A. Off-street parking in conjunction with all land and building uses established after the enactment of the ordinance codified in this title must be provided prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

B. Off-street parking for nonresidential use must be either on the same lot or within 500 feet (walking distance) of the building it is intended to serve.

C. Residential off-street parking areas must consist of a parking lot, driveway, garage, carport, or a combination thereof and must be located on the lot they are intended to serve.

D. Any area once designated as required off-street parking must not be changed to any other use unless and until parking facilities are provided elsewhere, which conform to the requirements of this chapter.

E. Off-street parking existing at the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title in connection with the operation of an existing building or use must not be reduced to an amount less than hereinafter required for a similar new building or new use.

F. The required off-street parking area must be for occupants, employees, visitors, and patrons, and must be limited in use to parking, except for approved temporary uses per AMC 19.48.020(A).

G. Off-street parking meeting the minimum quantitative requirements of this chapter is not considered a principal use for the purpose of interpreting Tables 19.41.040 and 19.41.050.

H. Parking Studies. For the purposes of this chapter, a parking study is a document that provides sufficient information to determine the parking requirements for a specific use. The estimate may be based on scientific data, census data, transit service, academic studies, similar uses in the city or comparable cities, or other sources accepted by the Director. As required by this chapter, a parking study may be required for adjusting minimum and maximum quantitative requirements, determining times of peak parking demand, and determining impacts to on-street parking in the vicinity of the subject development site. All parking studies must be prepared by either a professional engineer with expertise in traffic and parking analyses or an equally qualified individual authorized by the Director.

I. Parking needs must be balanced with low-impact development planning that considers the reduction of impervious surfaces as a priority. (Ord. 3040 § 2 (Att. A), 2019)