Whether you open a condominium, restaurant, bar, retail store, salon, or pet shop, the one thing that potential customers always ask is, ‘would there be a parking spot?’ Of course, nobody wants to see a ticket on his windshield when he steps out of your establishment.
Worse, the city may also penalize you for violating the code for proper parking lot and parking lot striping. Dallas City Hall might even revoke your business permit unless you apply for an exemption. But approval depends on several factors, so there is no guarantee that your application will be accepted.
As of May 23, 2016, the Dallas City Council Quality of Life and Environment Committee issued new requirements for outdoor parking spaces. The Committee rightly observed that business establishments routinely violate the City Code concerning parking spaces.
What are the issues cited?
- Customer and staff vehicles have spilled over onto the streets or residential areas.
- There are noise issues, especially if the bar or restaurant operations extend past 9 pm.
- Uncovered parking areas are not considered as part of the floor area, according to the City Code.
What are the Current Parking Requirements?
- For tavern, lounge, bar, and club
- One parking space per 100 sq. ft of floor area
- Additional one parking space per 500 sq. ft of floor area on an adjacent structure or building used as a storage or manufacture area of alcoholic drinks
- For microdistillery, winery, and microbrewery
- One space for every 600 sq. ft of floor area
- One space for every 1,000 sq. ft of floor area on the storage
- One space per 100 sq. ft of floor area for seating or retail sales
- For outdoor entertainment complex or commercial amusement center
- One parking space for every 200 sq. ft of floor area
- One extra space for every 400 sq. ft of the floor area of the outdoor site
- Restaurant
- One parking space for every 100 sq. ft of space
- Additional one parking space for every 500 sq. ft of floor area in a building used as a storage area or for the manufacture of alcoholic drinks
The parking lot striping should be visible even in poorly lit environments. It is the best option to outsource the job to professionals, as they are familiar with the requirements of the City Code when it comes to outdoor parking spaces.
The City Code promotes outdoor parking as long as it does not obstruct the flow of traffic or risk the safety of pedestrians. According to the Committee, outdoor parking may encourage social interaction between the customers and residents, as well as develop a sense of community.
However, make sure that you comply with the regulations of the city when it comes to your outdoor parking lots. Even if you have an indoor parking space, you still need to properly paint with yellow or white stripes to define the space. The space between the lines should be uniform for aesthetic purposes, as well as adequately designated spots for motorcycles and the differently-abled.
