City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 17C
Chapter 17C.230
Section 17C.230.200
 

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.230 Parking and Loading

Section 17C.230.200 Bicycle Parking
  1. Purpose.

Bicycle parking is required to encourage the use of bicycles by providing safe and convenient places to park bicycles.

  1. Applicability.
  1. The required number of bicycle parking spaces in all zones except Centers and Corridors for uses in SMC 17C.190 is identified in Table 17C.230.200-1. If the calculated number of required bicycle parking spaces results in a decimal the required number of spaces is rounded up.
    1. No short-term bicycle parking is required for the following uses.
      1. All uses under “Residential categories”
      1. Commercial parking
      1. Drive-through facilities
      1. All uses under “Other Categories”
      1. All uses under “Industrial Categories”
    1. No long-term bicycle parking is required for the following uses.
      1. Commercial parking
      1. Drive-through facilities
      1. Mini-storage facilities
      1. Park and open areas
      1. Schools
      1. All uses under “Other Categories”
  1. The required number of bicycle parking spaces for allowed uses in Center and Corridor Zones is identified in Table 17C.230.200-2. If the calculated number of required bicycle parking spaces results in a decimal the required number of spaces is rounded up.
    1. No short-term bicycle parking is required for the following uses.
      1. Residential
      1. Public parking lot
      1. Drive-through business on pedestrian streets
      1. Mobile food vending
      1. Limited industrial
      1. Heavy Industrial
      1. Motor vehicle sales, rental, repair, or washing
      1. Automotive parts and tires (with exterior storage or display)
    1. No long-term bicycle parking is required for the following uses.
      1. Park and open areas
      1. Structured parking
      1. Public parking lot
      1. Drive-through business on pedestrian streets
      1. Self-storage or warehouse
      1. Mobile food vending
  1. Change of Use.
    1. When the use of an existing building changes, bicycle parking shall be provided to meet the standards set forth in this section, except where the new number of required spaces is within ten percent of the existing number of spaces.
  1. The bicycle parking requirements of this section do not retroactively apply to established uses; however:
    1. When increasing the floor area or other measures of bicycle parking requirements by addition or alteration, spaces, as required for the increase, shall be provided; and
    1. The site to which a building is relocated must provide the required spaces.
  1. Uses Not Mentioned.
    1. In the case of a use not specifically mentioned in Table 17C.230.200-1 or Table 17C.230.200-2, the requirements for bicycle parking shall be determined by the Planning Director.
  1. Short-term bicycle parking standards

Short-term bicycle parking encourages shoppers, customers, and other visitors to use bicycles by providing a convenient and readily accessible place to park bicycles.

  1. Bicycle racks designed to accommodate two bicycles, such as an inverted-u rack, are considered two (2) bicycle parking spaces.
  1. Short-term bicycle parking shall be placed on stable, firm, and slip-resistant surfaces consistent with ADA requirements.
  1. A bicycle rack must allow for the locking of the bicycle frame and one (1) wheel to the rack and shall support a bicycle in a stable position with a minimum of two points of contact to the bicycle frame and without damage to the wheels, frame, or components (see below for examples that meet and do not meet this requirement).

  1. Short-term bicycle parking must be located:
    1. Within 50 feet of a main entrance; and
    1. On-site or within the adjacent public right-of-way.
      1. If within the public right-of-way, bicycle racks must be entirely within the pedestrian buffer strip.
    1. Outside of a building or enclosure.
    1. As to not conflict with the opening of vehicle doors.
    1. At the same grade as the sidewalk or at a location that can be reached by an accessible route.
    1. Short-term bicycle parking where the number of required spaces is based on the provided vehicle parking (see Basic Utilities and Parks and Open Space in Table 17C.230.200-1) shall be grouped and located within or adjacent to the vehicle parking area.
      1. If located within the vehicle parking area the bicycle racks shall be protected from vehicle interference such as the opening of car doors and potential collision by ensuring adequate space between vehicle parking stalls and bicycle parking.
  1. Property owners and businesses located on the same side of the street and on the same block may establish a grouped bicycle parking area where short-term bicycle parking solutions may be implemented.
    1. These areas shall be located no further than 200 feet from the main entrance of each business or property they intend to serve.
    1. The racks shall be at a location that can be reached by an accessible route.
    1. Bicycle parking shall meet all other relevant standards of this section.
  1. If the development is unable to provide short-term bicycle parking as described, the developer may explore options such as:
    1. On-site short-term bicycle parking beyond fifty (50) from the main entrance.
    1. Bicycle parking located at the rear of the building.
    1. Bicycle parking located within the building.
    1. As agreed between the applicant and the Planning Director.
  1. Long-term bicycle parking standards

Long-term bicycle parking provides employees, students, residents, commuters, and others who generally stay at a site for several hours with a secure and weather-protected place to park bicycles.

  1. Long-term bicycle parking must be located:
    1. Within a building.
    1. On-site, including parking structures and garages; or
    1. Within three hundred (300) feet of the site.
  1. A garage dedicated exclusively to a residential unit may fulfill the requirements for one (1) long-term bicycle parking space.
  1. Long-term bicycle parking must be provided in racks or lockers.
    1. At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the racks must be horizontal to accommodate:
      1. Those who cannot lift a bicycle into a vertical position; and
      1. Cargo, tandem, long-tailed, or similar bicycles that do not fit into vertical bicycle racks.
  1. Long-term bicycle parking spacing requirements.
    1. For horizontal racks such as the inverted-u rack:
      1. A minimum of three (3) feet parallel spacing between each rack; and
      1. A minimum of five (5) feet perpendicular access aisle between rows of bicycle parking; and
      1. A minimum of two (2) feet six (6) inches of perpendicular spacing between bicycle racks and walls or obstructions; and
      1. A minimum of two (2) feet for user access between a wall or other obstruction and the side of the nearest parked bicycle.

    1. For vertical wall-mounted racks:
      1. A minimum of three (3) feet parallel spacing between each rack; or, A minimum of one (1) foot six (6) inches parallel spacing combined with a minimum of an eight (8) inch vertical off-set between each rack; and
      1. A minimum of five (5) feet perpendicular access aisle between rows of bicycle parking; and
      1. A minimum of one (1) foot six (6) inches for user access between a wall or other obstruction and the side of the nearest parked bicycle.

  1. Long-term bicycle parking must be covered. The cover must be,
    1. Permanent; and
    1. Impervious.
  1. Long-term bicycle parking shall be placed on floor and ground surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant consistent with ADA requirements.
  1. Long-term bike storage design details must be provided with site layouts to determine the number of bicycle parking spaces.
  1. To provide security the bicycle parking must be,
    1. In a locked room; or
    1. In an enclosure with a locked gate or door, the walls of the enclosure are to be at least eight (8) feet tall or be floor-to-ceiling; or
    1. In a permanently anchored, enclosed, and secured bike locker.
  1. Property owners and businesses located on the same block may establish a grouped bicycle parking area where long-term bicycle parking solutions may be implemented.
    1. These areas shall be located no further than 300 feet from each site they intend to serve.
    1. Bicycle parking shall be at a location that can be reached by an accessible route.
    1. Bicycle parking shall meet all other relevant standards of this section.
  1. Residential in-unit long-term bicycle parking does not count towards fulfilling the requirements of long-term bicycle parking.
  1. If a development is unable to meet the standards of this section, the applicant may seek relief subject to the Planning Director’s discretion.
    1. The applicant shall provide reasonable evidence as to why they are unable to fulfill the requirements of this section.
    1. The applicant and the Planning Director should first explore alternatives for locating bicycle parking prior to agreeing to full relief from the requirements of this section.

TABLE 17C.230.200-1
BICYCLE PARKING BY USE

RESIDENTIAL CATEGORIES

USE CATEGORIES

SPECIFIC USES

REQUIRED SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

BASELINE SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

REQUIRED LONG-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

Group Living

 

None

0

1 per 10 residents

Residential Household Living

Multifamily dwellings of ten or more units

None

0

0.5 per unit

COMMERCIAL CATEGORIES

USE CATEGORIES

SPECIFIC USES

REQUIRED SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

BASELINE SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

REQUIRED LONG-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

Adult Business

 

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Commercial Outdoor Recreation

 

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Commercial Parking

 

None

0

None

Drive-through Facility

 

None

0

None

Major Event Entertainment

 

1 per 60 seats

2

None below 24,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 24,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Office

General Office

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Medical/Dental Office

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Quick Vehicle Servicing

 

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Retail Sales and Service

Retail, 
Personal Service, 
Repair-oriented

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Restaurants and Bars

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Health Clubs, Gyms, Lodges, Meeting Rooms and similar continuous entertainment, such as Arcades and Bowling Alleys

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Temporary Lodging

1 per 30 rentable rooms

2

None below 30 rentable rooms; and then 1 per 30 rentable rooms

Theaters

1 per 30 seats

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft.

Retail sales and services of large items, such as appliances, furniture and equipment

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Mini-storage Facilities

 

2 per development

2

None

Vehicle Repair

 

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

INDUSTRIAL CATEGORIES

USE CATEGORIES

SPECIFIC USES

REQUIRED SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

BASELINE SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

REQUIRED LONG-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

Industrial Services, Railroad Yards,
Wholesale Sales

 

None

0

None below 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Manufacturing and Production

 

None

0

None below 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Warehouse and Freight Movement

 

None

0

None below 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Waste-related

 

None

0

None below 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

INSTITUTIONAL CATEGORIES

USE CATEGORIES

SPECIFIC USES

REQUIRED SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

BASELINE SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

REQUIRED LONG-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

Basic Utilities

 

1 per 20 vehicle spaces (whether vehicle parking is required by code or not)

2

None below 20 vehicle spaces; and then 1 per 20 vehicle spaces (whether vehicle parking is required by code or not)

Colleges

 

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area associated with each building

2

None below 30 staff/faculty; and then 1 per 30 staff/faculty

Community Service

 

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Daycare

 

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Medical Centers

 

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Parks and Open Areas[1] [2]

 

1-3 amenities= 4 spaces

4-7 amenities= 8 spaces

7-12 amenities= 16 spaces

12+ amenities= 24 spaces

 

Additionally:

1 per 10 vehicle spaces (whether vehicle parking is required by code or not)

2

None

Religious Institutions

 

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Schools

Grade, Elementary, Junior High

1 per classroom

2

None

High School

1 per classroom

2

None

OTHER CATEGORIES

USE CATEGORIES

SPECIFIC USES

REQUIRED SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

BASELINE SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

REQUIRED LONG-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

Agriculture

 

None

None

None

Aviation and Surface Passenger Terminals

 

None

None

None

Detention Facilities

 

None

None

None

Essential Public Facilities

 

None

None

None

Wireless Communication Facilities

 

None

None

None

Rail Lines and Utility Corridors

 

None

None

None

[1] Parks and Open Space amenities, for the purpose of this section, are defined as park facilities such as playgrounds, ball fields, and splash pads. These do not include any natural area amenities such as habitat viewing station.

[2] Bicycle rack requirements based on amenities should be located near the amenities the racks are intended to serve.

[3] SMC 17C.230.200(C)(1) Bicycle racks designed to accommodate two bicycles, such as an inverted-u rack, are considered two (2) bicycle parking spaces.

 

TABLE 17C.230.200-2
CENTER AND CORRIDOR ZONE REQUIRED BICYCLE PARKING SPACE FOR ALLOWED USES

CENTERS AND CORRIDORS USE CATEGORIES

REQUIRED SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

BASELINE SHORT-TERM BICYCLE PARKING [3]

REQUIRED LONG-TERM BICYCLE PARKING

Residential

None

0

0.5 per unit

Hotels, including Bed and Breakfast Inns

1 per 30 rentable rooms

2

None below 30 rentable rooms; and then 1 per 30 rentable rooms

Commercial, Financial, Retail, Personal Services

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Eating and Drinking Establishments

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Restaurants without Cocktail Lounges

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Professional and Medical Offices

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 10,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Entertainment, Museum and Cultural

1 per 60 seats, or 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; whichever is lesser

2

None below 24,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 24,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Government, Public Service or Utility Structures, Social Services and Education

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Religious Institutions

1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Parks and Open Space [1]

1-3 amenities= 4 spaces

4-7 amenities= 8 spaces

7-12 amenities= 16 spaces

12+ amenities= 24 spaces

 

Additionally:

1 per 10 vehicle spaces (whether vehicle parking is required by code or not)

2

None

Structured Parking [2]

1 per 10 vehicle parking spaces

2

None

Public Parking Lot

None

0

None

Limited Industrial (if entirely within a building)

None

0

None below 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Heavy Industrial

None

0

None below 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Drive-through Businesses on Pedestrian Streets

None

0

None

Motor Vehicles Sales, Rental, Repair or Washing

None

0

None below 20,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Automotive Parts and Tires (with exterior storage or display)

None

0

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Gasoline Sales (serving more than six vehicles)

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Gasoline Sale (serving six vehicles or less)

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then ft. of floor area

Self-storage or Warehouse

None

0

None

Adult Business (subject to chapter 17C.305 SMC special provisions)

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Winery and Microbreweries

1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area

2

None below 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area; and then 1 per 12,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Mobile Food Vending

None

0

None

[1] Bicycle rack requirements based on amenities should be located near the amenities the racks are intended to serve.

 

[2] Short-term parking within structured vehicle parking facilities must be on the ground floor and within the structure. There is no requirement for the parking to be in a secured enclosure.

 

[3] SMC 17C.230.200(C)(1) Bicycle racks designed to accommodate two bicycles, such as an inverted-u rack, are considered two (2) bicycle parking spaces.

Date Passed: Monday, June 5, 2023

Effective Date: Sunday, July 16, 2023

ORD C36387 Section 2