6-1 OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS: Purpose and scope

1. This chapter's requirements are intended to promote the orderly use of land and buildings by identifying minimum and maximum standards for accessory parking and loading facilities that will promote safe and convenient vehicular transportation and the movement of goods. These requirements also help lessen traffic congestion and promote a cleaner environment by reducing vehicle trips. Encouraging non-motorized transportation and relating parking requirements to the local land use/transportation system is consistent with the objectives of this chapter. 2. The off-street parking and loading provisions of this chapter shall apply to all buildings and structures erected and all uses of land established after the effective date of this chapter. Where a building permit has been issued prior to the effective date of this chapter and provided that construction is begun within six months of such effective date and diligently pursued to completion within 18 months of the effective date of this chapter, parking and loading facilities in the amounts required for the issuance of said building permit may be provided in lieu of any different amounts required by this chapter. If such a building permit pertains to a stage of development only, any subsequent stage for which a building permit is required shall comply with the parking and loading requirements set forth in this chapter. 3. When the intensity of any building, structure, or premises is increased through the addition of dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity, or other units of measurement specified herein for required parking or loading facilities, additional parking and loading facilities shall be provided in the amounts by which the requirements for the intensified use exceed those for the existing use.