Off-Street Parking Requirements for the IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District
In the City of Charlotte, the IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District is governed by Tier 2 vehicle parking standards, which establish both minimum and maximum allowed parking ratios. Most residential uses in the IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District require at least one space per unit, while standard commercial uses must provide a minimum of one space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, with a strict maximum of one space per 250 square feet [Table 19-1].
Vehicle Parking Space Tier System
The City of Charlotte utilizes a tiered system to manage parking based on land use and location. The IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District is classified under Tier 2, which means developments are subject to both a minimum required number of spaces and a maximum allowed number of spaces [Table 19-1]. These maximums apply to both surface parking lots and parking structures [Table 19-1].
Residential Parking Requirements
Residential projects within the IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District must adhere to specific ratios based on the dwelling type. Senior living components within multi-family developments enjoy significantly reduced minimum requirements [Table 19-1].
IMU District Residential Parking Ratios
| Use | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential Use (unless listed below) | 1 per dwelling unit | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Dormitory | 1 per 4 dorm rooms | 1 per dorm room |
| Dwelling – Duplex | 1 per dwelling unit | No limit on enclosed/garage spaces; 2 unenclosed per unit |
| Dwelling – Live/Work | 1 per dwelling unit + 1 per 1,000sf GFA of commercial space | 2 per dwelling unit + 1 per 250sf GFA of commercial space |
| Multi-Family Attached (Units not on sublots) | 1 per dwelling unit (0.25 per unit for senior living) | 1 per bedroom/studio unit |
| Multi-Family Attached (Units on sublots) | 1 per dwelling unit | No limit on enclosed/garage spaces; 2 unenclosed per unit |
| Multi-Family Stacked | 1 per dwelling unit (0.25 per unit for senior living) | 1 per bedroom/studio unit |
| Group Home | 1 per 4 residents | 6 spaces |
| Single Room Occupancy (SRO) | 0.2 per rooming unit | 1 per rooming unit |
[Table 19-1]
Commercial Parking Requirements
Nonresidential projects in the City of Charlotte's IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District are generally calculated based on Gross Floor Area (GFA). For uses involving outdoor seating, such as restaurants, the parking calculation must include 50% of the outdoor seating/activity area [Table 19-1].
IMU District Commercial Parking Ratios
| Use | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Commercial Use (unless listed below) | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 250sf GFA |
| Amusement Facility – Indoor | 1 per 1,000sf GFA + 50% of outdoor seating area | 1 per 250sf GFA + 50% of outdoor seating area |
| Amusement Facility – Outdoor | 1 per 2,000sf GFA + outdoor area | 1 per 250sf GFA + outdoor area |
| Hotel/Motel | 0.5 per guest room | 1.5 per guest room |
| Office / Medical Office | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 250sf GFA |
| Restaurant/Bar | 1 per 1,000sf GFA + 50% of outdoor seating area | 1 per 250sf GFA + 50% of outdoor seating area |
| Retail Goods Establishment | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 250sf GFA |
| Vehicle Rental/Dealership (Indoor) | 1 per 1,000sf GFA (excludes vehicle storage) | 1 per 250sf GFA (excludes vehicle storage) |
[Table 19-1]
Parking Design and Location Standards
In the IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District, the City of Charlotte regulates where parking may be placed on a site to maintain a walkable environment.
- Frontage Prohibitions: Surface parking, driveways, and maneuvering areas are strictly prohibited within the established setback along a frontage [Table 19-4].
- Travel Aisles: Vehicle travel aisles, including aisles for on-site circulation, are prohibited within the established setback along a frontage [Table 19-4].
- Driveways: No driveways are allowed along local or collector streets located across from a Neighborhood 1 Place Type. If all streets are adjacent to a Neighborhood 1 Place Type, the Zoning Administrator must approve a means of access that minimizes intrusion [Table 19-4].
Required Electric Vehicle (EV) and Bicycle Infrastructure
Developments in the IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District must provide EV charging readiness and bicycle parking.
EV Charging Stations (Residential Stacked/Mixed-Use)
| Total Off-Street Spaces Provided | EV-Capable Spaces | EVSE-Installed Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| 0-9 spaces | None | None |
| 10-25 spaces | 20% of spaces | None |
| 26-50 spaces | 20% of spaces | 1 space |
| More than 50 spaces | 20% of spaces | 2% of spaces |
[Table 19-2]
Bicycle Parking (Commercial and Multi-Family)
| Use | Required Total Spaces | Required % Long-Term Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Family Stacked | 1 per 5 dwelling units | 80% |
| General Commercial | 1 per 1,500sf GFA | 25% |
| Office | 1 per 1,500sf GFA | 25% |
| Restaurant/Bar | 1 per 1,500sf GFA | 25% |
[Table 19-3]
Flexibilities and Reductions
The City of Charlotte provides several options to reduce the minimum off-street parking requirement for the IMU: Innovation Mixed-Use Zoning District:
- On-Street Credit: Existing or new on-street parking spaces abutting the property may be counted toward the minimum requirement [Section 19.2.D.1].
- Public Parking Reduction: A 20% reduction in the minimum requirement is available if the development is within 1,000 feet of a public parking facility [Section 19.2.D.2].
- Tree Preservation: The Zoning Administrator may authorize up to a 25% reduction to preserve significant trees or existing structures [Section 19.2.D.3].
Sections Cited
- Article 19. Off-Street Vehicle & Bicycle Parking
- Section 19.1 Purpose
- Section 19.2 Vehicle Parking Space Requirements
- Section 19.3 Required Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Section 19.4 Required Bicycle Parking
- Table 19-1: Vehicle Parking Requirements
- Table 19-2: Required EV Charging Stations
- Table 19-3: Bicycle Parking Requirements
- Table 19-4: Surface Parking Area Location and Access