Chapter 6 - Comprehensive Off-street Parking Regulations in the Long Island City Area
GENERAL PURPOSES
The provisions of this Chapter establish special comprehensive regulations for off-street parking in the Long Island City area, as defined in Section 16-02 (Definitions).
These regulations will allow parking to be provided in a manner that supports a mass transit and pedestrian-oriented central mixed use district.
General Provisions
Except as modified by the express provisions of this Chapter, the regulations of the underlying zoning districts shall remain in effect.
Definitions
Long Island City area
For the purposes of this Chapter, “Long Island City area” shall refer to the area within the boundaries shown on the map in Section 16-03.
The Long Island City area is shown on the following map for the purpose of specifying areas where special regulations and requirements set forth in this Chapter apply.
Long Island City Area
Areas A, B and C
Areas A, B and C are established within the Long Island City area, the boundaries of which are shown on the map in Section 16-03.
Applicability
The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to accessory off-street parking facilities, public parking lots and public parking garages, as set forth in this Section.
(a) For accessory off-street parking facilities, public parking garages and public parking lots constructed prior to October 25, 1995, the number of parking spaces required or permitted shall be set forth in Section 16-07 (Existing Buildings and Off-street Parking Facilities).
(b) For accessory off-street parking facilities, public parking lots and public parking garages developed or enlarged after October 25, 1995, the number of parking spaces permitted in a parking facility shall be as set forth in Section 16-10 (PERMITTED OFF-STREET PARKING IN THE LONG ISLAND CITY AREA). Special rules shall apply to all such accessory off-street parking spaces, public parking lots and public parking garages, as set forth in Section 16-20.
(c) Any increase in the number of off-street parking spaces in an accessory off-street parking facility, public parking lot or public parking garage resulting in a capacity not otherwise allowed under the applicable regulations of Section 16-10, shall be permitted only by the City Planning Commission, pursuant to the applicable special permit in Section 16-35 (Special Permits), inclusive.
In addition to the provisions of this Chapter, further requirements relating to the Long Island City area can be found in the following Special Purpose Districts:
(a) the Special Long Island City Mixed Use District, as set forth in Section 117-54 (Off-street Parking and Loading Regulations); and
(b) the Special Southern Hunters Point District, as set forth in Section 125-50 (PARKING REGULATIONS), inclusive.
Any authorization or special permit relating to parking regulations in the Long Island City area granted by the City Planning Commission or Board of Standards and Appeals prior to October 25, 1995, may be started or continued, in accordance with the terms thereof, or as such terms may subsequently be modified, pursuant to the regulations in effect at the time such authorization or special permit was granted. Such authorizations or special permits shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 11-42 (Lapse of Authorization of Special Permit Granted by the City Planning Commission Pursuant to the 1961 Zoning Resolution) and 11-43 (Renewal of Authorization or Special Permit). However, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the renewal of any special permit or authorization for a public parking lot.
Any subsequent modifications to such authorizations or special permits that involve an increase in the number of off-street parking spaces provided shall only be permitted by the applicable special permit provisions of Section 16-35.
The provisions of this Section shall apply to existing required or permitted accessory off-street parking spaces, public parking lots and public parking garages, established prior to October 25, 1995, in the Long Island City area, as applicable, and to existing buildings developed without the provision of parking.
(a) Existing parking facilities
Within the Long Island City area, existing required or permitted accessory off-street parking spaces, public parking lots and public parking garages established prior to October 25, 1995, shall be subject to the applicable zoning district regulations in effect prior to October 25, 1995, except that:
(1) any reduction or elimination of existing accessory off-street parking spaces that were required under the applicable provisions in effect prior to October 25, 1995, shall not be permitted; and
(2) enlargements, extensions or any increase in the number of off-street parking spaces within such off-street parking facilities that result in a capacity not otherwise allowed under the applicable regulations of Section 16-10 (PERMITTED OFF-STREET PARKING IN THE LONG ISLAND CITY AREA) shall only be permitted by special permit by the City Planning Commission pursuant to the applicable provisions of Section 16-35 (Special Permits).
(b) Existing buildings developed without parking
Within the Long Island City area, existing buildings developed without the provision of parking may add up to 15 accessory off-street parking spaces only where the City Planning Commission authorizes such additional spaces pursuant to the provisions of Section 16-341 (Limited increase in parking spaces for existing buildings without parking).
No parking shall be required for the Long Island City area. Off-street parking spaces located within accessory off-street parking facilities, public parking lots and public parking garages in the Long Island City area shall be allowed only as set forth in this Section, inclusive.
All such parking facilities shall be subject to the applicable regulations set forth in Section 16-20.
Accessory off-street parking spaces are permitted for residences in developments or enlargements, as follows:
(a) within Area A, as shown on the map in Section 16-03, accessory off-street parking spaces may be provided for not more than 50 percent of the total number of new dwelling units contained in the development or enlargement, or 200 spaces, whichever is less.
(b) within Areas B and C, as shown on the map, accessory off-street parking spaces may be provided for not more than 100 percent of the total number of new dwelling units contained in the development or enlargement.
All such accessory off-street parking spaces shall be used exclusively by the occupants of the residential development or enlargement.
Accessory off-street parking spaces are permitted for non-residential uses in developments or enlargements, as follows:
(a) Transient hotels
For transient hotel developments or enlargements, a maximum of 150 accessory off-street parking spaces are permitted if there is only one entrance to the accessory group parking facility and a maximum of 225 accessory off-street parking spaces are permitted if there are two or more entrances. In no event may the number of parking spaces exceed 50 percent of the number of new transient hotel rooms. All such parking spaces shall be used primarily for the personnel, guests and occupants of the transient hotel.
(b) Hospitals
For developments or enlargements of non-profit, voluntary or proprietary hospitals and related facilities listed under Use Group III(B), in Area A, as shown on the map in Section 16-03, a maximum of 150 accessory off-street parking spaces, open or enclosed, are permitted if there is only one entrance to the accessory group parking facility and a maximum of 225 accessory off-street parking spaces, open or enclosed, are permitted if there are two or more entrances.
For hospital developments or enlargements within Areas B and C, as shown on the map, accessory off-street parking may be provided in accordance with the underlying district regulations.
All such parking spaces are to be used exclusively by the hospital staff, patients and visitors.
(c) Other commercial, community facility and manufacturing uses
For developments or enlargements in Area A containing community facility uses other than hospitals, commercial uses other than transient hotels, or manufacturing uses, the maximum number of accessory off-street parking spaces permitted shall not exceed one space per 4,000 square feet of such community facility, commercial or manufacturing floor area, or 100 spaces, whichever is less. All such parking spaces shall be used exclusively by the tenants or employees of the development or enlargement and shall not be available to the public.
Within Areas B and C, the maximum number of accessory off-street parking spaces permitted for each development, enlargement or alteration shall not exceed one space per 4,000 square feet of floor area, or 100 spaces, whichever is less. In the event that the permitted number of accessory off-street spaces would be less than 15 spaces, an accessory parking facility of up to 15 spaces may be provided. All spaces shall be used exclusively by the tenants or employees of the development or enlargement and shall not be available to the public.
Where a development or enlargement contains a combination of uses for which parking regulations are set forth in Sections 16-11 (Permitted Parking for Residences) and 16-12 (Permitted Parking for Non-residential Uses), the number of accessory off-street parking spaces for all such uses shall not exceed the number of spaces permitted for each use in accordance with the provisions of such Sections. However, in no event shall the maximum number exceed 225 accessory off-street parking spaces. The exclusive or primary use provisions of Sections 16-11 and 16-12 shall be applicable to the number of spaces provided for each use.
Public parking lots shall not be permitted within the Long Island City area, except where authorized by the City Planning Commission in accordance with the provisions of Section 16-342.
Within Areas A or B, as shown on the map in Section 16-03, public parking garages shall be permitted only in accordance with the special permit provisions of Section 16-352. However, notwithstanding any underlying district regulations, within Subarea C, as shown on the map, public parking garages with a maximum capacity of 150 spaces shall be permitted as-of-right within any zoning district.
All accessory off-street parking facilities, public parking lots and public parking garages developed or enlarged after October 25, 1995, in the Long Island City area shall comply with the applicable provisions of this Section, inclusive.
Off-site Parking
No accessory off-street parking spaces shall be located on a zoning lot other than the same zoning lot as the use to which they are accessory.
All accessory off-street parking spaces shall be located within a completely enclosed building, with the exception of:
(a) parking spaces accessory to non-profit, voluntary or proprietary hospitals and related facilities, listed under Use Group III(B); and
(b) up to 15 off-street parking spaces accessory to commercial uses other than a transient hotel, listed under Use Group V, community facility uses other than hospitals, or manufacturing uses.
Curb Cut Restrictions
In the Long Island City area, for accessory off-street parking facilities and public parking garages, curb cuts accessing entrances and exits to such parking facilities shall not be permitted at the following locations:
(a) within 50 feet of the intersection of any two street lines, except where the Commissioner of Buildings certifies that such location is not hazardous to traffic safety, is not likely to create traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic or pedestrian flow. The Commissioner of Buildings may refer such matter to the Department of Transportation, or its successor, for a report;
(b) for accessory off-street parking facilities, on 21st Street, 44th Drive, Jackson Avenue, Queens Boulevard, Queens Plaza (North, South and East), Skillman Avenue or Thomson Avenue, except by authorization of the City Planning Commission, pursuant to Section 16-343;
(c) for public parking garages, on 21st Street, 44th Drive, Jackson Avenue, Queens Boulevard, Queens Plaza (North, South and East) or Vernon Boulevard, except by authorization, pursuant to Section 16-343.
The gross unobstructed surface area, in square feet, of a permitted accessory group parking facility including stalls, aisles, driveways and maneuvering areas shall not exceed 200 times the number of accessory off-street parking spaces provided. This size limitation shall not be applicable to off-street parking spaces permitted under the provisions of paragraph (c) of Section 16-12 (Permitted Parking for Non-residential Uses) where such spaces are exclusively accessory, no-charge, self-parking spaces in enclosed facilities with a capacity limited to 100 automobiles. In such facilities, the gross unobstructed surface area, in square feet, shall not exceed 300 times the number of accessory off-street parking spaces provided.
General Provisions
The City Planning Commission may grant authorizations and special permits, pursuant to Sections 16-34, inclusive, and 16-35, inclusive.
All such special permits and authorizations, in addition to meeting the requirements, conditions and safeguards prescribed by the Commission, shall conform to and comply with all of the applicable zoning district regulations of the Zoning Resolution, except as otherwise specified herein.
An application to the City Planning Commission for the grant of a special permit or authorization under the provisions of this Section shall include a site plan showing the location of all buildings or other structures on the site, the location of all vehicular entrances and exits and off-street parking spaces, and such other information as may be required by the Commission.
In all cases, the City Planning Commission shall deny a special permit application or authorization whenever the use will interfere with a public improvement project (including housing, highways, public buildings or facilities, redevelopment or renewal projects, or rights-of-way for sewers, transit or other public facilities) which is approved by or pending before the City Council or the Commission, as determined from the calendar of each agency issued prior to the date of the public meeting on the application for a special permit or authorization.
Authorizations
The City Planning Commission may, by authorization, subject to the otherwise applicable zoning district regulations, allow on-site enclosed accessory off-street parking facilities with a maximum capacity of 15 spaces in existing buildings, provided that the Commission finds that:
(a) the building does not have accessory off-street parking spaces;
(b) such parking spaces are needed for and will be used exclusively by the occupants of the use to which they are accessory, except that car sharing vehicles may occupy accessory off-street parking spaces; however, the number of spaces so occupied shall not exceed five spaces or 20 percent of all such parking spaces, whichever is greater. For the purposes of this paragraph (b), such need shall exist where there are special circumstances and there are no reasonably viable alternatives to on-site enclosed parking spaces;
(c) the parking spaces will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit surface traffic;
(d) the parking spaces will not adversely affect pedestrian movement;
(e) the parking spaces will not be incompatible with, or adversely affect, adjacent uses including uses within the building; and
(f) the curb cut accessing such parking spaces will not be inconsistent with the character of the existing streetscape.
Public parking lots
The City Planning Commission may authorize public parking lots with a capacity of not more than 150 spaces in the Long Island City area, provided that the otherwise applicable regulations set forth in Sections 36-55 or 44-44 (Surfacing), and Sections 36-56 or 44-45 (Screening) are met.
As a condition for authorizing any such public parking lots, the Commission shall make the following findings:
(a) such use will not be incompatible with, or adversely affect, the growth and development of uses comprising vital and essential functions in the general area within which such use is to be located;
(b) such use will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion and will not unduly inhibit vehicular and pedestrian movement;
(c) such use is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local residential streets; and
(d) the streets providing access to such use will be adequate to handle the traffic generated thereby.
The City Planning Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including limitations on signs, or requirements for shielding of floodlights and for locations of entrances and exits.
Curb cuts
The City Planning Commission may authorize curb cuts located on a street designated in Section 16-23 (Curb Cut Restrictions), provided the Commission finds that a curb cut at such location:
(a) is not hazardous to traffic safety;
(b) will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion or unduly inhibit vehicular movement;
(c) will not adversely affect pedestrian movement;
(d) will not interfere with the efficient functioning of bus lanes, specially designated streets and public transit facilities; and
(e) will not be inconsistent with the character of the existing streetscape.
Special Permits
The City Planning Commission may, by special permit, subject to the otherwise applicable zoning district regulations, allow on-site or off-site, open or enclosed, accessory off-street parking facilities with any capacity not otherwise allowed under Section 16-10 (PERMITTED OFF-STREET PARKING IN THE LONG ISLAND CITY AREA), provided the Commission finds that:
(a) such parking spaces are needed for, and will be used by, the occupants, visitors, customers or employees of the use to which they are accessory, except that car sharing vehicles may occupy accessory off-street parking spaces; however, the number of spaces so occupied shall not exceed five spaces or 20 percent of all such parking spaces, whichever is greater;
(b) within the vicinity of the site, there are insufficient parking spaces available;
(c) the facility will not create or contribute to serious traffic congestion or unduly inhibit vehicular and pedestrian movement;
(d) the facility is so located as to draw a minimum of vehicular traffic to and through local residential streets; and
(e) adequate reservoir space is provided at the vehicular entrance to accommodate vehicles equivalent in number to 20 percent of the total number of parking spaces, up to 50 parking spaces, and five percent of any spaces in excess of 200 parking spaces, but in no event shall such reservoir spaces be required for more than 50 vehicles. However, in the case of a facility with a capacity of 10 vehicles or less, the Commission may waive this finding.
The Commission may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards to minimize adverse effects on the character of the surrounding area, including traffic improvements, if necessary, and limitations on signs or requirements for shielding or floodlights or for locations of entrances and exits.
The City Planning Commission may, by special permit, allow public parking garages and public parking lots not otherwise permitted, pursuant to the applicable provisions of Section 74-195 (Public parking garages or public parking lots in high density central areas).
