11.24.25 PC Agenda Packet November 24, 2025 — 6:30 PM
Council Chambers
1.Call to Order, Land Acknowledgement, and Attendance
Attendance by presence, not roll call
2.Consent Agenda
All matters listed under Item 2 are considered routine in nature and will be enacted by one
motion. Individual discussion of these items is not planned. A member, however, may remove
any item to discuss as an item for separate consideration under New Business.
2.A.Approval of Agenda
2.B.November 10, 2025, Meeting Minutes
3.Public Hearings
3.A.Ordinance Amending Sections of Chapter 113 Related to Off-Street Parking and Loading
Regulations
4.New Business
5.Staff Updates
6.Commissioner Updates
7.Adjourn
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
The public may watch the meeting remotely on cable channel 16 or streaming on CCXmedia.org. The
public can make statements in this meeting during the planned public comment sections. Individuals
may also provide public hearing testimony remotely by emailing planning@goldenvalleymn.gov by 3
p.m. on the day of the meeting.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting November 24, 2025 — 6:30 PM
1
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Council
Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
1. CALL TO ORDER AND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Acting Chair Cohen called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. and read the Land Acknowledgement
Regular Members Present: Amy Barnstorff, Gary Cohen, Chuck Segelbaum, Martin Sicotte,
David Hill
Regular Members Absent: Mike Ruby and Eric Van Oss
Student Member, Status: Remy Rosenberg
Staff Members Present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Senior Planner
Steven Okey, Associate Planner
Chloe McGuire, Deputy Community Development Director
Council Member Present: None
2. CONSENT AGENDA:
2.A. Approval of agenda
• Cohen asked for a motion to approve.
• Barnstorff moved.
• Hill seconded.
• All voted in favor, and the motion passed.
2.B. Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No 25-007 Certifying Land Acquisition of 1875 Lilac Drive
North is in Compliance with the Comprehensive Plan
• Cohen noted adopting the resolution.
• Segelbaum stated that 2B is under the consent agenda. He clarified that the resolution has
not been adopted.
• Cohen agreed that it had not been adopted, but there was no public hearing for the
resolution.
• Kramer explained that there was a similar item on the consent agenda in the recent past, like
this. She added that if a discussion is needed, then the item can be pulled, or a separate
motion can be made to adopt the resolution.
• Segelbaum asked how the Staff determined to use the City versus the Commission in the
findings that were listed with the resolution.
• Kramer clarified to ask if Commissioner Segelbaum was referring to the numbered findings in
the resolution.
• Segelbaum explained that in the resolution 25-007, which includes the numbered findings,
how does the Staff determine whether to note when the findings state The City versus not,
such as in eight and nine.
• Kramer stated that the initial Whereas being held by the City Council, is that the Council took
action on September 15, to authorize the Staff to use that specific eminent domain action.
She added that the next two Whereas list the Planning Commission, as those are the findings
that the Staff is recommending the Commission adopt, which state that the acquisition of this
property in order to build a fire station, meets the City good goals, meets goals within the
comprehensive plan. She noted that Planning Commission does not see a lot of resolutions,
but when the Staff brings resolutions to the City Council, then the findings of fact that the Staff
is recommending are included, and then the Council, by approving an item, agrees with those
findings and adopts them as their own.
• Segelbaum stated the familiarity with analyzing something to see if it is consistent with the
City’s Comprehensive Plan, but not necessarily where the Commission is asked to make 2
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
findings of fact, such as those in the resolution. He added that the example of the new site
will increase safety by allowing drive-thru truck bays, space to avoid conflicts, and the City’s
firefighters deserve safe and updated facilities that will result in positive health outcomes,
which can only be completed with the construction of a new facility. He noted that the
Commission has not studied it sufficiently to come up with independent findings, and that it
could be subject to finding, because what was studied before coming up with the finding. He
stated that if the finding stated that the City had made that finding, then that would be
different, because then, within the purview of the Planning Commission, they are well
equipped to talk about whether or not something falls within a particular statute, code
section, or within the comprehensive plan. He noted the concern with the findings that do not
preface the City has determination.
• Kramer stated that in the packet she left out the findings that the Council had found in
September, and the findings in the Planning Commission's packet are taken from the findings
of the Council.
• Segelbaum explained that the findings are good, but the concern is with the findings and the
wording. He added that, for instance, did anyone else make a finding that positive health
outcomes, which can only be achieved with the construction of a new facility or safety, which
is currently unable to be completed in the City. He noted that if it was vetted by the Staff,
then it seems fine.
• Kramer summarized finding number one as stating what the institutional assembly land use
does.
• Segelbaum noted that finding one is in the purview of the Commission.
• Kramer explained that findings two through ten are from the findings of the City Council in
September. She added that finding eleven ties the acquisition of the land specifically to a
comprehensive plan goal.
• Segelbaum stated that finding eleven seems appropriate. He asked if there was a way to
rephrase two through ten.
• McGuire stated that findings two through ten could be removed, as they are not necessary for
the Planning Commission findings.
• Kramer noted that two through ten could be moved under the City Council, Whereas, and
then keep the Planning Commission specific ones in the current list.
• Segelbaum added that one and eleven would be appropriate for the Planning Commission.
• McGuire stated that findings one, two, and eleven would be good.
• Segelbaum agreed that two would be fine as well.
• Cohen clarified that as the Acting Chair, he met with Staff before the meeting, and the
Planning Commission is acting to certify the land acquisition as compliance with the
comprehensive plan, not whether it is the right location or other myriad of issues. He added
that the Commission is focusing on how it impacts the comprehensive plan and zoning. He
noted that moving findings one, two, and eleven under the Commission, and three through
ten under the Council, will help to clarify the final document that will go to the City Council.
• Segelbaum stated that the Commission should discuss whether it agrees with the findings.
• Cohen noted that it is a worthwhile discussion.
• Segelbaum explained that a new fire station, given all the facts that are listed, is very much
consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and is an important asset for the City. He
added that it meets a lot of the goals about health, safety, welfare, and community.
• Cohen stated that, seeing there is no further discussion, the motion would be that the 3
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Council
Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
Planning Commission adopt the resolution.
• Segelbaum moved to adopt Planning Commission 25-007 certifying that the land acquisition of
81875 Lilac Drive North is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, assuming the
resolution has been amended as discussed.
• Sicotte seconded.
• All voted in favor, and the motion passed.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3.A. Minor Subdivision at 911 Winnetka Avenue South
Kramer presented the Minor Subdivision at 911 Winnetka Avenue South and a
recommendation for approval. She added that the Applicant was in attendance as well.
Cohen asked if there were any questions for the Staff.
Hill asked which property the fence would be on.
Kramer showed a picture of the property, noting where the edge of the driveway will be and
where the fence is currently. She added that when the property line moves up, it will be just
north of the fence. She noted that currently, the two owners are family members, but the City
Attorney advised the move because, in the future, the fence may become a problem.
Sicotte asked if, once it goes through the City Council, this would be an item that would be
passed administratively and not go before the Planning Commission.
Kramer stated that it would be correct in the future, because it met all the requirements,
there is no variance or any other additional application needed for it, so in the future,
applications like this one will not go before the Planning Commission; they will just be
approved administratively by the Staff.
Cohen opened up the public hearing.
Resident Rusty Danielson, 911 Winnetka Avenue South, spoke.
Danielson stated that his driveway was the old Eerie Lane alley, and he is pouring the curb cut
straight back. He added that if this is not done, then there would be three feet of gravel on
one side of the driveway, which does not make sense. He stated that his neighbor did not
object to moving the property line.
Cohen closed the public hearing and opened the item for discussion.
Barnstorff stated that it makes a lot of sense, and she is looking forward to it going through
the Council so that it does not have to go before the Planning Commission because it will save
many people a lot of time. She noted she is in favor.
Segelbaum explained that there are only certain criteria that would permit the Commission to
deny the application, and none of those criteria appear to be present. He added that because
of that, the Commission needs to approve it.
Sicotte and Hill agreed with the approval.
Cohen added that the Commission is looking forward to the City Council acting on what the
Commission has approved so that these types of applications can be dealt with
administratively.
Cohen asked for a motion.
Sicotte moved to recommend approval of the minor subdivision for a lot line adjustment at
911 and 843 Winnetka Avenue South, subject to the findings and conditions in the Staff
report.
Barnstorff seconded the motion.
All voted in favor, and the motion passed.
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CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Council
Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
3.B. Ordinance Amending Chapter 105 - Signs
Cohen introduced the topic of the Ordinance Amending Chapter 105 – Signs.
Kramer introduced the presenter, Erin Perdu, who was part of the consulting team that helped
to update the sign code.
Perdu presented the code amendment from the Staff report.
Segelbaum asked if the number of signs that are used had been considered. He added that
some properties have a large number of many of the same signs, and the use of many signs,
something that was thought about.
Perdu stated that in some districts, it was considered. She pointed out that in the regulations
by zoning districts, the number of signs is indicated in some of the districts, but not in R1 and
R2. She noted that in the office, commercial, and the light industrial the number of free-
standing signs is limited to one or one per street frontage, so repeated signs are not allowed.
She stated that for wall signs, there is a maximum of one per wall.
Segelbaum asked which section the free-standing signs code is listed in.
Perdu stated that it is in the table, section 105-11 Regulations by Zoning District. She added
that many lists and texts were consolidated into tables.
Segelbaum asked in an R3 or R4 district, if there were a series of signs spaced ten to twenty
feet apart along the road, the code would hypothetically limit it to just one. He asked if free-
standing means connected to the building.
Perdu stated that there is a definition in the code, but basically free-standing structure is a
structure that is in the ground.
Hill asked about the electronic and flashing signs, but was curious if there was anything about
efficiency, such as LED.
Perdu noted that there is nothing in the code currently about efficiency. She added that the
code regulates the manner and the construction of signs, but if the Commission wanted to
include something about choosing energy-efficient fixtures, it could be included. She stated
that she has not seen that in a sign code.
Segelbaum asked what enforcement mechanisms the City has when someone is not
compliant. He added that it needs to be clarified whether this must be specified explicitly or
whether it is simply treated like any other provision when someone is out of compliance.
Kramer explained that the question gets to a lot of the internal discussion that was had on
sign code, not just looking at the ordinance, but how the ordinance would be enforced
internally. She stated that any complaint or non-compliance would be handled like any other
non-compliance issue. She noted that the City is getting more code compliance staff,
hopefully soon, as it is in the proposed budget. She explained that right now, the Planning
Staff would go out and let people know that they are out of compliance with the system that is
used to issue citations and such.
Segelbaum asked what the mechanisms are to handle it.
Kramer stated that it is all handled internally and that in the future, it can be done more
efficiently and be responsive to it in the new year.
Perdu noted that there is not a lot of language about enforcement in this section of the code,
but generally, there is language in the code about how the provisions are enforced, and this
would be among them.
Kramer added that part of what the Staff was trying to do with the sign code update is to
make a code that is more easily enforceable.
Cohen stated that once the code update is adopted, clarification is needed on whether
businesses that do not meet the new code will be grandfathered in or how that situation will
be handled.
Kramer stated that it would be like any other code change; if the person is no longer in 5
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PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Council
Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
compliance, then there is a legal nonconformity. She added that a legal nonconformity can
exist as is, but it cannot be expanded. She gave an example that if, after the code change, a
property has more signage than is allowed, they can maintain the signs, but are not allowed to
add more. She noted that if the building got torn down and the signage were removed, when
the building is rebuilt, it would have to be in compliance with the code.
Sicotte asked about murals and artwork, and how they differentiate from signage to make
sure there is room for artwork.
Perdu stated that a definition was included of a painted wall sign, and the definition of a sign
was revised. She noted that this was a question from the City Attorney as well about what the
difference is between a painted wall sign and a mural. She pointed out that the definition of a
sign is an advertisement for commercial purposes, and a mural does not meet that definition.
She stated that public art and murals are not included in the code, but painted wall signs were
added as a valid sign and would be included in the updated code. She restated that a mural
does not meet the definition of a sign, therefore is not limited by the code amendment.
Sicotte asked about corporate-inspired art, and there may not be answers, but it is a gray area
and could cause an issue.
Perdu noted that there is a definition of mural as well, and the Staff tried to make it a clear as
possible, but there may be difficult situations that come up.
Hill asked about the various signs that may be in drive-thrus, which give directions, and if that
should be allowed or covered.
Perdu stated that in section 105-6, and in consultation with the City Attorney, she indicated
that the City could not specifically call out directional signs. She noted that the solution to
that is stated as if a sign is not legible from the right-of-way, then it does not count as part of
your signage. She gave an example of menu boards. She added that some directional signs
may fall into this, but there is allowance for free-standing and wall signs for all commercial
businesses, so they could flex that to accommodate.
Segelbaum stated that assuming someone does want to have a sign that reads enter and it is
legible from the roadway, but the intent of the code is not necessarily to ban that in
combination with the sign for the business. He asked if there was any sort of mechanism that
a person could follow to petition to get special dispensation.
Kramer noted that the person could apply for a variance.
Segelbaum asked if it would go to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Kramer stated that it is correct.
Perdu added that in section 105-6, signs that are six square feet and smaller are exempt, with
the intention of not regulating the small signs.
Segelbaum asked if it would still count as one sign.
Perdu explained that the sign is exempt from the ordinance, so it would not count as the one
sign either.
Segelbaum asked if a succession of five signs that are five square feet would be allowed.
Perdu read that the language in the code reads that the signs have to be six square feet or
less, less than three feet in height, and located adjacent to a driveway or private road. She
added that in theory, it would protect against lining up signs along the right-of-way.
Segelbaum asked if there is a series of them that are smaller.
Perdu noted that if the signs are not adjacent to an entrance or a driveway, then the signs are
not exempt from the code and would fall under the maximum of one.
Segelbaum asked if any updates are anticipated to be more controversial than others.
Perdu explained that she did not think there would be any that would be highly controversial,
as the City was very intentional about talking to people before writing, about what kind of
flexibility in the code would be helpful. She noted that in many cases, the size was increased 6
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Council
Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
where necessary. She added that the most controversial thing may be the things that the City
cannot regulate because of the content, such as cannabis signs.
Hill stated that when the parking code was updated, the word church was replaced with
places of assembly, and he asked whether the same change should be made in this code.
Kramer noted that it is a good callout and an easy fix.
Cohen opened up the public hearing.
Resident Robby Dolan, 900 Mendelsshon Avenue, spoke
Dolan stated that he is an employee of Ascentek/Lube-Tech. He noted that the campus is
18.69 acres spread across five different lots and four buildings. He stated that the team
consists of 348 people and is privately owned. He explained that the company has recently
grown and has opened up new capabilities for the business, which has given the company the
opportunity to rebrand. He added that he is the Senior Marketing Manager and is working on
updating signage. He stated that the proposed simplification of the ordinance is very much
appreciated by the company. He added that in going into the future with different means of
technology, as well as more traffic going down 169, it gives the company the unique
opportunity to compete against commercial lots and commercial zoned areas. He feels it will
benefit the company greatly, and the work that is being done is supported.
Cohen closed the public hearing and opened the item for discussion.
Barnstorff stated that she appreciates the simplification of the code, and it is nice to hear from
a business that the changes are making it easier to work with. She noted her full support and
appreciation for the work that has been done.
Hill noted that he was not present for the start of this code amendment. He asked if the rest
of the Commission feels that most of the concerns were addressed and if the Commissioners
are comfortable with what was addressed.
Segelbaum stated that specific types of issues were talked about that the Commission saw,
and the questions that came up again to see if they were addressed in the code, and the issues
had been regulated, meaning permitted or not permitted. He feels satisfied with the issues
having been addressed.
Sicotte agreed and did not recall exactly the nuances of the conversation, but some things
were originally noticed. He recalled that there was discussion about signs with a lot of
movement or moving text, and there were items in the code that were adjusted or updated to
clarify that type of thing. He added that the feedback that was provided seemed to be
incorporated in a meaningful way.
Cohen agreed and noted that the Commission discussion was higher level, not as specific. He
indicated that he was impressed by the work the City Attorney did in identifying what can
legally be done and what cannot be done within the code. He added that he was impressed by
the outreach that was done to businesses and others with the expertise. He stated that
oftentimes people will state no one talked to us or we did not know, but that is not the case
this time.
Sicotte added that the addition of all the graphics is wonderful and very clear. He stated that
if there are opportunities to add graphics in the rest of the code, that would be a wonderful
idea.
Segelbaum noted that part of the concerns in the past has been that the sign code has not
been clear, so therefore, more difficult to enforce. He added that it is a big improvement, and
may not cover everything, but the hypotheticals that the Commission came up with seemed to
be covered.
Hill noted that he was impressed with the audit and how much detail went into it, all the
feedback, and how it was all able to be applied.
Cohen stated that the City is continuing to update and simplify the codes, which is very helpful 7
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Council
Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
to the community at large as the City progresses forward. He asked if the City will be at a
point where other cities come and look at Golden Valley and note that they want to use the
City’s model.
Kramer stated that, in speaking for community development staff, that is the goal of the Staff
is to be the model. She thanked Commissioner Cohen for those words. She noted the
fantastic job that Stantec did.
Cohen asked if there were any other questions or comments on the sign code ordinance. He
then asked for a motion.
Barnstorff moved to recommend approval of the ordinance amending Chapter 105 – Signs,
subject to the findings and conditions in the Staff report.
Sicotte seconded the motion.
Kramer stated a point of order and asked if the Commission wanted to recommend approval
with the condition to change the word church to places of assembly.
Barnstorff moved to recommend approval of the ordinance amending Chapter 105 – Signs,
with the amendment put forth by Commissioner Hill and subject to the findings and conditions
in the Staff report.
Sicotte seconded the motion.
All voted in favor, and the motion passed.
4. NEW BUSINESS: -None
5. STAFF UPDATES:
Okey gave an update on the parking code. He noted that there was a meeting regarding the
Town Center Plan, and the parking code came back up. He stated that it came up that perhaps
some of the bicycle requirements might be a little ambitious at this point. He added that as
the City gets more bike infrastructure, more with the bicycles could be implemented. He
stated that much of the parking code that had regard to biking was removed, and he would
send the updated version to the Commission.
Barnstorff asked if it is indoor parking, outdoor parking, or both.
Okey stated that it is mainly the indoor parking for commercial uses. He noted that the code
would still have indoor parking requirements for multifamily buildings.
Barnstorff asked if bicycle parking would still be required on the exterior.
Okey stated that it will be required on the exterior, and in fact, the percentage of required
bicycle parking has been upped as related to the required vehicular parking. He added that it
will come to the Commission on November 24 for final approval.
Kramer stated that Monday, November 24, would be a parking code update public hearing
and no other applications. She noted that Tuesday, November 25, is the Board of Zoning
Appeals, with Commissioner Cohen to be present, and there will be two variance applications.
She added that on November 19, the Council will see the 911 Winnetka Minor Subdivision and
the Code Amendments for CUPs, variance, and subdivisions on the consent agenda. She
stated that on December 2, the City Council will see the sign code update and the parking code
update. She added that the Planning Commission’s last meeting of the year would be on
December 8, with two applications, one for a minor subdivision and variance, and Breck
School has submitted the preliminary plat and preliminary PUD application. She noted that
the Planning Commission meeting on December 22 and the BZA meeting on December 23
have been cancelled.
Segelbaum asked if it would be a major PUD amendment.
Kramer explained that it will be a rescind and replace. She noted that there will be a fresh
PUD. She stated that on November 17, there is a neighborhood meeting for the minor 8
CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Monday, November 10, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Council
Chamber 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, MN 55427
subdivision application at 400 Sunny Ridge Lane, and it is a hybrid with a Teams link. She
added that on November 20, there will be a similar neighborhood meeting for the Breck
School application. She noted that on November 13, there is a Golden Valley Climate Equity
Plans Art event at Brookview, which is a family-friendly event to learn about simple ways to
become more sustainable with energy, water, waste, and transportation.
Segelbaum asked if it is posted on the City website.
Kramer confirmed that it is.
Cohen asked if Councilmember Ginis was present.
Kramer stated no, and there is no Council update. She reminded the Commission that an
email should have been received from IT with security training, with a heavy focus on AI.
Barnstorff noted that the email coming from an outside source felt very sketchy. She clarified
that it was a real email and should be completed.
Kramer stated that there is a real email with training that needs to be done, but if there is ever
a concern about a link, just check in with her.
Segelbaum asked about which courses to do, as some were listed as overdue and some were
not due for several weeks.
Kramer stated that there are three courses. She added that the Staff will try to schedule
annual training with the City Attorney, probably in the month of January. She noted that she
is aware of not having the safety training with the Police Chief, and will continue to work on
getting something together for that.
6. COMMISSIONER UPDATES: -None
7. ADJOURNMENT: Acting Chair Cohen adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community Development
763-512-2345 / 763-512-2344 (fax)
Golden Valley Planning Commission Meeting
November 24, 2025
Agenda Item
3.A. Ordinance Amending Sections of Chapter 113 Related to Off-Street Parking and Loading
Regulations
Prepared By
Steven Okey, Associate Planner
Summary
Periodically, Planning Division staff update sections of the zoning code to reflect current
administrative processes and industry best practices. Tonight, staff proposes updates to sections of
the City Code Chapter 113 related to off-street parking and loading. This draft ordinance is based on
work sessions with Planning Commission as well as past and current city studies, current market
demands, and to prepare for future Golden Valley initiatives.
Recommended Action
Motion to recommend approval of the ordinance amending Sections 113-151, 113-88, 113-89, 113-91,
and 113-159, based on the findings in the staff report.
Supporting Documents
Staff Report
Summary of Ordinance Effects
Off Street Parking and Loading - Redlined Version
Draft Ordinance
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1
Date: November 24, 2025
To: Golden Valley Planning Commission
From: Steven Okey, Associate Planner
Subject: Ordinance Amending Sections 113-151, 113-88, 113-89, 113-91, and 113-159
Meeting dates:
Planning Commission work session 1: September 8, 2023
Planning Commission work session 2: October 13, 2025
Planning Commission – formal public hearing: November 24, 2025
City Council – consent agenda action: December 16, 2025
Planning Analysis:
City Code Section 113-29 governs the process for amending the zoning code. Zoning text
amendments may be initiated by the City or by an outside applicant. Planning Commission
holds a public hearing, reviews the application, and makes a recommendation to City Council.
Level of Discretion in Decision Making:
The City has a high level of discretion when considering changes to the zoning code. Zoning text
amendments are considered a legislative action, which gives City Council broad authority to
amend the zoning code in the interest of the general health, safety, and welfare of the
community.
Section 113-151 Off-Street Parking and Loading
Staff proposes repealing and replacing the City Code sections that governs Off-Street Parking
and Loading. Section 113-151 describes the purpose of the section as “The purpose of requiring
and regulating off-street parking and loading is to prevent congestion on public rights-of-way
and private roadways and to promote the safety and general welfare of the public.” This
section is out of date and: it has not been updated substantially since 1988. There were three
minor revisions: one in 2002 to remove Radio Zoning Districts and related parking regulations,
the second one in 2019 to change the use from “Business and Professional Offices” to “Office”,
and the third revision in 2023 with updates to lighting requirements, permeable pavers,
11
external landscaping, joint parking setbacks, location, changes to the parking table, and the
addition of electric vehicle provisions.
Some of the purposes of this ordinance are:
1.To edit outdated code language particularly that which pertains to design standards.
2.To reduce parking requirements for many uses in response to market demands and to
reduce the burden on redevelopment.
3.To align with the City’s Strategic Plan goal #5 – Strategic (Re)Development.
4.To reduce parking requirements for residential uses to make housing developments
more affordable to build.
5.To simplify language to make it easier to use for the public.
6.To remove vague requirements.
7.To align with the recommendations in the Downtown User Experience Framework.
8.To make changes to further sustainability and to align with the Climate Equity Plan. This
includes increasing Electric Vehicle requirements, reducing impervious surface, and
increasing landscaping.
9.To reduce parking minimums as per the Zoning for Equity Report (2021).
Review of Substantial Changes to Section 113-151 Off-Street Parking and Loading
Section 113-151(a)(1) Purpose and Application
1.We updated the applicability requirements to remove the change of use trigger for
complying with the new code. This was in part due to not having a good mechanism to
track change of use and this could create an unequitable application of the code. We
will still be applying the new standards to Restricted Uses, Conditional Use Permits,
Planned Unit Developments and Site Plan Review.
Section 113-151(b) Design Standards
1.The design standards were updated to current standards that were out of date,
removed any code references that could potentially be in conflict with right of way
standards or other Engineering Department standards, and required submittal for
review to City Engineer on any new site plans where parking changes are proposed.
2.We increased the required number of landscaping islands located in the parking lots.
The requirement is now a landscape island for every 12 spots versus the old standard of
24 spots. We reduced external landscape setbacks to be more aligned with
development while still keeping screening requirements for any parking lots abutting
R-1 and R-2 zoning districts.
3.We removed vague language regarding providing pedestrian access across parking lots
to increase pedestrian safety. We provided some written examples and images to
demonstrate the types of access required.
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Section 113-151(c) Minimum Number of Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.
1.Reductions were made in many uses to be more development friendly, removed uses
from the table that were no longer valid, consolidated/simplified the restaurant
categories to be clearer and combined other similar uses for simplicity. The
recommended levels come from the Downtown User Experience Study, American
Planning Association (APA) recommendations and Institute of Transportation (ITE)
recommendations.
2.With the reductions in requirements we did allow for a higher percentage for maximum
parking to not penalize businesses who can have a need for higher parking numbers. We
also allowed for reductions in minimums and maximums based on a demonstrated
need. This will help smaller businesses who may not be able to meet the requirements
otherwise.
3.We have also created a more robust list of available reductions in parking for
developments. These include reductions for developments with proximity to transit,
proximity to regional bike trails, those who provide carpool spaces, those providing
electrical vehicle charging stations above the requirement, and motorcycle/motor
scooter spaces. This in an effort to encourage multi-modal transportation and
reductions in vehicle miles traveled.
Section 113-151(e) Bicycle Parking
1.This section was expanded from a design standard to its own section. We included
better definitions, increased the required short term bike parking and increased the
amount required to one space per dwelling for multi-family dwellings. We also included
location requirements for bike parking facilities and bicycle parking design standards.
Section 113-151(f) Electric Vehicle Provisions
1.We removed the requirement for multi-family residential uses to install electric vehicle
charging stations to reduce costs for housing developments but we did require they
have 25 percent parking spaces with electrical vehicle charging infrastructure which is
less expensive but it still promotes sustainability goals.
2.Performance standards, setback requirements, and signage requirements were added.
Performance standards include safety, location, and accessibility.
Section 113-151(g) Loading Regulations
1.Many changes were made to this section to include more robust design standards
that include size, location, screening, and construction.
2.The vague requirements for off-street loading were removed and more specific
numbers were implemented. We did allow for reductions in the number of required
loading spaces through a demonstration of facility need.
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Section 113-88 Single-Family Residential (R-1) Zoning District
Staff recommend changing Subsection (f)(5)a to amend the enclosed garage requirements for
single-family dwellings from two to one for lots 50 feet in width or greater and no garage
requirement for lots 50 feet in width or less to match the garage requirements in Subsection
113-151(c) – Single family dwellings.
Section 113-89 Moderate Density Residential (R-2) Zoning District
Staff recommend changing Subsection (f)(5)a to amend the enclosed garage requirements for
single-family dwellings from two to one for lots 50 feet in width or greater and no garage
requirement for lots 50 feet in width or less to match the garage requirements in Subsection
113-151(c) – Single family dwellings.
Section 113-91 High Density Residential (R-4) Zoning District
Staff recommend changing Subsection (k) to remove the parking space reductions language as
the amended parking code provides reductions and alternatives in all zones in Subsection 113-
151(c)(6) – Reductions and Alternatives to Automobile Parking.
Section 113-159 Accessory Dwelling Units
Staff recommend changing Subsection (c)(4) to remove the parking requirements for an
Accessory Dwelling Unit to match the new parking requirements in Subsection 113-151(c) –
Accessory dwelling units.
Public Notification
To comply with State law and the City’s public hearing notice requirements, the City published a
public hearing notice in the Sun Post Newspaper. At the time of this report staff has received no
comments on the proposed ordinance.
Next Steps
City Council will take action on the proposed code amendments in January, 2026.
Staff Contact
Steven Okey, Associate Planner
sokey@goldenvalleymn.gov
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Code Section Change What are the effects of these changes?
Section 113-151(a)(1) Purpose
and Application
1. We updated the applicability requirements to
remove the change of use trigger for complying with
the new code. This was in part due to not having a
good mechanism to track change of use and this could
create an unequitable application of the code.
2. We will still be applying the new standards to
Restricted Uses, Conditional Use Permits, Planned Unit
Developments and Site Plan Review.
This will ensure that new developments and large-scale
redevelopment will meet the parking lot and loading zones
standards. This will not affect existing developments that do not
undergo a change in their development that triggers one of the
listed land use processes.
This will not have an effect on existing residential properties with
the exception of new or redeveloped multi-family residential
properties.
Section 113-151(b) Design
Standards
1. The design standards were updated to current
standards that were out of date, removed any code
references that could potentially be in conflict with
right of way standards or other Engineering
Department standards, and required submittal for
review to City Engineer on any new site plans where
parking changes are proposed.
2. We increased the required number of landscaping
islands located in the parking lots. The requirement is
now a landscape island for every 12 spots versus the
old standard of 24 spots. We reduced external
landscape setbacks to be more aligned with
development while still keeping screening
requirements for any parking lots abutting
R-1 and R-2 zoning districts.
3. We removed vague language regarding providing
pedestrian access across parking lots to increase
pedestrian safety. We provided some written examples
and images to demonstrate the types of access
required.
These changes will ensure that the most up to date standards
related to stormwater, run-off mitigation, and parking lot
construction are met and will allow us to have our City Engineer
review any proposals before they are approved. This will help us
maintain and/or improve our watershed.
These changes will help mitigate the heat islands created by large
expanses of asphalt and cement. The landscaping also will help with
the management of stormwater runoff and will create more visually
appealing developments with increased tree canopy and plantings.
The required screening will help those lower density residential
neighborhoods by having the landscape buffer to improve the
viewshed.
These changes will create a safer environment in new parking lots
by creating pedestrian pathways that will be easier for drivers to
see and separate the pedestrians from the drive aisles as much as is
possible.
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Code Section Change What are the effects of these changes?
Section 113-151(c) Minimum
Number of Required Off-Street
Parking Spaces
1. Reductions were made in many uses to be more
development friendly, removed uses from the table
that were no longer valid, consolidated/simplified the
restaurant categories to be clearer and combined
other similar uses for simplicity. The recommended
levels come from the Downtown User Experience
Study, American Planning Association (APA)
recommendations and Institute of Transportation (ITE)
recommendations.
2. With the reductions in requirements we did allow
for a higher percentage for maximum parking to not
penalize businesses who can have a need for higher
parking numbers. We also allowed for reductions in
minimums and maximums based on a demonstrated
need, this will help smaller businesses who may not be
able to meet the requirements otherwise.
3. We have also created a more robust list of available
reductions in parking for developments. These include
reductions for developments with proximity to transit,
proximity to regional bike trails, those who provide
carpool spaces, those providing electrical vehicle
charging stations above the requirement, and
motorcycle/motor scooter spaces. This in an effort to
encourage multi-modal transportation and reductions
in vehicle miles traveled.
These reductions will hopefully create a more development friendly
environment in Golden Valley by reacting the changing market
demands for lower parking requirements and by simplifying the
uses it will be more user friendly to developers.
These changes that we made to the residential parking
requirements were done to hopefully make residential
development easier. The changes to the residential parking
requirements will not affect existing homeowners, the changes will
only apply to new construction. The same amount of parking for
new single-family homes is still in place, the requirement is for 2
parking spaces per single-family dwelling, the number of required
garage spaces was reduced, again this is only for new construction.
These changes we added of available reductions should incentivize
developers to implement more environmentally sustainable designs
when they design their projects. Developers will be able to reduce
their parking burden while creating a more environmentally
sensitive site through increased multi-modal transportation
options, encouraging carpooling, and providing electric vehicle
charging stations.
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Code Section Change What are the effects of these changes?
Section 113-151(e) Bicycle
Parking
This section was expanded from a design standard to
its own section. We included better definitions,
increased the required short term bike parking and
increased the amount required to one space per
dwelling for multi-family dwellings. We also included
location requirements for bike parking facilities and
bicycle parking design standards.
This expansion is in anticipation of future goals for the City of
Golden Valley to create more bike friendly infrastructure. These
new requirements will make it easier for cyclists to find safe places
to park their bikes and to encourage more biking. By encouraging
biking, we can reduce green-house gas emissions.
Section 113-151(g) Loading
Regulations
1. Many changes were made to this section to include
more robust design standards that include size,
location, screening, and construction.
2. The vague requirements for off-street loading were
removed and more specific numbers were
implemented. We did allow for reductions in the
number of required loading spaces through a
demonstration of facility need.
These changes will create safer loading areas in developments that
should not interfere with traffic and pedestrian movement on sites
where trucks are making deliveries. This should also help with
taking the loading of product off of city streets by insuring there are
designates loading areas on site.
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Sec. 113-151. Off-Street Parking and Loading.
(a) Purpose and Application. The purpose of requiring and regulating off-street parking and loading is to prevent
congestion on public rights-of-way and private roadways and to promote the safety and general welfare of the
public. The following minimums are established for off-street parking and loading based on the use of land and
structures. If a change of use occurs, the new use shall comply with the off-street parking and loading
requirements.
(1) Applicability. The following will require compliance with the current Off-Street Parking and Loading
regulations:
a. Construction of new principal buildings.
a. Reconstruction of or the reconfiguration of existing parking. Reconstruction constitutes taking
the parking down to the base substructure. Mill and overlay does not trigger adherence to the
current parking code.
b. Subsection (c) Minimum Number of Required Off-Street Parking Spaces applies to restricted
uses, conditional use permit (CUPs), planned unit developments (PUDs), and through the site
plan review process.
(b) Design Standards.
a. Site Plan. Application for construction of new buildings, expansion of existing buildings, reuse of existing
buildings and reconstruction of or the reconfiguration of existing parking or driveways, shall include a
site plan or plot plan for parking, which is drawn to scale and dimensioned, which depicts the location
and number of off-street parking spaces consistent with this section, which shows proposed internal
landscaping, and which includes provisions for storage and/ or removal of snow.
b. Access and Curb Cuts. All off-street automobile parking facilities shall be designed with appropriate
means of vehicular access to a street or alley and with adequate maneuvering area. Detailed plans of all
curb cuts or driveway openings may havemust to be submitted to the City Engineer for approval of all
curb cuts or driveway openings before a permit will be granted.
c. Use. With the exception of garage sales and other sales events approved or otherwise allowed by the
City, required off-street parking and loading areas and the driveways providing access to them shall not
be used for the storage, display, sale or rental or repair of goods or for the storage of inoperable
vehicles.
d. Lighting. Where artificial lighting is provided in parking lots, it shall be directed perpendicular to the
ground and arranged to reflect away from any residences, street or highway. All light fixtures shall
minimize glare and spillover from the site and shall meet the standards outlined in Sec. 113-153,
Outdoor Lighting, of the City Code.
e. Dimensions for Spaces. All required off-street parking spaces shall meet the dimensional requirements
in the parking layout table below. be at least nine feet in width and at least 18.5 feet in depth, except
for handicapped spaces and compact car spaces. Accessible Parking spaces must meet the Minnesota
Accessibility Code.
f. Surfacing; Construction Standards. Parking areas and driveways shall be surfaced with an all-weather
dustless material. Parking is not permitted on lawns or other landscaped areas. Parking lots containing
more than six spaces and access drives, except for landscaped areas, shall be covered with asphalt,
brick, concrete, or concrete pavers (including grass-crete or other permeable pavers where deemed
appropriate by the City Manager or his/herEngineer or their designee) or concrete with proper surface
drainage as required by the City. The finished surface shall be capable of carrying a load of 2,000
pounds per square foot at least 7,000 pounds per axle. (Normally a two-inch blacktop surfacing on a
four-inch base or five inches of Portland cement will meet this requirement.)
a. Permeable pavers shall not be considered pervious surface for purposes of meeting City
impervious surface maximums with out approval from City Engineer and if designed and
maintained to manufacturer specifications.and provision of a long-term maintenance
agreement.
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g. Grade, Drainage and Curbing.
a. Grade. In general, grades shall not exceed five percent. Site grading plans shall be
submitted to the City Engineer or their designee for review. and shall meet the following
standard: Private roads, driveways (other than single-family), parking lots, and loading
docks exposed to the elements shall have grades of not less than five percent nor more
than four percent in order to provide adequate drainage and maneuverability of vehicles.
a. Grades in excess of four percent will be reviewed for approval based on: the amount by
which the grade exceeds four percent, number of slopes, length of slopes, starting and
stopping areas and their grades, angles and curvatures, traffic volumes, parking turn-over,
turning and intersection factors, road-way width, lineal feet and/or number of spaces with
grades over four percent, sight distance and obstructions and alternative routes.
b. Drainage. Off-street parking areas shall be designed to drain and properly dispose of
surface water. Alternative low impact development practices such as rain gardens and
vegetative swales are encouraged by the City. Detailed plans for drainage shall be
submitted to the City Manager Engineer or their designee or his/her designee for
approval.review.
c. Curbing. Parking lots containing more than six spaces shall be delineated by a concrete box
curb or concrete curb and gutter extending at least six inches above and six inches below
the surface. The curb may have cuts for drainage. Exception: Some exception for rain
gardens may be allowed provided suitable controls are provided to prevent cars from
parking beyond the intended limits.
8) Parking Layouts. Required off-street parking consisting of six or more spaces shall be consistent with
the layout alternatives and dimensions specified in the parking layout chart below except handicapped
Accessible spaces and, if allowed by the City, compact car spaces.
a. Landscape Traffic Islands. Traffic islands shall be provided based on the circulation system,
number of spaces, frequency of use (turnover rate), and other relevant factors. Traffic
islands can shall be landscaped to meet interior landscape requirements.
PARKING LAYOUT CHART Minimum Requirements
Dimension Diagram Parking Angle to Curb or Lane
45° 60° 75° 90°
Stall width parallel to aisle* A 12.7 ft. 10.4 ft. 9.3 ft. 9.0 ft.
Stall length of line B 25.0 ft. 22.0 ft. 20.0 ft. 18.5 ft.
Stall depth C 17.5 ft. 19.0 ft. 19.5 ft. 18.5 ft.
Aisle width D 12.0 ft. 16.0 ft. 23.0 ft. 24.0 ft.
Stall depth, interlock E 15.3 ft. 17.5 ft. 18.8 ft. 18.5 ft.
Module, edge of pavement to interlock F 44.8 ft. 52.5 ft. 61.3 ft. 61.0 ft.
Module, interlocking G 42.6 ft. 51.0 ft. 61.0 ft. 63.0 ft.
Module, interlock to curb face H 42.8 ft. 50.2 ft. 58.8 ft. 60.5 ft.
Bumper overhang (typical) I 2.0 ft. 2.3 ft. 2.5 ft. 2.5 ft.
Offset J 6.3 ft. 2.7 ft. 0.5 ft. 0.0 ft.
Cross aisle, one-way L 14.0 ft. 14.0 ft. 14.0 ft. 14.0 ft.
Cross aisle, two-way L 90° 24.0 ft. 24.0 ft. 24.0 ft. 24.0 ft.
Minimum inside turning radius for fire lanes — 45 ft. 45 ft. 45 ft. 45 ft.
Fire Lane Requirements Must meet current adopted fire code and appendices.
Parking or drive aisle setback to principal
structure
O 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft.
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Landscape traffic islands P See Diagram Landscape traffic islands shall be at a minimum
the width of one parking space and the length of two parking
spaces based on the measurements above.
Landscaped islands located between parking
spaces.
Q See Diagram Landscape islands shall be at the minimum the
width of one parking space and the length of two parking
spaces based on the measurements above.
Parallel parking:
Stall width (8.5 or 9 ft.)
Stall length (22 or 23 ft.)
Compact parking space:
Stall width 8 ft.
Stall length 17.5 ft.
Motorcycle/Motor Scooter parking space:
Stall width 4 ft.
Stall length 9ft.
Motorcycle/Motor Scooter parking spaces should be constructed of rigid pavement not bituminous pavement.
*Required handicap Accessible stalls and ramps shall be per State Code. Minnesota Accessibility Code
*Some minor deviations from this table may be allowed in special circumstances related to the number and percent of
spaces involved and site-dimensional constraints which support a minor deviation. As determined by the City Manager or
their designee.
(9) Landscaping; Internal and External. The minimum required landscaped areas, within which there shall be no
parking or drive aisles (except driveway access from street) in R-3, R-4, Institutional, Office, Commercial, Light
Industrial, and Industrial all Zoning Districts, shall be:
b. External Landscaping. These areas shall be maintained fully as landscaped green space and may or may not
include vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and other native plants. In cases where a parking lot is located on the
periphery of sites and in view of adjacent to R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districtsproperties, the City will require them to
be screened with trees, shrubs, fencing, berms or some combination of these in setback areas along one or more
lot lines.
1. Front yard: 25 15 feet for R-3 and R-4 districts; 35 10 feet for all others (see M on diagram).
2. Side and rear yards: one-half of the required building setback (see N on diagram).
c. Internal Landscaping. Parking lots designed and constructed for more than 4030 off-street parking spaces shall
have at least four eight percent of the interior of the parking lot landscaped with vegetation including shade
trees. Each landscape break shall occur approximately at least every 2412 spaces. Such landscaping is expected to
be in traffic islands, other islands or other areas used for drainage or lighting standard or exclusive landscape
islands located within the interior portion of the parking lot. Such landscaped areas shall not be considered as
impervious if essentially the ground is left open. A landscape plan shall be submitted as part of the required site
plan. The landscape plan shall be approved by the City Manager or his/hertheir designee. Financial security shall
be provided as per Tree and Landscape Compliance Requirements, Sec. 111-9.(b)All landscaping shall be
guaranteed with a financial security for a period of one full growing season.
(10) Joint Parking Setbacks. Joint or combined parking facilities on separate lots as authorized and when constructed
adjacent to a common lot line separating two or more parking areas are not required to observe the parking area setback
from such a common lot line.
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21
(10) Joint Parking Setbacks. Approved joint or combined parking facilities, on separate lots constructed adjacent to a
common lot line separating two or more parking areas, are not required to observe the parking area setback
from the common lot line.
(11) Fire Lane. Off-street parking lots may have to be designed to include fire lanes as determined by the City
Manager or his/her designee.
(12) Spaces Delineated. All required off-street parking areas consisting of six or more spaces shall be delineated by
durable painted stripes at least four inches wide unless walls or columns are used to provide an equivalent
means to delineate the spaces such as in an underground garageparking structure.
(13) Location. Required off-street parking shall be located on the same lot as the use it serves, except where parking
spaces cannot be reasonably provided on the same lot as the principal use, the City may permit such required
parking spaces to be located on other property in a similar zoning district located within 500 feet of the
permitted use, measured along lines of public access.
(14) Parking Ramps and Underground Parking. Because of the cost of such spaces and more control over
environmental factors, the City Manager or his/her their designee may allow someadministratively approve a
reduction in the width of aisles and spaces as long as it meets public safety standards for vehicular
maneuverability . reduction in the width of the aisle and spaces in parking ramps and underground parking.
(15) Internal driveway access. Private internal driveways between properties are permitted with approval of the City
Manager and/or their designee. Internal driveways between properties shall be allowed only when they do not
cause either property to exceed impervious surface limits, they follow drive aisle dimension guidelines from this
chapter, both properties have a legal access to a public roadway, and that a cross-access agreement is signed by
both properties and recorded in the County property records. In the case of the agreement terminating, the
internal drive shall be removed and restored to landscaped green space.
(16) Plowing and Snow Storage or Removal. Required off-street parking plans shall include provisions for snow
storage and/or removal. Snow shall not be deposited by plowing, stockpiling, or other artificial means that
creates significant concentrations of stormwater which cause damage to or creates unreasonable
environmental, health, or safety conditions on adjacent properties. Plans for plowing and snow storage/removal
shall be reviewed by the City Engineer or their designee.
(17) Provisions for Pedestrian Access. Provisions for pedestrian circulation to and from, and in some cases through,
parking lots shall be provided to connect to building entrances, public sidewalks, transit stops, and other
pedestrian destinations. Pedestrian routes within a parking lot shall include a clear division from vehicular area,
through a change in grade, patterned pavement, decorative lighting, crosswalks, pedestrian islands, or other
means of separation, see examples below. required as determined appropriate by the City. Patterned pavement,
decorative lighting, and associated facilities shall be provided as may be appropriate.
(18) Maintenance. Off-street parking areas including spaces, accessway, striping, landscaping, and required buffers
and fences, shall be maintained in a neat, safe and adequate manner. Potholes, deteriorated pavement, and
striping must be repaired or restored in a timely manner by the owner of the off-street parking.
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(19) Accessible Parking. Accessible parking spaces shall be provided pursuant to the Minnesota Accessibility
Code.Minnesota Accessibility Code.
(20) Signs. Signage shall meet all regulations in Chapter 105 – Signs. Small informational-direction signs may be
allowed or required in off-street parking facilities to identify handicapped parking, compact car parking, traffic
flow, and similar information essential to safe and efficient operation of the facility.
(21) Compact Vehicles. If an off-street parking lot, ramp or garage contains 30 50 or more spaces, the City will allow
up to 10 percent of the spaces to be designated compact cars only, provided a suitable parking plan for such
spaces is submitted and approved by the City.
(22) Joint use of Parking. Off-street parking facilities for a combination of one or more structures or uses may be
provided collectively in any district, except the R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts, provided the total number of spaces
shall not be less than the sum of the separate requirements for each use. The City may permit such parking
within one-quarter mile of the permitted use as long as a pedestrian sidewalk or similar path of travel exists
between the two facilities.
(13) Location. Required off-street parking shall be located on the same lot as the use it serves, except where parking
spaces cannot be reasonably provided on the same lot as the principal use, Tthe City may permit such required
parking spaces to be located on other property in a similar zoning district located within 5001/4 mile feet of the
permitted use, measured along lines of public access.
(c) Minimum Number of Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.
Use Requirement
Residential
Single-family dwellings on (R-1
or R-2) lots greater than 50 feet
wide
2 spaces per dwelling, one of which must be with at least one
enclosed. No building permit shall be issued for the construction of a
single-family dwelling not having a two-stall garage unless the
registered survey submitted at the time of application for the building
permit reflects the necessary area and setback requirements for a
future two-stall (minimum) garage.
Single-family dwellings on (R-1
or R2 ) lots 50 feet in width or
less. and single-family dwellings
in the R-2 zoning district
2 spaces per dwelling unit. with at least one enclosed Maximum 3
spaces.
Two-family dwellings 2 1 spaces per dwelling unit.. with at least one enclosed
Rowhouses with up to four
attached units
2 1 spaces per dwelling unit. with at least one enclosed
Townhouses 2 1 spaces per dwelling unit. with at least one enclosed
Accessory dwelling units 1 No additional parking required.0 space per accessory dwelling unit
Multifamily dwellings 1.5 spaces per dwelling 1 space per studio or 1-bed, 1.5 spaces per 2-
bed, 2 spaces per 3- or 4-bed, at least one enclosed, plus 5% guest.
Congregate housing 1 .5 space per unit. depending on circumstances
Senior and disability housing 1 .5 space per unit. depending on circumstances
Manufactured home parks 1 space per dwelling unit.
Residential Facilities 1 space per 2 beds/participants.
Economic and Business Land Uses
Bakeries 1 space per 100 200 s.f. of customer area
Bowling alleys 1 4 spaces per laneeach 6 seats or 300 s.f. of gross floor area,
whichever is greater
Breweries 1 space per 500 s.f. of floor area
Brewpubs 1 space per 60 s.f. of floor area plus 1 space per 25 s.f. of bar area
Class I rRestaurants (traditional,
no liquor)(sit down, including
brewpubs)
1 space per 10070 s.f. of gross floor area
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Class II rRestaurants (fast food) 1 space per 75 s.f. of gross floor area. Class IIFast food restaurants
without indoor seating for customers require 1 space per 400 s.f.
Class III restaurants (with liquor) 1 space per 60 s.f. of floor area plus 1 space per 25 s.f. of bar area
Micro-distillery Cocktail rooms 1 space per 670 s.f. of floor area. For every 2 bicycle spaces provided, 1
car space may be reduced from minimum parking requirement, for no
more than 15% of the required spaces
Distilleries 1 space per 500 s.f. of floor area
Hotels/motels 1 space per unit plus parking for other uses
Indoor entertainment and
amusement (theaters, arcades,
etc.)
1 space per 250 s.f.
Micro-distilleries 1 space per 500 s.f. of floor area
Printing services 1 space per each 100 s.f. of customer service area
Private clubs/convention centers 1 space per 43 seats
Recreational uses (public and
private), including gyms, skating
rinks, etc.
1 space for every 3400 s.f. of gross floor area
Retail store, shopping center, or
service establishment
1 space per 250 400 s.f. of gross floor area
Showrooms (e.g., furniture,
appliances)
1 space for every 400 s.f. gross floor area of show room, plus 1 space
for every 5,000 gross square feet of outside display area
Shopping centers 1 space for every 200 s.f. of gross floor area.
Studios 1 space per 400 s.f. of gross floor area
Taprooms 1 space per 6070 s.f. of floor area. For every 2 bicycle spaces provided,
1 car space may be reduced from minimum parking requirement, for no
more than 15% of the required spaces
Care Services
Adult day care centers 1 space per 5 persons cared for
Animal hospitals, veterinary
clinics, kennels, and or pet
grooming facilities
1 space per each 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Child careChildcare centers 1 space per 6 participants 1 space per employee plus adequate client
parking. No allowances for compact parking.
Mortuaries 1 per every 250 400 s.f. plus 1 space for every 5 4 seats
Trade schools or training centers 1 space per 5 students based on design capability
Offices and Financial Institutions
Financial institutions 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Medical and dental offices 1 space per 200 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Offices, excluding medical and
dental
1 space per 300 250 s.f. of gross floor area, after 100,000 s.f. 1 space
per 400 350 s.f. of gross floor area
Automotive
Automobile repair shops 4 2 spaces for each service bay
Car wash 8 spaces plus 4 per service stall 1 space per employee at the peak
business time
Sales or show rooms (auto,
machinery, boats, etc.)
1 space for every 1000 s.f. of gross floor area of display area plus 1
space for every 5,000 gross s.f. of outside display
Service stations 8 spaces plus 4 per service stall
Truck/van terminals 1 space per 3,000 s. f. of gross floor area
Manufacturing
Manufacturing - Fabricating 1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
Breweries 1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
Distilleries 1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
Micro-distilleries 1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
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Warehouse and Wholesale
Outdoor storage and self-
storage facilities
1 space per 10,000 s.f. of storage area
Warehouses and storage 1 space for every 3,000 s.f. of gross floor area
Institutional Land Uses
Ball fields and other outdoor
recreation
1 space per 4 seats based on design capacity or 1 per 4 members using
the facility
Cemeteries Adequate off-street parking shall be provided 4 Visitor spaces and 1
space per employee
City offices 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Community centers 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Convalescent homes, nursing
homes, and clinics
1 space per 5 beds
Fire stations 1 space per 2 crewmembers at maximum capacity or an adequate plan
Golf courses, country clubs, and
other recreational facilities
1 space per 5 patrons based on course capacity, 1 space per 2 driving
range tees
Hospitals 1 space for every 42 beds
Libraries 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Parks and playgrounds Adequate off-street parking shall be provided as determined by Parks
and Recreation Director or their designee.
Museums 1 space per 400 s.f. of gross floor area
Places of worship 1 space per 43 seats in the main assembly area
Post offices/parcel distribution 10 spaces plus 1 per 500 s.f. plus 1 for each service vehicle on site
Elementary and junior high
schools
2 spaces per classroom
High schools 2 spaces per classroom plus 1 space per 6 students
Colleges/universities 1 space per 4 students based on capacity
Mixed Use Land Uses
Mixed Use In the case of mixed uses, the parking facilities required shall be the
sum of the requirements for the various individual uses, computed
separately in accordance with this section. Parking facilities for one use
shall not be considered as providing the required parking facilities for
any other use.
(1) General Requirement. For any uses, City Manager or their designee may approve a different number based on
Institute of Transportation (ITE) and American Planning Association (APA) guidelines.For any and all uses or
structures not specifically provided for in the table above, such parking space as the City shall determine to be
necessary shall be required, considering all the parking generating factors involved.
(2) Maximum Parking. In the Institutional, Office, Commercial, Light Industrial, Industrial, and Mixed Useall Zoning
Districts parking provided shall not exceed the minimum required parking + 10 20% of that minimum amount in
the case of reconfigured, new or reconstructed surface parking lots. Does not apply to single-family, two-family,
rowhouses, or townhouses.
(3) Upon receipt of a written request, the and/or their designee may reduce or increase the parking minimum or
maximum requirements, if the applicant demonstrates a demand which is different than required by this
chapter based on specifics of the use or other factors. The City may in the case of , require that land be reserved
for parking development should the use or demands change.
(43) Required Ratios. Where the number of required parking spaces is measured by seating capacity, such seating
capacity shall be determined for maximum capacity.
(4) Rounding. Where the parking calculations result in less than 1 spot the required number will be rounded up.
(5) Compliance with Current Controls. New buildings erected after the effective date of the ordinance from which
this section is derived, and old buildings altered after the effective date of the ordinance from which this section
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is derived, must comply with all applicable off-street parking requirements in effect at the time that said
buildings are constructed or altered.
(65) Reductions and Alternatives to Automobile Parking
a. General
i. This subsection identifies allowed reductions and alternatives to required on-site parking spaces.
ii. These reductions are allowed either by-right or require approval of an Administrative Adjustment. If the
reduction is requested as part of a project subject to discretionary approval, the request is considered by the
review authority as part of the overall project.
iii. Available reductions apply only to non-exempt parking spaces as specified in (Applicability)
iv. Available reductions are additive (i.e., multiple reductions may be combined for a single project). Each
allowed reduction is calculated using the number of parking spaces required before any other reduction is
applied. For example, a development requiring 20 parking spaces that qualifies for a 10 percent transit
proximity reduction and a 30 percent bicycle facility proximity reduction may reduce their required parking
by 40 percent.
v. Upon receipt of a written request, the City Manager and/or their designee may reduce or increase the
parking minimum or maximum requirements, if the applicant demonstrates a demand which is
different than required by this chapter based on specifics of the use or other factors. The City may in
the case of a reduction, require that land be reserved for parking development should the use or
demands change. This is in addition to the reductions allowed in section “b” below.
b. Available Reductions
i. Transit Proximity. For projects in proximity to an active public transit stop, required on-site parking may be
reduced as shown in Table 113-151-2. Public transit stops exclude school bus stops.
Table 113-151-2: Transit Proximity Parking Reduction
Proximity to Bus Public
Transit Stop
Allowed Parking Reduction
600 feet 30 percent
900 feet 20 percent
1,200 feet 10 percent
i. Bicycle Facility Proximity. Required on-site vehicle parking may be reduced by up to 30 percent for projects
located within 300 feet of the Luce Line Traila regional bike trail.
ii. Carpool Spaces. For non-residential uses, two automobile parking spaces may be exchanged for one carpool
parking space. The carpool parking space must be designated as such with signage and/or space markings.
There is a maximum reduction of 2% of spaces.
iii. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Two required parking spaces may be exchanged for one space served by an
electric vehicle charging station. To receive reduction, electric vehicle charging stations must be in excess of
the minimum number of charging stations required by this code. There is a maximum reduction of 2% of
spaces.
ii.iv. Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Spaces. Motorcycle and motor scooter parking may replace up to two required
automobile spaces. Each automobile parking space must be replaced by space for at least 4 2 motorcycles.
iii.v. Differing Parking Demands. The City may allow up to 50 percent reduction when joint use or combined
parking is provided for uses which have different parking demands and peak parking needs such as a daytime
use with a nighttime use (e.g., office and movie theater) or a week day use with a weekend use (e.g., office
and places of assembly). This reduction requires approval of an Administrative Adjustment. The City may
require an agreement between the users to qualify for this reduction.
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iv.vi. Required Accessible and Electric Vehicle Spaces. Replacement parking spaces are not required if retrofitting a
required accessible parking space or if installing a required electric vehicle charging station eliminates one or
more required parking spaces (e.g., to accommodate accessible loading area).
(d) Proof of Parking. When the required off-street parking is 20 or more spaces, the owner is only required to pave
and stripe 75 percent of the required parking spaces if the following conditions are met:
(1) A parking plan drawn to scale for the lot is submitted to the City Manager or their designee and the
plan indicates that the site complies with the total parking requirements stated above and the parking
lot is designed to the standards required by this section.
(2) The portion of the site which is not paved and is capable of containing the amount of parking equal to
the difference between the total amount of required parking and the amount of parking required to be
paved (known as the proof of parking area) is suitably landscaped and curbed to meet the requirements
of this section.
(3) The proof of parking area shall be clearly delineated on the parking plan for the site.
(4) The paved portion of the parking area shall comply with the pertinent provisions of this section.
(5) The proof of parking area is not used to satisfy any other landscaping or other requirement and is not
located in an area occupied by a building.
(6) The City shall record the proof of parking against the property and it shall run with the land.
(7) The City may, at any time in its sole discretion, require proof that the parking area will be paved and
striped in such a way that it meets the requirements to provide the total number of required parking
spaces on the site or a percentage between 75 percent and 100 percent.
(8) The City may require the owner to enter into a proof of parking agreement specifying the requirements
and restrictions and stating that the owner developer and successor shall be responsible for making
improvements to meet the Code at the time the City requires such action.
(e) Bicycle Parking. Bicycle racks or a similar facility to park/store bicycles shall be provided in a location accessible to
residents in residential developments having more than 12 dwelling units and employees and to the public in other
developments at the rate of five percent of parking required for vehicles with a minimum of four spaces. Bicycle
racks shall be secured to either the ground or a building. Short-term bicycle parking provides shoppers, customers,
messengers and other visitors who generally park for two hours or less a convenient and readily accessible place
to park bicycles. Long-term bicycle parking provides residents who live in a multi-family dwelling a secure and
weather-protected place to park and store bicycles.
(1) Short-term and long-term bicycle parking shall be provided as stated below.
a. Short Term: Bicycle parking shall be provided at the rate of 10% of required vehicular parking.
b. Long Term: Bicycle parking shall be provided in multi-family dwellings at the rate of 1 space per dwelling
unit.
(2) Location:
a. Short-Term parking. Short-term bicycle parking shall be located on site within 50 feet of a primary
entrance, or if there are site, setback, building design, or other constraints, bicycle parking shall be located
no more than 100 feet from a primary entrance in the closest available area to the primary entrance as
determined by the City Manager or their designee.
b. Long-Term parking. Long-term parking may be located in garages or other limited access areas for
exclusive use by residents. Long-Term parking for residential dwellings can be within the unit as long as
the space is dedicated to the bicycle and must be shown on building plans.
(3) Bicycle Parking Design
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a. A bicycle parking space shall measure at least two (2) feet wide by six (6) feet long, so staple racks, which
hold two bicycles, shall be installed at least 36 inches apart. Bicycle parking spaces shall also be a
minimum of six (6) feet in length and shall have a vertical clearance of seven (7) feet. A width of at least
three (3) feet is encouraged.
b. The minimum distance between rows of bicycle parking spaces shall be five (5) feet.
c. Minimum clearance between a bicycle parking space and a wall or structure shall be two (2) feet. Bicycle
parking spaces next to the curb shall be separated by at least two (2) feet, although a width of at least
three (3) feet is encouraged.
d. Every bicycle parking space shall be accessible without moving another bicycle.
e. For buildings with multiple entrances, short-term bicycle parking spaces shall be distributed in a manner
proportionate to the number of entrances.
f. Directional signage to the bicycle parking shall be provided if the parking is not directly visible and
obvious from an entrance or public right-of-way.
g. A bicycle rack shall accommodate common bicycle frame sizes and styles including bicycles without
kickstands.
i. A bicycle rack shall support the bicycle frame at a minimum of two contact points; one contact point
shall be the frame.
j. A rack shall allow both the frame and two wheels to be locked to the rack with the use of a cable or the
frame and one wheel to be locked to the rack with a U-type lock.
k. Bicycle racks and bicycle lockers shall be securely anchored to concrete with vandal-resistant concrete
mounting hardware.
l. Bicycle racks shall be a minimum of 30 inches wide by 36 inches tall.
m. Inverted “U” or staple style bicycle racks are common and meet the requirements of this section.
n. Bicycle parking shall be lighted to the standards outlined in Sec. 113-153, Outdoor Lighting, of the City
Code.
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Figure – Bicycle Parking Design
Figure – Bicycle Rack Examples
(e) Proof of Parking. When the required off-street parking is 20 or more spaces, the owner is only required to pave
and stripe 75 percent of the required parking spaces if the following conditions are met:
(1) A parking plan drawn to scale for the lot is submitted to the City Manager or his/her designee and the
plan indicates that the site complies with the total parking requirements stated above and the parking
lot is designed to the standards required by this section.
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(2) The portion of the site which is not paved and is capable of containing the amount of parking equal to
the difference between the total amount of required parking and the amount of parking required to be
paved (known as the proof of parking area) is suitably landscaped and curbed to meet the requirements
of this section.
(3) The proof of parking area shall be clearly delineated on the parking plan for the site.
(4) The paved portion of the parking area shall comply with the pertinent provisions of this section.
(5) The proof of parking area is not used to satisfy any other landscaping or other requirement and is not
located in an area occupied by a building.
(6) The property owner is responsible for informing any subsequent owner of the proof of parking area and
parking status of the property.
(7) The City may, at any time in its sole discretion, require proof that the parking area will be paved and
striped in such a way that it meets the requirements to provide the total number of required parking
spaces on the site or a percentage between 75 percent and 100 percent if so determined by the City.
(8) The City may require the owner to enter into a proof of parking agreement specifying the requirements
and restrictions and stating that the owner developer and successor shall be responsible for making
improvements to meet the Code at the time the City requires such action.
(f) Electric Vehicle Provisions.
(1) Definitions.
a. Charging levels means the standardized indicators of electrical force, or voltage, at which an electric
vehicle's battery is recharged. The terms 1, 2, and 3 (DC) are the most common charging levels, and include
the following specifications:
i. Level 1 is considered slow charging with 120v outlets.
ii. Level 2 is considered medium charging with 240v outlets, charging head and cord hard-wired to
the circuit.
iii. Level 3 (DC) is considered fast or rapid charging. Voltage is greater than 240 volts.
b. Electric vehicle means a vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the
electrical grid, or an off-grid source, that is stored on-board for motive purposes. "Electric vehicle" includes:
i. Battery electric vehicle.
ii. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
c. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) means a public or private parking space that is served by battery
charging station equipment that has as its primary purpose the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or
inductive means) to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.
d. Electric vehicle infrastructure means conduit/wiring, structures, machinery, and equipment necessary and
integral to support an electric vehicle charging station., including battery charging stations and rapid
charging stations.
(2) Number of required Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
a. All new or reconstructed parking structures shall be allowed, but not required, to install EVCS.
b. All new or reconstructed parking lots with 14 or fewer parking spaces shall be allowed, but not required, to
install electric vehicle infrastructure and/or EVCS.
c. All new or reconstructed surface parking lots or parking structures with at least 15 but no more than 49
spaces or expanded parking lots that result in a parking lot with 15 to 49 parking spaces, shall install
electric vehicle infrastructure and/or EVCS as required below.
i. Multifamily residential land uses shall have 10% 25% of required residential parking served by with at
least 5% as Level 2 stations with electrical vehicle infrastructure installed . At least one accessible
parking space shall have access to an EVCS electric vehicle infrastructure installed.
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ii. Non-residential land uses with surface parking spaces available for use by the general public shall have
two Level 2 stations or one Level 3 station. At least one accessible parking space shall have access to
an EVCS. Parking structures are exempt from this requirement.
d. All new or reconstructed surface parking lots or parking structures with at least 50 parking spaces or
expanded parking lots that result in 50 or more parking spaces, shall install electric vehicle infrastructure
and/or EVCS as required below.
i. Multifamily residential land uses shall have 10% 25% of required residential parking with electrical
vehicle infrastructure installed as Level 2 stations. At least one accessible parking space shall have
access to an EVCS electric vehicle infrastructure installed.
ii. Non-residential land uses with surface parking spaces available for use by the general public shall have
at least 5% of required parking as Level 2, with at least one station adjacent to an accessible parking
space. In non-residential zoned districts, Level 3 charging stations may be installed to satisfy the EVCS
requirements described above on a one-for-one basis. Parking structures are exempt from this
requirement.
e. All new or reconstructed motor fuel stations shall be required to install at least one additional Level 2 or
Level 3 charging station.
(3) Reductions to EVCS requirements. When the cost of installing EVCS required by this Chapter would exceed five
25% percent of the total project cost, the property owner or applicant may request a reduction in the EVCS
requirements and submit cost estimates for city consideration. When City Council approval of the project is not
required, the City Manager or their designee may administratively approve a reduction the required amount of
EVCS in order to limit the EVCS installation costs to not more than five percent of the total project cost. Electric
Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVCS). Any EVCS installed before the date of adoption of these regulations shall be
legal, non-conforming structures. The provisions of this Subdivision apply to all Zoning Districts.
(4) Performance standards.
a. Safety, Location, and Accessibility.
i. (1) EVCS shall not interfere with the right-of-way user sight lines.
ii. (2) EVCS shall incorporate a cord management system or method to eliminate potential for
cable entanglement, user injury or connector damage from lying on the ground.
iii. (3) EVCS shall not obstruct a sidewalk or walkway and must minimize trip and safety hazards.
iv. (4) EVCS shall be protected by appropriate curbing or bollards.
v. (6) EVCS shall be under eight feet in height except where approved by the zoning administrator.
vi. (7) EVCS and parking stalls served by EVCS shall follow accessibility requirements for parking
stalls and equipment access when required by the adopted version of MN building code.
vii. (8) EVCS shall be installed pursuant to manufacturer specification and shall comply with all
applicable state building codes, state fire codes, state electrical codes, and relevant permitting
processes.
viii. (9) EVCS shall be adequately maintained for safety and continual usage.
ix. (10) The area surrounding the EVCS shall be maintained appropriately to reduce hazards and
allow access to EVCS, including snow removal around the equipment to allow for safety and
access.
x. (11) At the end of life for EVCS, the EVCS shall be replaced with new equipment or the EVCS
shall be properly removed, and all utilities and equipment shall be safely decommissioned.
(5) Setbacks.
a. EVCS in residential districts shall not be considered accessory buildings but shall adhere to the setbacks for
accessory buildings and structures each zoning district.
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b. EVCS in all other districts are not subject to structural setbacks and may be located anywhere within property
lines, subject to the other standards in this Chapter.
(6) Parking Minimums, Parking Lot Requirements, Parking Restrictions.
a. All Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) shall count towards off-street parking minimums required in this
Chapter as specified in Section 113.151.
(7) Signage.
a. EVCS signage shall include a phone number to contact for regular maintenance issues. Signage shall state to call
911 in case of an emergency.
b. If parking time limits or usage requirements are to be enforced by towing by the property owner, this shall be
posted with signage.
c. All signage shall meet the requirements in Code Section 105.
d. There shall be no offsite signage/advertisements, nor video or amplified sound, associated with EVCS.
(e) Loading Regulations.
(1) Design Standards.
a. Location. Truck docks for loading and unloading goods or wares shall be provided on the same lot or parcel to be
serviced. When truck docks are provided inside the building such area shall not be included in the total floor
area used for determining the required number of such docks, nor for parking space requirements.
b. Size. Loading docks shall be sized and provided with maneuvering space to adequately meet the needs.
c. Surfacing. Minimum seven-ton capacity is required.
d. Lighting. Lighting for parking areas shall meet the standards outlined in Sec. 113-153. - Outdoor Lighting, of the
City Code.
(2) Minimum Number of Off-Street Loading Docks Required.
Use Required Off-Street Loading Docks
Business and professional offices Adequate provisions to meet needs.
Retail and commercial uses Adequate provisions to meet needs.
Light and heavy industrial uses
(manufacturing-fabricating, warehouse
and storage, and showroom)
1 off-street loading dock per 40,000 s.f.
of gross floor area.
Institutional uses Adequate provisions to meet needs.
(g) Loading Regulations.
(1) Design Standards.
a. Residential Uses. Required off-street truck loading or unloading spaces for residential uses shall be at least
12 feet in width and 32 feet in length. Where a loading space parallel to a building is to be utilized, such area
shall not be less than 12 feet in width nor less than 40 feet in length. In no instance shall any designated side
loading space encroach upon a fire lane or driving aisle or parking spaces.
b. Non-Residential Uses. Required off-street truck loading or unloading spaces for non-residential uses shall be
at least 12 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and 60 feet in length. Where a loading space parallel to a building
is to be utilized, such area shall not be less than 12 feet in width nor less than 65 feet in length. In no
instance shall any designated side loading space encroach upon a fire lane or driving aisle or parking spaces.
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c. Reductions. Reductions to loading space size may be granted by the City manager or their designee upon
demonstration of facility need.
d. All maneuvering for off-street loading shall be accomplished on private property.
e. In addition to the required loading space, all loading spaces shall include a maneuvering area. The
maneuvering area shall not use any of that portion of the site containing parking stalls or customer service
areas. Maneuvering areas shall be of such size as to permit the backing of truck tractors and coupled trailers
into the loading space, without blocking the use of other loading spaces, drives, parking spaces, or
maneuvering areas on public right-of-way.
f. Customer drop off spaces shall not constitute off-street loading spaces.
f.g. Construction of loading areas shall meet the applicable standards as per Section 113-151.(b) Design
Standards
(2) Number of Loading Spaces Required. The number of required off-street loading spaces shall be as follows:
Use Required number of loading
spaces*
a. Residential Uses:
1. Single Family and Two Family Dwellings None
2. Multiple Family Dwellings -
a. Less than 4 dwelling units None
b. Four to 48 dwelling units 1 per building
c. For each additional 48 dwelling units over 48 1 per building
b. Non-Residential Uses:
Gross Floor Area (Square Feet)
Less than 10,000 1
10,001 to 20,000 2
20,001 to 50,000 3
50,001 to 75,000 4
75,001 to 100,000 5
For each additional 50,000 over 100,000 1
Mixed use In the case of mixed uses, the loading
spaces required shall be the sum of
the requirements for the various
individual uses, computed separately
in accordance with this section.
* Reductions to loading space quantity requirements may be granted by the City Manager or their designee upon
determination of facility need.
(3) Landscaping and Screening of Loading Spaces. Loading spaces shall be screened from all property lines. Said
screening shall be accomplished by a solid wall or fence and shall be designed so as to be architecturally
harmonious with the principal structure. Screening plantings may be substituted, provided such plantings are in
conformance with Chapter 111 Tree and Landscape Requirements.
(4) Location.
b. Off-Street. All required loading spaces for a non-residential use shall be off-street and located on the same
lot as the building or use to be served.
c. Distance from Intersection. All loading space curb cuts shall be located at minimum 50 feet from the
intersection of two or more street rights-of-way. This distance shall be measured from the property line.
d. Distance from Residential Use. Loading areas established after shall be prohibited within 300 feet of
residentially zoned or guided property unless completely screened by an intervening building, or unless
screened from adjacent residentially zoned or guided property by the use of berms, fences, or walls to
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provide 100 percent opacity to a height of at least eight feet. The height of the screening shall be measured
from the grade of the loading areas.
e. Pedestrians. Loading spaces shall not conflict with pedestrian movement.
f. Visibility. Loading spaces shall not obstruct the view of the public right-of-way from off-street parking
access.
g. General Compliance. Loading spaces shall comply with all other requirements of this section.
h. Traffic Interference. Each loading space shall be located with appropriate means of vehicular access to a
street or public alley in a manner which will cause the least interference with traffic.
i. Accessory Use; Parking and Storage. Required loading spaces shall not be used for the storage of goods,
inoperable vehicles or snow and shall not be included as part of the space requirements to meet off-street
parking requirements.
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1
ORDINANCE NO. XXX
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE SECTION 113 RELATED TO OFF-STREET PARKING
AND LOADING
The City Council for the City of Golden Valley hereby ordains as follows:
Section 1. City Code Section 113-151 is hereby rescinded and replaced:
Sec. 113-151. Off-Street Parking and Loading.
(a) Purpose and Application. The purpose of requiring and regulating off-street parking
and loading is to prevent congestion on public rights-of-way and private roadways and
to promote the safety and general welfare of the public. The following minimums are
established for off-street parking and loading based on the use of land and structures.
(1) Applicability. The following will require compliance with the current Off-Street
Parking and Loading regulations:
a. Construction of new principal buildings.
b. Subsection (c) Minimum Number of Required Off-Street Parking Spaces applies
to restricted uses, conditional use permit (CUPs), planned unit developments
(PUDs), and through the site plan review process.
(b) Design Standards.
(1) Site Plan. Application for construction of new buildings, expansion of existing
buildings, reuse of existing buildings and reconstruction of or the reconfiguration
of existing parking., shall include a site plan or plot plan for parking, which is drawn
to scale and dimensioned, which depicts the location and number of off-street
parking spaces consistent with this section, which shows proposed internal
landscaping, and which includes provisions for storage and/or removal of snow.
(2) Access and Curb Cuts. All off-street automobile parking facilities shall be designed
with appropriate means of vehicular access to a street or alley and with adequate
maneuvering area. Detailed plans must be submitted to the City Engineer for
approval of all curb cuts or driveway openings before a permit will be granted.
(3) Use. With the exception of garage sales and other sales approved by the City,
required off-street parking and loading areas and driveways shall not be used for
the storage, display, sale or rental or repair of goods or for the storage of
inoperable vehicles.
(4) Lighting. All light fixtures shall meet the standards outlined in Sec. 113-153,
Outdoor Lighting, of the City Code.
(5) Dimensions for Spaces. All required off-street parking spaces shall meet the
dimensional requirements in the parking layout table below. Accessible Parking
spaces must meet the Minnesota Accessibility Code.
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2
(6) Surfacing; Construction Standards. Parking areas and driveways shall be surfaced
with an all-weather dustless material. Parking is not allowed on lawns or other
landscaped areas. Parking lots containing more than six spaces and access drives,
except for landscaped areas, shall be covered with asphalt, brick, concrete, or
concrete pavers (including permeable pavers where deemed appropriate by the
City Engineer or their designee)with proper surface drainage as required by the
City. The finished surface shall be capable of carrying a load of7,000 pounds per
axle.
a. Permeable pavers shall be considered pervious surface for purposes of
meeting City impervious surface maximums with approval from City Engineer
and if designed and maintained to manufacturer specifications.
(7) Grade, Drainage and Curbing.
a. Grade. In general, grades shall not exceed five percent. Site grading plans shall
be submitted to the City Engineer or their designee for review.
b. Drainage. Off-street parking areas shall be designed to drain and properly
dispose of surface water. Alternative low impact development practices such
as rain gardens and vegetative swales are encouraged by the City. Detailed
plans for drainage shall be submitted to the City Engineer or their designee for
review.
c. Curbing. Parking lots containing more than six spaces shall be delineated by a
concrete box curb or concrete curb and gutter extending at least six inches
above and six inches below the surface. The curb may have cuts for drainage.
Exception: Some exception for rain gardens may be allowed provided suitable
controls are provided to prevent cars from parking beyond the intended limits.
(8) Parking Layouts. Required off-street parking consisting of six or more spaces shall
be consistent with the layout alternatives and dimensions specified in the parking
layout chart below except Accessible spaces and compact car spaces.
a. Landscape Traffic Islands. Traffic islands shall be provided based on the
circulation system, number of spaces, frequency of use (turnover rate), and
other relevant factors. Traffic islands shall be landscaped to meet interior
landscape requirements.
(9) Landscaping; Internal and External. The minimum required landscaped areas,
within which there shall be no parking or drive aisles (except driveway access from
street) in all Zoning Districts, shall be:
a. External Landscaping. These areas shall be maintained fully as landscaped green
space and may or may not include vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and other
native plants. In cases where a parking lot is located on the periphery of sites
and adjacent to R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts, the City will require them to be
screened with trees, shrubs, fencing, berms or some combination of these in
setback areas along one or more lot lines.
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3
1. Front yard: 15 feet for R-3 and R-4 districts; 10 feet for all others (see M on
diagram).
2. Side and rear yards: one-half of the required building setback (see N on
diagram).
b. Internal Landscaping. Parking lots designed and constructed for more than30
off-street parking spaces shall have at least eight percent of the interior of the
parking lot landscaped with vegetation including shade trees. Each landscape
break shall occur at least every 12 spaces. Such landscaping is expected to be in
traffic islands, other islands or other areas used for drainage or lighting or
exclusive landscape islands located within the interior portion of the parking lot.
A landscape plan shall be submitted as part of the required site plan. The
landscape plan shall be approved by the City Manager or their designee.
Financial security shall be provided as per Tree and Landscape Compliance
Requirements, Sec. 111-9.(b).
PARKING LAYOUT CHART MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Dimension Diagram Parking Angle to Curb or Lane
45° 60° 75° 90°
Stall width parallel to aisle* A 12.7 ft. 10.4 ft. 9.3 ft. 9.0 ft.
Stall length of line B 25.0 ft. 22.0 ft. 20.0 ft. 18.5 ft.
Stall depth C 17.5 ft. 19.0 ft. 19.5 ft. 18.5 ft.
Aisle width D 12.0 ft. 16.0 ft. 23.0 ft. 24.0 ft.
Stall depth, interlock E 15.3 ft. 17.5 ft. 18.8 ft. 18.5 ft.
Module, edge of pavement to
interlock
F 44.8 ft. 52.5 ft. 61.3 ft. 61.0 ft.
Module, interlocking G 42.6 ft. 51.0 ft. 61.0 ft. 63.0 ft.
Module, interlock to curb face H 42.8 ft. 50.2 ft. 58.8 ft. 60.5 ft.
Bumper overhang (typical) I 2.0 ft. 2.3 ft. 2.5 ft. 2.5 ft.
Offset J 6.3 ft. 2.7 ft. 0.5 ft. 0.0 ft.
Cross aisle, one-way L 14.0 ft. 14.0 ft. 14.0 ft. 14.0 ft.
Cross aisle, two-way L 90° 24.0 ft. 24.0 ft. 24.0 ft. 24.0 ft.
Fire Lane Requirements Must meet current adopted fire code and appendi
Parking or drive aisle setback to
principal structure
O 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft.
Landscape traffic islands P Landscape traffic islands shall be at a minimum the
width of one parking space and the length of two
parking spaces based on the measurements above.
Landscaped islands located between
parking spaces.
Q Landscape islands shall be at the minimum the
width of one parking space and the length of two
parking spaces based on the measurements above.
Parallel parking:
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4
Stall width (8.5 or 9 ft.)
Stall length (22 or 23 ft.)
Compact parking space:
Stall width 8 ft.
Stall length 17.5 ft.
Motorcycle/Motor Scooter parking space:
Stall width 4 ft.
Stall length 9 ft.
Motorcycle/Motor Scooter parking spaces should be constructed of rigid pavement not bituminous
pavement.
*Required Accessible stalls and ramps shall be per State Code. Minnesota Accessibility Code
*Some minor deviations from this table may be allowed in special circumstances related to the
number and percent of spaces involved and site-dimensional constraints which support a minor
deviation. As determined by the City Manager or their designee.
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(10) Joint Parking Setbacks. Approved joint or combined parking facilities, on
separate lots constructed adjacent to a common lot line separating two or more
parking areas, are not required to observe the parking area setback from the
common lot line.
(12) Spaces Delineated. All required off-street parking areas consisting of six or more
spaces shall be delineated by durable painted stripes at least four inches wide
unless walls or columns are used to provide an equivalent means to delineate
the spaces such as in a parking structure.
(14) Parking Ramps and Underground Parking. Because of the cost of such spaces and
more control over environmental factors, the City Manager or their designee
may administratively approve a reduction in the width of aisles and spaces as
long as it meets public safety standards for vehicular maneuverability.
(15) Internal driveway access. Private internal driveways between properties are
permitted with approval of the City Manager and/or their designee. Internal
driveways between properties shall be allowed only when they do not cause
either property to exceed impervious surface limits, they follow drive aisle
dimension guidelines from this chapter, both properties have a legal access to a
public roadway, and that a cross-access agreement is signed by both properties
and recorded in the County property records. In the case of the agreement
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terminating, the internal drive shall be removed and restored to landscaped
green space.
(16) Plowing and Snow Storage or Removal. Required off-street parking plans shall
include provisions for snow storage and/or removal. Snow shall not be
deposited by plowing, stockpiling, or other artificial means that creates
significant concentrations of stormwater which cause damage to or creates
unreasonable environmental, health, or safety conditions on adjacent
properties. Plans for plowing and snow storage/removal shall be reviewed by the
City Engineer or their designee.
(17) Provisions for Pedestrian Access. Provisions for pedestrian circulation to and
from, and in some cases through, parking lots shall be provided to connect to
building entrances, public sidewalks, transit stops, and other pedestrian
destinations. Pedestrian routes within a parking lot shall include a clear division
from vehicular area, through a change in grade, patterned pavement, decorative
lighting, crosswalks, pedestrian islands, or other means of separation, see
examples below.
(18) Maintenance. Off-street parking areas including spaces, accessway, striping,
landscaping, and required buffers and fences, shall be maintained in a neat, safe
and adequate manner. Potholes, deteriorated pavement, and striping must be
repaired or restored in a timely manner by the owner of the off-street parking.
(19) Accessible Parking. Accessible parking spaces shall be provided pursuant to the
Minnesota Accessibility Code.
(20) Signs. Signage shall meet all regulations in Chapter 105 – Signs.
(21) Compact Vehicles. If an off-street parking lot, ramp or garage contains 30 or
more spaces, the City will allow up to 10 percent of the spaces to be designated
compact cars only, provided a suitable parking plan for such spaces is submitted
and approved by the City.
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(22) Joint Use of Parking. Off-street parking facilities for a combination of one or
more structures or uses may be provided collectively in any district, except the
R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts, provided the total number of spaces shall not be
less than the sum of the separate requirements for each use. The City may
permit such parking within one-quarter mile of the permitted use as long as a
pedestrian sidewalk or similar path of travel exists between the two facilities.
(c) Minimum Number of Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.
Use Requirement
Residential
Single-family
dwellings on (R-1 or
R-2) lots greater than
50 feet wide
2 spaces per dwelling, one of which must be
enclosed.
Single-family
dwellings on (R-1 or
R-2) lots 50 feet in
width or less
2 spaces per dwelling unit.
Two-family dwellings 1 space per dwelling unit.
Rowhouses with up
to four attached units
1 space per dwelling unit.
Townhouses 1 space per dwelling unit.
Accessory dwelling
units
No additional parking required.
Multifamily dwellings 1 space per studio or 1-bed, 1.5 spaces per 2-
bed, 2 spaces per 3- or 4-bed, at least one
enclosed, plus 5% guest.
Congregate housing .5 space per unit.
Senior and disability
housing
.5 space per unit.
Manufactured home
parks
1 space per dwelling unit.
Residential Facilities 1 space per 2 beds/participants.
Economic and Business Land Uses
Bakeries 1 space per 200 s.f. of customer area
Bowling alleys 4 spaces per lane
Restaurants (sit
down, including
brewpubs)
1 space per 70 s.f. of gross floor area
Restaurants (fast
food)
1 space per 75 s.f. of gross floor area. Fast food
restaurants without indoor seating for
customers require 1 space per 400 s.f.
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Micro-distillery
cocktail rooms
1 space per 70 s.f. of floor area.
Hotels/motels 1 space per unit
Indoor entertainment
and amusement
(theaters, arcades,
etc.)
1 space per 250 s.f.
Private
clubs/convention
centers
1 space per 4 seats
Recreational uses
(public and private),
including gyms,
skating rinks, etc.
1 space for every 400 s.f. of gross floor area
Retail store, shopping
center, or service
establishment
1 space per 400 s.f. of gross floor area
Showrooms (e.g.,
furniture, appliances)
1 space for every 400 s.f. gross floor area of
show room,
Taprooms 1 space per 70 s.f. of floor area.
Care Services
Adult day care
centers
1 space per 5 persons cared for
Animal hospitals,
veterinary clinics,
kennels, and or pet
grooming facilities
1 space per each 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Childcare centers 1 space per employee plus adequate client
parking. No allowances for compact parking.
Mortuaries 1 per every 400 s.f. plus 1 space for every 4
seats
Trade schools or
training centers
1 space per 5 students based on design
capability
Offices and Financial Institutions
Financial institutions 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Medical and dental
offices
1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Offices, excluding
medical and dental
1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area, after
100,000 s.f. 1 space per 400 s.f. of gross floor
area
Automotive
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Automobile repair
shops
2 spaces for each service bay
Car wash 1 space per employee at the peak business time
Sales or show rooms
(auto, machinery,
boats, etc.)
1 space for every 1000 s.f. of gross floor area of
display area plus 1 space for every 5,000 gross
s.f. of outside display
Service stations 8 spaces plus 4 per service stall
Truck/van terminals 1 space per 3,000 s. f. of gross floor area
Manufacturing
Manufacturing -
Fabricating
1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
Breweries 1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
Distilleries 1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
Micro-distilleries 1 space per 500 s.f. of gross floor area
Warehouse and Wholesale
Outdoor storage and
self-storage facilities
1 space per 10,000 s.f. of storage area
Warehouses and
storage
1 space for every 3,000 s.f. of gross floor area
Institutional Land Uses
Ball fields and other
outdoor recreation
1 space per 4 seats based on design capacity or
1 per 4 members using the facility
Cemeteries 4 visitor spaces and 1 space per employee
City offices 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Community centers 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Convalescent homes,
nursing homes, and
clinics
1 space per 5 beds
Fire stations 1 space per 2 crewmembers
Golf courses, country
clubs, and other
recreational facilities
1 space per 5 patrons based on course capacity,
1 space per 2 driving range tees
Hospitals 1 space for every 4 beds
Libraries 1 space per 300 s.f. of gross floor area
Parks and
playgrounds
Adequate off-street parking shall be provided as
determined by Parks and Recreation Director or
their designee.
Museums 1 space per 400 s.f. of gross floor area
Places of worship 1 space per 4 seats in the main assembly area
Post offices/parcel
distribution
10 spaces plus 1 per 500 s.f. plus 1 for each
service vehicle on site
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Elementary and
junior high schools
2 spaces per classroom
High schools 2 spaces per classroom plus 1 space per 6
students
Mixed Use Land Uses
Mixed Use In the case of mixed uses, the parking facilities
required shall be the sum of the requirements
for the various individual uses, computed
separately in accordance with this section.
Parking facilities for one use shall not be
considered as providing the required parking
facilities for any other use.
(1) General Requirement. For any uses, City Manager or their designee may approve
a different number based on Institute of Transportation (ITE) and American
Planning Association (APA) guidelines.
(2) Maximum Parking. In all Zoning Districts parking provided shall not exceed the
minimum required parking + 20% of that minimum amount in the case of
reconfigured, new or reconstructed surface parking lots. Does not apply to
single-family, two-family, rowhouses, or townhouses.
(3) Required Ratios. Where the number of required parking spaces is measured by
seating capacity, such seating capacity shall be determined for maximum
capacity.
(4) Rounding. Where the parking calculations result in less than 1 spot the required
number will be rounded up.
(5) Reductions and Alternatives to Automobile Parking
a. General
1. This subsection identifies allowed reductions and alternatives to required on-
site parking spaces.
2. These reductions are allowed either by-right or require approval of an
Administrative Adjustment. If the reduction is requested as part of a project
subject to discretionary approval, the request is considered by the review
authority as part of the overall project.
3. Available reductions apply only to non-exempt parking spaces as specified in
(Applicability)
4. Available reductions are additive (i.e., multiple reductions may be combined
for a single project). Each allowed reduction is calculated using the number of
parking spaces required before any other reduction is applied. For example, a
development requiring 20 parking spaces that qualifies for a 10 percent transit
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proximity reduction and a 30 percent bicycle facility proximity reduction may
reduce their required parking by 40 percent.
5. Upon receipt of a written request, the City Manager and/or their designee
may reduce or increase the parking minimum or maximum requirements,
if the applicant demonstrates a demand which is different than required
by this chapter based on specifics of the use or other factors. The City may
in the case of a reduction, require that land be reserved for parking
development should the use or demands change. This is in addition to the
reductions allowed in section “b” below.
b. Available Reductions
1. Transit Proximity. For projects in proximity to an active public transit stop,
required on-site parking may be reduced as shown in table below. Public
transit stops exclude school bus stops.
Proximity to Public Transit Stop Allowed Parking Reduction
600 feet 30 percent
900 feet 20 percent
1,200 feet 10 Percent
2. Bicycle Facility Proximity. Required on-site vehicle parking may be reduced by
up to 30 percent for projects located within 300 feet of a regional bike trail.
3. Carpool Spaces. For non-residential uses, two automobile parking spaces may
be exchanged for one carpool parking space. The carpool parking space must
be designated as such with signage and/or space markings. There is a
maximum reduction of 2% of spaces.
4. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Two required parking spaces may be
exchanged for one space served by an electric vehicle charging station. To
receive reduction, electric vehicle charging stations must be in excess of the
minimum number of charging stations required by this code. There is a
maximum reduction of 2% of spaces.
5. Motorcycle and Motor Scooter Spaces. Motorcycle and motor scooter parking
may replace up to two required automobile spaces. Each automobile parking
space must be replaced by space for at least 2 motorcycles.
6. Differing Parking Demands. The City may allow up to 50 percent reduction
when joint use or combined parking is provided for uses which have different
parking demands and peak parking needs such as a daytime use with a
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nighttime use (e.g., office and movie theater) or a week day use with a
weekend use (e.g., office and a places of assembly). This reduction requires
approval of an Administrative Adjustment. The City may require an agreement
between the users to qualify for this reduction.
7. Required Accessible and Electric Vehicle Spaces. Replacement parking spaces
are not required if retrofitting a required accessible parking space or if
installing a required electric vehicle charging station eliminates one or more
required parking spaces (e.g., to accommodate accessible loading area).
(d) Proof of Parking. When the required off-street parking is 20 or more spaces, the
owner is only required to pave and stripe 75 percent of the required parking spaces if
the following conditions are met:
(1) A parking plan drawn to scale for the lot is submitted to the City Manager or
their designee and the plan indicates that the site complies with the total
parking requirements stated above and the parking lot is designed to the
standards required by this section.
(2) The portion of the site which is not paved and is capable of containing the
amount of parking equal to the difference between the total amount of required
parking and the amount of parking required to be paved (known as the proof of
parking area) is suitably landscaped and curbed to meet the requirements of this
section.
(3) The proof of parking area shall be clearly delineated on the parking plan for the
site.
(4) The paved portion of the parking area shall comply with the pertinent provisions
of this section.
(5) The proof of parking area is not used to satisfy any other landscaping or other
requirement and is not located in an area occupied by a building.
(6) The City shall record the proof of parking against the property and it shall run
with the land.
(7) The City may, at any time in its sole discretion, require proof that the parking
area will be paved and striped in such a way that it meets the requirements to
provide the total number of required parking spaces on the site or a percentage
between 75 percent and 100 percent.
(8) The City may require the owner to enter into a proof of parking agreement
specifying the requirements and restrictions and stating that the owner
developer and successor shall be responsible for making improvements to meet
the Code at the time the City requires such action.
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(e) Bicycle Parking. Short-term bicycle parking provides shoppers, customers, messengers
and other visitors who generally park for two hours or less a convenient and readily
accessible place to park bicycles. Long-term bicycle parking provides residents who live
in a multi-family dwelling a secure and weather-protected place to park and store
bicycles. Short-term and long-term bicycle parking shall be provided as stated below:
(1) Short Term: Bicycle parking shall be provided at the rate of 10% of required
vehicular parking.
a. Short-Term parking. Short-term bicycle parking shall be located on site within
50 feet of a primary entrance, or if there are site, setback, building design, or
other constraints, bicycle parking shall be located no more than 100 feet from a
primary entrance in the closest available area to the primary entrance as
determined by the City Manager or their designee.
(2) Long Term: Bicycle parking shall be provided in multi-family dwellings at the rate
of 1 space per dwelling unit.
a. Long-Term parking. Long-term parking may be located in garages or other
limited access areas for exclusive use by residents. Long-Term parking for
residential dwellings can be within the unit as long as the space is dedicated
to the bicycle and must be shown on building plans.
(3) Bicycle Parking Design
a. A bicycle parking space shall measure at least two (2) feet wide by six (6)
feet long, so staple racks, which hold two bicycles, shall be installed at least
36 inches apart. Bicycle parking spaces shall also be a minimum of six (6)
feet in length and shall have a vertical clearance of seven (7) feet. A width of
at least three (3) feet is encouraged.
b. The minimum distance between rows of bicycle parking spaces shall be five
(5) feet.
c. Minimum clearance between a bicycle parking space and a wall or structure
shall be two (2) feet. Bicycle parking spaces next to the curb shall be
separated by at least two (2) feet, although a width of three (3) feet is
encouraged.
d. Every bicycle parking space shall be accessible without moving another
bicycle.
e. For buildings with multiple entrances, short-term bicycle parking spaces
shall be distributed in a manner proportionate to the number of entrances.
f. Directional signage to the bicycle parking shall be provided if the parking is
not directly visible and obvious from an entrance or public right-of-way.
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g. A bicycle rack shall accommodate common bicycle frame sizes and styles
including bicycles without kickstands.
h. A bicycle rack shall support the bicycle frame at a minimum of two contact
points; one contact point shall be the frame.
i. A rack shall allow both the frame and two wheels to be locked to the rack
with the use of a cable or the frame and one wheel to be locked to the rack
with a U-type lock.
j. Bicycle racks and bicycle lockers shall be securely anchored to concrete with
vandal-resistant concrete mounting hardware.
k. Bicycle racks shall be a minimum of 30 inches wide by 36 inches tall.
l. Inverted “U” or staple style bicycle racks are common and meet the
requirements of this section.
m. Bicycle parking shall be lighted to the standards outlined in Sec. 113-153,
Outdoor Lighting, of the City Code.
Bicycle Parking Design
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Bicycle Rack Examples
(f) Electric Vehicle Provisions.
(1) Definitions.
a. Charging levels means the standardized indicators of electrical force, or
voltage, at which an electric vehicle's battery is recharged. The terms 1, 2,
and 3 (DC) are the most common charging levels, and include the following
specifications:
1. Level 1 is considered slow charging with 120v outlets.
2. Level 2 is considered medium charging with 240v outlets, charging head
and cord hard-wired to the circuit.
3. Level 3 (DC) is considered fast or rapid charging. Voltage is greater than
240 volts.
b. Electric vehicle means a vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively,
on electrical energy from the electrical grid, or an off-grid source, that is
stored on-board for motive purposes. "Electric vehicle" includes:
1. Battery electric vehicle.
2. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
c. Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) means a public or private parking
space that is served by battery charging station equipment that has as its
primary purpose the transfer of electric energy (by conductive or inductive
means) to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.
d. Electric vehicle infrastructure means conduit/wiring, structures, machinery,
and equipment necessary and integral to support an electric vehicle
charging station.
(2) Number of required Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
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a. All new or reconstructed parking structures shall be allowed, but not
required, to install EVCS.
b. All new or reconstructed parking lots with 14 or fewer parking spaces shall
be allowed, but not required, to install electric vehicle infrastructure and/or
EVCS.
c. All new or reconstructed surface parking lots or parking structures with at
least 15 but no more than 49 spaces or expanded parking lots that result in
a parking lot with 15 to 49 parking spaces, shall install electric vehicle
infrastructure and/or EVCS as required below.
1. Multifamily residential land uses shall have 25% of required
residential parking with electrical vehicle infrastructure installed . At
least one accessible parking space shall have electric vehicle
infrastructure installed.
2. Non-residential land uses with surface parking spaces available for use
by the general public shall have two Level 2 stations or one Level 3
station. At least one accessible parking space shall have access to an
EVCS. Parking structures are exempt from this requirement.
d. All new or reconstructed surface parking lots or parking structures with at
least 50 parking spaces or expanded parking lots that result in 50 or more
parking spaces, shall install electric vehicle infrastructure and/or EVCS as
required below.
1. Multifamily residential land uses shall have 25% of required residential
parking with electrical vehicle infrastructure installed. At least one
accessible parking space shall have electric vehicle infrastructure
installed.
2. Non-residential land uses with surface parking spaces available for use
by the general public shall have at least 5% of required parking as Level
2, with at least one station adjacent to an accessible parking space. In
non-residential zoned districts, Level 3 charging stations may be
installed to satisfy the EVCS requirements described above on a one-
for-one basis. Parking structures are exempt from this requirement.
e. All new or reconstructed motor fuel stations shall be required to install at
least one additional Level 2 or Level 3 charging station.
(3) Reductions to EVCS requirements. When the cost of installing EVCS required by
this Chapter would exceed 25% of the total project cost, the property owner or
applicant may request a reduction in the EVCS requirements and submit cost
estimates for city consideration. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVCS). Any
EVCS installed before the date of adoption of these regulations shall be legal,
non-conforming structures. The provisions of this Subdivision apply to all Zoning
Districts.
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(4) Performance standards.
a. Safety, Location, and Accessibility.
1. EVCS shall not interfere with the right-of-way user sight lines.
2. EVCS shall incorporate a cord management system or method to
eliminate potential for cable entanglement, user injury or connector
damage from lying on the ground.
3. EVCS shall not obstruct a sidewalk or walkway and must minimize trip
and safety hazards.
4. EVCS shall be protected by appropriate curbing or bollards.
5. EVCS shall be under eight feet in height except where approved by the
City Manager or their designee.
6. EVCS and parking stalls served by EVCS shall follow accessibility
requirements for parking stalls and equipment access when required by
the adopted version of MN building code.
7. EVCS shall be installed pursuant to manufacturer specification and shall
comply with all applicable state building codes, state fire codes, state
electrical codes, and relevant permitting processes.
8. EVCS shall be adequately maintained for safety and continual usage.
9. The area surrounding the EVCS shall be maintained appropriately to
reduce hazards and allow access to EVCS, including snow removal
around the equipment to allow for safety and access.
10. At the end of life for EVCS, the EVCS shall be replaced with new
equipment or the EVCS shall be properly removed, and all utilities and
equipment shall be safely decommissioned.
(5) Setbacks.
a. EVCS in residential districts shall not be considered accessory buildings but
shall adhere to the setbacks for accessory buildings and structures each
zoning district.
b. EVCS in all other districts are not subject to structural setbacks and may be
located anywhere within property lines, subject to the other standards in
this Chapter.
(6) Parking Minimums, Parking Lot Requirements, Parking Restrictions.
a. All Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) shall count towards off-street
parking minimums required in this Chapter as specified in Section 113.151.
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(7) Signage.
a. EVCS signage shall include a phone number to contact for regular
maintenance issues. Signage shall state to call 911 in case of an
emergency.
b. If parking time limits or usage requirements are to be enforced by towing
by the property owner, this shall be posted with signage.
c. All signage shall meet the requirements in Code Section 105.
d. There shall be no offsite signage/advertisements, nor video or amplified
sound, associated with EVCS.
(g) Loading Regulations.
(1) Design Standards.
a. Residential Uses. Required off-street truck loading or unloading spaces for
residential uses shall be at least 12 feet in width and 32 feet in length.
Where a loading space parallel to a building is to be utilized, such area shall
not be less than 12 feet in width nor less than 40 feet in length. In no
instance shall any designated side loading space encroach upon a fire lane
or driving aisle or parking spaces.
b. Non-Residential Uses. Required off-street truck loading or unloading spaces
for non-residential uses shall be at least 12 feet in width, 14 feet in height,
and 60 feet in length. Where a loading space parallel to a building is to be
utilized, such area shall not be less than 12 feet in width nor less than 65
feet in length. In no instance shall any designated side loading space
encroach upon a fire lane or driving aisle or parking spaces.
c. All maneuvering for off-street loading shall be accomplished on private
property.
d. In addition to the required loading space, all loading spaces shall include a
maneuvering area. The maneuvering area shall not use any of that portion
of the site containing parking stalls or customer service areas. Maneuvering
areas shall be of such size as to permit the backing of truck tractors and
coupled trailers into the loading space, without blocking the use of other
loading spaces, drives, parking spaces, or maneuvering areas on public right-
of-way.
e. Customer drop off spaces shall not constitute off-street loading spaces.
f. Construction of loading areas needs to meet the applicable standards as per
Section 113-151.(b) Design Standards
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(2) Number of Loading Spaces Required. The number of required off-street loading
spaces shall be as follows:
Use Required number of
loading spaces*
Residential Uses:
1. Single Family and Two Family
Dwellings
None
2. Multiple Family Dwellings -
a. Less than 4 dwelling units None
b. Four to 48 dwelling units 1 per building
c. For each additional 48 dwelling units
over 48
1 per building
Non-Residential Uses:
Gross Floor Area (Square Feet)
Less than 10,000 1
10,001 to 20,000 2
20,001 to 50,000 3
50,001 to 75,000 4
75,001 to 100,000 5
For each additional 50,000 over
100,000
1
Mixed use In the case of mixed
uses, the loading
spaces required shall
be the sum of the
requirements for the
various individual
uses, computed
separately in
accordance with this
section.
* Reductions to loading space quantity requirements may be granted by
the City Manager or their designee upon determination of facility need.
(3) Landscaping and Screening of Loading Spaces. Loading spaces shall be screened
from all property lines. Said screening shall be accomplished by a solid wall or
fence and shall be designed so as to be architecturally harmonious with the
principal structure. Screening plantings may be substituted, provided such
plantings are in conformance with Chapter 111 Tree and Landscape
Requirements.
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(4) Location.
a. Off-Street. All required loading spaces for a non-residential use shall be off-
street and located on the same lot as the building or use to be served.
b. Distance from Intersection. All loading space curb cuts shall be located at
minimum 50 feet from the intersection of two or more street rights-of-way.
This distance shall be measured from the property line.
c. Distance from Residential Use. Loading areas established after shall be
prohibited within 300 feet of residentially zoned or guided property unless
completely screened by an intervening building, or unless screened from
adjacent residentially zoned or guided property by the use of berms, fences,
or walls to provide 100 percent opacity to a height of at least eight feet. The
height of the screening shall be measured from the grade of the loading
areas.
d. Pedestrians. Loading spaces shall not conflict with pedestrian movement.
e. Visibility. Loading spaces shall not obstruct the view of the public right-of-
way from off-street parking access.
f. General Compliance. Loading spaces shall comply with all other
requirements of this section.
g. Traffic Interference. Each loading space shall be located with appropriate
means of vehicular access to a street or public alley in a manner which will
cause the least interference with traffic.
h. Accessory Use; Parking and Storage. Required loading spaces shall not be
used for the storage of goods, inoperable vehicles or snow and shall not be
included as part of the space requirements to meet off-street parking
requirements.
Section 2. City Code Section 113-88 is amended to read as follows.”***” denotes a
section break.
***
(5) Garage Provisions. Garages in the R-1 Zoning District shall be governed by the
following requirements:
a. Minimum Garage Stalls. For lots greater than 50 feet wide, no building permit
shall be issued for a single-family dwelling not having a two-stall one-stall
garage. unless the registered survey submitted at the time of application for the
building permit reflects the necessary area and setback requirements for a
future two-stall (minimum) garage. Lots 50 feet in width or less may be
constructed with without an enclosed one garage stall.
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Section 3. City Code Section 113-89 is amended to read as follows.”***” denotes a
section break.
***
(5) Garage Provisions. The following requirements shall apply to all garages constructed
in the R-2 Zoning District:
a. Minimum Garage Stalls. No building permit shall be issued for the construction
of a new principal structure in the R-2 Zoning District which does not include at
least a one garage stall per dwelling unit. For lots greater than 50 feet wide, no
building permit shall be issued for a single-family dwelling not having a two-stall
one-stall garage. Lots 50 feet in width or less may be constructed with without
an enclosed one garage stall.
Section 4. City Code Section 113-91 is amended to read as follows.”***” denotes a
section break.
***
(k) Parking Space Reduction. Properties providing sidewalks along all street frontages may
pursue the following non-enclosed parking space reduction:
(1) Underground Parking. The provision of one stall of underground parking per unit
shall result in a 10 percent reduction in the number of required non-enclosed
parking spaces.
(2) Public Transit. Scheduled public transit route available within 1,000 feet of the
primary entrance accessed by a public sidewalk shall result in a 10 percent
reduction in the number of required non-enclosed parking spaces.
Section 5. City Code Section 113-159 is amended to read as follows.”***” denotes a
section break.
***
(4) A minimum of one additional off-street parking space shall be provided for the
accessory dwelling unit in addition to those required for the principal dwelling.
The creation of the accessory dwelling unit by conversion of garage space shall
not reduce the home's provided off-street parking below the minimum
requirements listed in Section 113-151 of zoning code.
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