In a previous post on parking I reviewed some of the region’s bloated parking requirements. Today I was re-visiting the Montgomery County Zoning Code’s parking requirements and decided to post a more detailed list. Although these requirements can be adjusted somewhat for uses near Metro stations or in parking districts or for other reasons, this list is taken verbatim from the zoning code as the standard requirements. The next time you’re struck by excessive suburban parking, remember it is often our laws that put it there. The D.C. regulations can be found here, and they generally require a bit less.

Sec. 59-E-3.7. Schedule of requirements.

Off-street parking space must be provided as follows:

Airport, airpark and airfield. Adequate space for off-street parking for at least 50 vehicles.

Ambulance service or rescue squad. Adequate space to accommodate all motor vehicles operated in connection with such use and 2 additional parking spaces per each such vehicle.

Apartment. Same as multiple-family dwelling.

Apartment, accessory. Normally 2 parking spaces per lot. However, the Board of Appeals may require more or permit less in accordance with the special exception provisions for accessory apartments contained in Section 59-G-2.00(c)(4).

Apartment hotel. One parking space for each transient bedroom; for each apartment or transient suite with no separate bedroom–one space; for each apartment or transient suite with one separate bedroom-1 1/4 spaces; for each apartment or transient suite with 2 bedrooms-1 1/2 spaces; for each apartment or transient suite with 3 or more separate bedrooms-2 spaces, and one parking space for each 2 employees on the major shift; plus 2.5 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of area used for ballrooms, private meeting rooms, dining rooms and other similar places of assembly.

Auditorium or stadium. One automobile parking space for each 4 seats or similar vantage accommodations provided. The base requirements may be reduced in accordance with the credit provisions contained in Section 59-E-3.3.

Automobile filling station. Two parking spaces for each car wash bay, grease bay or similar service area, and one parking space for each employee.

Automobile repair and service station. One parking space for each employee, and 3.3 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of total floor area.

Bed-and-breakfast lodging. Except as provided in the special exception provisions of Section 59-G-2.09.2(f), one parking space for each guest room. These spaces are in addition to the number of off-street parking spaces required by this Section 59-E-3.7 for the dwelling unit in which the establishment is located.

Boardinghouse. One parking space for each guest accommodation on new construction. One parking space for each 2 guest accommodations in converted structure.

Charitable or philanthropic institution. See requirement under Section G-2.21(a) and (c)(1).

Child day care facility. For a family day care home or group day care home, one space for every non-resident staff member in addition to the residential parking requirement. The required number of spaces may be allowed on the street abutting the site. For a child day care center, one space for every non-resident staff member in addition to the residential parking requirement if applicable and adequate parking for discharge and pick up of children. In this instance, the average drop off and pick up space required is one space for every six children. Waivers and variances are allowed in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance.

Church, synagogue or other place of worship. One parking space for each 4 persons for whom seating is provided in the main auditorium; provided, that the number of spaces thus required may be reduced by not more than 30 percent if the church, synagogue or other place of worship is located within 500 feet of any public parking lot or any commercial or industrial parking lot where sufficient spaces are available during the time of services to make up the additional spaces required. This requirement does not apply to any existing building or structure located in a commercial or industrial zone which is used for religious purposes, if the existing parking meets or otherwise exceeds the requirements for any commercial or industrial uses allowed in the zone. This requirement does not apply to any existing building or structure which is used for religious purposes, nor to additions, alterations or enlargements of such existing buildings and structures, nor to new buildings on land now improved by a building in use for religious purposes, or land contiguous to such improved land, as of May 1, 1962; nor to any such building or structure for which a valid building permit has been issued prior to such date.

Any place of worship used by a congregation whose religious beliefs prohibit the use of motor vehicles in traveling to or from religious services conducted on their Sabbath and principal holidays shall only be required to provide one space for each 8 persons for whom seating is provided in the main auditorium; provided further, that the spaces thus required do not have to be provided on the building site if such place of worship is located within 500 feet of any public parking lot or any commercial parking lot where sufficient spaces are available during the time or services or other proposed use of the building to provide the spaces required.

Clinic. See “Medical or dental clinic.”

Community center, library, museum, civic club, private club, lodge or similar use. Two and five-tenths parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of total floor area.

Country markets. Five parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of area used for interior and exterior retail display sales.

Day care facility for senior adults and persons with disabilities. One space for every 4 non- resident senior adults or persons with disabilities. The Board of Appeals may reduce the number of spaces required in accordance with the special exception provisions of Section 59-G-2.13.

Domiciliary care home. One parking space for every 4 beds and one space for every 2 employees on largest work shift.

Dwelling, carriage house. One space in addition to the required parking for the main dwelling.

Dwelling, multiple-family. For each dwelling unit with no separate bedroom, one space; for each dwelling unit with one separate bedroom, 1 ¼ spaces; for each dwelling unit with 2 separate bedrooms, 1 ½ spaces; for each dwelling unit with 3 or more separate bedrooms, 2 spaces. The base requirement may be reduced in accordance with the credit provisions of Section 59-E-3.33. Not more than 50 percent of the total area of the minimum required side and rear yards shall be occupied by parking spaces, drives, access roads to, from and between such spaces, turn-arounds or other surfaces designed for vehicular use, and no parking spaces or vehicular uses, except entrance drives, shall be located within the minimum required front yard. (See R-H zone for controlling provisions in that zone on parking in yards.) In the R-10 and R-H zones, TOMX Zones, the TSM and TSR zones, and the CBD zones in Section 59-C-6.2, the requirement for each moderately priced dwelling unit, as defined in Chapter 25A of this Code, shall be one-half the number of spaces indicated above.

Dwelling, one-family. Two parking spaces for each dwelling unit; except, that when the slope between the standard street sidewalk elevation at the front lot line and side lot line adjacent to a street, established in accordance with the county road construction code, and the finally graded lot elevation at the nearest building line exceeds, at every point along the front lot line, a grade of 3 inches per foot, such space shall not be required.

Dwelling, semi-detached or two-family. Same as one-family dwelling.

Educational institution, private. One parking space for each employee, including teachers and administrators, plus sufficient off-street parking space for the safe and convenient loading and unloading of students, plus additional facilities for all student parking.

Farm machinery and supply. For retail sales of farm machinery and supply, 5 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of interior and exterior sales area, unless, in the opinion of the Board of Appeals, the required parking spaces can be reduced without adverse impact on adjoining uses; in no instance can the number of required spaces be less than 2 for each 1,000 square feet of interior and exterior sales area. For an establishment devoted solely to storage and service of farm machinery and supply, see “Industrial or manufacturing establishment or warehouse.”

Funeral parlor. One space for every 25 gross square feet of space in the public rooms (chapel, main viewing parlor, visitation rooms, and any flexible space that can be used as viewing rooms when necessary, such as family rooms), plus one parking space for each employee on the major shift, and one parking space for each vehicle used in connection with the business.

Fourplex. A lot or parcel used for the development of dwellings in this zone shall provide at least 2 off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit. The base requirement may be reduced in accordance with the credit provisions of Section 59-E-3.33.

Fraternity, sorority and dormitory. One parking space for each 2 students residing on the premises in a fraternity or a sorority and 4 students in a dormitory, plus one additional space for each housemother or manager and each employee.

Furniture store. Two parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area plus one space for each employee. This requirement does not apply to the furniture section of a department store or furniture store located in a regional shopping center.

Guest rooms in a country inn. One parking space for each guest room.

Health clubs. Five parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of floor area devoted to patron use, except that 3.5 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of floor area is required when located within an office building.

Heliport/helistop (public use). If at ground level, adequate space for off-street parking of at least 15 vehicles. If elevated, reasonable parking space shall be provided or be available for use as required by the Board of Appeals for the convenience of persons using or working at the facility.

Heliport/helistop (private use). Whether at ground level or elevated, reasonable parking space shall be provided or be available for use as required by the Board of Appeals for the convenience of persons using the facility.

Hospice. One space for each bed, plus one space for every two employees on the largest work shift, plus a space large enough to accommodate an ambulance or delivery vehicle that must be designed so as not to impede normal vehicular and pedestrian circulation. Compliance with the minimum parking standards does not presume sufficient parking for this use. The applicant must demonstrate that the parking needs of visitors, staff and volunteers are adequately accommodated. This requirement does not apply to any facility which is used for residential hospice purposes on (date amendment is effective [May 6, 2002]); nor to any hospice care facility for which a building permit was issued before May 6, 2002.

Hospital. One parking space for each 1,000 square feet of total floor area, plus one space for each resident doctor, plus adequate reserved space for visiting staff doctors, plus one space for each 3 employees on the major shift.

Hotel, motel or inn. If located within a central business district or a transit station development area, one-half space for each guest room, plus 10 spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area used for ballrooms, private meeting rooms, dining areas, and similar places of assembly. For other locations seven-tenths of a space for each guest room, plus 10 spaces for each 1,000 gross square feet of area used for ballrooms, private meeting rooms, dining rooms and similar places of assembly.

Housing and related facilities for senior adults or persons with disabilities. Base parking requirements for housing for senior adults or persons with disabilities must be determined in accordance with the location of the property in relation to the Parking Policy Areas approved by the District Council on June 28, 1984, and maintained by the Planning Board. The base parking requirements vary according to the number of bedrooms in each dwelling unit.

Individual living unit in a personal living quarters (PLQ). One space for each individual living unit, provided that parking for any complete dwelling unit in a personal living quarters building must comply with the standards for a dwelling, multiple-family, as required in this section.

Industrial, manufacturing establishment or warehouse. One and one-half parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of total floor area and sufficient area to provide for loading and unloading of trucks.

Medical or dental clinic. Five parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of the gross floor area of the building.

Meeting center. Ten (10) parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of net floor area used for ballrooms and meeting rooms; and 2.5 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of net floor area used for foyers and other space.

Mobile home development. Two parking spaces for each mobile home in the development.

Nursing home. One space for every 4 beds and one space for every 2 employees on largest work shift.

Office, general office, and professional buildings or similar uses. Parking shall be provided in accordance with the parking requirements for office developments contained in Section 59-E-3.2. The base requirements may be reduced in accordance with the credit provision of Section 59-E-3.3. The calculation of building square footage is based on the sum of the gross areas of the several floors of the building, measured from the exterior faces to the exterior walls or from the center line of party walls, which area shall include cellars or basements but shall not include floor area used for off-street parking.

Office, medical practitioner’s. Not less than 4 parking spaces for each practitioner occupying or using such office.

Office, professional, nonresidential. Five parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area used by medical practitioners and 2.5 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross floor area used by all other professionals. The gross floor area calculation shall exclude storage area, and the attic and cellar areas of the building if not occupied by professional personnel.

Office, professional, other than medical practitioner. Two spaces for each professional person occupying or using such office.

Railroad station, bus depot or other passenger terminal facilities. One hundred parking spaces.

Recreational establishment, commercial, other than a theater, auditorium or stadium. Twelve and five-tenths parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of floor area, except as to racquetball, squash, and handball courts. As to racquetball, squash, and handball courts there shall be 3 ½ parking spaces per racquetball, squash, or handball court.

Regional shopping centers. Five and one-half parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross leasable square feet as defined herein. In addition, parking requirements for separate standing office and professional buildings shall be as set forth under the category of this subsection pertaining to office buildings, professional buildings or similar uses. As used herein, “gross leasable square feet” is defined as the total floor area designed for commercial tenant occupancy and exclusive uses, including basements, mezzanines and the upper floors if any, expressed in square feet measured from center lines of joint partitions and exteriors of outside walls. This definition does include banks, furniture stores, and other such activities which are part of a regional shopping center. In accordance with the exception provision of Section 59-E-5.8 all storage space that exceeds 35 percent of the total gross leasable area shall be excluded in calculating the number of required parking spaces. Not included in this definition are separate standing office or professional buildings.

Restaurant or similar place dispensing food, drink or refreshments. Twenty-five parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of floor area devoted to patron use within the establishment and 15 parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of ground area devoted to patron use on the property outside the establishment. The base requirements may be reduced in accordance with the credit provision of Section 59-E-3.3.

Retail establishments, auxiliary. Three and one-half spaces for each 1,000 square feet of gross leasable space. The base requirement may be reduced in accordance with the credit provisions contained in Section 59-E-3.3. Retail establishments must be classified as auxiliary retail uses when located within an office building that contains at least 100,000 gross square feet, contains less than 15 percent of the building’s overall gross square footage, and contains less than 30,000 leasable square feet. Auxiliary retail uses shall not qualify for reductions for shared parking in mixed-use developments or parking lot district facilities.

Retail, general. Commercial establishments devoted to retail sales, merchandising or other similar use, except furniture stores, 5 parking spaces for each 1,000 gross leasable square feet. In accordance with the exception provision of Section 59-E-5.8 all storage space that exceeds 35 percent of the total gross leasable area shall be excluded in calculating the number of required parking spaces.

Self-storage facility. Three (3) spaces per 1000 square feet of gross floor area of office space associated with the use plus one (1) space per employee, and two (2) spaces for a resident manager. The width of travel aisles for vehicular access and loading and unloading will be subject to the approval of the Director.

Swimming pool, commercial. One parking space for every 4 persons lawfully permitted in the pool at one time.

Swimming pool, community. One parking space for every 7 persons lawfully permitted in the pool at one time except where such pool is a permitted use pursuant to the provisions of Section 59-C-1.531 or 59-C-1.621, the number and location of parking spaces required shall be determined by the planning board.

Theaters, indoor or legitimate. One parking space for each 4 seats or similar vantage accommodations provided.

Tourist home. One parking space for each guest room or suite.

Townhouse. Two parking spaces for each townhouse. The base requirements may be reduced in accordance with the credit provisions of Section 59-E-3.33.

Editor’s note—In Grand Bel Manor Condominium v. Gancayco, the Court quoted and cited § 59-E-3.7 and analyzed the effect of § 59-G-2.36 in relation to § 59-E-3.7, holding that a waiver of § 59-E-3.7 does not serve as a waiver of § 59-G-2.36.

(Legislative History: Ord. No. 8-55, §§ 10, 11; Ord. No. 8-80, § 2; Ord. No. 8-81, § 16; Ord. No. 9-1, §1; Ord. No. 9-2, § 4; Ord. No. 10-21, § 1; Ord. No. 10-32, § 11; Ord. No. 10-39, § 12; Ord. No. 10-63, § 2; Ord. No. 10-69, § 7; Ord. No. 11-27, § 3; Ord. No. 11-29, § 7; Ord. No. 11-32, § 3; Ord. No. 11-34, § 4; Ord. No. 11-40, § 4; Ord. No. 11-41, § 11; Ord. No. 11-50, § 24; Ord. No. 11-70, § 4; Ord. No. 11-72, §10; Ord. No. 11-73, § 11; Ord. No. 12-1, § 1; Ord. No. 12-8, § 4; Ord. No. 12-49, § 2; Ord. No. 12-50, §2; Ord. No. 12-68, § 4; Ord. No. 77, § 3; Ord. No. 13-12, § 4; Ord. No. 13-21, § 11; Ord. No. 13-46, §8; Ord. No. 13-47, § 11; Ord. No. 13-58, § 4; Ord. No. 13-60, § 2; Ord. No. 14-47, § 1; Ord. No. 15-56, § 4.)

Editor’s note-Section 4 of Ord. No. 11-70 purported to amend § 59-E-3.4. The amendment was actually to this § 59-E-3.7, changing “roadside farm markets” to “country markets.”