Off-Street Parking Standards for the CR: Regional Commercial Zoning District in Charlotte
In the City of Charlotte, the CR: Regional Commercial Zoning District is governed by a Tier 2 parking system, which mandates both minimum required spaces and maximum allowances for off-street parking. Residential projects typically require a minimum of one space per dwelling unit and are capped at two spaces per unit, while general commercial uses require a minimum of one space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area and are restricted to a maximum of one space per 250 square feet. Specific calculations vary for high-intensity uses like restaurants and bars, and flexibilities exist for projects near public parking or transit stations.
Vehicle Parking Tier System
The City of Charlotte classifies the CR: Regional Commercial Zoning District under Tier 2 of its vehicle parking requirements [Table 19-1]. Under the Tier 2 system, developments must provide a minimum number of off-street parking spaces, but are also subject to a maximum limit to prevent excessive automobile infrastructure [Section 19.2.A.1.b]. These maximums apply to both surface parking lots and structured parking [Table 19-1].
Residential Parking Ratios in the CR District
For residential components within the City of Charlotte CR District, the following ratios apply based on the specific type of dwelling unit:
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement | Maximum Parking Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential Use (unless listed below) | 1 per dwelling unit | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Multi-Family Attached (Units Not on Sublots) | 1 per dwelling unit | 1 per bedroom or studio unit |
| Multi-Family Stacked | 1 per dwelling unit | 1 per bedroom or studio unit |
| Dormitory | 1 per 4 dorm rooms | 1 per dorm room |
| Group Home | 1 per 4 residents | 6 spaces total |
| Single Room Occupancy (SRO) | 0.2 per rooming unit | 1 per rooming unit |
Note: For senior living components, the minimum requirement is reduced to 0.25 spaces per dwelling unit [Table 19-1].
Commercial Parking Ratios in the CR District
Commercial projects in the CR: Regional Commercial Zoning District follow standard ratios unless the specific use is listed with a unique requirement.
| Commercial Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement | Maximum Parking Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| General Commercial Use (unless listed below) | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 250sf GFA |
| Restaurant or Bar | 1 per 1,000sf GFA + 50% of outdoor seating area | 1/125sf GFA + 75% of outdoor seating area |
| Retail Goods Establishment | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 125sf GFA |
| Financial Institution | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 125sf GFA |
| Hotel or Motel | 0.5 per guest room | 1.5 per guest room |
| Amusement Facility (Indoor) | 1 per 1,000sf GFA + 50% of outdoor seating area | 1 per 250sf GFA + 50% of outdoor seating area |
| Medical or Dental Office | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 250sf GFA |
| Personal Service Establishment | 1 per 1,000sf GFA | 1 per 250sf GFA |
Parking Flexibilities and Reductions
The City of Charlotte provides several methods to adjust minimum parking requirements within the CR: Regional Commercial Zoning District:
- Public Parking Reduction: A 20% reduction from the minimum parking requirement may be granted if the development site is located within 1,000 feet walking distance of a public parking facility [Section 19.2.D.2].
- On-Street Parking Credit: Existing or new on-street parking spaces abutting the property may be counted toward the minimum required off-street spaces [Section 19.2.D.1].
- Transit Proximity: Properties within one-half mile walking distance of an existing rapid transit station may elect to use Tier 3 standards (which often have no minimum requirement), provided the property is not in a Neighborhood 1 Place Type [Section 19.2.H].
- Tree Preservation: The Zoning Administrator may authorize up to a 25% reduction in minimum parking if it is necessary to prevent the demolition of an existing structure or to preserve significant trees [Section 19.2.D.3].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
Nonresidential and multi-family projects in the City of Charlotte CR District are required to provide bicycle parking based on the type of use. Short-term spaces must be within 120 feet of the primary entrance, while long-term spaces must be fully covered and offer protection from the elements [Section 19.9.B-C].
| Use Category | Required Total Bicycle Spaces | Required % Long-Term Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| General Commercial Uses | 1 per 1,500sf GFA | 25% |
| Retail Goods / Financial Inst. | 1 per 1,500sf GFA | 25% |
| Multi-Family Stacked/Attached | 1 per 5 dwelling units | 80% |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure
The City of Charlotte requires EV charging infrastructure for multi-family stacked dwellings, residential components of mixed-use developments, and hotels within the CR: Regional Commercial Zoning District.
| Total Provided Off-Street Spaces | EV-Capable Spaces | EVSE-Installed Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
EVSE-Installed stations count as two spaces toward any required parking minimum [Section 19.3.E].
Sections Cited
- Article 19. Off-Street Vehicle & Bicycle Parking
- Section 19.2.A: Vehicle Parking Space Tier System
- Section 19.2.D: Minimum Off-Street Parking Space Flexibilities
- Section 19.2.F: Spaces Exempt from Parking Maximums
- Section 19.2.H: Alternative Parking Near Existing Transit Stations
- Section 19.3: Required Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
- Section 19.9: Design of Bicycle Parking
- Table 19-1: Vehicle Parking Requirements
- Table 19-2: Required EV Charging Stations
- Table 19-3: Bicycle Parking Requirements