Explanation
BACKGROUND:
As part of the SMART Columbus initiative, a multi-departmental working group has evaluated city codes and best practices to encourage greater use of electric vehicles and to remove potential regulatory barriers. This legislation makes changes to Chapter 3312 of the Zoning Code to provide that parking spaces with charging stations for the exclusive use by electric vehicles shall count as required parking spaces; and to exempt any such parking spaces from the calculation of the maximum number of permitted parking spaces.
A public hearing was held before the Columbus Development Commission on April 11, 2019, whereupon the Commission voted to recommend this proposed code change be forwarded to Columbus City Council for adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To amend Section 3312.47 of the Columbus Zoning Code in order to codify that off-street parking spaces dedicated to the charging of electric vehicles and located outside special parking areas shall count as a required parking space and shall not count toward the maximum number of parking spaces.
Body
WHEREAS, as part of the SMART Columbus initiative, a multi-departmental working group, in conjunction with reports about best practices to encourage the rapid adoption of electrical vehicles and remove potential barriers to their use, evaluated the Columbus Zoning Code for needed changes; and
WHEREAS, as a result of this evaluation, this code change will allow off-street parking spaces dedicated and restricted to the charging of electrical vehicles to count toward the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces; and
WHEREAS, this change will also exempt such spaces from the calculation of the maximum number of permitted off-street parking spaces for uses in which the code has adopted such a requirement; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held before the Columbus Development Commission on April 11, 2019, whereupon the Commission voted to recommend this proposed code change be forwarded to Columbus City Council for adoption; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the existing Section 3312.47 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended to read as follows:
3312.47 - Calculation methods.
Whenever there is more than one type of use on a lot or parcel, the area allocated for each specific use shall be clearly shown on the site plan.
Each separate use shall meet its own specific requirements as set forth in this chapter.
The total number of parking spaces required shall be the sum of all the requirements for each separate primary and accessory use on the premises, except for shopping centers and commercial centers as required by this chapter. See the parking requirements table in C.C. 3312.49.
Parking spaces not located in a special parking area created pursuant to C.C. 3312.05 and that are restricted or otherwise dedicated to and provided with equipment solely for the purpose of charging electric vehicles shall count towards the total number of required off-street parking spaces on a space for space basis, but shall not count towards a maximum number of off-street parking spaces, where required. Such parking spaces shall meet all other code requirements.
Whenever the total sum computed for required off-street parking or loading spaces includes a fraction, the nearest higher whole number shall be required.
For purposes of off-street parking, stacking and loading requirements "gross floor area" shall include all of the area on each floor whether or not such area is enclosed by walls, exclusive of interior areas used for off-street parking, stacking or loading facilities.
SECTION 2. That prior existing section 3312.47 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.