Tempe, AZ, Bike Parking Regulations and Standards
Tempe, Arizona, has detailed regulations and design standards for bicycle parking to encourage sustainable transportation and provide secure and accessible parking for bicycles. These regulations are part of the city’s zoning and development code, and they outline specific requirements for both long-term and short-term bicycle parking across different types of land use.
Long-Term and Short-Term Bike Parking Requirements
Long-term bicycle parking is intended for employees, residents, and commuters who need secure, weather-protected parking for extended periods. Short-term bicycle parking is designed for visitors, customers, and other short-term users who need convenient access to parking close to their destinations.
Long-Term Bicycle Parking
- Must provide security through controlled access, such as lockers, bicycle rooms, or enclosed areas within buildings.
- Must be weather-protected, whether within buildings, under overhangs, or in enclosures like bicycle lockers.
- Lighting and visibility are required to ensure safety.
- The spaces should be well-maintained and accessible within a reasonable distance of the building.
Short-Term Bicycle Parking
- Short-term parking should be easily accessible and located near building entrances (typically within 50 feet of an entrance).
- Parking racks should allow the bicycle frame and at least one wheel to be locked securely.
- Racks must be anchored to the ground or building structure and support the bike without risk of damage.
- Design standards for short-term racks ensure that bicycles are supported upright and not prone to falling or getting damaged.
Design Standards for Long-Term Bicycle Parking
- Long-term parking must offer controlled access, such as through secure enclosures or lockers that protect the bicycles from theft and weather.
- Signage indicating access points is required if access control (e.g., keys or codes) is used.
- Lighting must be provided if the parking area is not located inside a building.
- Long-term parking spaces are to be distributed proportionally if the development has mixed uses.
Design Standards for Short-Term Bicycle Parking
- The racks for short-term bicycle parking must allow the bicycle frame and at least one wheel to be locked using a standard U-lock.
- The rack design should ensure that the bicycle remains upright and secure.
- Each rack must be capable of holding two bicycles.
- There should be clear, unobstructed access to the bicycle racks, with sufficient clearance to avoid crowding.
Required Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces
Required bicycle parking ratios are indicated in the columns listed in General Bicycle Parking Minimums column. Bicycle parking ratios in the “Bicycle Commute Area” column apply to properties north of Southern Avenue extending north, east and west to the city limit lines.
| Land Use Type | General Bicycle Parking Minimums | Bicycle Commute Area Minimums |
|---|---|---|
| Bar, tavern, nightclub | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA | 1 space per 500 sq. ft. GFA |
| Church/place of worship | 1 space per 12,000 sq. ft., minimum 2 spaces | 1 space per 12,000 sq. ft., minimum 2 spaces |
| Clinic (medical, dental, veterinary) | 1 space per 20,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces | 1 space per 6,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces |
| Childcare center | 0.2 spaces per employee | 0.2 spaces per employee |
| High school/college | 1 space per 1,500 sq. ft. | 1 space per 1,500 sq. ft. |
| Hospital | 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces | 1 space per 12,000 sq. ft. GFA, min. 2 spaces |
| Hotel/motel | 1 space per 20 guest rooms | 1 space per 20 guest rooms |
| Residential multi-family (studio) | 0.5 spaces per unit | 0.75 spaces per unit |
| Residential multi-family (1-4 bedroom) | 0.75 spaces per unit (1-2 bedroom), 1 per unit (3+ bedrooms) | 0.75 spaces per unit (1-2 bedroom), 1 per unit (3+ bedrooms) |
| Restaurant (indoor) | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA | 1 space per 500 sq. ft. GFA |
| Retail (indoor) | 1 space per 10,000 sq. ft. GFA, minimum 2 spaces | 1 space per 7,500 sq. ft. GFA, minimum 4 spaces |
Bike Parking requirements for the City Center district area vary for some land uses. Please refer to the zoning and development code for details.
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Tempe, AZ. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Illuminations Requirements
Tempe requires certain illumination requirements for bike parking. These can be found in the Tempe, Arizona Lighting Standards.
Showers and Personal Locker Requirements
Tempe’s zoning code does not explicitly require showers and personal lockers for bicycle commuters, though developments may choose to offer these amenities for employee convenience, particularly in larger commercial or office developments.
Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
There are no additional or special bicycle parking requirements specified for different regions or neighborhoods within Tempe. However, bicycle parking standards may vary based on land use or building type, as shown in the table.
Where to Find Official Regulations
The official bike parking regulations for Tempe, AZ, can be found in the Zoning and Development Code, Part 4, Chapter 6.
