Section 31-606 Suffolk VA: Parking and Loading Regulations

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Suffolk, Virginia maintains a comprehensive codebase to ensure orderly growth in the evolving urban development and zoning landscape. One of the most essential regulations in this code is Section 31-606 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Often referred to simply as Section 31-606 Suffolk VA, this portion of the ordinance outlines critical design and infrastructure standards related to parking, traffic circulation, and loading spaces. Whether you’re a developer, property owner, engineer, or urban planner, understanding Section 31-606 is vital to compliance and project success. This guide explores its purpose, requirements, amendments, and real-world implications for stakeholders across Suffolk, VA.

What is Section 31-606 Suffolk VA?

Section 31-606 falls under Article 6: Design and Improvement Standards of Suffolk’s Unified Development Ordinance. It governs explicitly the planning and construction requirements for:

Off-street parking facilities
Vehicular circulation within developments
Loading zones and service areas
ADA accessibility and pedestrian safety
Minimum space dimensions and counts

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This regulation ensures that developments are safe, accessible, and aligned with city planning goals, especially in light of growing urbanization and increasing traffic volumes in Suffolk.

Why Is Section 31-606 Important?

Artful infrastructure must support urban growth, where Section 31-606 plays a key role. Here’s why it’s important:

Prevents traffic congestion by setting proper ingress/egress rules
Promotes safe pedestrian pathways in commercial and residential zones
Ensures adequate loading/unloading space for businesses
Guarantees compliance with ADA and fire safety access rules
Helps protect property values and community aesthetics

From retail centers and apartment complexes to industrial warehouses, Section 31-606 Suffolk VA is critical in shaping functional, safe, and scalable developments.

Key Components of Section 31-606 Suffolk VA

Here’s a breakdown of the most notable sub-sections of Section 31-606:

Off-Street Parking Requirements

Establishes minimum parking space counts based on building type and use (e.g., retail, multi-family housing, offices).
Specifies standard parking space dimensions (e.g., 9’ x 18’ per stall).
Defines angle parking vs parallel parking norms.
Requires compact car stalls, EV charging spots, and ADA accessible spaces in some zones.

Vehicular Traffic Circulation (Subsection A-6)

Mandates a layout that allows for smooth, non-obstructive traffic flow.
Requires turnarounds in dead-end areas and designated lanes for emergency access.
Focuses on drive aisle widths, site entry visibility, and vehicle stacking zones.

Pedestrian Access and Walkways

Sidewalks must be integrated into parking lots and connected to building entrances.
Developments must follow ADA guidelines for gradient and handrail compliance.
Safe crossing areas in large parking lots are often required.

Loading Spaces (Subsection B-2)

Commercial and industrial sites must include loading/unloading bays based on building size.
Loading areas must be separated from pedestrian zones to prevent hazards.
Requires screening or landscaping buffers for aesthetic integration.

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Design and Surfacing

Specifies materials allowed for paving (e.g., asphalt, concrete).
Encourages use of permeable pavements for stormwater control.
Requires striping, signage, and lighting in all parking facilities.

Recent Amendments to Section 31-606

Over the past few years, the City of Suffolk has updated several portions of Section 31-606 to meet changing urban and environmental needs.

2023 Ordinance Update (Ordinance No. 23-O-087)

Revised subsection A(6) on vehicular traffic areas to improve emergency vehicle access and site flow.
Introduced eco-friendly paving options for sustainable development.
Updated parking space ratios for mixed-use developments.

2024 Proposed Changes

Proposed reduction in minimum required loading zones for small-scale retail properties.
Emphasis on multi-modal transportation planning, including bike parking.
Enhanced EV-readiness standards in line with Virginia’s clean energy initiatives.

These amendments reflect the city’s focus on modernizing infrastructure, supporting sustainability, and streamlining development processes.

How Section 31-606 Impacts Development in Suffolk, VA

Let’s explore a few real-world examples of how Section 31-606 Suffolk VA affects projects:

Commercial Strip Malls

Must submit parking layout plans during zoning approval.
Need designated fire lanes and ADA-compliant pedestrian pathways.
Often required to add landscaping islands within large lots.

Apartment Complexes

Parking ratios apply per unit (e.g., 1.5 spaces per bedroom).
May include requirements for visitor parking and bike racks.
Loading space requirements are adjusted for leasing offices or clubhouses.

Warehouses & Industrial Sites

High loading bay requirements depending on square footage.
Larger turning radii for trucks and delivery vehicles.
Sound/dust buffers may be required between parking and adjacent homes.

Mixed-Use Developments

Shared parking calculations are often permitted.
Flexibility on peak usage hours to reduce over-construction.
Encouraged the provision of EV charging and car-share spaces.

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Who Needs to Comply with Section 31-606?

Compliance is mandatory for:

New constructions (residential, commercial, industrial)
Major renovations or expansions
Zoning change applicants
Special use permit holders

Developers must typically include site plans, parking layouts, and loading analyses in their city approval application. Failure to comply can delay permits and lead to costly redesigns.

Conclusion

Section 31-606 Suffolk VA may seem like a technical zoning regulation, but it plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s built environment. From preventing traffic jams to ensuring ADA access, this section provides that growth remains responsible, accessible, and sustainable.