what is required for what can best be determined to be the individual components of the center.

(14) For theaters and auditoriums, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per three patrons based on maximum capacity. This requirement may be satisfied on a space-by-space basis by the facility if the facility provides written proof that it has the use of a nearby parking lot available to its patrons (e.g., by contractual agreement).

(15) For antique and trade shops the minimum number of parking spaces will be 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of floor area.

(16) For furniture stores the minimum number of parking spaces shall be 2.5 per 1,000 square feet of retail space.

(17) For banquet and conference center facilities, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per 250 square feet of gross floor area.

[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]

(18) For nightclubs, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]

(a) One space per 100 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(c) One space per table for any outdoor seating.

D. Commercial/recreational uses.

(1) Except as otherwise specifically designated in this subsection, for commercial/recreational uses, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per four patrons to the maximum capacity of the facility; and

(b) One space per two employees on the largest work shift.

(2) For bowling alleys, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) Five spaces per lane; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(3) For marinas, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per two slips;

(b) Eight large ten-by-forty-foot spaces per trailer launch space; and

(c) One space per employee on the largest working shift.

(4) Between October 15 and April 15, 75% of such spaces may be used for boat storage and repairs.

(5) For ice skating rinks and roller skating rinks, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per 300 square feet of gross floor area.

E. Institutional, indoor, recreational, and special residential uses.

(1) Except as otherwise specifically designated in this subsection, for institutional, indoor, recreational, and special residential uses, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per three patrons to the maximum capacity; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(2) For day and youth camps, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per employee on the largest work shift;

(b) One space per camp vehicle normally parked on the premises; and

(c) A drop off/pick-up area measuring no less than 27 feet in width and at least 54 feet in length shall be provided.

(3) For cemeteries, one parking space shall be provided if a travelway which can accommodate parking is not present or a house of worship with associated parking is not adjacent to the site.

(4) For churches, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per four seats to the maximum capacity.

(5) For community and recreation centers, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(b) Either:

[1] One space per 250 square feet of gross floor area; or

[2] One space per four patrons to the maximum capacity.

(6) For day and nursery schools, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per teacher/employee on the largest work shift; and

(b) One off-street loading space per six students.

(7) For group dwellings, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per bedroom or sleeping room, and one space per employee on the largest work shift.

(8) For libraries and museums, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) The greater of:

[1] One space per 250 square feet of floor area; or

[2] One space per four seats to the maximum capacity; and

[3] One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(9) For monasteries and convents, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per six residents;

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(c) One space per five chapel seats if the public may attend.

(10) For nursing homes, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per six patient beds;

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(c) One space per staff member and visiting doctor.

(11) For elementary and middle schools, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per teacher or staff member;

(b) One space per two classrooms; and

(c) One bus pick-up/drop-off area large enough to facilitate ingress/egress to and from the site.

(12) For senior high schools, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per teacher or staff member on the largest work shift; and

(b) One space per five nonbused students.

(c) One bus pick-up/drop-off area large enough to facilitate ingress/egress to and from the site.

(13) For colleges, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per staff member on the largest work shift;

(b) One space per two students of the largest class attendance period; and

(14) For swimming facilities, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 75 square feet of gross water area; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest shift.

(15) For tennis, racquetball, and handball courts, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) Two spaces per court; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(16) For rural country clubs and resort country clubs the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) Four parking spaces per each golf hole, plus;

(b) One space for every four persons of the total maximum rated capacity. "Total maximum rated capacity" refers to the sum of the rated capacities for all interior public assembly areas, as determined by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

(c) An overflow parking area shall be designated which can accommodate the same number of cars as required by this subsection. The overflow parking area need not be paved or otherwise improved, but must meet all property line setback and buffer yard requirements.

F. Nursery uses. For nursery uses, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(1) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(2) One space per 200 square feet of gross floor area for inside sales or display.

G. Office uses.

(1) Except as otherwise specifically designated in this subsection, for general offices, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be four spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.

(2) For medical offices, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be five spaces per full-time doctor.

(3) For personal services, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 200 square feet of basement and first floor gross floor area;

(b) One space per 300 square feet of any additional floor area for customer service; and

(c) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(4) For industry offices, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be 2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.

H. Outdoor recreational uses.

(1) Except as otherwise specifically designated in this subsection, for outdoor recreational uses, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per four expected patrons at maximum capacity.

(2) For golf courses (nine- and eighteen-hole), the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) Thirty-six spaces per nine holes;

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(c) Fifty percent of spaces otherwise required for any accessory uses (e.g., bars, restaurants).

(3) For outdoor swimming pools, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per 75 square feet of gross water area.

(4) For tennis courts, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be three spaces per court.

(5) For amphitheater, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per three patrons/users based upon maximum capacity. This requirement may be satisfied on a space-by-space basis by the facility if the facility provides written proof that it has the use of a nearby parking lot available to its patrons.

I. For public service uses, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(1) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(2) One space per company vehicle normally stored on the premises.

J. Apartments, commercial apartments and conversion dwellings. For apartments, commercial apartments and conversion dwellings, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(1) One and one-half spaces per one-bedroom unit; and

(2) Two spaces per unit containing two or more bedrooms.

K. Road and water service uses.

[Amended 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]

(1) For convenience grocery stores, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 100 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) When gas pumps are proposed as part of the store operation, the space in front of the gas pump (one space for every pump) may count towards the required parking for the site overall.

(2) For fast-food restaurants, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 50 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(3) For taverns, dance halls, night clubs and lounges, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 50 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift.

(4) For vehicle sales and services, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space per 1,500 square feet of gross floor area.

(5) For vehicle repair and maintenance services, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per 400 square feet of gross floor area;

(b) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(c) Two spaces for each existing repair bay.

(6) For maritime convenience stores, the minimum number of parking spaces and docking facilities shall be:

(a) One space per 350 square feet of gross floor area; and

(b) When fueling pumps for watercraft are proposed as part of the store operation, waterfront docking facilities for fueling must be provided.

L. Industrial uses.

(1) For manufacturing facilities, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(b) One space per company vehicle regularly stored on the premises.

(2) For truck terminals, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per employee on the largest work shift;

(b) One space per truck normally parked on the premises; and

(c) One space per three patrons to the maximum capacity.

(3) For warehousing facilities, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(a) One space per employee on the largest work shift; and

(b) One space per 6,000 square feet of gross floor area.

M. Airports and heliports. For airports and heliports, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

(1) One space per two aircraft spaces within the hangars;

(2) One space per two tie-down spaces; and

(3) One space per two employees.

N. Migrant labor camps. For migrant labor camps, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be one space for every 10 migrants at maximum capacity.

O. Paving required; maintenance. All parking areas, except those allowed for uses which require fewer than 25 parking spaces, shall be paved. Unpaved parking areas shall consist of compacted base with crushed stone placed on the compacted base. All parking areas shall be maintained in a dust-free, safe condition at all times.

P. Live-work units. For live-work units, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19[1]]

(1) Two spaces per each unit for live/work units less than 2,500 square feet.

(2) Two spaces for the first 2,500 square feet plus one space for each additional 200 square feet of space for retail or customer service.

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance also redesignated former Subsection P as Subsection R.

Q. High dry storage facilities or rackominiums. For high dry storage facilities or rackominiums, the minimum number of parking spaces shall be:

[Added 2-24-2009 by Ord. No. 08-19]

(1) One space per 10 dry boat storage spaces;

(2) One space per two wet slips;

(3) Wet slips used for charter boats including, but not limited to charters for fishing, shelling, diving and sightseeing purposes are computed at one space per three boat passengers based on the maximum number of passengers; with charter boats used for dining are computed at one space per two boat passengers based upon the maximum number of passengers.

(4) Other uses associated with high dry storage facility or rackominium as part of a mixed-use development must meet additional parking requirements as specified for specific uses.

(5) One space per one employee of the largest shift.

R. Off-street parking design standards.

(1) Length and width.

(a) A required off-street parking space shall be at least nine feet in width and at least 18 feet in length, exclusive of access drives or aisles, ramps, columns or office or work areas.

(b) The length of parking spaces can be reduced to 16.5 feet, including wheel stop, if additional space of 1.5 feet in length is provided for the front overhang of the car.

(c) A parking space shall have a vertical clearance of at least seven feet.

(2) Horizontal widths for parking rows, aisles and modules shall be provided at widths no less than listed in the following table:

		One-Way	Angled
		Parallel (feet)	30° (feet)	45° (feet)	60° (feet)	90° (feet)
	Single row of parking	9	17	31	20	18
	Driving aisle	12	12	13	18	24
	Minimum width of module	21	31	32	38	42
	Two rows of parking	18	34	38	40	36
	Driving aisle	12	12	13	18	24
	Minimum width of module	30	46	51	58	60
	NOTES: Minimum drive aisles are subject to emergency services approval on a site-specific basis.

(3) Access.

(a) Each required off-street space shall open directly upon an aisle or driveway of such width and design as to provide safe and efficient means of vehicular access to such parking space.

(b) All off-street parking facilities shall be designed with appropriate means of vehicular access to a street or alley, in a manner that least interferes with traffic and pedestrian movements.

(c) A driveway across public property, or requiring a curb cut, may not exceed a width of 25 feet.

(4) Parking for the handicapped shall be provided at a size, number and location as specified by state and federal regulations.

(5) Paved and unpaved lots.

(a) Spaces in paved parking lots shall be appropriately demarcated with painted lines or other markings.

(b) Spaces in unpaved parking lots shall be demarcated wherever practical by the use of curb stops or other measures.

§ 18:1-84 Off-street loading standards.

A. In general. Any use with a gross floor area of 6,000 square feet or more that requires deliveries or shipments must provide off-street loading facilities in accordance with the requirements specified in this section.

B. Number of berths required; retail, industrial, manufacturing use. Every retail establishment, industrial or manufacturing use, warehouse, wholesale use, freight terminal, railroad yard, hospital or sanitarium that has an aggregate gross floor area of 6,000 square feet or more shall provide off-street loading facilities in accordance with the following table, except that any miniwarehouse facility that can demonstrate that loading areas may be accommodated in the drive aisles are not required to provide a designated loading area.

	Gross Floor Area (square feet)	Number of Berths
	6,000 to 24,999	1
	25,000 to 79,999	2
	80,000 to 127,999	3
	128,000 to 198,000	4
	199,000 to 255,999	5
	256,000 to 319,999	6
	320,000 to 391,999	7
	For each additional 72,000 square feet, or fraction thereof	1 additional

C. Public assembly use. Every public assembly use, such as auditoriums, convention halls, exhibition halls, stadiums or sports areas, funeral homes and restaurants and hotels, that has an aggregate gross floor area of 6,000 square feet or more shall provide off-street berths as follows.

	Gross Floor Area (square feet)	Number of Berths
	6,000 to 29,999	1
	30,000 to 119,999	2
	120,000 to 197,999	3
	198,000 to 290,999	4
	219,000 to 389,999	5
	390,000 to 488,999	6
	489,000 to 587,999	7
	588,000 to 689,999	8
	For each additional 105,000 or fraction thereof	1 additional

D. Number of berths required; office use. For office use that has an aggregate gross floor area of 6,000 square feet or more, one loading berth shall be provided for the first 6,000 to 100,000 square feet of office floor area with one additional berth to be provided for each 100,000 square feet of floor area.

E. Minimum area of loading space. The minimum area for each off-street loading space, excluding area for maneuvering, shall be 250 square feet.

F. Loading area. At no time shall any part of a truck or van be allowed to extend into the right-of-way or a public thoroughfare while the truck or van is being loaded or unloaded.