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City of Burlington Bicycle Parking Ordinance

Sec. 8.2.1 Intent

It is the intent of this sub-part to: (a) Provide bicycle access to employment, commercial destinations, and other transportation alternatives; (b) Provide safe and adequate bicycle parking facilities that: 1. Meet the demands of the use of the property; 2. Reduce hazards to pedestrians; 3. Enhance the visual quality of the city; 4. Reduce the adverse impacts associated with the bicycle parking on parking meters, street trees, etc; and, Article 8: Parking Article Last Updated: April 7, 2017 Comprehensive Development Ordinance p. 8-17 City of Burlington, VT 5. Encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative to motor vehicle transportation, thereby reducing traffic congestion, influencing modal split, and increasing the safety and welfare of residents.

Sec. 8.2.2 Provisions

Bicycle parking requirements shall apply to new development, building expansions, or occupancy changes requiring a zoning permit where automobile parking is required pursuant to Part 1 of this Article.

Sec. 8.2.4 Joint Use of Bicycle Parking Facilities

Required bicycle parking spaces for two (2) or more adjacent uses or structures may be satisfied by the same parking facilities used jointly, provided that such right of joint use and maintenance is evidenced by a deed, lease, contract, reciprocal easement, or similar written instrument establishing the joint use, and that the facilities are within 200 feet of the building or parcel housing the use.

Sec. 8.2.5 Bicycle Parking Requirements

Bicycle parking for all uses and structures in all Parking Districts shall be provided in accordance with Table 8.2.5-1. (a) Where no requirement is designated, and the use is not comparable to any of the listed uses, bicycle parking requirements shall be determined by the DRB upon recommendation of the city’s bicycle and pedestrian planner based upon the capacity of the facility and its associated uses. (b) When the calculation yields a fractional number of required spaces, the number of spaces shall be rounded to the nearest whole number. (c) Where bicycle parking is required, the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces provided at each site shall be two (2) and the maximum shall be fifty (50), not including long term parking.

Sec. 8.2.6 Limitations

(a) No bicycle parking spaces required by this standard shall be rented or leased to employees or residents residing at the location at which bicycle parking is required; however, a refundable deposit fee may be charged. This does not preclude a bike parking rental business. (b) Providing bicycle racks on the public right of way must be approved by the department of public works.

 Sec. 8.2.7 Location & Design Standards

(a) All bicycle parking facilities shall be installed in accordance with the department of public works “Bicycle Parking Guidelines.” (b) Bicycle parking or a sign leading thereto shall be visible from the main entrance of the structure or facility. (c) Bicycle parking shall be visible, well lit, and as convenient to cyclists as auto parking. (d) Bicycle parking facilities shall provide sufficient security from theft and damage. They shall be securely anchored to the ground, shall allow the bicycle wheel and frame to be locked to the facility, and shall be in a location with sufficient lighting and visibility. (e) Bicycle parking facilities shall be visually compatible and of a design standard consistent with their environment and the development standards of Art 6. (f) Required bicycle parking spaces shall be of a sufficient dimension to accommodate a full-sized bicycle, including space for access and maneuvering. (g) Bicycle parking facilities shall be sufficiently separated from motor vehicle parking areas to protect parked bicycles from damage by motor vehicles. (h) The surfacing of bicycle parking facilities shall be designed and maintained to be clear of mud and snow. (i) Bicycle parking racks and lockers shall be anchored securely. Article 8: Parking Article Last Updated: April 7, 2017 Comprehensive Development Ordinance p. 8-20 City of Burlington, VT (j) Existing bicycle parking may be used to satisfy the requirements of this section provided the rack design is consistent with the department of public works “Bicycle Parking Guidelines.”

 Sec. 8.2.8 Long Term Bicycle Parking

(a) Long term bicycle parking shall: 1. Protect bicycles from the weather; 2. Provide secure storage that prevents theft of the bicycle and accessories; and, 3. Be located in a well lit area. (b) Long Term bicycle parking requirements can be met in any of the following ways: 1. A bicycle storage room; 2. Bicycle lockers, pods, or lids; 3. Lockable bicycle enclosure; or 4. By certifying to the city’s bicycle and pedestrian planner that employees may store their bicycles within their work space. (c) When long term parking is required, showers and changing facilities for employees shall be required in accordance with Table 8.2.8-1, except for parking garages, parking lots, and residential units, which are exempt from the requirements of this section. Shower and changing facilities shall be provided onsite or through an agreement for offsite use. Table 8.2.8-1 Shower and Changing Facilities Required Long Term Spaces Minimum Number of Required Shower and Changing Facilities 1-4 1 5-10 2 11-20 3 21+ 4 plus one for each additional 15 Long Term spaces or part thereof

 Sec. 8.2.9 Waivers from Bicycle Parking Requirements

(a) Requests for reductions to bicycle parking requirements shall be made and documented separately from requests made for reductions in the automobile parking requirements. (b) The requirements of Sec. 8.2.5 may be reduced upon approval of the DRB based upon recommendation of the city’s bicycle and pedestrian planner to the extent that the applicant can demonstrate the regulation is unnecessarily stringent due to: Article 8: Parking Article Last Updated: April 7, 2017 Comprehensive Development Ordinance p. 8-21 City of Burlington, VT 1. The characteristics of the use, structure, or facility makes the use of bicycles unlikely; 2. The characteristics of the site or area preclude the installation of bicycle parking; and/or, 3. Results from a documented survey of bicycle parking use in similar situations. (c) For reductions granted due to the characteristics of a site or area, applicants must mitigate the loss of bicycle parking through contribution into the capital fund. The amount shall be equal to the cost required for installation of required bicycle parking.

Additional information on the bike parking ordinance in Burlington can be found here.

 

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