Bike Parking Regulations and Design Standards for Burlington, VT

Burlington, Vermont, has adopted clear and detailed bike parking regulations within its Comprehensive Development Ordinance, specifically in Article 8: Parking. These regulations aim to ensure adequate, safe, and convenient bicycle parking infrastructure for various types of developments, encouraging the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation. The rules distinguish between short-term and long-term parking, with specific requirements for each type.

Bicycle parking requirements apply to new development, changes in land use, and changes to a structure that cause an increase or decrease of 25% or greater in gross floor area, seating capacity, or number of dwelling units.

Long-Term and Short-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements

Long-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements

• Purpose: Long-term bicycle parking is intended for residents, employees, or other individuals needing secure parking for extended periods.
• General Requirements: Long-term bicycle parking must be covered, secure, and protected from weather. It should be located within 200 feet of the primary entrance to the building and must prevent theft of both the bicycle and accessories.
• Residential: For multi-unit residential buildings, one long-term space must be provided per two bedrooms. In elderly housing, the requirement is one space per 10 units. Fraternities and dormitories must provide one long-term space per three residents.
• Commercial and Public/Institutional Uses: Offices must provide one long-term space per 5,000 square feet, and schools must provide one space per 20,000 square feet of classroom space (with additional spaces based on student capacity).
• Long Term bicycle parking requirements can be met in any of the following ways:
  • A bicycle storage room;
  • Bicycle lockers, pods, or lids;
  • Lockable bicycle enclosure; or
  • By certifying to the city’s bicycle and pedestrian planner that employees may store their bicycles within their workspace and that residents may store their bicycles within their dwelling unit.

Short-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements

• Purpose: Short-term bicycle parking is meant for visitors or customers who park for shorter periods.
• General Requirements: Short-term spaces should be placed close to the main entrance, within 50 feet of the primary entrance, and visible to ensure ease of access. Racks must allow locking both the frame and one wheel.
• Residential: For multi-unit residential buildings, one short-term space is required per 10 units. For elderly housing, one space per 10 units is required, and fraternities or dormitories must provide one space per six residents.
• Commercial and Public/Institutional Uses: Retail and service buildings must provide one short-term space per 2,000 square feet, while offices are required to provide one space per 10,000 square feet. Schools must provide at least two short-term spaces per classroom.

Design Standards for Bicycle Parking

Long-Term Bicycle Parking Design Standards

• Weather Protection: Must be covered or enclosed to protect bicycles from the elements.
• Security: Must prevent theft of bicycles and accessories. Secure storage methods can include bike lockers, bike rooms, or locked enclosures.
• Minimum Dimensions: Each parking space must be at least 2 feet wide and 6 feet long, with a vertical clearance of 7 feet.
• Accessibility: Long-term parking should be well-lit and located close to building entrances.

Short-Term Bicycle Parking Design Standards

• Accessibility: Bicycle racks should be visible from the main entrance or have directional signage. Racks must be placed in areas that are easily accessible to cyclists and are visible from building entrances or public spaces.
• Rack Design: Racks must allow for the locking of both the frame and one wheel of the bicycle. The recommended rack type is the inverted U-rack, which provides two points of contact for added stability.
• Spacing: Racks must be spaced at least 30 inches apart, with an aisle width of at least 5 feet to ensure easy maneuverability.

Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type

The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements in Burlington, VT. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.

Showers and Personal Lockers

For developments where long-term bicycle parking is required, Burlington mandates that showers and changing facilities be provided for employees according to the following scale:

• 1-4 long-term spaces: 1 shower and changing facility
• 5-10 long-term spaces: 2 shower and changing facilities
• 11-20 long-term spaces: 3 shower and changing facilities
• 21+ long-term spaces: 4 showers, with one additional facility for each 15 additional long-term spaces.

Regional or Neighborhood Variations

Burlington does not apply significantly different bicycle parking regulations across various regions or neighborhoods. However, flexibility in meeting parking requirements may be granted through waivers in certain areas or developments, especially where space constraints or existing site conditions pose challenges.

Official Bike Parking Regulations Source

The full bicycle parking regulations for Burlington can be found in the Comprehensive Development Ordinance – Article 8. The official ordinance can be accessed here:
Burlington Comprehensive Development Ordinance – Article 8

Burlington, Vermont, Bike Parking Ordinance