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 Belfast
 Code of Ordinances
 Subpt. B. Land Use Regulations
 Chapter 98. Technical Standards
 Article VIII. Parking and Loading Facilities
  98-246. Alternative parking options.

98-246. Alternative parking options.

The City strives to ensure that each use has adequate on-site parking, but also wants to avoid the construction of excess parking spaces, particularly in areas of Belfast in which it is often difficult to construct the required amount of onsite parking. As such, the Planning Board is authorized to consider and approve alternative parking arrangements to an applicant providing the minimum amount of on-site parking; reference subsections a.-c. below. These alternative parking options also are consistent with the City's goal to minimize the adverse aesthetic and environmental impacts associated with constructing parking areas and other impervious surfaces.
a. 
Joint use parking. The Planning Board may approve the joint use of a parking facility by two or more uses (establishments) where it is clearly demonstrated that said parking facility would substantially meet the intent of the requirements of this chapter. The board shall consider factors such as but not limited to the following in considering a request to approve a joint use parking facility:
1. 
A variation in the probable time of maximum use by patrons or employees of such establishments;
2. 
The total number of parking spaces available and the adequacy of said spaces to satisfy projected parking demands; and
3. 
The proximity of the parking facility to the respective uses, with the parking facility being located a maximum of 300 feet from each establishment and preferably within 100 feet of each establishment.
The Planning Board may require an applicant to prepare an analysis of parking demand to demonstrate the desirability and adequacy of the proposed joint use parking facility. Further, said joint use must be declared by written agreement among the establishments.
b. 
Proximity to public parking facility and on-street parking. The board may allow a reduction in the amount of on-site parking required, up to eliminating the requirement for any on-site parking, for a use that is located within 1,000 feet of a City parking facility in the following zoning districts; Downtown Commercial, Waterfront 1-A and Waterfront Mixed Use. The City has committed public monies to the construction of public parking facilities in these zoning districts. Thus, the construction of on-site parking on properties that are located within reasonable proximity of such parking facilities could result in a redundancy of parking spaces and could be inconsistent with the purposes of this chapter.
c. 
Proximity to on-street parking. The Planning Board may allow a nonresidential use or home occupation that is located within the bounds of the Route One bypass to use available on-street parking to satisfy all or a portion of the on-site parking requirement for said use. This alternative requires the applicant to demonstrate that the use of on-street parking would not degrade the character of the surrounding area or neighboring properties and that it would not pose a safety hazard to motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians. This option is particularly intended to address the parking demands of establishments that often generate high periodic amounts of parking, such as but not limited to a church, a club or a school.
Ord. No. 39-1998, § 8.2.5, 12-1-1998; Ord. of 1-5-2010(1)