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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEDD Task Force agenda 100694 r Received I - 40 / OLD NC 86 31994 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT WORK GROUP Managers Office DATE . Thursday , October 6 , 1994 TIME . 79. 30 P . M . LOCATION : Planning and Agriculture Building Planning Conference Room Hillsborough , NC AGENDA I . Approval of Minutes From September 13 , 1994 II . Performance Standards III . Infrastructure Concerns IV . Schedule for Remaining Meetings MINUTES I - 40 / OLD NC 86 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT WORK GROUP SEPTEMBER 13 , 1994 The I - 40 / Old NC 86 Economic Development District Work Group met on Tuesday , September 13 , 1994 , at 7 : 30 p . m . in the new Government Services Center conference room , 200 South Cameron Street , Hillsborough , North Carolina . MEMBERS PRESENT : Orange County Commissioners Verla Insko , Chair , and Stephen Halkiotis , Hillsborough Town Commissioner Evelyn Lloyd , Economic Development Commission member Stick Williams . MEMBERS ABSENT : Hillsborough Town Commissioner Allen Lloyd and Orange County Planning Board members Bill Waddell and Larry Reid , and Economic Development Commission member Steve Yuhasz , and Hillsborough Planning Board member Stuart Munson ( resigned ) . STAFF PRESENT : John Link , Orange County Manager , Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy , and Development Specialist Oli Devaud , Planning Director Marvin Collins , Planner Mary Willis , Hillsborough Planning Director Margaret Hauth , and Deputy Clerk to the Board Kathy Baker . The meeting was convened by the Chair of this Task Force , Commissioner Insko , who requested that Ted Abernathy present the proposed process for the remainder of the meeting . The Group agreed to use the proposed process to try to complete their charge ( attachment ) . He indicated that , first , an analysis of the area would be presented after which the permitted uses would be reviewed . It was suggested that boundaries , rather than soils and other technical data , be reviewed and that objections to the boundaries be discussed . Margaret Hauth indicated that if the consensus of this Work Group was that approximately 150 acres of Hillsborough ' s jurisdiction should be included , it could be a part of this work group ' s recommendation . There was consensus on this suggestion . There was discussion about adding the New 86 / I - 85 intersection to the review area . Commissioner Insko indicated that much of the area under consideration was in Hillsborough ' s jurisdiction . Hillsborough has been asked by the BOCC to consider the Economic Development District concept for that area . I - 40 / OLD NC 86 WORK GROUP SEPTEMBER 13 , 1994 PAGE 4 The following meeting dates , times , and places were agreed upon . Thursday , October 6 , 1994 ; 7 : 30 p . m . , Planning and Agricultural Building , Planning Conference Room , Hillsborough Thursday , October 20 , 1994 , 7 : 30 p . m . , Government Services Center , Cameron Street , Hillsborough The Performance Standards and Infrastructure will be further discussed at the October 6th meeting . There being no further business , the meeting was adjourned . Respectfully submitted , Kathleen Baker , Deputy Clerk PROPOSED PROCESS AND SCHEDULE FOR 1 I - 40 / OLD NC 66 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT WORK. GROUP , MeetincJ 3 ( September 13 , 1994 ) Topics for Discussion Exoected Outcomes 1 . Geographic Boundaries Group will agree on of District Economic District boundaries 2 . Permitted Use Permitted uses by geographic area will be discussed and approved . Meeting 4 ADate to be announced ) Tonics for Discussion Expected Outcomes 3 . Infrastructure Concerns Infrastructure needed to serve district will be discussed and approved in DrinciDle . 4 . Performance Standards Standarris or rules governing the district will be approved . This will include intensity and env=?- onmental ± ac-tors as well as des .' stand.ar.a' s . . Meeting-5 ( Date to be announced ) To 'olcs fOr Discussion Expected Outcomes 5 . Process for ProDect. 4 - Reauirements for the A_DDroval aDVroval process will be established . 6 . Long - term Communication A set of expectations and Monitoring will be agreed upon and conveyed to staff concerning monitoring and data collection . A schedule for continuing Town / County communication wi11 be established . i PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ( ACAVERIS 7 > iIEST Oowousrj) T., AM USE INTENSITY Building Volume Ratio ( BVR ) In Economic Development Districts , the building volume ratio ( BVR ) is used as both an intensity measure and a performance standard to measure the amount of land devoted to building , parking , loading , and exterior storage use . The BVR is best understood from the following formula : BVR = ( VB + VP + VL + VE ) / 10 A where . BVR = Building volume ratio VB = Volume of building ( s ) VP = Volume of parting areas VL = Volume of loading areas VE = Volume of exterior storage A = Site or lot area Landscape Volume Ratio The Landscape Volume Ratio ( LVR ) is calculated using the same approach as BVR except the focus is on plant materials and land forms , either existing or installed . LVR is the total volume of trees , shrubs , buffers , and berms compared to the total size of the lot and is calculated using the following formula : LVR = ( VT + VB ) / 10 A where . VT = Volume of trees VB = Volume of berms A = Site or lot area Site Volume Ratio ( SVR ) Site Volume Ratio ( SVR ) is the volume of building , parking , exterior storage , and loading areas compared to the volume of landscape features such as trees and shrubs on a site . Specifically , the Site Volume Ratio is equal to the difference between Landscape Volume Ratio and Building Volume Ratio ( SVR = LVR - BVR ) . Minimum Required Site Volume Ratios Land Use Required SVR Residential 2 . 0 Office / Institutional 2 . 0 Service / Retail 1 . 0 Flex Space 1 . 0 Distribution / Wholesale 3 . 0 Industria � 1 . 0 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Introduction In this section , performance standards are set forth through which to eliminate or mitigate nuisances and undesirable impacts from business and industrial enterprises on the environment , both natural and man - made . The central concept behind these performance standards is that , so long as business and industrial enterprises can operate in a fashion that avoids the creation of nuisances and undesirable impacts , they should be free to locate in an Economic Development District . Noise The general rule is that no permitted , special or accessory use in an Economic Development District shall generate noise that tends to have an annoying or disruptive effect upon uses located within and outside the boundaries of the District . MAXIMUM PERMITTED SOUND LEVELS Naisc Level Limits [ dB ( A ) J for Generating Land Use Category Receiving Land Use Category 7 : 00 p .m . to 7 : 00 & . m , 7 : 00 a . mo to 7 : 00 p , m , Residential development of all types 45 5p Commercial , including office , service , 55 5p and retail establishments Liaht industrial , including distribution >E5 60 and warehousing facilities Foatnees ; 1 f Impact noises or sounds that occur intermittently rather than continuously are permissible up UP to a level of 10 dB ( A ) in excess of the figures listed in the table provided the source from which they are generated does not operate more than one minute in any one hour . This exception shall not apply from 7 : 00 p . m . to 7 : 00 a . m . when the adjacent lot is used or zoned for residential purposes . 2f Noise levels resulting from construction or other temporary activities which occur between the hours of 7 : 00 a . m . and 7 : 00 p . m , are exempt from the standards listed in the table . Vibration MAXIMUM PERMITTED GROUND TRANSMITTED VIBRATION Maximum Particle Velocity for Generating Land Use Category Receiving Land Use Category ( lnches /'Secand ) hesidential development of all types CaC2 Nonrezidential development of all types o . io Footnotes ; 1 / The vibration levels set forth in the table above are Stated in terms of particle velocity which may be measured directly with suitable instrumentation or computed on the basis of displacement frequency . When computed , the following formula must be used : P , V . = s .2E x F x D where P . V , = Particle velocity ( inches /second ) F = Vibratian frequency ( cycles /second ) D = Single amplitude displacement of the vibration ( inches ) The instrument used to measure vibrations must be a three component measuring system capable of simultaneous measurement of vibration in three mutually perpandiculw directions . The maximum velocity \v be the sum of the three components recorded . 2J The values Stated in the above table may be multiplied by two ( 2 ) for impact vibrations , e . g . , discrete vibration pulsations not exceeding one ( 1 ) Second between pulses . 31 Vibrations resulting from construction or other temporary activities which occur between the hours of 7 .000 a .m . and 7 : 00 p .m . are exempt from the standards listed in the tables Air pollution For the purpose of these Economic Development District performance standards , each permitted use , special use , and accessory use is required to comply with all applicable rules and standards concerning air pollution as adopted by the N . C . Environmental Management Commission . Each comprehensive site development plan must be accompanied by either : - A written determination from the staff of the Environmental Management Commission that an air quality permit is not required ; OR dIMIN If an air quality permit is required , a complete copy of the permit , including all conditions for reporting and monitoring . When a written determination is requested from the Environmental Management Commission , the information shown on the accompanying table must be submitted which will enable the Commission to determine if the proposed activity will use or operate any equipment which may result in the emission of air contaminants or which is likely to cause air pollution . Where an air quality permit is required , each applicant is required , as part of his / her application to the Environmental Management Commission , to request that Orange County issue a determination that zoning and subdivision regulations are in effect and whether or not the proposed facility is consistent with those regulations . The request must be accompanied by a copy of the draft permit application and delivered personally or by certified mail to the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners . Orange County will send a copy of the determination to the Environmental Management Commission and the applicant within 15 days of receipt of the request . [ G . S . 143 - 215 . 108 ( f ) ] . Information Requirements Request For Air Quality Permit Determination The name of the person , company or corporation operating the activity The address and location of the activity . The type of fuel burning equipment and processes used by the activity . The quantities and kinds of raw materials used in the process or activity . The types and quantities of fuels used . The operating schedules of the equipment and / or processes . The total weights and kinds of air pollution released . - Stack heights , where applicable . Any other information essential in evaluating the potential of the activity to cause air pollution . Electromaunetic Interference Within Economic Development Districts , the performance standard governing electromagnetic interference is straightforward - no use , activity or process shall be conducted which produces electric and / or magnetic fields which adversely affect public health , safety , and general welfare . This standards includes , but is not limited to : 1 . Any use , activity or process which interferes with any operations or equipment ; and 2 . Any use , activity or process which interferes with radio , television , and / or telephone reception ; beyond the boundaries of the lot on which the activity is conducted ; e . g . , the electric and / or magnetic field is generated . Hazardous Materials For the purpose of these Economic Development District performance Standards , the general rule is that each permitted use , special use , and accessory use is required to comply with all applicable federal , state and local rules and regulations governing the storage , use , and disposal of hazardous materials . For purposes of complying with this rule , each comprehensive site development plan must be accompanied by a Hazardous Materials Management Plan ( HMMP ) consisting of the following information . 1 . A Material Safety Data Sheet ( MSDS ) which lists the specific hazardous substance that a facility is handling and details its known health impacts , physical properties , and appropriate protective measures . A separate MSDS form must be submitted for each hazardous substance handled . 2 . A Tier Two form which indicates the precise location and quantity of hazardous materials within a plant or place of business . 3 . Building and site plans which indicate the precise location and quantity of hazardous materials . Solid Waste General provisions applicable to each permitted use , special use , and accessory use in Economic Development Districts are as follows 1 . All uses and activities must provide secure , safe , and sanitary facilities for the storage and pickup of solid waste and recyclables . Such facilities must be convenient to collection and must be appropriate to the type and size of the use or activity being stored . All solid waste and recyclables storage facilities must be screened according to the design criteria section 3 . 4 , Service & Storage . 2 . All uses and activities must remove recyclable materials from the solid waste generated and make them available for recycling . Recyclable materials , consisting of glass , metal cans , plastic containers , corrugated cardboard and white office paper , newspapers , and motor oil , must not be mixed with or disposed of with other solid waste . 3 . All uses and activities shall remove or cause to be removed all solid wastes from the site or property before harborage of such waste creates a health hazard . Each comprehensive site development must be accompanied by a Solid Waste Management Plan , including a recycling plan and a plan for the management of construction and land clearing debris . The recycling plan must provide information regarding the type and quantity of recyclable materials generated each month , and the facilities to be provided for collection and storage . Management plans for construction and land clearing debris must identify the type and quantity of debris as well as its disposal location . Grading & Erosion Control The purpose of the site grading criteria is to insure uniform standards for grading in Economic Development Districts in terms of earth form , preservation of topographic features , control of stormwater , and compatibility between buildings , parking , roads , and adjacent properties . In locating buildings , parking , and other features on the site , the following standards must be met . 1 . Minimize disturbance and phase development wherever practical . 2 . Preserve existing vegetation , especially significant stands of trees and along drainage ways , on steep slopes , and in buffer areas . 3 . Use the natural shape of the land with minimal grading to locate features in a way that minimizes impacts on an off the site . Slope Grading Standards In order to minimize soil erosion , practical combinations of the following shall be used . 1 . Expose the smallest practical area of cleared land during construction . 2 . Temporary ditches , dikes , vegetation , and / or mulching must be used to protect critical areas exposed during development or construction . 3 . Sediment control measures must be installed and maintained to remove sediment from runoff waters during development , 4 . Permanent landscaping and groundcover must be installed as soon as practical after construction activities are completed , 5 . Temporary groundcover must be used for fill material subject to erosion and on construction projects over six months duration , For the purpose of complying with the above standards , each comprehensive site development plan must be accompanied by an erosion control plan prepared to meet the specific requirements and standards contained in the Orange County Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance and Manual . SLOPE GRADING STANDARDS Minimum Maximum Site Area Slope Slope Planting areas 2% 3111 Parking lot 2 % 4% pavement Driveways access 2 % 5 � drives Pedestrian areas Large plaza areas 1 % 2X Sidewalks 1 % 8X Stormwater Management The purpose of stormwater Management criteria is to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality . It is the intent of these criteria to protect sensitive areas of a site from development , to reduce the impacts of development on steeply sloped sites , to require appropriate storm water management , and to minimize mass surface grading which destroys the character of the landscape . In all ED Districts within a designated water supply watershed , the first half - inch of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces shall be controlled . This may be accomplished by : 1 . Preserving undisturbed vegetated areas for on - site infiltration of runoff , particularly sensitive areas around wetlands and wader bodies . 2 . Where soils permit , installing grass swales , trenches , and retention ponds to increase infiltration capacity . 3 . Using detection structures to reduce the rate of runoff leaving the site . 4 . Building types , parking layouts , etc . must be selected and located with respect to the natural topography to minimize grading and preserve sensitive areas . 5 . The rate of runoff from the site must not be increased over pre - development conditions , 6 . The stormwater management-system-must respect existing drainage patterns , 7 . Energy dissipators such as rip rap aprons and other site features must be used when runoff is collected and discharged ; e . g . , at downspouts from rooftops and storm drains at parking areas . 8 . Conflicts between on - site drainage and other features must be avoided ; e . g . , drainage across sidewalks or ponding in parking / service areas , Water Use Limitations Because of the size or remaining excess capacity of treatment plants for some utility providers , uses which require large quantities of water for manufacturing and / or processing operations will require the review and approval of the Board of County Commissioners as a Planned Development . As shown on the accompanying table , thresholds have been established for what is considered low water use , and uses which exceed these thresholds must apply for approval through the provision of Article 7 , Planned Developments , of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance . Drainage ditches must be kept clean and free of any obstacles , and any structure , driveway or parking lot surface , damaged by the elements , fire or any other cause , must be repaired as promptly as the extent of damage will permit . Buildings which become vacant for any reason must be kept locked and otherwise secured to prevent entrance by vandal . WATER USE LIMITS BY TYPE OF ESTABLISHMENT Water U3e Establlishmerrt Threshold Barber Shops 50 gallons per chair Bars , Pubs , and Nightclubs ( exclusive of food service ) 20 gallons per seat Beauty Shops 125 gallons per chair Bowling Lanes 50 gallons per lane Bus Terminal 5 gallons per passenger Businesses ( other than those listed elsewhere in this table ) 25 gallons per employee Churches - not including a kitchen , food service or day care 3 gallons per seat - with a kitchen , but not including food service or day care 5 gallons per seat or Day Care Facifities 15 gallons per person Restaurants - 12 hour operation 4o gallons per seat 24 hour operation 75 gallons per seat Manufacturing , Assembly , and Processing - without showers 25 gallons per employee ( exclusive of industrial waste and process water ) with showers 35 gallons per employee Motels and hotels - without cooking facilities 120 gallons per room - with cooking facilities 175 gallons per room 0fflce .5 25 gallons per person Schools - with cafeteria, gym , and showers 1 5 gallons per student - with cafeteria only 12 gallons per student - with neither cafeteria nor showers 10 gallons per student Service Stations - 12 hour operation 25C gallons per water closet - 24 hour operation 325 gallons per water closet Stores , Shopping Centers , and Malls ( exclusive of food service ) 120 gallons per 1 , 000 sq oft . of retail sales area Theater or Auditorium 5 gallons per seat Swimming Pool or Spa 10 gallons per person NOTE ; Applicants for approval of a comprehensive site development plan must submit documented data for the same type of establishment located elsewhere or a comparable facility justifying projected water consumption rates . if projected water consumption rates exceed those above , the applicant will be required to obtain approval through the Planned Development process ( Article 7 - Orange County Zoning Ordinance ) . V Construction & Maintenance The purpose of construction and maintenance ` criteria is to minimize the adverse impacts of construction related activities and to promote a uniform , neat , and clean appearance throughout the Economic Development Districts . For this reason , construction activities must be conducted in accordance with the standards shown on the accompanying table . Construction Standards 1 . All construction and equipment must be fenced and located so as to minimize their impact an adjacent properties and public areas . 2 . Construction sites must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner . All trash must be kept in enclosed containers and emptied frequently . 3 . Special care must be taken to protect existing pavement from damage and construction access arranged so as to minimize adverse impacts an existing businesses and residential areas , 4 . Building materials and equipment must not be be in sensitive areas , and tree and other natural areas must be protected during construction , S . All permanent utility lines must be installed underground . Architectural Design Introduction The purpose of the architectural design criteria is to produce development which provides a strong visual relationship between the buildings , the site , and adjacent development . It is the intent of these criteria to encourage innovative architectural design which relates to the surrounding environment in terms of texture , scale , mass , proportion , and color . High standards of construction and quality materials must be incorporated into each new development . Site Considerations To insure that new development is designed to respect the specific conditions of its site , the design of a building , its location on the site , and its layout must respect the topography of the site and be consistent with significant landforms . Examples * Architectural form at the base of a hill must provide a natural transition between intersecting slope and the base . * On a hilltop , especially at the ridgeline or crest , building forms must not break or detract from the natural lines of the hillside . * Where buildings are to be located near natural features such as scenic vistas , stands of trees , and open space , views and pedestrian access must be provided to these amenities . Compatibilitv with Neighbors Unless there are overriding concerns or poorly defined aspects , a new building must reflect the architectural character of surrounding buildings in the following ways . * Similar unifying design concept * Similar proportions , scale , and roof line * Similar architectural style and exterior finish materials * Similar patterns and proportions of windows * Similar entry configuration and relationship to street * Similar architectural details or features Unified Design Concept To unify a building ' s architectural character and individual elements such as entries , windows , pedestrian areas , and roofs , all buildings must be visibly organized by a clear design concept . Architectural Scale Architectural scale generally refers to the size of a building relative to the buildings or elements around it . To ensure that new buildings do not over power their neighbors , they must be designed to be compatible with existing neighboring structures as well as their general surroundings . Iz Building Setbacks and Heights Buildings / V ehide llse Storage Setback Structures Arras Areas Signs front 25 feet 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet side 25 feet 1 o feet 10 feet 10 feet rear 25 feet 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet The maximum building height at the required setback is 45 feet . For structures that exceed 45 feet , two feet of additional setback must be provided for every one foot of building height over 45 feet . Exterior Finish Materials Exterior materials must have an attractive texture , pattern or quality of detailing . Acceptable building materials include those which appear natural in texture and color such as stone , unpainted brick , wood , and textured concrete . Siding must reflect in texture and color that which is typical of the area and region . Roof lines Nearly vertical roofs ( A - frames ) and piecemeal mansard roofs ( used on a portion of the building perimeter only ) must not be utilized . Mansard roofs must wrap around the entire perimeter of the structure . All mechanical equipment must be located below the highest vertical element of the building . With the exception of standing rib metal roofs and copper roofs , the following roof materials must not be used : Corrugated metal ; Highly reflective surfaces ; and Illuminated roofing . Natural aluminum frames are prohibited . Support solar equipment must be enclosed and screened from view . Rooftop radio , TV , and microwave antennas and towers are prohibited . Landscape Design Landscape Plan A landscape plan must be prepared as part of the comprehensive site development plan and presented with all development proposals . As a part of the landscape plan , a ite analysis must be undertaken which comprehensive s documents existing drainage patterns , including wetlands , floodplains , and hydric soils ; and existing natural and cultural features , including forest lands , natural areas , and wildlife habitats , steep slopes , geologic features , archaeological sites , and historic sites and structures . Plans must be prepared by a registered landscape architect and approved by the Planning & Inspections Department prior to the issuance of a building permit and commencement of any land clearing or development activity . Likewise , no site , building , or structure may be occupied for use until all aspects of the landscape plan have been carried out or a performance bond , a letter of credit or other guarantees of improvements has been provided to Orange County . Preservation of Existing Features Natural features such as streams and ponds , hillsides , rock formations , unique vegetation and natural areas , wildlife habitats , and other similar features must be considered strong design determinants and incorporated into the overall development concept . Stream corridors are to be created by retaining an undisturbed area 50 feet in width along both sides of perennial and intermittent streams as well as major drainage swales as shown on the Schematic Plans ( see Section 2 . 1 ) . Such corridors must be expanded as necessary to include steep slopes , floodplains , wetlands , and natural areas ( as identified in the Orange County Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats ) . No groundcover or trees within these designated open space areas shall be removed except in a manner consistent with an approved landscape plan . When developing a site , every effort must be made to site buildings , parking areas , and other uses to protect existing tree stock having a diameter of one foot or greater ( measured for and one half feet above ground level ) Buffering Neighboring Uses To create transitions between neighborhoods and areas of differing development intensities , and separate incompatible land uses , a buffer of 100 feet in width is to be provided at ► 4 the boundary of Economic Development Districts as well as between Primary and Secondary Development Areas within the Districts . To separate and protect residential uses adjacent to a highway and provide pleasant visual experiences when viewed from the public right - of - way , a buffer of 100 feet in width is to be maintained adjacent to the right - of - way of interstate highways . Buffers may consist of existing wooded areas or , 2. if existing ; vegetation is not sufficient for screening , a planted buffer shall be provided , consisting of 50 - 75 % evergreen trees reach a mature height of at least 30 feet . 195 Landscaping Parking Areas While it is preferable to place off - street parking behind structures and away from the highway , when parking lots abut a street right - of - way or side or rear property line , screening is required . In addition to a minimum 10 foot landscape area , a 36 - inch high opaque screen consisting of landscape materials , rolling earth berms , and low screen walls or combinations thereof are required as an effective screening treatment . Where screening walls are provided , they must consist of solid and attractive materials enhanced by landscaping . Landscaped islands shall be provided at maximum intervals of every 10 parking spaces and at the ends of all rows of parking . Landscape islands shall have a minimum width of eight ( 8 ) feet . Building and Grounds Landscaping around the entire base ( foundation ) of structures is required to blend the architecture into the site , to soften the edge between the parking lot and structure ( s ) , and accent entrances . Additional landscaping to define use boundaries and circulation patterns , and create courtyard environments within the site is also required . No fence or wall shall be located within ten ( 10 ) feet of the front property line or of any street right - of - way line . Chain link fencing is not permitted in areas visible from adjacent properties , parking areas , street or pedestrian walkways unless it is screened through use of coniferous trees and / or appropriate shrub plantings . The number and distribution of trees which must be planted , by size follows : Number of Trees Per Acre of Percent Unobstructed Distribution of Open Space of Trees Use Category Large Small Large Small Industrial 20 10 70 % 3QX Distribution 64 26 70X 30X Flex Space 23 20 55 % 45 % Office 51 Z3 70X 30X Retail 39 t 5 7QX 3QX Service 24 52 30X 70X " Unobstructed open space " included all areas not covered by buildings , panting lots , driveways , sidewalbs , and other impervious surfaces , Parking lot islands may be counted as unobstructed open space if they are at least 500 square feet in area, Circulation & Parking Introduction The purpose of the circulation and parking criteria is to provide for safe and convenient movement of pedestrians , bicyclists , and motor vehicles , both in parking areas and on adj% oining streets and walkways , and to lay the groundwork for long - term fixed guideway transit systems . Location & Configuration Each site shall be a self - contained development capable of accommodating its own parking needs . The use of the public street and any parking setback area for parking and staging of trucks is not allowed . Parking areas which accommodate a significant number of vehicles must be divided into a series of connected smaller lots not to exceed 75 Cars separated by major landscape buffers to provide visual relief . It is preferable to place off - street parking to the side or rear of structures and away from streets and highways . Parking lots adjacent to and visible from streets must be adequately screened from view through the use of rolling earth berms , low screen walls , changes in elevation , landscaping or combinations thereof . For a lot facing two streets ( corner lot ) , do not locate parking at the corner facing the intersection . Prominent building or landscaping features must occupy the corner . Parking areas must be separated from structures by either a raised concrete walkway or landscaped strip , preferably both . Situations where parking spaces directly abut the structures are to be avoided . Entrances and Exits Site access and internal circulation shall be designed in a straight forward manner which emphasizes safety and efficiency . All vehicular maneuvering requirements for entry and exit to and from individual parking spaces must be executed entirely on site . Furthermore , vehicles must not be required to enter the street in order to move from one area to another on the same site . Entrances and Exits must be restricted to side streets Whenever possible rather than providing direct access to arterial and collector roads . 17 To minimize the number of turning movements , entrance and exit points shall be limited to one ( 1 ) per street frontage . More than one ( 1 ) access point may be permitted if justified by site configuration , trip generation , or traffic conditions . Pedestrian Vehicular Conflicts Separate vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems shall be provided . Parking Standards Parking Space Dimensions : Parking spaces are required to be a minimum width of nine feet and 20 feet in depth . Where perpendicular parking is used , a back - up aisle at least 24 feet in width must also be provided . For angle parking , the width of the back - up aisle will vary from 10 to 18 feet , depending upon the angle of parking . Loading Space Dimensions / Standards : In addition to the requirements and standards concerning parking spaces , every retail , distribution , and industrial use is required to provide off - street loading spare sufficient to accommodate the needs of the particular establishment . In any case , the minimum required number of loading spaces is as follows : Retail One space per 5 , 000 sq . ft . of floor space not to exceed three spaces Distribution & One space per 10 , 000 sq . ft . of floor Industrial space not to exceed three spaces . Required Improvements ; WI parking and loaning spaces , and vehicular circulation areas must be paved with aspnalt or concrete , and provided with continuous concrete curb and autter . In addition , all parking and loading spaces must be ciesianated by painted tines , and driveways entering onto public streets must be constructed in accordance with N . C . Department of Transportation standards for urban situations . OFF- STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED LAND USES ( Refer to Article 10 . 4 of the Zoning Ordinance for detail requirements for each use ) Minimum Space Requirements Per Per Basic Dwelling or Sq , Ft , of Per Per Use or Activity Standard Lodging Unit Floor Area Employee Seat Residential Single - family 1 Duplex 1 Mufti - family 2 Services hotels $c motels 1 Banks financial institutions 11200 Medical offices 1 t300 Theatres 112 Laundry & dry cleaning establishments 11300 Barber beauty shops 11200 O `fices & personal services 11300 Restaurants - Drive- In 15+ 1 /'50 - Genera! 1 150 + 114 Retail Retail store or center 11200 Automobile sales 11400 Service station 1 /bay + 1 Distribution \1 nolesale sales 1 Storage & warehousing 1 Ligtrt Industrial Manufa: turing & processing 1 Research facility 1 iQ Pedestrian & Bicycle Facilities While the purpose of pedestrian and bicycle circulation criteria is to promote free and safe movement of people throughout Economic Development Districts , other goals can be accomplished , including the following . The elimination of physical and man - made barriers which impede the use of pedestrian systems by the physically handicapped . The provision of a greater sense of association and identification among neighbors , be they workers in adjoining buildings or residents in a neighborhood . To achieve these goals , residential and non - residential development are not to be designed as isolated enclaves but must be linked with each other and other forms of transportation , including transit , consistent with the criteria listed below . Pedestrian Circulation Walkways or sidewalks must be provided along all new collector and arterial streets . In all cases , public sidewalks , and walkways on private property , must be at least four feet in width and clearly marked with paint or a contrasting surface material . In addition , barrier - free design must be incorporated into sidewalk and walkway systems for use by the handicapped . Service & Storage Introduction The purpose of Service and Storage Criteria is to provide appropriate locations for and sufficient screening of elements which are visible from adjacent properties , public streets , and pedestrian walkways . Exterior storage for materials , supplies , and equipment may only be located at the side or rear of a building and only in totally enclosed screened areas . Screening Ground level mechanical equipment such as air conditioning equipment , satellite dishes , utility meters and boxes , must be screened from view through the use of landscaping , walls and / or fencing . Solid waste containers and recycling bins must be enclosed in durable , attractive structures screened from view through the use of shrubs planted around the base of the enclosure . Signs and Lighting Signs Maximum number of signs permitted 3 per use Maximum number of freestanding signs permitted 1 per use Total square footage of all signs permitted 200 sq . ft . Maximum size of any sign 75 sq . ft . Maximum height of any sign 12 ft . In addition to the general criteria for sign placement listed above , freestanding identification signs must . be located in accordance with the following criteria . 1 . Only one freestanding identification sign is permitted for each use . However , a second sign may be used Where a site has more than one vehicular entrance on different sides of the building . 2 . k freestanding identification sign must be placed perpendicular to approaching vehicular traffic so that it is clearly visible and does not obstruct the view of any other identification or information sign . 3 . A freestanding identification sign must be located at least 10 feet from any property line or driveway . Lighting Building entrances 4 . 00 footcandles Sidewalks 1 . 00 - 3 . 00 footcandles Pedestrian paths 1 . 00 footcandles Parking lots 0 . 50 footcandles