Story County, IA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- buildings of 6,000+ sq ft, delivery-heavy uses
- Minimum loading spaces
- 1, plus 1 per 20,000 sq ft over 10,000
- Loading stall size
- 12 ft wide by 40 ft long
- Setback near residential
- 10 ft, screened
- Screen requirement
- 10 ft wide, 6 ft tall planting or fence
- First-offense fine
- up to $750
Summary
In unincorporated Story County, any building of 6,000 square feet or more used for manufacturing, storage, retail or similar delivery-heavy uses must provide at least one off-street loading space, with an extra space for every 20,000 square feet of floor area beyond 10,000 square feet. Loading stalls must be at least 12 by 40 feet.
Loading Zones and Service Areas. Where applicable, loading zones and service areas shall be adequately sized to accommodate the types of vehicles that use them. ... Off-Street Loading Areas. In any district in connection with every building or part thereof hereafter erected having a gross floor area of 6,000 square feet or more, which is to be occupied by manufacturing, storage, warehouse, goods display, retail store, wholesale store, market, hotel, hospital, or other uses similarly requiring the receipt or distribution by vehicles of material or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained on the same lot with such building at least one off-street loading space, plus one additional such loading space for each 20,000 square feet or major fraction thereof of gross floor area so used in excess of 10,000 square feet. ... Each loading stall shall not be less than 12 feet in width and 40 feet in length. ... Such space may not occupy all or any part of a required yard or open space. When adjacent to a residential district or residential use, it shall be set back 10 feet and screened from adjacent property by a planting screen not less than 10 feet in width and six feet in height or by a fence, wall, berm, or other comparable means.
Full Breakdown
08(8)-(9), within the Land Development Regulations' parking and circulation standards, requires loading zones and service areas generally to be adequately sized for the vehicles that use them, then sets a specific off-street loading requirement: any building or part of a building erected with a gross floor area of 6,000 square feet or more, occupied by manufacturing, storage, warehouse, goods display, retail store, wholesale store, market, hotel, hospital or a similar use requiring vehicle delivery or pickup, must provide at least one off-street loading space on the same lot, plus one additional space for each 20,000 square feet or major fraction of gross floor area used in excess of 10,000 square feet.
Each loading stall must measure at least 12 feet wide and 40 feet long. A loading space cannot occupy any part of a required yard or open space, and where it sits adjacent to a residential district or residential use it must be set back 10 feet and screened by a planting screen at least 10 feet wide and six feet tall, or by a fence, wall, berm or comparable means. These standards apply in any zoning district, so a qualifying commercial or industrial building anywhere in the unincorporated county is covered regardless of the specific district.
Violations & Fines
Failure to provide the required off-street loading space, stall dimensions, or residential screening is a Land Development Regulations violation. Planning and Development investigates a reported violation and, if confirmed, issues a Notice of Violation under § 93.02 with 30 days to correct it or submit a compliance schedule. Continued noncompliance can lead to a county infraction citation under § 93.03, with a civil penalty up to $750 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for each repeat offense, appealable to the Board of Adjustment within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my new commercial building need an off-street loading space?
How close can a loading area be to a residential property?
Can a loading space sit in the required yard setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Story County
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