21.18.710 Parking structure development standards.
A. Compliance with Other Standards – Exceptions. A parking structure shall comply with all development standards for the zone it is located in, with the following exceptions:
1. In the PRC, CG and PCD zones, 50 percent of the square footage of the ground-level floor of the parking structure shall be counted toward lot coverage. In all other zones, 100 percent of the square footage of the ground-level floor shall be counted toward lot coverage.
2. See subsection (D)(3) of this section for minimum setback requirement from streets.
B. Stall and Aisle Dimensions. All parking stalls and aisles shall be designed according to Figure 21.18.1, “Minimum Standards for Off-Street Parking,” unless all parking is done by parking attendants on duty at all times that the parking structure is in use.
C. Exterior Elevations.
1. The exterior colors and materials of a parking structure shall match or complement those of the project for which it provides parking to the maximum extent feasible.
2. The architectural design of the structure’s exterior (including the use of colors and materials), if not matching the design of adjoining buildings, should visually complement other buildings in the project. When viewed together, the main building(s) and parking structure(s) should create an overall design character that integrates all project buildings into a well-coordinated and visually pleasing streetscape.
3. Regardless of the interior or structural design of the structure, exterior horizontal facade elements shall be level and not sloped. Masking or concealing sloping ramps may necessitate placing facades on the exterior walls.
4. Horizontal exterior facades 30 feet or longer shall be treated or designed so long, continuous horizontal surfaces do not dominate the structure’s appearance.
5. The apparent bulk of the structure shall be reduced by setting back floors above the third level.
6. Low walls, facades or other improvements (at least three and one-half feet high) shall be installed around all sides of all levels of the structure so parked vehicles are not visible from ground level and adjoining buildings. Landscaping may be installed (in planter boxes) on top of such walls to provide additional screening and soften the exterior appearance of the parking structure.
D. Ground Floor.
1. Vehicle Access. No parking structure entry/exit driveway shall have more than three lanes unless exceptional traffic conditions or congestion require an additional drive lane. In no case shall the number of lanes exceed four.
2. Street Frontage.
a. Where a parking structure is directly adjacent to a street parking may be located along the street frontage; provided, that the parking structure is set back from the street a minimum of 25 feet.
b. The 25-foot setback shall be landscaped as required by LMC 21.08.400(A).
3. Pedestrian Connections. The design of pedestrian connections or pathways from a parking structure to the building(s) for which it provides parking shall clearly delineate and separate the pedestrian way from travel areas for vehicles.
E. Above-Ground Pedestrian Connections.
1. Pedestrian connections from a parking structure to the building(s) for which it provides parking (“sky bridges”) are allowed.
2. The exterior design of such connections shall be consistent with the design of the parking structure and the main building(s) and shall maintain architectural continuity with the design concept for the project. (Ord. 3326 § 8, 2019; Ord. 3258 § 2, 2017; Ord. 2730 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2441 § 5, 2003; Ord. 2388 § 11, 2001; Ord. 2049 § 2, 1995)