What determines the required
parking for a development?
The parking standards of the zoning code are in Chapter
17.72. The required parking allocation (amount of
parking spaces) depends upon the type of use or uses
proposed for a development. Because the amount of
required parking can vary widely between uses, it
is always advised to review that portion of the code
that reflects the type of use or uses one proposes
to develop.
Can a business or use rely upon public parking
or on-street parking to meet the required parking?
No. The parking standards are for off-street parking
and must be provided on the private property where
the use is located.
Is there any way that required parking spaces may
be provided on property other than the site where
the business or use is located?
Yes. There are some exceptions to the general parking
rules which allow greater flexibility in achieving
required parking for a use or uses. However, these
parking rule exceptions are restricted to
either specific zoning districts or have a maximum
distance criteria from the use which requires the
parking. Please check the parking standards of the
zoning code for specifics.
What if there is simply no way that parking can
be provided on-site? Is there some procedure where
one could request a waiver from the parking standards?
Yes. The zoning code has a variance procedure which
allows a waiver of the standards if certain criteria
are met. Please refer to the brochure on Variances
for additional information.
What triggers required parking for a use or site?
Any new use generates the parking standard requirements.
If there is a change in an existing use or an expansion
or intensification of an existing use, the required
parking standards apply. Please note that there are
some general exceptions to this rule and the parking
standards of the zoning code should be consulted for
more information.
How large should a parking stall be?
The minimum required parking stall must have a clear
area of 8 feet in width by 18 feet in length. These
linear dimensions can increase with angle parking
as you must provide a clear area equivalent to 8 feet
by 18 feet. These are minimum dimensions. Washington
State regulations which govern barrier-free facilities
have different parking stall dimension requirements.
Please contact the City Building Official for information
regarding this.
Can private off-street parking spaces be leased
to another business?
Yes, if it is within the Downtown Business or Waterfront
Commercial districts. There are stipulations involved,
so please review the applicable section 17.72.060
of the zoning code for information.
