Parking & Servicing Requirements That Trip Up Small Developers in Kelowna
If you’re a small developer working on an infill or townhouse project in Kelowna, parking and servicing details can quietly derail your timeline.
Not because you missed stalls — but because movement, access, and clearance weren’t fully thought through.
Here’s a plain-English checklist of what most small projects get flagged for.
1. Parking Stall Sizes (They’re Tighter Than You Think)
Most issues start here.
Check this early:
-
Stall width and length meet bylaw minimums
-
Accessible stalls are sized and located correctly
-
Covered parking allows for real vehicle height, not just code minimums
Common mistake:
Designing stalls that technically fit on paper but fail in real-world use.
2. Drive Aisles & Turning Movements
This is the #1 reason projects get redesign requests.
Confirm:
-
Drive aisle widths meet standards
-
Vehicles can turn without multi-point maneuvers
-
Columns, corners, and ramps don’t block swing paths
Reality check:
If your design requires “perfect driving,” it will get flagged.
3. Grades & Slopes (Kelowna’s Hidden Challenge)
Kelowna’s terrain creates issues flat cities don’t have.
Watch for:
-
Maximum allowable slopes in parking and aisles
-
Transitions near sidewalks or front lot lines
-
Ice and winter safety concerns
Common miss:
A design that works on flat land but fails on hillsides.
4. Garbage & Servicing Access
Garbage trucks are big. Cities design for them.
Ask yourself:
-
Can a truck reach the bins?
-
Can it turn safely without backing into traffic?
-
Is pickup blocking parking or drive aisles?
Tip:
If the answer isn’t obvious, it’s probably a problem.
5. Loading & Move-In Space
Even small projects may trigger loading requirements.
Check:
-
Whether a loading space is required
-
Clearance for delivery and moving trucks
-
Conflicts with fire routes or parking
6. Site Access & Approvals
Access issues can slow approvals more than zoning.
Confirm early:
-
Driveway placement meets sightline rules
-
No conflicts with hydrants, bus stops, or intersections
-
Extra approvals if near major roads
7. The Small Details That Kill Timelines
These don’t seem big — until they are.
-
Visitor vs resident stall labeling
-
Accessible routes from stalls to doors
-
Fire access overlapping parking
-
Snow storage location
Quick Pre-Submission Checklist
Before submitting plans, confirm:
-
✔ Parking stall sizes and count
-
✔ Drive aisle widths and turning paths
-
✔ Grades and slope limits
-
✔ Garbage truck access
-
✔ Loading / servicing space
-
✔ Fire access coordination
-
✔ Snow storage plan
Honest Limitation (Important)
This checklist doesn’t replace an engineer or planner — but it helps you ask better questions earlier, which saves time and money.
FAQs
Is parking the biggest issue for small developers in Kelowna?
Not usually. Turning movements and servicing access cause more redesigns.
Why do small projects get flagged so often?
Because limited sites leave less margin for error.
Can parking rules vary by location?
Yes. Terrain, frontage, and access all matter.
Is garbage access really that important?
Yes. It’s one of the most common late-stage review issues.
When should I review these requirements?
Before design is finalized — not after submission.
Mark & Maddie | Selling Kelowna Real Estate Group | eXp Realty Kelowna
call/text 778-744-0872
email [email protected]
Subscribe to our Weekly email HERE
