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Article 32_Canton_ATM2022 Section 6.1 Off Street Parking.pdf pdf file
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Source page 1
CANTON PLANNING BOARD
REPORT AND MOTION
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING – MAY 9th, 2022
ARTICLE #32 AMEND ZONING BY-LAW
Section 6.1 Off-Street Parking
(Select Board for Planning Board)
Article 32. To see if the Town will vote to amend Zoning By-law Section 6.1. Off-Street Parking as follows:
1. That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.1 for Parking Requirements in All Districts be amended, with bolded and
underlined language indicating changes:
6.1.1 Parking Requirements in All Districts. In all districts, there shall be provided and maintained
improved off-street automobile parking spaces in connection with the erection, establishment or increase by
units or dimensions of buildings, structures and uses, in the following amounts. For the purposes of this
Section, “gross floor area” means the total floor area contained within the exterior walls, including any
mezzanine, space used for heating and cooling utilities and for incidental storage.
Calculating required or proposed parking needs shall be performed by an applicant in the following
three step process.
1. Identify proposed use(s) in the Table of Use of this bylaw
2. Determine required parking (Section 6.1.1)
3. Apply allowed parking reductions, shared parking calculations, or exemptions to the
baseline parking calculation listed in 6.1.2 or 6.1.3
PRINCIPAL USE REQUIRED PARKING
Detached dwelling unit Two spaces
Dwelling unit-multifamily dwelling 1 space per bedroom
Assisted Living Facilities 0.5 spaces/ 1,000 building gross square footage
plus employee parking as deemed adequate by the
Board of Appeals
Boarding and lodging houses, hotels, motels One parking space for each sleeping room for
single or double occupancy, or, where not divided
into such rooms (as in a dormitory), one space for
each two (2) beds
In-patient medical facilities: long-term care facilities, 2.5 spaces/ 1,000 building gross square footage
hospitals, or in-patient substance abuse detoxification
or treatment centers
Out-patient medical facilities: clinics, medical offices, 4.0 spaces/ 1,000 building gross square footage
or out-patient substance abuse detoxification or
treatment centers
Places of public assembly, including meeting halls, One (1) parking space for each two (2) seats.
auditoriums and stadiums, libraries, museums, art Where benches are used each two (2) lineal feet of
galleries, community buildings, private clubs and bench shall equal one seat; where no fixed seats
lodges, funeral parlors, theaters, bowling alleys, dance are used (as in a terminal or dance hall) each
halls and other amusements, bus depots and other twenty (20) square feet of public floor area shall
passenger terminals equal one seat.
Restaurants (except fast food restaurants), and One (1) parking space for each three (3) seats.
other eating and drinking establishments
Fast food restaurants One (1) parking space for each four (4) seats.Source page 2
Recreational uses not involving intensive assembly, Sufficient parking spaces as are deemed adequate
such as boat liveries, riding stables, ski grounds, golf by the Board of Appeals to accommodate the
driving ranges, and the like automobiles of employees and patrons during
peak usage periods of a normal in-season Saturday
or Sunday.
Retail stores and offices, including salesrooms 3 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross
and showrooms, consumer service floor area
establishments, public administration buildings,
business and professional offices, executive and
administrative offices, banks and other financial
institutions
All other business uses, including drive-ins, open Sufficient spaces as are deemed adequate by
air sales lots, automobile repair garages and the Board of Appeals to accommodate the
motor vehicle fuel stations automobiles of employees and patrons under
conditions expected during the peak business
hours of the day.
Storage, distribution, manufacturing and 1 space per 1,000 square feet, or 1 space per 3
industrial uses, including shops of the building employees, whichever is less
trades, wholesale showrooms, printing and
publishing establishments, warehouses,
contractors’ plants, lumber yards, trucking
terminals, laboratories and utility plants
Mixed Uses Shared parking calculation (see 6.1.2)
2.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.2 for Mixed Uses be amended by removing the existing text and replacing it
with the following:
6.1.2 Reduced Minimum Parking Requirements
The following scenarios are eligible for parking reductions as a special permit by the Zoning Board of
Appeals:
1. Shared parking or mixed-use developments. Notwithstanding the normal provisions of Sections
6.1 and 6.2, where two or more activities or uses provide the required parking or loading in a
common parking facility or loading area, the number of parking spaces or loading bays ordinarily
required may be reduced below the sum of the spaces or bays required for the separate activities or
uses, if it can be demonstrated that the hours, days, or peak parking or loading demand for the uses
are so different that a lower total will provide adequately for all uses or activities served by the
parking facility or loading bay, and that the location of the parking facility in relation to the uses
proposed to be served by it is appropriate. A special permit authorizing such deviation from the
normal standard shall only be granted upon the submission of calculated parking demand for
combined land uses based on methodologies and indices of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers, Urban Land Institute, or other recognized methodology approved in writing by the
Zoning Board or its representative. The parties must sign a joint use agreement.
2. Reduction of Required Parking for Specific Use. Where it can be demonstrated that a use or
establishment needs a lesser number of parking spaces or loading bays than is required by Sections
6.1 and 6.2, the number of such parking spaces or bays may be reduced by not more than twenty
percent (20%). Additional reduction in parking may be allowed (no limit) if the applicant can show
enough available land (parking reserve or landscaped reserve) to create additional parking in the
future if the use or parking demand increases. An applicant shall submit documentary evidence
satisfactory to the Zoning Board of Appeals that the parking or loading experience of the specific use
justifies a lesser number of spaces or bays. A special permit granted under this authority shall lapseSource page 3
upon change to a different type of use or an increase in intensity of the existing use, and shall not be
considered to constitute a legal nonconformity with respect to parking for any new use.
3. Proximity to public transportation or public parking. In the Canton Center Economic
Opportunity District, the total off-street parking requirement may be reduced up to 10% for any use.
In the Central Business Area only, the required number of spaces for nonresidential uses shall be
50% of the number indicated in Section 6.1.1.
4. Programs to Reduce the Demand for Parking: For non-residential uses that require 40 or more
parking spaces, the minimum parking requirements may be reduced up to 30% total by substituting
transportation demand management programs including:
a. For every certified carpool space, the total parking requirement may be reduced by 1 up to a
maximum of 30% of the total parking requirement;
b. For every certified vanpool purchased or leased by the applicant for employee use, the total
parking requirement may be reduced by 6 spaces up to a maximum of 20% of the total
parking requirement;
c. If transit passes are provided or subsidized to all employees and a transit stop is within 1/4
mile of the development (or an employee shuttle provided to nearby transit stations), the
total parking requirement may be reduced up to 10%; and
d. For every 4 bicycle spaces provided, the total parking requirement may be reduced by 1
space up to a maximum of 5% of the total parking requirement;
e. May replace existing parking spaces (or minimum parking required) with areas for shared-
ride pick up/ drop off zones, shared bicycle parking, or carshare parking.
5. Fee-in-lieu. If a new or changed use allowed in the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District
is unable to meet the off-street parking requirements, it may be required as a part of a Special Permit
to pay an annual fee per space (ranging from $50 to $100 per space each year) to the Town’s Traffic
Management revolving fund. The accrued money from this fund will help finance additional public
parking spaces, improve the utilization of existing public parking spaces, or reduce the need for new
parking in the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District through “Complete Streets” projects.
3.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.5 for “Location of Facilities” be amended to clarify language and increase the
distance of off-site parking allowed from 300 feet to 500 feet, as follows, with underlined text indicating
changed language:
6.1.5 Location of Facilities. Off-street parking spaces, to the extent required in Section 6.1 shall be on the
same lot or premises with the parking generator. Alternatively, off-street parking spaces shall be allowed on
any lot or premises associated therewith a substantial portion of which, at least, is within five-hundred (500)
feet of such generator under the following conditions. For non-residential uses where off-street parking
spaces cannot be reasonably provided on the same lot as the principal use, the Zoning Board of Appeals may
grant exceptions to allow provision of the required spaces on a separate lot or lots within a radius of five-
hundred (500) feet, measured from the lot line of the principal use. Clear, safe, and ADA accessible
pedestrian connections must be provided. Pedestrians should not be required to cross an arterial street except
at a signalized intersection along the pedestrian pathway.
4.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.6 for “General Design” be amended to add additional general design
requirements as follows, with underlined text indicating added language:
6.1.6 General Design. Off-street parking facilities and connecting drives between such facilities and the
street shall be designed to insure the safety and convenience of persons traveling within or through the
parking area, and between the parking facility and the street. The provisions outlined herein shall be
considered minimum criteria for evaluating such design.Source page 4
1. The surfaced area of parking lots and all entrance and exit drives shall be set back a minimum of
five feet from all lot lines, except when an access drive crosses the street layout. Such setback
shall be seven feet where two feet of setback area is included in minimum stall depth as provided
herein. Such setback area shall be landscaped and maintained.
2. Parking to be on the Same Lot. Required off-street parking spaces and loading bays shall be
provided on the same lot as the principal or accessory use they are required to serve, except that
some parking spaces may be provided on a separate lot or on-street as provided in Section 6.1.2
and 6.1.5.
3. Parking and Loading Areas Separated. No area may be utilized and counted as both a required
parking space and a required loading bay. However, maneuvering aisles and driveways may serve
both required parking and loading bays if they meet the design standards of each. Existing areas
used for both parking and loading shall be counted for loading purposes.
4. Parking in Structures (see Section 6.1.14)
5. Front Yard Parking and Loading in the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District. To
maintain a pedestrian-friendly environment, motor vehicle parking spaces shall be located behind
or beside buildings to the maximum extent possible. Motor vehicle parking shall not be located
directly between the building and the street alignment.
5.
That Zoning By-Law Section 6.1.12 “Parking Areas with Fifty (50) or More Spaces” be amended to add
bicycle parking requirement, with underlined language indicating changes, as follows:
6.1.12 Parking Areas with Fifty (50) or More Spaces. Any parking area designed to accommodate more
than fifty (50) motor vehicles at a time shall contain access drives which shall be bounded by granite or
concrete curbing broken only at intersections with other access drives, parking aisles and/or the street or
where such curbing would be contrary to good engineering practice. Bicycle racks shall be provided to
accommodate one bicycle per 20 parking spaces required.
6.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.14 for “Parking Garages” be amended to clarify the conditions under which
they are allowable by special permit, by deleting the text in Section 6.1.14, and replacing it with the following
text:
6.1.14 Parking Garages and Structures.
1. Required off-street parking spaces or loading bays may be provided in a parking garage or structure
as a special permit. When a parking structure is built above grade, all sides of such a building must be
screened using an architectural façade, plantings, or other approved treatment.
2. In the Business, Central Business, Limited Industrial B, Canton Center Economic Opportunity
District and Mixed-Use Districts, parking structures must be designed with retail or other commercial
uses along the street, at least on the ground floor level. Wrapping active uses around a parking structure
can mean anything from integrating small retail or restaurants on the main street face - to creating
parking structures surrounded by mixed uses - including offices and larger retail on three or more sides
and all levels.
3. Dimensional standards shall follow the standards of the underlying zoning district.
7.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1 be amended by adding 6.1.16 “Maximum parking ratio” as follows:
6.1.16 Maximum Parking Ratio. Surface parking shall not exceed 110% of the minimum parking
requirement for the subject land use(s). Exemptions to the standard can be approved through site/design
review for developments that provide parking structures, shared parking, valet parking spaces, market rate
parking, or similarly managed parking facilities.Source page 5
8.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1 be amended by adding 6.1.17 “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces” as
follows:
6.1.17 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces. This section applies for all parking lots or garages with
publicly available electric vehicle charging spaces (excludes restricted or private electric vehicle
charging stations).
1. Number. No minimum number of charging station spaces is required. Where an EV charger can
simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of electric vehicles charging station spaces
shall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.
If more than 4 publicly available EV charging stations are provided, an ADA accessible charging
station must also be provided.
2. Minimum Parking Requirements. An electric vehicle charging station space may be included in the
calculation for minimum required parking spaces that are required pursuant to other provisions of
code.
3. Location and Design Criteria. The provision of electric vehicle parking will vary based on the design
and use of the primary parking lot. The following required and additional locational and design
criteria are provided in recognition of the various parking lot layout options. Where provided,
publicly available parking for electric vehicle charging purposes is required to include the following:
a. Signage. Each charging station space shall be posted with signage indicating the space is only
for electric vehicle charging purposes. Days and hours of operations shall be included if time
limits or tow away provisions are to be enforced.
b. Maintenance. Charging station equipment shall be maintained in all respects, including the
functioning of the charging equipment. A phone number or other contact information shall
be provided on the charging station equipment for reporting when the equipment is not
functioning or other problems are encountered.
c. Accessibility. Where charging station equipment is provided within an adjacent pedestrian
circulation area, such as a sidewalk or accessible route to the building entrance, the charging
equipment shall be located so as not to interfere with accessibility requirements.
d. Lighting. Where charging station equipment is installed, adequate site lighting shall exist,
unless charging is for daytime purposes only.
4. Parking for electric vehicles should also consider the following:
a. Notification. Information on the charging station, identifying voltage and amperage levels
and any time of use, fees, or safety information.
b. Signage. Installation of directional signs at the parking lot entrance and at appropriate
decision points to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).
5. Data Collection. To allow for maintenance and notification, the Building Department will require the
owners of any private new electric vehicle infrastructure station that will be publicly available (see
definition “electric vehicle charging station — public”) to provide information on the station’s
geographic location, date of installation, equipment type and model, and owner contact information.
or to take any other action related thereto.
PUBLIC HEARING:
This is to certify that a public hearing concerning the subject matter above, as place on the warrant for the
2022 Annual Town Meeting, was held by the Planning Board on February 16th, 2022 at 5:30 P.M. and
continued to March 2nd, 2022 at 6:00 P.M., in the Salah Meeting Room, Town Hall, 801 Washington Street,
Canton, Massachusetts, in accordance with the provision of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40A.
Said amendment is contained, in its entirety, in a document available for public review on file in the office of
the Planning Board, the Town Clerk, the Board of Selectmen, at Memorial Hall, and at the reference desk of
the Canton Public Library. It is also available online on the Planning Department website.Source page 6
Notice of the subject matter for the public hearing, sufficient for identification, has been published in the Canton Citizen, a newspaper of general circulation in the Town on January 27th and February 3rd, 2022. REPORT: On February 16th, and again on March 2nd, 2022, the Planning Board discussed the proposed article to amend Section 6.1 Off-Street parking. The goal of this zoning change is to update Canton’s parking standards to reflect national parking standards and best practices. There is general agreement in recent planning literature that when the supply of parking greatly exceeds typical demand, the results are detrimental to a range of stakeholders. The Downton Canton Parking Strategy Report (2019), Route 138 Economic Development Study (2020), and Town’s Master Plan (2020) conducted a zoning review and made several recommendations. The zoning review found that parking standards for several land use categories were above the national standards. The zoning review recommended allowing for off-site parking, shared parking, electric vehicle parking, and having multimodal requirements or incentives (i.e. bike parking, car share). The zoning review found 300 feet to be too short a distance to encourage shared parking and pedestrian friendly connections. Five hundred feet is a standard more commonly found in similar Massachusetts towns. The special regulations and land use restrictions for structured parking were found to be unusual and more restrictive than surrounding communities. Structured parking would be allowed as a special permit, subject to site plan review and design criteria. Parking maximums restrict the total number of parking spaces that can be constructed at a particular development site. Parking maximums promote the efficient use of land, encourage use of alternative modes of transportation, provide for better pedestrian movement, and protect air and water quality. This bylaw change does not require the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Rather, the purpose of this and related zoning bylaw changes is to clarify Canton’s zoning bylaws around publicly available electric vehicle charging station spaces to provide a framework for when a private or public property owner chooses to provide publicly available electric vehicle charging stations. By putting our parking in line with national standards Canton will better support “smart growth” development and reduce stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces (like pavement), while still providing the needed level of off-street parking. RECOMMENDATION: On February 16th, 2022, the Planning Board voted unanimously with four (4) members in favor and none opposed, to recommend that this Article be adopted at Town Meeting with no changes in the motion, that the applicable language be added directly into this section of the by-laws. The hearing was closed on March 2nd, 2022, with no changes to the vote or motion. Voted 4-0 In favor: Patricia McDermott, Kathy McCormack, David McCarthy, and Joseph Amrhein Not present: Robert E. Panico MOVED: That the Town will vote to amend Zoning By-law Section 6.1. Off-Street Parking as follows: 1. That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.1 for Parking Requirements in All Districts be amended, with bolded and underlined language indicating changes: 6.1.1 Parking Requirements in All Districts. In all districts, there shall be provided and maintained improved off-street automobile parking spaces in connection with the erection, establishment or increase by units or dimensions of buildings, structures and uses, in the following amounts. For the purposes of this Section, “gross floor area” means the total floor area contained within the exterior walls, including any mezzanine, space used for heating and cooling utilities and for incidental storage. Calculating required or proposed parking needs shall be performed by an applicant in the following three step process.
Source page 7
1. Identify proposed use(s) in the Table of Use of this bylaw
2. Determine required parking (Section 6.1.1)
3. Apply allowed parking reductions, shared parking calculations, or exemptions to the
baseline parking calculation listed in 6.1.2 or 6.1.3
PRINCIPAL USE REQUIRED PARKING
Detached dwelling unit Two spaces
Dwelling unit-multifamily dwelling 1 space per bedroom
Assisted Living Facilities 0.5 spaces/ 1,000 building gross square footage
plus employee parking as deemed adequate by the
Board of Appeals
Boarding and lodging houses, hotels, motels One parking space for each sleeping room for
single or double occupancy, or, where not divided
into such rooms (as in a dormitory), one space for
each two (2) beds
In-patient medical facilities: long-term care facilities, 2.5 spaces/ 1,000 building gross square footage
hospitals, or in-patient substance abuse detoxification
or treatment centers
Out-patient medical facilities: clinics, medical offices, 4.0 spaces/ 1,000 building gross square footage
or out-patient substance abuse detoxification or
treatment centers
Places of public assembly, including meeting halls, One (1) parking space for each two (2) seats.
auditoriums and stadiums, libraries, museums, art Where benches are used each two (2) lineal feet of
galleries, community buildings, private clubs and bench shall equal one seat; where no fixed seats
lodges, funeral parlors, theaters, bowling alleys, dance are used (as in a terminal or dance hall) each
halls and other amusements, bus depots and other twenty (20) square feet of public floor area shall
passenger terminals equal one seat.
Restaurants (except fast food restaurants), and One (1) parking space for each three (3) seats.
other eating and drinking establishments
Fast food restaurants One (1) parking space for each four (4) seats.
Recreational uses not involving intensive assembly, Sufficient parking spaces as are deemed adequate
such as boat liveries, riding stables, ski grounds, golf by the Board of Appeals to accommodate the
driving ranges, and the like automobiles of employees and patrons during
peak usage periods of a normal in-season Saturday
or Sunday.
Retail stores and offices, including salesrooms 3 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross
and showrooms, consumer service floor area
establishments, public administration buildings,
business and professional offices, executive and
administrative offices, banks and other financial
institutions
All other business uses, including drive-ins, open Sufficient spaces as are deemed adequate by
air sales lots, automobile repair garages and the Board of Appeals to accommodate the
motor vehicle fuel stations automobiles of employees and patrons under
conditions expected during the peak business
hours of the day.
Storage, distribution, manufacturing and 1 space per 1,000 square feet, or 1 space per 3
industrial uses, including shops of the building employees, whichever is less
trades, wholesale showrooms, printing and
publishing establishments, warehouses,Source page 8
contractors’ plants, lumber yards, trucking
terminals, laboratories and utility plants
Mixed Uses Shared parking calculation (see 6.1.2)
2.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.2 for Mixed Uses be amended by removing the existing text and replacing it
with the following:
6.1.2 Reduced Minimum Parking Requirements
The following scenarios are eligible for parking reductions as a special permit by the Zoning Board of
Appeals:
1. Shared parking or mixed-use developments. Notwithstanding the normal provisions of Sections
6.1 and 6.2, where two or more activities or uses provide the required parking or loading in a
common parking facility or loading area, the number of parking spaces or loading bays ordinarily
required may be reduced below the sum of the spaces or bays required for the separate activities or
uses, if it can be demonstrated that the hours, days, or peak parking or loading demand for the uses
are so different that a lower total will provide adequately for all uses or activities served by the
parking facility or loading bay, and that the location of the parking facility in relation to the uses
proposed to be served by it is appropriate. A special permit authorizing such deviation from the
normal standard shall only be granted upon the submission of calculated parking demand for
combined land uses based on methodologies and indices of the Institute of Transportation
Engineers, Urban Land Institute, or other recognized methodology approved in writing by the
Zoning Board or its representative. The parties must sign a joint use agreement.
2. Reduction of Required Parking for Specific Use. Where it can be demonstrated that a use or
establishment needs a lesser number of parking spaces or loading bays than is required by Sections
6.1 and 6.2, the number of such parking spaces or bays may be reduced by not more than twenty
percent (20%). Additional reduction in parking may be allowed (no limit) if the applicant can show
enough available land (parking reserve or landscaped reserve) to create additional parking in the
future if the use or parking demand increases. An applicant shall submit documentary evidence
satisfactory to the Zoning Board of Appeals that the parking or loading experience of the specific use
justifies a lesser number of spaces or bays. A special permit granted under this authority shall lapse
upon change to a different type of use or an increase in intensity of the existing use, and shall not be
considered to constitute a legal nonconformity with respect to parking for any new use.
3. Proximity to public transportation or public parking. In the Canton Center Economic
Opportunity District, the total off-street parking requirement may be reduced up to 10% for any use.
In the Central Business Area only, the required number of spaces for nonresidential uses shall be
50% of the number indicated in Section 6.1.1.
4. Programs to Reduce the Demand for Parking: For non-residential uses that require 40 or more
parking spaces, the minimum parking requirements may be reduced up to 30% total by substituting
transportation demand management programs including:
a. For every certified carpool space, the total parking requirement may be reduced by 1 up to a
maximum of 30% of the total parking requirement;
b. For every certified vanpool purchased or leased by the applicant for employee use, the total
parking requirement may be reduced by 6 spaces up to a maximum of 20% of the total
parking requirement;
c. If transit passes are provided or subsidized to all employees and a transit stop is within 1/4
mile of the development (or an employee shuttle provided to nearby transit stations), the
total parking requirement may be reduced up to 10%; and
d. For every 4 bicycle spaces provided, the total parking requirement may be reduced by 1
space up to a maximum of 5% of the total parking requirement;Source page 9
e. May replace existing parking spaces (or minimum parking required) with areas for shared-
ride pick up/ drop off zones, shared bicycle parking, or carshare parking.
5. Fee-in-lieu. If a new or changed use allowed in the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District
is unable to meet the off-street parking requirements, it may be required as a part of a Special Permit
to pay an annual fee per space (ranging from $50 to $100 per space each year) to the Town’s Traffic
Management revolving fund. The accrued money from this fund will help finance additional public
parking spaces, improve the utilization of existing public parking spaces, or reduce the need for new
parking in the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District through “Complete Streets” projects.
3.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.5 for “Location of Facilities” be amended to clarify language and increase the
distance of off-site parking allowed from 300 feet to 500 feet, as follows, with underlined text indicating
changed language:
6.1.5 Location of Facilities. Off-street parking spaces, to the extent required in Section 6.1 shall be on the
same lot or premises with the parking generator. Alternatively, off-street parking spaces shall be allowed on
any lot or premises associated therewith a substantial portion of which, at least, is within five-hundred (500)
feet of such generator under the following conditions. For non-residential uses where off-street parking
spaces cannot be reasonably provided on the same lot as the principal use, the Zoning Board of Appeals may
grant exceptions to allow provision of the required spaces on a separate lot or lots within a radius of five-
hundred (500) feet, measured from the lot line of the principal use. Clear, safe, and ADA accessible
pedestrian connections must be provided. Pedestrians should not be required to cross an arterial street except
at a signalized intersection along the pedestrian pathway.
4.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.6 for “General Design” be amended to add additional general design
requirements as follows, with underlined text indicating added language:
6.1.6 General Design. Off-street parking facilities and connecting drives between such facilities and the
street shall be designed to insure the safety and convenience of persons traveling within or through the
parking area, and between the parking facility and the street. The provisions outlined herein shall be
considered minimum criteria for evaluating such design.
1. The surfaced area of parking lots and all entrance and exit drives shall be set back a minimum of
five feet from all lot lines, except when an access drive crosses the street layout. Such setback
shall be seven feet where two feet of setback area is included in minimum stall depth as provided
herein. Such setback area shall be landscaped and maintained.
2. Parking to be on the Same Lot. Required off-street parking spaces and loading bays shall be
provided on the same lot as the principal or accessory use they are required to serve, except that
some parking spaces may be provided on a separate lot or on-street as provided in Section 6.1.2
and 6.1.5.
3. Parking and Loading Areas Separated. No area may be utilized and counted as both a required
parking space and a required loading bay. However, maneuvering aisles and driveways may serve
both required parking and loading bays if they meet the design standards of each. Existing areas
used for both parking and loading shall be counted for loading purposes.
4. Parking in Structures (see Section 6.1.14)
5. Front Yard Parking and Loading in the Canton Center Economic Opportunity District. To
maintain a pedestrian-friendly environment, motor vehicle parking spaces shall be located behind
or beside buildings to the maximum extent possible. Motor vehicle parking shall not be located
directly between the building and the street alignment.
5.
That Zoning By-Law Section 6.1.12 “Parking Areas with Fifty (50) or More Spaces” be amended to add
bicycle parking requirement, with underlined language indicating changes, as follows:Source page 10
6.1.12 Parking Areas with Fifty (50) or More Spaces. Any parking area designed to accommodate more
than fifty (50) motor vehicles at a time shall contain access drives which shall be bounded by granite or
concrete curbing broken only at intersections with other access drives, parking aisles and/or the street or
where such curbing would be contrary to good engineering practice. Bicycle racks shall be provided to
accommodate one bicycle per 20 parking spaces required.
6.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1.14 for “Parking Garages” be amended to clarify the conditions under which
they are allowable by special permit, by deleting the text in Section 6.1.14, and replacing it with the following
text:
6.1.14 Parking Garages and Structures.
1. Required off-street parking spaces or loading bays may be provided in a parking garage or
structure as a special permit. When a parking structure is built above grade, all sides of such a
building must be screened using an architectural façade, plantings, or other approved treatment.
2. In the Business, Central Business, Limited Industrial B, Canton Center Economic Opportunity
District and Mixed-Use Districts, parking structures must be designed with retail or other commercial
uses along the street, at least on the ground floor level. Wrapping active uses around a parking structure
can mean anything from integrating small retail or restaurants on the main street face - to creating
parking structures surrounded by mixed uses - including offices and larger retail on three or more sides
and all levels.
3. Dimensional standards shall follow the standards of the underlying zoning district.
7.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1 be amended by adding 6.1.16 “Maximum parking ratio” as follows:
6.1.16 Maximum Parking Ratio. Surface parking shall not exceed 110% of the minimum parking
requirement for the subject land use(s). Exemptions to the standard can be approved through site/design
review for developments that provide parking structures, shared parking, valet parking spaces, market rate
parking, or similarly managed parking facilities.
8.
That Zoning By-law Section 6.1 be amended by adding 6.1.17 “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces” as
follows:
6.1.17 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Spaces. This section applies for all parking lots or garages with
publicly available electric vehicle charging spaces (excludes restricted or private electric vehicle
charging stations).
1. Number. No minimum number of charging station spaces is required. Where an EV charger can
simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of electric vehicles charging station spaces
shall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.
If more than 4 publicly available EV charging stations are provided, an ADA accessible charging
station must also be provided.
2. Minimum Parking Requirements. An electric vehicle charging station space may be included in the
calculation for minimum required parking spaces that are required pursuant to other provisions of
code.
3. Location and Design Criteria. The provision of electric vehicle parking will vary based on the design
and use of the primary parking lot. The following required and additional locational and design
criteria are provided in recognition of the various parking lot layout options. Where provided,
publicly available parking for electric vehicle charging purposes is required to include the following:Source page 11
a. Signage. Each charging station space shall be posted with signage indicating the space is only
for electric vehicle charging purposes. Days and hours of operations shall be included if time
limits or tow away provisions are to be enforced.
b. Maintenance. Charging station equipment shall be maintained in all respects, including the
functioning of the charging equipment. A phone number or other contact information shall
be provided on the charging station equipment for reporting when the equipment is not
functioning or other problems are encountered.
c. Accessibility. Where charging station equipment is provided within an adjacent pedestrian
circulation area, such as a sidewalk or accessible route to the building entrance, the charging
equipment shall be located so as not to interfere with accessibility requirements.
d. Lighting. Where charging station equipment is installed, adequate site lighting shall exist,
unless charging is for daytime purposes only.
4. Parking for electric vehicles should also consider the following:
a. Notification. Information on the charging station, identifying voltage and amperage levels
and any time of use, fees, or safety information.
b. Signage. Installation of directional signs at the parking lot entrance and at appropriate
decision points to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).
5. Data Collection. To allow for maintenance and notification, the Building Department will require the
owners of any private new electric vehicle infrastructure station that will be publicly available (see
definition “electric vehicle charging station — public”) to provide information on the station’s
geographic location, date of installation, equipment type and model, and owner contact information.
or to take any other action related thereto.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
David McCarthy
Chair of the Canton Planning Board