This section contains standards to regulate the number, design and location of off-street loading areas, to ensure the following:

    Off-street loading areas shall be consistent with the following requirements:

    Commercial, industrial, office, institutional, hospital, hotel, schools:

             Loading Spaces

    Less than 5,000 square feet of gross floor area:            0

    5,000 to 25,000 square feet of gross floor area:                1

    Over 25,000 square feet of gross floor area:    1 + as required by the

    Planning and  Building Director

a.     Location

        To the extent possible, loading facilities should be located at the rear of the building which they serve.

b.     Access

All loading spaces shall be accessible from a public street or alley, but shall be designed to preclude the need to use any public streets for maneuvering or backing trailers into the loading space.

c.     Dimensions

Minimum length:  25 feet

Minimum width:  12 feet

Minimum overhead clearance:  14 feet

d.     Surfacing

The loading area, aisles and access drives shall be paved to provide a durable, dustless surface and shall be graded to properly dispose of surface water.

e.     Lighting

Loading areas shall be lighted to provide adequate illumination for security and safety.  Lighting fixtures shall be in scale with the size and use of the structure. Any illumination shall be installed so as not to cause a nuisance to adjoining properties.

f.     Noise Reduction

    Where a loading facility will be in close proximity to residential or other noise-sensitive uses, noise reduction measures (such as a seven-foot tall masonry wall combined with landscaping) may be required.