HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-27 CC Packet Enclosure t K-:
Oak Park Heights
Request for Council Action
Meeting Date June 27th, 2023
Time Required: 10 Minutes
Agenda Item Title: Urban Heat Islands—Ordinance Amendments
Agenda Placement Old Business
Originating Department/Requestor: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Requester's Signature:
Action Requested Discussion, Possible Action
Please see the enclosed documents:
1. Memo from Scott Richards, City Planner dated June 15th, 2023
2. Related City Ordinance Amendments to 401.15. F—(#2023-401-04)
3. Related Resolution—Amending Design Guidelines
4. Summary Document for Publication
(Council please consider and possibly adopt these separately—2, 3, &4)
Page 43 of 118
MEMORANDUM
TO: Eric Johnson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: June 15, 2023
RE: Oak Park Heights — Urban Heat Islands — Parking
Requirements/Landscaping — City Council
TPC FILE: 236.01 - 22.01
BACKGROUND
The City Council, at their October 11, 2022, meeting discussed a request by
Councilmember Carly Johnson to consider policies related to reducing the impact of the
City's urban heat islands. As you are aware there are large areas of parking lots in the
west commercial area of the City, centered around Walmart, Lowes, Menards, and the
shopping center that includes the Kowalski's. The City Council has asked the Planning
Commission to review the issue and especially the parking requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance.
The Planning Commission discussed the urban heat island topic at their January 12,
2023, February 9, 2023, March 9, 2023, and April 13, 2023, meetings. A public hearing
was advertised and opened at the March 9, 2023, meeting. The Planning Commission
at their May 11, 2023, meeting recommended the language as follows and in the draft
resolution for consideration of the City Council.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Air Photo —Aldi
Exhibit 2: Air Photo — Stillwater Crossing
Exhibit 3: Air Photo — Suds Car Wash Area
Exhibit 4: Air Photo — Pizza Ranch
Exhibit 5: Air Photo — Kohl's/Menards
Parking Standards
The Planning Commission agreed that the City should look to reduce the parking
requirements, not only to provide more green space but also to provide pads for
redevelopment. Although the commercial areas of the City are almost completely
developed, there will be opportunities in the future to work with developers in re-
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imagining these areas with fewer parking spaces and more green space. The City has
an opportunity now to revise its parking requirements as the first step in preparing for
redevelopment opportunities.
Staff would recommend the following changes to the parking requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance. In most cases the parking requirements could be reduced by 50 percent.
There are exceptions for some housing uses and schools where parking demand has
not decreased. New language is in bold, and removed language is ' .
401.15.F. Off-Street Parking and Loading.
1. Off-Street Parking Purpose. The regulation of off-street parking spaces in
these zoning regulations is to alleviate or prevent congestion of the public right-
of-way and to promote the safety and general welfare of the public, by
establishing minimum requirements for off-street parking of motor vehicles in
accordance with the utilization of various parcels of land or structures.
2. Application of Off-Street Parking Regulations. The regulations and
requirements set forth herein shall apply to all off-street parking facilities in all of
the zoning districts of the City.
3. Site Plan Drawing Necessary. All applications for a building or an occupancy
permit in all zoning districts shall be accompanied by a site plan drawn to scale
and dimension indicating the location of off-street parking and loading spaces in
compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section. All site plans for new
single family homes must provide for the location of a two (2) stall garage in
compliance with this Chapter.
4. General Provisions.
a. Floor Area. The term "floor area" for the purpose of calculating the
number of off-street parking spaces required shall be determined on the
basis of the exterior floor area dimensions of the buildings, structures or
use times the number of floors, minus ten (10) percent, except as may
hereinafter be provided or modified.
b. Reduction of Existing Off Street Parking Space or Lot Area. Off street
date of this Section shall not be reduced in number or size, unless said
number or size exceeds the requirements set forth herein for a similar new
usc.
c. Non-Conforming Structures. Should a non-conforming structure or use be
damaged or destroyed by fire, it may be re-established if elsewhere
permitted in these zoning regulations and in Minnesota Statute, except
that in doing so, any off-street parking or loading space which existed
before shall be retained.
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d. Change of Use or Occupancy of Land. No change of use or occupancy of
land already dedicated to a parking area, parking space, or loading
spaces shall be made, nor shall any sale of land, division or subdivision of
land be made which reduces area necessary for parking, parking stalls, or
parking requirements below the minimum prescribed by these zoning
regulations.
e. Change of Use or Occupancy of Buildings. Any change of use or
occupancy of any building or buildings, including additions thereto
requiring more parking areas shall not be permitted until there is furnished
such additional parking spaces as required by these zoning regulations.
f. Residential Use Parking.
1) Except as provided below in Subsection 4.f 2 and except on a
limited, temporary basis involving guests or work being performed
on site, on and off-street parking facilities shall be utilized solely for
the parking of licensed and operable passenger automobiles, vans,
one (1) truck not to exceed gross capacity of twelve thousand
(12,000) pounds; and recreational vehicles and equipment which
are the property of the occupant, except as provided below in
Subsection 4.f.2. Under no circumstances shall required facilities
accessory to residential structures be used for the storage of non-
qualifying commercial vehicles, commercial equipment, or for the
parking of automobiles belonging to the employees, owners,
tenants or customers of business or manufacturing establishments.
2) For detached single family uses in residential zoning districts, the
off-street parking of vehicles other than those stipulated in
Subsection 4.f 1 above may be allowed as an interim use permit
pursuant to Section 401.05 of these zoning regulations, provided
that:
a) The property fronts on an improved public street which is
determined by the City Engineer to be capable of carrying
the vehicles in question without undue damage.
b) The type of vehicle to be parked does not create an
unreasonable safety hazard to neighboring residents or the
public utilizing the street(s) servicing the property.
c) The site upon which the vehicle is parked has adequate
space to allow turning movements and parking which does
not result in the backing of vehicles from or onto the public
street.
d) The parking of such vehicles does not adversely affect
neighboring property owners as it relates to noise.
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e) The parking of such vehicles is screened from neighboring
properties and the public right-of-way to the extent
determined as necessary by the City Council in compliance
with Section 401.15.E. of this Ordinance.
f) The provisions of Section 401.05 of this Ordinance are
considered and determined to be satisfied.
g. Calculating Space.
1) When determining the number of off-street parking spaces results
in a fraction, each fraction over.5 shall constitute another space.
2) In stadiums, sports arenas, churches and other places of public
assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews or
other similar seating facilities, each twenty-two (22) inches of such
seating facilities shall be counted as one seat for the purpose of
determining requirements.
3) Except as provided for under joint parking and shopping centers,
should a structure contain two (2) or more types of use, the sum of
each shall be calculated separately and shall be used for
determining the total off-street parking spaces required.
h. Stall, Aisle and Driveway Design.
1) Parking Space Size. Except for handicapped parking spaces,
each parking space shall not be less than nine (9) feet wide and
twenty (20) feet in length, eighteen (18) feet in length adjacent to
a curb, exclusive of access aisles, and each space shall be served
adequately by access aisles.
2) Street Access. All off-street parking facilities shall be designed and
constructed with appropriate means of vehicular access to a public
street. Except in the case of a planned unit development, each lot
shall have access directly onto an abutting, improved and City
accepted public street. Exception to this access requirement may
be allowed as a conditional use permit pursuant to Section 401.03
of this Ordinance.
3) Within Structures. The off-street parking requirements may be
furnished by providing a space so designed within the principal
building or one (1) structure attached thereto; however, unless
provisions are made, no building permit shall be issued to convert
said parking structure into a dwelling unit or living area or other
Page 47 of 118
activity until other adequate provisions are made to comply with the
required off-street parking provisions of this Ordinance.
4) Lot Circulation. Except in the case of single, two-family,
townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, parking
areas shall be designed so that circulation between parking bays or
aisles occurs within the designated parking lot and does not
depend upon a public street or alley, unless allowed though a
Conditional Use Permit. Except in the case of single, two-family,
townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, parking
area design which requires backing into the public street is
prohibited.
5) Intersection Separation. No curb cut access shall be located less
than sixty (60) feet from the intersection of two (2) or more street
rights-of-way. This distance shall be measured from the
intersection of lot lines.
6) Lot Design. Except in the case of single family, two family,
townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, parking
•.._ -
7) Parallel Parking. Parallel parking spaces shall be at least twenty-
two (22) feet in length.
8) Curb Cut Size. No curb cut access shall exceed twenty-four (24)
feet in width, or thirty-two (32) feet when accessing a State
highway, except by conditional use permit. approval of the City
Engineer.
9) Side Yard Setback. Except with special approval from the Zoning
Administrator, curb cut openings shall be a minimum of five (5) feet
from the side yard property line in all districts.
Staff proposes the following table be eliminated. The City Engineer reviews site
plans to determine if parking lot design is adequate based upon the individual
circumstances.
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PARKING LOT DIMENSIONS TABLE*
Curb Curb
Angle of Stall Length Stall Aisle Angle of Stoll Length Stall Aisle
Parking Width Per Car Depth Width Parking Width Per Car Depth Width
8'6" 23'0" 8'6" 12'0" 8'6" 11'2" 20'0" 12'6"
®® 9'6" 23'0" 9'6„ 12°0" 5®® 9'6" 12°5" 20'9" 12°O""
10'0" 23'0" 10°0" 12'0" 10'0" 13'2" 2)'0" 12'0"
8°6" 24'11" 14°6" 11'0" 8'6" 9'10" 20'9" 18'6"
Z®° 9'6" 27'10" 15'6" 11'0" X90° 9'6" 110" 21'3„ 18'0"
10'0" 29'3" 15'11" 11'0" 10'0" 11'6" 21°6" 18'0"
8'6" 17'0" 16'11" 11'0" 8'6" 9'0" 20'10" 19'6"
9'0" 18'0" 17'4" 11'0" 9'0" 9'8" 21°0" 19'0"
30° 9'6' 19'0" 17'10" 11'0" 70° 9'6" 10'2" 21'3" 18°6"
10'0" 20'0" 18'3" 11'0" 10°0" 10'8" 21'3" 18'0"
8°6" 13'3" 18'9" 12'0" 8'6" 8'8" 20'3" 24'0"
40° 9'6" 14'10"� 19 6" 12'0" $0° 9'6" 9'8" 20'5" 24'0„
10'0" 15'8" 19'11" 12'0" 10'0" 10'3" 20°6" 24'0"
8'6°' 12'0" 19'5" 13'6" 8°6" 8'6" 20'0" 24'0"
9'0" 12'9" 19'10" 13'0" 9'0" 9'0°' 20°0" 22'0"
45° 9'6" 13'5" 20`2" 13'0" 90° 9'6" 9'6' 20'0" 22'0"
10'0" 14`2" 20°6" 13'0" 10°0" 10'0" 20'0" 22`0"
*This table pertains to a wall to wall situation. In calculating dimensions, two(2)feet may be subtracted
from each stall depth for each overhang and overlap. No subtraction for overlap is allowed for angles greater
than sixty (60°)degrees.
V
2�
-o E.
a °
8 Curb length per car 3 V a.
0 �g� h
b Stall width f. d—4----e +
-01
c Angle of parking % C , +I
++ i�
d Stall depth + I it A.„. 1
e Aisle width '+ ++ /1 �/ '+ +
f Stall length + 1 ,++
i
,
g Overlap 0 e / +
h Overhang ++ / ++
Page 49 of 118
10) Curb Cut Spacing. Driveway access curb openings on a public
street except for single, two-family, quadraminium, manor home,
and townhouse dwellings, shall not be located less than forty (40)
feet from one another.
11) Grade. The grade elevation of any parking area or driveways shall
not exceed ten (10) percent.
12) Number of Curb Cuts. Each property shall be allowed one (1) curb
cut access for each one hundred twenty-five (125) feet of street
frontage. All property shall be entitled to at least one curb cut.
13) Surfacing. All areas intended to be utilized for parking space and
driveways shall be hard surfaced with materials suitable to control
dust and drainage. Plans for surfacing and drainage of driveways
and stalls for five (5) or more vehicles shall be submitted to the City
Engineer for review and the final drainage plan shall be subject to
written approval.
The Planning Commission decided not to incorporate
language related to pervious pavement.
14) Striping. Except for single, two-family townhouses, quadraminiums,
all parking stalls shall be marked with white or yellow painted lines
not less than four(4) inches wide.
15) Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area
shall be hooded and so arranged as to reflect the light away from
adjoining property, abutting residential uses, and public rights-of-
way, and shall be in compliance with Section 401.15.8.7. of this
Ordinance.
116) Signs. No sign shall be so located as to restrict the sight lines and
orderly operation and traffic movement within any parking lot or
driveway. All signs shall be in conformance with Section 401.15.G
of this Ordinance.
3417) Curbing and Landscaping. Except for single and two-family
dwellings, all open, off-street parking shall have a continuous
concrete perimeter curb barrier around the entire parking lot; said
curb barrier shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to any lot line or
right of way line. Grass plantings and landscaping shall be
provided in all areas bordering the parking area.
18) Required Screening. All open off-street parking areas of five (5) or
more spaces shall be screened and landscaped from abutting or
surrounding residential districts and uses, and the public right-of-
way in compliance with Section 401.15.E. of this Ordinance.
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19) Snow Storage. Adequate space for snow storage shall be provided
on the site so as not to reduce the required minimum number of
parking spaces. In those cases where excessive snow cannot be
properly stored on site, it shall be immediately removed from the
site.
20) Driveway Turn Around. In the case of single family, two-family,
townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, which front
on streets designated as collector, minor arterial, intermediate
arterial and principal arterial by the City's Comprehensive Plan, the
installation of a vehicle turn-around space, immediately adjacent to
the access driveway is allowed and may be required by the City
Council. Said space is to be no larger than ten (10) feet wide and
ten (10) feet in length. Where possible, said space shall be located
away from the principal structure and shall be no closer than twenty
(20) feet from the street surface. Said space shall not to be utilized
for parking or storage purposes.
5. Maintenance. It shall be the joint and several responsibility of the lessee and
owner of the principal use, uses or buildings to maintain in a neat and adequate
manner, the parking space, accessways, striping, landscaping and required
fencing and screening.
6. Location. All accessory off-street parking facilities as required by this Ordinance
shall be located and restricted as follows:
a. Required accessory off-street parking shall be on the same lot under the
same ownership easement and/or lease as the principal use being
served, except under the provisions of Section 401.15.F.10.
b. Except for single, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home
dwellings, head-in parking, directly off of and adjacent to a public street,
with each stall having its own direct access to the public street, shall be
prohibited.
c. The boulevard portion of the street right-of-way shall not be used for
parking, except on a designated driveway.
d. Setback Area - Required Accessory Off-street Parking. Required
accessory off-street parking shall be provided for single family dwellings
within the R-1 and R-2 Districts and for quadraminium and townhouse
dwellings within R-3 and R-B Districts, in a garage, car port, or on a
defined driveway leading directly into a garage or car port, and shall be
constructed of concrete, asphalt, cobblestone, or paving block.
e. Setback Area - Accessory Off-Street Parking (General). Accessory off-
street parking provided above and beyond the requirements of this
Ordinance for single family uses within R-1 and R-2 Districts and
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quadraminium and townhouse dwellings within R-3 and R-B Districts shall
be subject to - - - - - - - - -- - -- - '- - -- - - - the
following: Accessory off-street parking shall be provided on a designated
driveway leading directly into a garage and/or on one (1) designated
parking pad contiguous to the driveway and located away from the
principal use. Said accessory off-street parking area may be located
within the front, side, or rear yard setback and must be constructed of
concrete, asphalt, cobblestone, paving block or crushed rock that at a
minimum meets Class Five (5) material specifications and has at least a
four (4) inch deep base. Said parking pad must be set back at least five
(5) feet from rear and side property lines. The exception to the provisions
of this section is by conditional use permit as regulated by Section 401.03
of this Ordinance.
f. Truck and Trailer Parking in Residential Areas. No more than one (1)
truck and/or trailer not to exceed a gross capacity of twelve thousand
(12,000) GVW shall be parked off-street in a residentially zoned district,
except when loading, unloading or rendering a service.
g. Violations may be enforced through tagging.
h. Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, and Boat Parking in Residential Areas.
Trailers, recreational vehicles or boats shall be allowed on a driveway or
designated pad. All trailers, recreational vehicles and boats shall be
parked at least five (5) feet from rear property lines.
7. Use of Required Area. Required accessory off-street parking spaces in any
district shall not be utilized for open storage, sale or rental of goods, repair work,
storage of inoperable vehicles. and/or storage of snow
8. Handicapped Parking Spaces. Except for single family, two-family, townhouse,
quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, at toast ono handicapped parking
space shall be provided for each use. P per the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), - - - - - - -- -•- - - - - - -- - - - - • - - - • -
(25) cpacoc in oxcoss of tho initial twonty fivo (25) dicappod spacos
• _ _ _ _ _ _ • _ • # - _ _ , and shall be located so
as to provide convenient, priority access to the principal use and shall conform to
Minnesota Statutes, Section 168.021, as may be amended.
9. Number of Spaces Required. The following are the minimum/maximum
required number of off-street parking spaces that shall be provided and
maintained by ownership, easement and/or lease for and during the life of the
respective uses hereinafter set forth. The City Council reserves the right to
establish parking requirements for any use not specifically provided for hereafter,
or after any requirement as necessary to meet the objectives of this Section.
Factors to be considered in such a determination shall include (without limitation)
size of buildings, type of use, number of employees, expected volume and
Page 52 of 118
turnover of customer traffic and expected frequency and number of delivery or
service vehicles.
a. Auto Repair, Major Bus Terminal, Taxi Terminal, Bottling Company, Shop
for a Trade Employing Six (6) or Less People, Garden Supply Store,
Building Material Sales in Structure. Eight (8) Four (4) off-street parking
spaces, plus one (1) additional space for each eight hundred (800) square
feet of floor area over one thousand (1,000) square feet.
b. Baseball Fields, Stadiums. At least One (1) parking space for each eight
(8) seats of design capacity.
c. Boat and Marine Sales and Service. One (1) space for each four hundred
{400) eight hundred (800) square feet of floor area for the first twenty-five
thousand (25,000) square feet, plus one (1) space for each six hundred
(600) square feet thereafter.
d. Boating Marinas and Yacht Clubs. Seven (7) Four (4) spaces for each
ten (10) boat or mooring spaces.
e. Banks. One space per two hundred fifty (250) five hundred(500) square
feet of floor area.
f. Banks (Drive-in). Two (2) One (1) space for each drive-in unit plus drive
aisle stacking space of one hundred eighty (180) feet for each drive-in
unit.
g. Boarding and Lodging House. At least One (1) parking space for each
two (2) four(4) people for whom accommodation is provided for sleeping.
h. Bowling Alley. At least five (5) Three (3) parking spaces for each alley,
plus additional spaces as may be required herein for related uses
contained within the principal structure plus one space for every
employee.
i. Car Wash. (In addition to required magazining or stacking space).
1) Automobile Drive Through, Services. A minimum of ton (10) Five
(5) spaces, or one (1) space for each employee on the maximum
shift, whichever is greater.
2) Self-Service. n rninimurn o f Two (2) spaces.
3) Motor Fuel Station Car Wash. Zero (0) in addition to that required
for the station.
j. Churches, Auditorium. At least One parking space for each three (3) six
(6) seats based on the design capacity of the main assembly hall.
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Facilities as may be provided in conjunction with such buildings or uses
shall be subject to additional requirements which are imposed by this
Ordinance.
k. Clinics. One (1) space per one hundred (100) two hundred(200) square
feet of floor area.
Community Centers, Physical Culture Studios, Libraries, Private Clubs,
Lodges, Art Galleries. Ten (10) Five (5) spaces plus one for each one
hundred fifty (150) square feet in excess of two thousand (2,000) square
feet of floor area in the principal structure.
m. Elderly (Senior Citizen) Housing. -_ - _ • _ - - _ . . . _ -
One-half (1/2) space per unit. _ _ __ _ _ ____ _ __ • -_
n. Funeral Home. At least twenty (20) Ten (10) parking spaces for each
chapel or parlor, plus one (1) parking space for each funeral vehicle
maintained on the premises. Aisle space shall also be provided off the
street for making up a funeral procession.
o. Furniture and Appliance Stores. One (1) space per four hundred (400)
eight hundred(800) square feet of floor area.
p. Golf course, Golf Clubhouse, Country Club, Swimming Club, Tennis Club,
Public Swimming Pool. Twenty (20) Ten (10) spaces plus one (1) space
for each five hundred (500) square feet of floor area in the principal
structure.
q. Golf Driving Range, Miniature Golf Archery Range. Ten (10) Five (5) off-
street parking spaces plus one (1) for each one hundred (100) five
hundred(500) square feet of floor area.
r. Hospitals. One space for each two (2) four (4) patient beds (excluding
bassinets), plus one additional space for each doctor including visiting
doctors, plus one space for each two (2) employees including nurses;
loading and unloading space for hospital ambulances and similar vehicles
are not included in the spaces required.
s. Manufacturing, Fabricating or Processing of a Product or Material. At least
cight (8} Four (4) spaces plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees
on each shift based on maximum planned employment or at a minimum at
least eight (8) spaces plus one (1) space for each five hundred (500)
square feet of floor area.
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t. Motels, Motor Hotels, Hotels, Resorts. One (1) space per each rental unit
plus one (1) additional space for each ten (10) twenty (20) units and one
(1) space for each employee shift. In addition, one (1) space per forty (40)
one hundred(100) square feet of meeting and/or banquet room.
u. Motor Fuel Station. At least Four(4) off-street parking spaces plus two (2)
one (1) off-street parking spaces for each service stall. Those facilities
designed for sale of other items than strictly automotive products, parts or
service shall be required to provide additional parking in compliance with
other applicable provisions of this Ordinance.
v. Multiple Family Dwellings. At least two (2) One (1) free space per unit.
w. Office Buildings, Animal Hospitals, Professional Offices, Medical and
Dental Clinics. Three (3) spaces plus at least one space for each two
hundred (200) four hundred (400) square feet of floor area.
x. Post Office. One space for each four hundred (400) eight hundred (800)
square feet of floor area plus one space for each employee.
y. Public Parks, Playgrounds and Playfields. At least five (5) Three (3)
parking spaces for each acre of park over one (1) acre; two (2) parking
spaces per acre for playgrounds, and ten (10) five (5) spaces for each
acre of playfield. When a public recreation site has more than one (1) use
designation, the areas must be divided for determining the required
parking spaces.
z. Research, experimental or testing station. One (1) space per each
employee on the largest shift or one (1) space per five hundred (500) one
thousand(1,000) square feet of floor area whichever is greater.
aa. Restaurants, Cafes, Private Clubs Serving Food and/or Drinks, Bars,
Taverns, Nightclubs. At least One (1) space for each forty (40) one
hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area of dining and bar area and
one (1) space for each eighty (80) one hundred twenty(120) square feet
of kitchen area.
bb. Drive-in Restaurant and Fast Food Restaurant. At least One (1) parking
space for each thirty five (35) one hundred (100) square feet of gross
floor area of service and dining area, but not less than fifteen (15) ten (10)
spaces. Two (2) additional parking spaces shall be added for drive-
through services facilities and one (1) space for each eighty (80) one
hundred twenty (120) square feet of kitchen/storage area. Additionally,
one hundred eighty (180) feet of drive aisle stacking space shall be
provided for drive-through facilities.
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cc. Retail Store and Service Establishment. A#-least One (1) off-street parking
space for each two hundred (200) four hundred (400) square feet of floor
area.
dd. Retail Sales and Service Business with Fifty (50) Percent or More of
Gross Floor Area Devoted to Storage, Warehouse and/or Industry. Al
least Eight (8) spaces or one (1) space for each two hundred (200) four
hundred (400) square feet devoted to public sales or service plus one (1)
space for each five hundred (500) one thousand (1,000) square feet of
storage area; or at least eight (8) spaces and one (1) space for each
employee on the maximum shift, whichever is appropriate.
ee. Sanitariums, Convalescent Home, Rest Home, Nursing Home or Day
Nurseries. Four (4) spaces plus one (1) for each three (3) six (6) beds for
which accommodations are offered and one space designated for
emergency vehicles.
ff. School, Elementary and Junior High. At least One (1) parking space for
each classroom plus one additional space for each fifty (50) students.
Auditorium or event space shall be subject to a separate, additional
calculation.
gg. School, High School through College and Private and Day or Church
Schools. At least One (1) parking space for each seven (7) students
based on design capacity plus one (1) for each three (3) classrooms.
Auditorium or event space shall be subject to a separate, additional
calculation.
hh. Single Family, Two-Family, and Townhouse Unit. Two (2) spaces per
unit, both of which are in a covered garage structure.
ii. Shopping Centers. Six (6) Three (3) spaces per each one thousand
(1,000) square feet of gross floor area.
jj. Skating Rink, Dance Hall, or Public Auction Houses. Twenty (20) Ten
(10) off-street parking spaces, plus one (1) additional off-street parking
space for each two hundred (200) four hundred (400) square feet of floor
space over two thousand (2,000) square feet.
kk. Theaters, Civic Centers, Auditoriums, Stadiums, Sports Arenas or Similar
Uses. One space for each four (1) six (6) seats, plus one space for each
two (2) employees.
ll. Warehousing, Storage or Handling of Bulk Goods. One (1) space per two
(2) employees of the largest shift or one (1) space per each one thousand
five hundred (1,500) two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor area,
whichever is greater.
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mm. Wholesale Business Establishments. One (1) space per each cmploycc
two (2) employees on the largest shift or one (1) space per two thousand
(2,000) square feet of floor area whichever is greater. In addition, one (1)
space per company motor vehicle on the premises.
nn. All other commercial. Ten (10) spaces per one thousand (1,000) two
thousand(2,000) square feet of floor area.
oo. Space Reductions. Space reductions or increases may be approved
administratively by the Zoning Administrator for minor changes to
the site plan not requiring Design Standards or other zoning review.
The City may reduce or increase the number of required off-street
parking spaces subject to the review and processing of a conditional use
permit as regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance when the use can
demonstrate in documented form a need which is less or more than
required. In such situations, the City may require land to be reserved for
parking development should use or needs change.
Off Street Loading Requirements
Section 401.15.F.12 and 13 - Off-Street Loading Purpose and Location.
The Zoning Ordinance also contains detailed provisions regarding off street loading.
Staff would recommend these provisions be eliminated in that they are excessive for
what is actually needed. If a retailer or wholesaler requires loading berths, they will
provide what is needed for their business. It is suggested that these provisions be
eliminated.
Design Guidelines/Zoning Ordinance Landscape Requirements
The Design Guidelines provide some minimal standards for requiring landscaping within
parking lots. It only addresses larger lots of over 50 or more stalls. The language in the
guidelines is not mandatory and is as follows:
Parking area shall be screened with a combination of landscape materials, landform,
and decorative fencing or walls sufficient to screen parking cars on a year round basis
while providing adequate visibility for pedestrians. Initial parking lot landscaping shall
be incorporated when possible. Within off-street parking facilities with 50 or more stalls,
landscape islands, peninsulas, or rain gardens (biofiltration islands) shall be provided at
the rate of 180 square feet per 125 surface stalls or fraction thereof Landscape islands
shall be irrigated unless alternative storm water management techniques are employed.
The landscape island guideline is a minimal standard that would not mitigate the heat
island effect to any degree. The issue with many of the landscape islands installed in
Oak Park Heights and throughout the Twin Cities area is that they are too small to
adequately allow for heathy trees and other plantings.
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Staff suggest that the guidelines for landscaping within parking islands be moved out of
the Design Guidelines and placed within the Zoning Ordinance where they can be
enforced. The new ordinance standards could be added in Section 401.15.F.12 and be
enhanced to address larger, more effective landscape islands that will support larger
and healthier plantings. The following language is suggested:
Section 401.15.F.
12. Parking Lot Landscaping.
a. Parking areas shall be screened with a combination of landscape
materials, landform, and decorative fencing or walls sufficient—to
• = • : - e--- e - while providing adequate
visibility for pedestrians.
b. Within off-street parking facilities with fifty (50) twenty--five—(26) or
more stalls, landscape islands, peninsulas, or rain gardens
(biofiltration islands) where needed for storm water treatment, shall
be provided at a minimum of nine hundred (900)
(360) square feet per fifty (50) twenty—five—(26) surface stalls or
fraction thereof.
c. Parking lot islands shall not be less than eight (8) sig-(6)-feet by eight
(8) six(63 feet in size and peninsulas must be a minimum of eight (8)
sig-(6) feet wide. (The City Arborist, Lisa Danielson recommends an
island width of at least eight feet to support larger tree size).
All landscaping shall be maintained and kept in a healthy state
subject to the review of the City Arborist. Landscaping not
maintained shall be replaced with suitable plantings approved by the
City Arborist.
e. All parking lot landscape design and plantings shall be approved by
the City Arborist as per Ordinance 1304 and Ordinance 1307 of the
City Code, the Landscape Guidelines for Developers, and the Design
Guidelines.
f. Parking lot landscaping requirements of this section may be varied
subject to the review and processing of a conditional use permit as
regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
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The standard for 900 square feet per 50 surface stalls comes from reviewing current
parking lots in Oak Park Heights. For example, one row of 50 stalls of parking at Kohl's
has two end landscape islands that are approximately three feet wide and 40 feet long,
for a total of 120 square feet. If the islands were eight feet wide, which would
accommodate more significant trees, the islands would be 320 square feet each or 640
square feet total. If you add another island in the middle to break up the pavement, the
island's total would be 960 square feet. The 960 square foot total is rounded down to
900 square feet to accommodate the curve design of most islands. This standard would
better address the heat island issue and make the parking lots more attractive.
Staff have looked at smaller parking lots in the City to determine the impact of the
landscape requirements. Note as attached air photos for the parking lots at Aldi,
Stillwater Crossing, Pizza Ranch, and the area around Suds Car Wash. If the standard
for parking lot landscaping is implemented as proposed, the area/number of stalls that
would be removed is as follows:
Parking Lot Number of Landscaped Total Number Current Area
Stalls Area Required of Stalls in Islands
Required to and
Meet Peninsulas
Requirement
Aldi 83 1,494 sq ft 9 stalls 1,240 sq ft
Stillwater Crossing 102 1,836 sq ft 11 stalls 0 sq ft
Pizza Ranch 92 1,656 sq ft 10 stalls 280 sq ft
Suds Car Wash Area 63 1,134 sq ft 7 stalls 2,280 sq ft
Kohl's (One Short 50 900 sq ft 5 stalls 440 sq ft
Row)
Kohls (One Long Row) 74 1,332 sq ft 8 stalls 640 sq ft
Staff does not anticipate that this requirement would have an adverse impact on most
lots, especially since the required number of spaces will be reduced in most cases. The
reduction in the required number of spaces with less pavement, curbing, and long term
maintenance will be a significant cost savings for most lot owners offsetting the initial
cost of installation and maintenance of the landscape areas.
CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended the changes to the
parking and landscaping requirements. The City Council should consider the changes
proposed within this memo, the Ordinance and the Resolution as attached.
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-401-04
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401, SECTION 401.15.F, ZONING
ORDINANCE AS IT RELATES TO AMENDMENTS TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS
OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS THROUGH CHANGES IN PARKING AND
LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 401.15.F. Off Street Parking and Loading, is amended to
read as follows:
401.15.F. Off-Street Parking and Loading.
1 . Off-Street Parking Purpose. The regulation of off-street parking spaces
in these zoning regulations is to alleviate or prevent congestion of the
public right-of-way and to promote the safety and general welfare of the
public, by establishing minimum requirements for off-street parking of
motor vehicles in accordance with the utilization of various parcels of land
or structures.
2. Application of Off-Street Parking Regulations. The regulations and
requirements set forth herein shall apply to all off-street parking facilities in
all of the zoning districts of the City.
3. Site Plan Drawing Necessary. All applications for a building or an
occupancy permit in all zoning districts shall be accompanied by a site
plan drawn to scale and dimension indicating the location of off-street
parking and loading spaces in compliance with the requirements set forth
in this Section. All site plans for new single family homes must provide for
the location of a two (2) stall garage in compliance with this Chapter.
4. General Provisions.
a. Floor Area. The term "floor area" for the purpose of calculating the
number of off-street parking spaces required shall be determined
on the basis of the exterior floor area dimensions of the buildings,
structures or use times the number of floors, minus ten (10)
percent, except as may hereinafter be provided or modified.
b. Non-Conforming Structures. Should a non-conforming structure or
use be damaged or destroyed by fire, it may be re-established if
elsewhere permitted in these zoning regulations and in Minnesota
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Statute, except that in doing so, any off-street parking or loading
space which existed before shall be retained.
c. Change of Use or Occupancy of Land. No change of use or
occupancy of land already dedicated to a parking area, parking
space, or loading spaces shall be made, nor shall any sale of land,
division or subdivision of land be made which reduces area
necessary for parking, parking stalls, or parking requirements
prescribed by these zoning regulations.
d. Change of Use or Occupancy of Buildings. Any change of use or
occupancy of any building or buildings, including additions thereto
requiring more parking areas shall not be permitted until there is
furnished such parking spaces as required by these zoning
regulations.
e. Residential Use Parking.
1) Except as provided below in Subsection 4.f.2 and except on
a limited, temporary basis involving guests or work being
performed on site, on and off-street parking facilities shall be
utilized solely for the parking of licensed and operable
passenger automobiles, vans, one (1) truck not to exceed
gross capacity of twelve thousand (12,000) pounds; and
recreational vehicles and equipment which are the property
of the occupant, except as provided below in Subsection
4.f.2. Under no circumstances shall required facilities
accessory to residential structures be used for the storage of
non-qualifying commercial vehicles, commercial equipment,
or for the parking of automobiles belonging to the
employees, owners, tenants or customers of business or
manufacturing establishments.
2) For detached single family uses in residential zoning
districts, the off-street parking of vehicles other than those
stipulated in Subsection 4.f.1 above may be allowed as an
interim use permit pursuant to Section 401.05 of these
zoning regulations, provided that:
a) The property fronts on an improved public street
which is determined by the City Engineer to be
capable of carrying the vehicles in question without
undue damage.
b) The type of vehicle to be parked does not create an
unreasonable safety hazard to neighboring residents
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or the public utilizing the street(s) servicing the
property.
c) The site upon which the vehicle is parked has
adequate space to allow turning movements and
parking which does not result in the backing of
vehicles from or onto the public street.
d) The parking of such vehicles does not adversely
affect neighboring property owners as it relates to
noise.
e) The parking of such vehicles is screened from
neighboring properties and the public right-of-way to
the extent determined as necessary by the City
Council in compliance with Section 401.15.E. of this
Ordinance.
f) The provisions of Section 401.05 of this Ordinance
are considered and determined to be satisfied.
f. Calculating Space.
1) When determining the number of off-street parking spaces
results in a fraction, each fraction over .5 shall constitute
another space.
2) In stadiums, sports arenas, churches and other places of
public assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy
benches, pews or other similar seating facilities, each
twenty-two (22) inches of such seating facilities shall be
counted as one seat for the purpose of determining
requirements.
3) Except as provided for under joint parking and shopping
centers, should a structure contain two (2) or more types of
use, the sum of each shall be calculated separately and shall
be used for determining the total off-street parking spaces
required.
g. Stall, Aisle and Driveway Design.
1) Parking Space Size. Except for handicapped parking
spaces, each parking space shall not be less than nine (9)
feet wide and twenty (20) feet in length, eighteen (18) feet in
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length adjacent to a curb, exclusive of access aisles, and
each space shall be served adequately by access aisles.
2) Street Access. All off-street parking facilities shall be
designed and constructed with appropriate means of
vehicular access to a public street. Except in the case of a
planned unit development, each lot shall have access
directly onto an abutting, improved and City accepted public
street. Exception to this access requirement may be allowed
as a conditional use permit pursuant to Section 401.03 of
this Ordinance.
3) Within Structures. The off-street parking requirements may
be furnished by providing a space so designed within the
principal building or one (1) structure attached thereto;
however, unless provisions are made, no building permit
shall be issued to convert said parking structure into a
dwelling unit or living area or other activity until other
adequate provisions are made to comply with the required
off-street parking provisions of this Ordinance.
4) Lot Circulation. Except in the case of single, two-family,
townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings,
parking areas shall be designed so that circulation between
parking bays or aisles occurs within the designated parking
lot and does not depend upon a public street or alley, unless
allowed though a Conditional Use Permit. Except in the
case of single, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and
manor home dwellings, parking area design which requires
backing into the public street is prohibited.
5) Intersection Separation. No curb cut access shall be located
less than sixty (60) feet from the intersection of two (2) or
more street rights-of-way. This distance shall be measured
from the intersection of lot lines.
6) Parallel Parking. Parallel parking spaces shall be at least
twenty-two (22) feet in length.
7) Curb Cut Size. No curb cut access shall exceed twenty-four
(24) feet in width, or thirty-two (32) feet when accessing a
State highway, except by approval of the City Engineer.
8) Side Yard Setback. Except with special approval from the
Zoning Administrator, curb cut openings shall be a minimum
of five (5) feet from the side yard property line in all districts.
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9) Curb Cut Spacing. Driveway access curb openings on a
public street except for single, two-family, quadraminium,
manor home, and townhouse dwellings, shall not be located
less than forty (40) feet from one another.
10) Grade. The grade elevation of any parking area or
driveways shall not exceed ten (10) percent.
11) Number of Curb Cuts. Each property shall be allowed one
(1) curb cut access for each one hundred twenty-five (125)
feet of street frontage. All property shall be entitled to at
least one curb cut.
12) Surfacing. All areas intended to be utilized for parking space
and driveways shall be hard surfaced with materials suitable
to control dust and drainage. Plans for surfacing and
drainage of driveways and stalls for five (5) or more vehicles
shall be submitted to the City Engineer for review and the
final drainage plan shall be subject to written approval.
13) Striping. Except for single, two-family townhouses,
quadraminiums, all parking stalls shall be marked with white
or yellow painted lines not less than four (4) inches wide.
14) Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking
area shall be hooded and so arranged as to reflect the light
away from adjoining property, abutting residential uses, and
public rights-of-way, and shall be in compliance with Section
401.15.B.7. of this Ordinance.
1 15) Signs. No sign shall be so located as to restrict the sight
lines and orderly operation and traffic movement within any
parking lot or driveway. All signs shall be in conformance
with Section 401.15.G of this Ordinance.
341 6) Curbing and Landscaping. Except for single and two-family
dwellings, all open, off-street parking shall have a continuous
concrete perimeter curb barrier around the entire parking lot;
said curb barrier shall not be closer than ten (10) feet to any
lot line or right of way line. Grass plantings and landscaping
shall be provided in all areas bordering the parking area.
17) Required Screening. All open off-street parking areas of five
(5) or more spaces shall be screened and landscaped from
abutting or surrounding residential districts and uses, and
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the public right-of-way in compliance with Section 401.15.E.
of this Ordinance.
18) Snow Storage. Adequate space for snow storage shall be
provided on the site so as not to reduce the required
minimum number of parking spaces. In those cases where
excessive snow cannot be properly stored on site, it shall be
immediately removed from the site.
19) Driveway Turn Around. In the case of single family, two-
family, townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home
dwellings, which front on streets designated as collector,
minor arterial, intermediate arterial and principal arterial by
the City's Comprehensive Plan, the installation of a vehicle
turn-around space, immediately adjacent to the access
driveway is allowed and may be required by the City Council.
Said space is to be no larger than ten (10) feet wide and ten
(10) feet in length. Where possible, said space shall be
located away from the principal structure and shall be no
closer than twenty (20) feet from the street surface. Said
space shall not to be utilized for parking or storage
purposes.
5. Maintenance. It shall be the joint and several responsibilities of the
lessee and owner of the principal use, uses or buildings to maintain in a
neat and adequate manner, the parking space, accessways, striping,
landscaping and required fencing and screening.
16. Location. All accessory off-street parking facilities as required by this
Ordinance shall be located and restricted as follows:
a. Required accessory off-street parking shall be on the same lot
under the same ownershipeasement and/or lease as the principal
use being served, except under the provisions of Section
401.15.F.10.
b. Except for single, two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, and
manor home dwellings, head-in parking, directly off of and adjacent
to a public street, with each stall having its own direct access to the
public street, shall be prohibited.
c. The boulevard portion of the street right-of-way shall not be used
for parking, except on a designated driveway.
d. Setback Area - Required Accessory Off-street Parking. Required
accessory off-street parking shall be provided for single family
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dwellings within the R-1 and R-2 Districts and for quadraminium
and townhouse dwellings within R-3 and R-B Districts, in a garage,
car port, or on a defined driveway leading directly into a garage or
car port, and shall be constructed of concrete, asphalt,
cobblestone, or paving block.
e. Setback Area - Accessory Off-Street Parking (General). Accessory
off-street parking provided above and beyond the requirements of
this Ordinance for single family uses within R-1 and R-2 Districts
and quadraminium and townhouse dwellings within R-3 and R-B
Districts shall be subject to the following: Accessory off-street
parking shall be provided on a designated driveway leading directly
into a garage and/or on one (1) designated parking pad contiguous
to the driveway and located away from the principal use. Said
accessory off-street parking area may be located within the front,
side, or rear yard setback and must be constructed of concrete,
asphalt, cobblestone, paving block or crushed rock that at a
minimum meets Class Five (5) material specifications and has at
least a four (4) inch deep base. Said parking pad must be set back
at least five (5) feet from rear and side property lines. The
exception to the provisions of this section is by conditional use
permit as regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
f. Truck and Trailer Parking in Residential Areas. No more than one
(1) truck and/or trailer not to exceed a gross capacity of twelve
thousand (12,000) GVW shall be parked off-street in a residentially
zoned district, except when loading, unloading or rendering a
service.
g. Violations may be enforced through tagging.
h. Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, and Boat Parking in Residential
Areas. Trailers, recreational vehicles or boats shall be allowed on a
driveway or designated pad. All trailers, recreational vehicles and
boats shall be parked at least five (5) feet from rear property lines.
7. Use of Required Area. Required accessory off-street parking spaces in
any district shall not be utilized for open storage, sale or rental of goods,
repair work, storage of inoperable vehicles.
8. Handicapped Parking Spaces. Except for single family, two-family,
townhouse, quadraminium, and manor home dwellings, handicapped
parking space shall be provided per the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), and shall be located so as to provide convenient, priority access to
the principal use and shall conform to Minnesota Statutes, Section
168.021, as may be amended.
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9. Number of Spaces Required. The following are the minimum/maximum
required number of off-street parking spaces that shall be provided and
maintained by ownership, easement and/or lease for and during the life of
the respective uses hereinafter set forth. The City Council reserves the
right to establish parking requirements for any use not specifically
provided for hereafter, or after any requirement as necessary to meet the
objectives of this Section. Factors to be considered in such a
determination shall include (without limitation) size of buildings, type of
use, number of employees, expected volume and turnover of customer
traffic and expected frequency and number of delivery or service vehicles.
a. Auto Repair, Major Bus Terminal, Taxi Terminal, Bottling Company,
Shop for a Trade Employing Six (6) or Less People, Garden Supply
Store, Building Material Sales in Structure. Four (4) off-street
parking spaces, plus one (1) additional space for each eight
hundred (800) square feet of floor area over one thousand (1,000)
square feet.
b. Baseball Fields, Stadiums. One (1) parking space for each eight
(8) seats of design capacity.
c. Boat and Marine Sales and Service. One (1) space for each eight
hundred (800) square feet of floor area for the first twenty-five
thousand (25,000) square feet, plus one (1) space for each six
hundred (600) square feet thereafter.
d. Boating Marinas and Yacht Clubs. Four (4) spaces for each ten
(10) boat or mooring spaces.
e. Banks. One space per five hundred (500) square feet of floor area.
f. Banks (Drive-in). One (1) space for each drive-in unit plus drive
aisle stacking space of one hundred eighty (180) feet for each
drive-in unit.
g. Boarding and Lodging House. One (1) parking space for each four
(4) people for whom accommodation is provided for sleeping.
h. Bowling Alley. Three (3) parking spaces for each alley, plus
additional spaces as may be required herein for related uses
contained within the principal structure plus one space for every
employee.
i. Car Wash. (In addition to required magazining or stacking space).
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1) Automobile Drive Through, Services. Five (5) spaces, or
one (1) space for each employee on the maximum shift,
whichever is greater.
2) Self-Service. Two (2) spaces.
3) Motor Fuel Station Car Wash. Zero (0) in addition to that
required for the station.
j. Churches, Auditorium. One parking space for each six (6) seats
based on the design capacity of the main assembly hall. Facilities
as may be provided in conjunction with such buildings or uses shall
be subject to additional requirements which are imposed by this
Ordinance.
k. Clinics. One (1) space per two hundred (200) square feet of floor
area.
Community Centers, Physical Culture Studios, Libraries, Private
Clubs, Lodges, Art Galleries. Five (5) spaces plus one for each
one hundred fifty (150) square feet in excess of two thousand
(2,000) square feet of floor area in the principal structure.
m. Elderly (Senior Citizen) Housing. One-half (1/2) space per unit.
n. Funeral Home. Ten (10) parking spaces for each chapel or parlor,
plus one (1) parking space for each funeral vehicle maintained on
the premises. Aisle space shall also be provided off the street for
making up a funeral procession.
o. Furniture and Appliance Stores. One (1) space per eight hundred
(800) square feet of floor area.
p. Golf course, Golf Clubhouse, Country Club, Swimming Club,
Tennis Club, Public Swimming Pool. Ten (10) spaces plus one (1)
space for each five hundred (500) square feet of floor area in the
principal structure.
q. Golf Driving Range, Miniature Golf, Archery Range. Five (5) off-
street parking spaces plus one (1) for each five hundred (500)
square feet of floor area.
r. Hospitals. One space for each four (4) patient beds (excluding
bassinets), plus one additional space for each doctor including
visiting doctors, plus one space for each two (2) employees
including nurses; loading and unloading space for hospital
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ambulances and similar vehicles are not included in the spaces
required.
s. Manufacturing, Fabricating or Processing of a Product or Material.
Four (4) spaces plus one (1) space for each two (2) employees on
each shift based on maximum planned employment eight (8)
spaces plus one (1) space for each five hundred (500) square feet
of floor area.
t. Motels, Motor Hotels, Hotels, Resorts. One (1) space per each
rental unit plus one (1) additional space for each twenty (20) units
and one (1) space for each employee shift. In addition, one (1)
space per one hundred (100) square feet of meeting and/or
banquet room.
u. Motor Fuel Station. Four (4) off-street parking spaces plus one (1)
off-street parking space for each service stall. Those facilities
designed for sale of other items than strictly automotive products,
parts or service shall be required to provide additional parking in
compliance with other applicable provisions of this Ordinance.
v. Multiple Family Dwellings. One (1) free space per unit.
w. Office Buildings, Animal Hospitals, Professional Offices, Medical
and Dental Clinics. Three (3) spaces plus one space for each four
hundred (400) square feet of floor area.
x. Post Office. One space for each eight hundred (800) square feet of
floor area plus one space for each employee.
y. Public Parks, Playgrounds and Playfields. Three (3) parking
spaces for each acre of park over one (1) acre; two (2) parking
spaces per acre for playgrounds, and five (5) spaces for each acre
of playfield. When a public recreation site has more than one (1)
use designation, the areas must be divided for determining the
required parking spaces.
z. Research, experimental or testing station. One (1) space per each
employee on the largest shift or one (1) space per one thousand
(1,000) square feet of floor area, whichever is greater.
aa. Restaurants, Cafes, Private Clubs Serving Food and/or Drinks,
Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs. One (1) space for each one hundred
(100) square feet of gross floor area of dining and bar area and one
(1) space for each one hundred twenty (120) square feet of kitchen
area.
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bb. Drive-in Restaurant and Fast Food Restaurant. One (1) parking
space for each one hundred (100) square feet of gross floor area of
service and dining area, but not less than ten (10) spaces. Two (2)
additional parking spaces shall be added for drive-through services
facilities and one (1) space for each one hundred twenty (120)
square feet of kitchen/storage area. Additionally, one hundred
eighty (180) feet of drive aisle stacking space shall be provided for
drive-through facilities.
cc. Retail Store and Service Establishment. One (1) off-street parking
space for each four hundred (400) square feet of floor area.
dd. Retail Sales and Service Business with Fifty (50) Percent or More
of Gross Floor Area Devoted to Storage, Warehouse and/or
Industry. Eight (8) spaces or one (1) space for each four hundred
(400) square feet devoted to public sales or service plus one (1)
space for each one thousand (1,000) square feet of storage area;
or eight (8) spaces and one (1) space for each employee on the
maximum shift, whichever is appropriate.
ee. Sanitariums, Convalescent Home, Rest Home, Nursing Home or
Day Nurseries. Four (4) spaces plus one (1) for each six (6) beds
for which accommodations are offered and one space designated
for emergency vehicles.
ff. School, Elementary and Junior High. One (1) parking space for
each classroom plus one additional space for each fifty (50)
students. Auditorium or event space shall be subject to a separate,
additional calculation.
gg. School, High School through College and Private and Day or
Church Schools. One (1) parking space for each seven (7)
students based on design capacity plus one (1) for each three (3)
classrooms. Auditorium or event space shall be subject to a
separate, additional calculation.
1 hh. Single Family, Two-Family, and Townhouse Unit. Two (2) spaces
per unit, both of which are in a covered garage structure.
ii. Shopping Centers. Three (3) spaces per each one thousand
(1,000) square feet of gross floor area.
jj. Skating Rink, Dance Hall, or Public Auction Houses. Ten (10) off-
street parking spaces, plus one (1) additional off-street parking
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space for each four hundred (400) square feet of floor space over
two thousand (2,000) square feet.
kk. Theaters, Civic Centers, Auditoriums, Stadiums, Sports Arenas or
Similar Uses. One space for each six (6) seats, plus one space for
each two (2) employees.
II. Warehousing, Storage or Handling of Bulk Goods. One (1) space
per two (2) employees of the largest shift or one (1) space per each
two thousand (2,000) square feet of floor area, whichever is
greater.
mm. Wholesale Business Establishments. One (1) space per two (2)
employees on the largest shift or one (1) space per two thousand
(2,000) square feet of floor area whichever is greater. In addition,
one (1) space per company motor vehicle on the premises.
nn. All other Commercial. Ten (10) spaces per two thousand (2,000)
square feet of floor area.
oo. Space Reductions. Space reductions or increases may be
approved administratively by the Zoning Administrator for minor
changes to the site plan not requiring Design Standards or other
zoning review. The City may reduce or increase the number of
required off-street parking spaces subject to the review and
processing of a conditional use permit as regulated by Section
401.03 of this Ordinance when the use can demonstrate in
documented form a need which is less or more than required. In
such situations, the City may require land to be reserved for parking
development should use or needs change.
SECTION 2. Section 401.15.12 and 401.15.13 Off Street Parking and Loading,
shall be eliminated. Section 401 .15.12, Parking Lot Landscaping shall be added
as follows:
Section 401.15.F.
12. Parking Lot Landscaping.
a. Parking areas shall be screened with a combination of landscape
materials, landform, and decorative fencing or walls while providing
adequate visibility for pedestrians.
b. Within off-street parking facilities with fifty (50) or more stalls,
landscape islands, peninsulas, or rain gardens (biofiltration islands)
where needed for storm water treatment, shall be provided at a
Page 71 of 118
minimum of nine hundred (900) square feet per fifty (50) surface
stalls or fraction thereof.
c. Parking lot islands shall not be less than eight (8) feet by eight (8)
feet in size and peninsulas must be a minimum of eight (8) feet
wide.
d. All landscaping shall be maintained and kept in a healthy state
subject to the review of the City Arborist. Landscaping not
maintained shall be replaced with suitable plantings approved by
the City Arborist.
e. All parking lot landscape design and plantings shall be approved by
the City Arborist as per Ordinance 1304 and Ordinance 1307 of the
City Code, the Landscape Guidelines for Developers, and the
Design Guidelines.
f. Parking lot landscaping requirements of this section may be varied
subject to the review and processing of a conditional use permit as
regulated by Section 401.03 of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission of the City of Oak Park Heights held a
public hearing at their March 9, 2023, April 13, 2023, and May 11, 2023,
meetings, took comments from the public, and recommended that the City
Council approve amendments to Chapter 401, Section 401.15.F, Zoning
Ordinance, and amendments to the Design Guidelines as it relates to reducing
the impact of urban heat island though changes in parking and landscaping
requirements.
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage
and publication.
PASSED this 27th day of June 2023 by the City Council of the City of Oak
Park Heights.
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
Mary McComber, Mayor
ATTEST:
Eric A. Johnson, City Administrator
Page 72 of 118
RESOLUTION NO.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON COUNTY,MINNESOTA
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE DESIGN GUIDELINES TO BE CONSISTENT
WITH CHAPTER 401, SECTION 401.15.F ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO
URBAN HEAT ISLANDS AND AMENDMENTS TO PARKING AND LANDSCAPING
REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of Oak Park Heights has determined that
amendments should be made to Section 401.15.F of the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to Urban
Heat Islands through amendments to parking and landscaping requirements; and
WHEREAS,the City Council requested the Planning Commission discuss the issue of
Urban Heat Islands and provide recommendations on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and
Design Guidelines;and
WHEREAS,the Planning Commission held a public hearing at their March 9, 2023
meeting that was continued to the April 13, 2023 meeting; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, at their May 11, 2023, meeting recommended
amendments to Section 401.15.F of the Zoning Ordinance and an amendment to the Design
Guidelines in the Parking Areas/Screening section; and
WHEREAS,the amendment to Section 401.15.F of the Zoning Ordinance is found as
Ordinance No. 2023-401-04 adopted by the City Council on June 27, 2023; and
WHEREAS, amendments to the Design Guidelines, as specified in Section 401.16.B of
the Zoning Ordinance are by resolution of the City Council; and
WHEREAS the amendment to the Design Guidelines eliminates the following language
in the Parking Areas/Screening section,
Parking area shall be screened with a combination of landscape materials,landform,and decorative
fencing or walls sufficient to screen parking cars on a year round basis while providing adequate
visibility for pedestrians. Initial parking lot landscaping shall be incorporated when possible.
Within off-street parking facilities with 50 or more stalls, landscape islands, peninsulas, or rain
gardens (biofiltration islands) shall be provided at the rate of 180 square feet per 125 surface stalls
or fraction thereof. Landscape islands shall be irrigated unless alternative stormwater management
techniques are employed; and
to be replaced by,
See Section 401.15.F.12 of the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to parking lot landscaping.
Page 73 of 118
NOW THERE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OAK PARK HEIGHTS,MINNESOTA,that the amendment to the Design Guidelines
eliminates the following language in the Parking Areas/Screening section,
Parking area shall be screened with a combination of landscape materials,landform,and decorative
fencing or walls sufficient to screen parking cars on a year round basis while providing adequate
visibility for pedestrians. Initial parking lot landscaping shall be incorporated when possible.
Within off-street parking facilities with 50 or more stalls, landscape islands, peninsulas, or rain
gardens(biofiltration islands)shall be provided at the rate of 180 square feet per 125 surface stalls
or fraction thereof. Landscape islands shall be irrigated unless alternative stormwater management
techniques are employed; and
to be replaced by,
See Section 401.15.F.12 of the Zoning Ordinance as it relates to parking lot landscaping.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect upon approval and
publication of Ordinance 2023-401-04.
Approved by the City Council of the City of Oak Park Heights this 27th day of June 2023.
Mary McComber, Mayor
ATTEST:
Eric A. Johnson, City Administrator
Page 74 of 118
RESOLUTION 23-06-19
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
WASHINGTON COUNTY,MINNESOTA
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 401,SECTION 401.15.F, ZONING ORDINANCE AS IT
RELATES TO AMENDMENTS TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF URBAN HEAT
ISLANDS THROUGH CHANGES IN PARKING AND LANDSCAPING
REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS, the City of Oak Park Heights is a political subdivision, organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, the City has enacted Ordnance No. 2023-401-04 amending Chapter
401, Section 401.15.F, Zoning Ordinance as it relates to Amendments to Reduce the Impacts
of Urban Heat Islands through Changes in Parking and Landscaping Requirements; and
WHEREAS, the new ordinance is lengthy and the Council finds that publication of
the title and a summary of the ordinance will clearly inform the public of the intent and effect
of this ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of
Oak Park Heights hereby approves the following summary of Ordinance 2023-401-04 for
purposes of legal publication in the City's official newspaper:
NOTICE IS GIVEN that on June 27,2023,the Oak Park Heights City Council adopted
Ordinance No. 2023-401-04 entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 401,
SECTION 401.15.F, ZONING ORDINANCE AS IT RELATES TO AMENDMENTS
TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF URBAN HEAT ISLANDS THROUGH CHANGES
IN PARKING AND LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS"
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that said ordinance is summarized as follows: Section
401.15.F is amended to remove provision that existing off-street parking places or lots
shall not be reduced, reduce parking space size requirements, remove lot design
parking lot dimension table, change handicapped parking spaces requirement to follow
ADA rules, reduce number of parking spaces required,and add parking lot landscaping
provisions.
The foregoing summary is provided per statutes in lieu of publishing the entire
ordinance. The full ordinance is available for inspection at the City Hall upon request,
and can be provided via mail or email upon written request.
Passed by the City Council of Oak Park Heights this 27th day of June,2023.
Mary McComber, Mayor
ATTEST:
Eric A. Johnson, City Administrator
Page 75 of 118
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