Columbia County, FL Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Sections 4.2.17.12 and 4.2.17.15 of the Land Development Regulations set the county's off-street loading standard for unincorporated Columbia County. Every loading space must measure at least 12 feet by 30 feet, excluding platforms and piers, with 14 feet of vertical clearance. The number of required spaces is tied to a building's aggregate floor area: a retail store, service establishment, warehouse, industrial plant, restaurant, or similar use over 5,000 but under 25,000 square feet needs one loading space, rising to two spaces from 25,000 to 59,999 square feet, three from 60,000 to 119,999, four from 120,000 to 199,999, and five at 200,000 square feet and up, with one more space added for every additional 90,000 square feet beyond 290,000.

Multi-family buildings with 20 to 50 units need two loading spaces, with two more per additional 50 units. Section 4.2.17.11 explains the purpose: loading facilities keep delivery trucks from encroaching on public streets and alleys, and a loading space built for one use cannot be credited to another use, nor can required parking spaces double as loading spaces. Plans showing the loading spaces, access, dimensions, and clearance must accompany the building permit application under section 4.2.17.13, and two or more property owners may combine loading facilities under section 4.2.17.14 if they record an agreement satisfactory to the county attorney guaranteeing the combined space will be maintained as long as the uses requiring it continue. Enforcement runs through the county Building and Zoning Department at permit review, since a building permit will not issue without a conforming loading plan.