Bicycle Parking.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 295-404
in effect295-404. Bicycle Parking.
1. NUMBER OF SPACES. a. Number Required. The number of bicycle parking spaces required for a particular use shall be as specified in table 295-404-1. Bicycle parking spaces shall be required in all zoning districts, including RED redevelopment districts. Prior to issuance of any occupancy permit, documentation that the required bicycle parking spaces exist shall be provided to the commissioner of neighborhood services. A planned development shall comply with the minimum bicycle parking standards set forth by this code unless otherwise specified in the planned development documents.
b. Compliance; When Required. Compliance with the bicycle parking space requirements of table 295-403-2-a shall be required for any of the following:
b-1. Construction of a new building.
b-2. Construction of an addition to an existing building.
b-3. Substantial improvement of an existing building.
b-4. A change in the use classification of an occupancy of any portion of an existing building, as evidenced by an application for a certificate of occupancy.
b-5. Reconstruction, reconfiguration or increase in the number of on-site parking spaces that serve a use for which short-term bicycle parking spaces are required. Long-term bicycle parking space requirements shall not be applicable.
c. Minimum Required. c-1. Where table 295-404-1 specifies a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces, this number is the minimum number of spaces required. A greater number of bicycle parking spaces may be provided.
c-2. The minimum number of bicycle parking spaces required apply to each use on a lot.
d. Calculation of Number Required. d-1. Square Footage Basis. The minimum number of bicycle parking spaces required shall be based on the gross square footage of each occupancy, unless information is presented to the commissioner of building inspection that shows actual net habitable or occupied space is a lesser amount. Basement, preparation and mechanical areas shall not be included in the gross square footage used to calculate the number of spaces required.
d-2. Multiple Uses. In a building with multiple uses, the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces required shall be calculated by adding the required number of spaces for each proposed use within the building, based on the square footage associated with each use.
d-3. Multiple Occupancies; Retail and Office Uses. In a building with multiple retail or office occupancies, the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces required shall be calculated by adding the minimum number of spaces required for each occupancy.
d-4. Multiple Buildings. For a property with multiple buildings, the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces required, as well as the locational requirements for those spaces, shall be determined and enforced on a building-by-building basis.
e. Spaces Required for a Special Use. For any use classified as a special use, the number of bicycle parking spaces required shall be determined by the board, regardless of the number required by table 295-404-1. The board shall not be bound to require bicycle parking spaces, but if any parking spaces are to be required, such requirement shall be specified by the board at the time of special use approval.
2. LOCATION OF SPACES. a. Location of Long-Term Spaces. a-1. All required long-term bicycle parking spaces serving an office or retail use greater than 12,000 square feet shall be located indoors, except as provided in subd. 4.
a-2. All required long-term bicycle parking spaces serving a residential use containing 4 or more dwelling units shall be located indoors, except as provided in subd. 4.
a-3. Indoor bicycle parking spaces may be provided in a bicycle storage room, an integral structured parking area, or other dedicated area located to provide direct access to an entrance a bicyclist may use. If the spaces are on a floor other than the ground floor, an elevator that is sufficiently large to accommodate bicycles, and other reasonable means, shall be provided to access the bicycle parking area.
a-4. Long-term bicycle parking may be provided in an approved outdoor structure if the structure meets the accessory-structure placement standards for the district in which it is located or if approved within a detailed plan development or approved by the commissioner of neighborhood services. Long-term spaces for educational uses may be located outdoors provided they meet the location standards for short-term spaces.
a-5. A bicycle rack in an indoor bicycle storage room or located in a parking garage shall meet the design and security standards for short-term bicycle storage racks specified in par. b.
a-6. A bicycle storage rack may have an upper tier for additional bicycles. However, required bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in bicycle-rack spaces at floor-surface level.
a-7. When long-term bicycle parking is provided in an integral or accessory parking structure, the bicycle parking shall be as convenient as the most convenient motor vehicle parking. If motor vehicles are stored at the grade or entrance level, at least 50 percent of the required bicycle spaces shall be at that level. If motor vehicles are only stored at levels above or below grade, bicycle parking may be on a level other than grade level, as long as they are directly accessible by elevator in accordance with subd. 3 and a clear pathway from the elevator is provided. In addition, bicycle parking areas shall be clearly marked as such and shall be separated from motor vehicle parking by some form of barrier to minimize the possibility of a parked bicycle being hit by a motor vehicle. Furthermore, all required bicycle parking spaces shall be located inside the structure or in areas protected from the weather.
b. Location of Short-Term Spaces. b-1. For convenient access by visitors and patrons, short-term bicycle parking spaces shall be located outdoors and, except as provided in subds. 2 and 3, within 50 feet of the main entrance of the occupancy served. Short-term bicycle parking spaces shall be readily visible to visitors and patrons, and located to allow maximum visibility for security of bicycles. The location of the bicycle parking spaces shall be sufficiently lit and not obstructed in a way that creates difficulty in accessing or locking bicycles.
b-2. Exception for Bicycle Corral. A location for the short-term parking of multiple bicycles, such as a bicycle corral, that does not comply with the 50-feet requirement of subd. 1 may be provided, as long as the first 2 spaces are located within 50 feet of the main entrance of the occupancy served. The bicycle corral shall be located within 100 feet of the path between the entrance to the site and the building entrance, shall not be in a location which discourages its use, such as behind a building or at the far end of the parking lot, and shall meet the design standards of sub. 4-d. A bicycle corral may be located within the public right-of-way subject to approval of the department of public works.
b-3. Spaces to be Provided On-Site Whenever Possible. If space near the entrance of the occupancy served, and visible from that entrance, is available on the lot on which the occupancy is located, the required short-term bicycle parking spaces shall be located on-site. If site layout and building placement do not allow for the required spaces to be located on-site within 50 feet of the entrance of the occupancy served, the required spaces may be located within the public right-of-way, subject to the approval of the department of public works. All required short-term bicycle parking spaces provided in the public right-of-way shall be located within 50 feet of the entrance of the occupancy served, shall allow for safe storage of bicycles, and shall not, in the determination of the department of public works, obstruct pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk.
b-4. Visibility and Signage. Whenever short-term bicycle parking spaces are not visible from the primary street frontage of the occupancy they serve, signage shall be used to direct cyclists safely to the parking spaces.
3. ADJUSTMENT TO NUMBER OF SPACES REQUIRED. a. Long-Term Bicycle Parking.
a-1. For an office or manufacturing use, or a use for which one of these uses is cross-referenced in table 295-404-1, the required number of long-term bicycle parking spaces may be reduced by one-half for any portion of the occupancy above 240,000 square feet.
a-2. For a retail use, or a use for which a retail use is cross-referenced in table 295-404-1, the required number of long-term bicycle parking spaces may be reduced by one-half for any portion of the occupancy above 36,000 square feet.
a-3. For any individual retail occupancy, not more than 10 long-term bicycle parking spaces shall be required. However, this maximum does not eliminate the requirement to provide a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces for other occupancies on the lot.
a-4. In elderly multi-family housing, bicycle parking spaces shall be required only for independent living units.
b. Short-Term Bicycle Parking. b-1. For an office or manufacturing use, or a use for which one of these uses is cross-referenced in table 295-404-1, the required number of short-term bicycle parking spaces may be reduced by one-half for any portion of the occupancy above 240,000 square feet.
b-2. For a retail use, or a use for which a retail use is cross-referenced in table 295-404-1, the required number of short-term bicycle parking spaces may be reduced by one-half for any portion of the occupancy above 36,000 square feet.
b-3. For any individual retail occupancy, not more than 20 short-term bicycle parking spaces shall be required. However, this maximum does not eliminate the requirement to provide a minimum number of bicycle parking spaces for other occupancies on the lot.
4. STANDARDS OF DESIGN. a. Bicycle Parking Space. A bicycle parking space provided to comply with the requirements of this section shall be a minimum of 2 feet in width and 6 feet in length, with a vertical clearance of at least 7 feet, and allow for both wheels to be at or near the floor or ground surface. If located outdoors, the space shall be hard-surfaced, well-drained and illuminated. A properly-positioned inverted, U-shaped rack, commonly referred to as a bike staple, shall be considered 2 bicycle parking spaces.
b. Bicycle Rack. b-1. General Design. A bicycle rack used to comply with the requirements of this section shall be a stationary device of steel tubing or stock, not less than one inch in diameter nor more than 3 inches in diameter, or 2.25 inches square, which provides bicycle-locking points between one and 3 feet off the ground and a gap near the bottom for pedal clearance, such that a person can lock a bicycle frame and one bicycle wheel to the tubing with a standard, 4-inch-by-8-inch or larger, U-shaped bicycle lock. A bicycle rack shall be securely anchored to the ground or adjacent structure.
b-2. Securing of Bicycles. The rack shall be designed such that there are 2 or more contact points between a bicycle and the rack. A rack which only allows securing of a wheel, such as a low-profile rack, grid rack or comb rack, may not be used to meet the requirements of this section.
b-3. Wave Rack. An existing rack of the type known as a wave rack may be used to comply with the requirements of this section; however, new racks may not use wave racks for provision of new bicycle parking spaces.
b-4. Decorative Rack. A decorative or custom rack that meets all of the requirements of this subdivision shall be permitted.
b-5. Proximity to Ground or Floor. A rack used to meet the requirements of this section shall allow a bicycle to have at least the rear wheel on or near the ground or floor surface to ensure the rider does not have difficulty with parking and securing the bicycle. Additional racks providing more than the required number of bicycle parking spaces may be provided in alternative designs, such as wall-hung, vertically-stored or placed on a second, raised tier of storage.
b-6. Townhouses. In townhouse-style dwelling units with private garages, bicycle parking may be accommodated within the garage space. A wall-hung rack is acceptable.
c. Outdoor Enhanced Facilities; Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces. An outdoor enhanced facility for long-term bicycle parking spaces shall be coordinated with the overall site layout of the property and follow any placement and setback requirements applicable to an accessory structure. The facility may consist of individual bicycle lockers or a locked common area that accommodates multiple bicycles, provided the facility provides protection from rain or snow and is located on a hard, well-drained surface. For a multiple-bicycle facility, any bike rack used for securing bicycles shall meet the standards of pars. a and b and allow securing of individual bikes. Access aisles, minimum vertical clearance and other standards for bicycle parking spaces shall be met.
d. Bicycle Corral. A bicycle corral shall meet the positioning and spacing standards for bike racks set forth in sub. 5-d. The corral shall be protected from motor vehicles with appropriate guarding as needed for the specific installation.
5. OUTDOOR BICYCLE PARKING POSITIONING. a. Part of Overall Site Layout and Design. Bicycle parking shall be an integral part of the overall site layout and landscape design, and be placed to minimize visual clutter. No bike rack shall be placed in landscaping or in a position that damages adjacent landscaping.
b. Preservation of Pedestrian Circulation. Bicycle parking spaces shall be placed such that they do not interfere with pedestrian circulation on the site, including required pedestrian paths from the street to building entrances and site circulation between entrances. Nor shall bicycle parking spaces obstruct any fire access routes or facilities, access from parking areas, or Americans with Disabilities Act-required circulation features.
c. Protection of Bicycles from Damage. Bicycle parking and motor vehicle parking shall be located in a manner that protects bicycles from damage. To this end, each bicycle parking space shall meet the design standards of sub. 4-a and allow reasonable movement when securing or removing a bicycle.
d. Positioning and Spacing of Racks. Every bicycle rack shall comply with the following standards:
d-1. The rack shall be properly positioned to allow sufficient space to properly lock the frame of a bicycle to the rack.
d-2. Sufficient space shall be provided to allow for access to the rack and for bicycle wheels to extend beyond the rack.
d-3. The positioning of the rack shall not result in bicycles blocking a walkway or conflicting with adjacent site elements, such as parked motor vehicles.
d-4. If the rack is parallel to a walkway, it shall not be placed closer than 18 inches from the edge of the walkway, to avoid blocking the walkway.
d-5. If the rack is an inverted U-type rack placed parallel or perpendicular to a wall or similar obstruction, a minimum distance of 30 inches shall be maintained between the rack and the wall, to ensure a bicycle will fit at proper contact points with the rack.
d-6. When a bicycle rack is positioned parallel to a curb in a parking lot, the rack shall be located not less than 30 inches from the curb. If motor vehicles are parked parallel or perpendicular to the curb, additional space may be required to protect both bicycles and motor vehicles from damage. If a bicycle rack is located on a public sidewalk, the rack shall be placed such that at least 5 feet of pedestrian clearance is maintained and the rack is at least 30 inches from the curb.
d-7. Where inverted U-type racks are positioned parallel to each other or mounted in a series in one row, a minimum distance of 3 feet shall be provided between the racks.
d-8. In a location with multiple rows of bicycle racks, the bicycle parking area shall have access aisles at least 4 feet wide between all rows.
d-9. The rack shall be positioned so that no bicycle parking space is closer than 4 feet from any driveway, crosswalk, egress route, emergency equipment or other object deemed by the commissioner of neighborhood services as needing setback from the rack.
e. Maintenance of Bicycle Parking Facilities. All racks and other facilities associated with the parking of bicycles shall be properly maintained. Proper bolting of racks to the surface shall be required, and corroded or rusted racks which prevent or limit the proper securing of bicycles shall be replaced. In addition, racks shall be kept free of abandoned bicycles to prevent obstructions to short-term users.
6. INDOOR BICYCLE PARKING. A bicycle storage room or other indoor bicycle parking area shall:
a. Meet all applicable standards of sub. 5, including the design and security standards for short-term bicycle racks.
b. Be clearly marked or signed at the location, as well as along access routes if not readily apparent.
c. Shall be appropriately illuminated to allow for safe nighttime use. This requirement shall apply to both the bicycle parking spaces and all access routes leading to them.
7. APPLICABILITY OF RACK DESIGN AND PLACEMENT STANDARDS. The standards of subs. 4-a and 5-a, b and d shall apply to bicycle racks placed in situations where no bicycle parking spaces are required:
Table 295-404-1 NUMBER OF BICYCLE PARKING SPACES REQUIRED, BY USE
Use | Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required | Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required
RESIDENTIAL USES
Single-family dwelling | none | none
Two-family dwelling | none | none
Multi-family dwelling | one for every 4 dwelling units | one for every 30 dwelling units; min. of 2 spaces
Permanent supportive housing | none | none
Transitional housing | none | none
Attached single-family dwelling | none | none
Live-work unit | none | none
Mobile home | none | none
Watchman/service quarters | none | none
Family day care home | none | none
Accessory dwelling unit | none | none
GROUP RESIDENTIAL USES
Rooming house | one for every 4 beds | one for every 30 beds; min. of 2 spaces
Convent, rectory or monastery | none | none
Dormitory | one for every 4 beds | one for every 30 beds; min. of 2 spaces
Fraternity or sorority | one for every 4 beds | one for every 30 beds; min. of 2 spaces
Adult family home | none | none
Table 295-404-1 NUMBER OF BICYCLE PARKING SPACES REQUIRED, BY USE
Use | Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required | Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required
Foster Homes
Foster family home | none | none
Small foster home | none | none
Group home or group foster home | none | none
Shelter Care Facilities
Family shelter care facility | none | none
Small group shelter care facility | none | none
Large group shelter care facility | none | none
Community living arrangement | none | none
EDUCATIONAL USES
Day care center | none | none
School, elementary or secondary | one per classroom | one per classroom
College | one per classroom | one per classroom
School, personal instruction | one per classroom | one per classroom
COMMUNITY-SERVING USES
Library | see general office | see general retail establishment
Cultural institution | see general office | see general retail establishment
Community center | see general office | see general retail establishment
Religious assembly | none | one for every 30 seats in the assembly hall; min. of 2 spaces
Cemetery or other place of interment | none | none
Public safety facility | none | none
Correctional facility | none | none
COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE USES
General office | for an occupancy larger than 12,000 sq. ft., one for every 6,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Government office | see general office | see general office
Bank or other financial institution | see general office | see general office
Currency exchange, payday loan or title loan agency | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Installment loan agency | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Cash-for-gold business | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Pawn shop | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Retail establishment, general | for an occupancy larger than12,000 sq. ft., one for every 6,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces | one for every 3,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Garden supply or landscaping center | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Home improvement center | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Secondhand store | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Outdoor merchandise sales | none | see general retail establishment
Artist studio | none | none
Table 295-404-1 NUMBER OF BICYCLE PARKING SPACES REQUIRED, BY USE
Use | Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required | Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required
Adult retail establishment | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Tobacco or e-cigarette retailer | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE USES
Medical office | see general office | see general office
Health clinic | see general office | see general office
Hospital | see general office | see general office
Medical service facility | see general office | see general office
Social service facility | see general office | see general office
Emergency residential shelter | as required by the board for special use approval | as required by the board for special use approval
Nursing home | see general office | see general office
Adult day care | None | none
GENERAL SERVICE USES
Personal service establishment | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Business service | see general office | see general office
Catering service | see general office | see general office
Funeral home | see general office | see general office
Laundromat | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Dry cleaning establishment | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Furniture and appliance rental and leasing | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Household maintenance and repair service | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Tool/equipment rental facility | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Animal Services
Animal hospital/clinic | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Animal boarding facility | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Animal grooming or training facility | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
MOTOR VEHICLE USES
Light Motor Vehicle
Sales facility | none | none
Rental facility | none | none
Repair facility | none | none
Body shop | none | none
Outdoor storage | none | none
Wholesale facility | none | none
Heavy Motor Vehicle
Sales facility | none | none
Rental facility | none | none
Repair facility | none | none
Body shop | none | none
Outdoor storage | none | none
General Motor Vehicle
Table 295-404-1 NUMBER OF BICYCLE PARKING SPACES REQUIRED, BY USE
Use | Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required | Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required
Filling station | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Car wash | none | none
Non-restaurant drive-through facility | none | none
Electric vehicle charging facility | none | none
Parking
Parking lot, principal use | none | none
Parking lot, accessory use | none | none
Parking structure, principal use | none | one space for every 50 motor vehicle spaces
Parking structure, accessory use | none | none
Heavy motor vehicle parking lot, principal use | none | none
Heavy motor vehicle parking lot, accessory use | none | none
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD SERVICE USES
Bed and breakfast | none | none
Hotel, commercial | see general retail establishment, with number of spaces required based on aggregate floor area devoted to restaurant, tavern and retail space accessory to hotel | see general retail establishment, with number of spaces required based on aggregate floor area devoted to restaurant, tavern and retail space accessory to hotel
Hotel, residential | one for every 4 beds | one for every 30 beds; min. of 2 spaces
Tavern | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Brewpub | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Assembly hall | none | one for every 30 seats in the assembly hall; min. of 2 spaces
Restaurant without drive-through facility | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Restaurant with drive-through facility | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION USES
Park or playground | none | none
Festival grounds | none | none
Recreation facility, indoor | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Recreation facility, outdoor | none | none
Health club | see general retail establishment | see general retail establishment
Sports facility | none | none
Gaming facility | none | none
Theater | one per screen | 4 per screen
Convention and exposition center | none | none
Marina | none | none
Outdoor racing facility | none | none
STORAGE, RECYCLING AND WHOLESALE TRADE USES
Recycling collection facility | none | none
Mixed-waste processing facility | none | none
Material reclamation facility | none | none
Salvage operation, indoor | none | none
Table 295-404-1 NUMBER OF BICYCLE PARKING SPACES REQUIRED, BY USE
Use | Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required | Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required
Salvage operation, outdoor | none | none
Wholesale and distribution facility, indoor | none | none
Wholesale and distribution facility, outdoor | none | none
Storage Facilities
Indoor | none | none
Self-service | none | none
Outdoor | none | none
Hazardous materials | none | none
TRANSPORTATION USES
Ambulance service | see general office | see general office
Ground transportation service | see general office | see general office
Passenger terminal | none | none
Helicopter landing facility | none | none
Airport | none | none
Ship terminal or docking facility | none | none
Truck freight terminal | none | none
Railroad switching, classification yard or freight terminal | none | none
INDUSTRIAL USES
Alcohol beverage facility, micro | for office space, see general office; no requirement for non- office areas | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Alcohol beverage facility, large | for office space, see general office; no requirement for non- office areas | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Food processing | for office space, see general office; no requirement for non- office areas | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Manufacturing, light | for office space, see general office; no requirement for non- office areas | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Manufacturing, heavy | for office space, see general office; no requirement for non- office areas | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Manufacturing, intense | for office space, see general office; no requirement for non- office areas | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Research and development | see general office | see general office
Processing or recycling of mined materials | none | none
Industrial wastewater treatment facility | none | one for every 24,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area; min. of 2 spaces
Contractor’s shop | none | none
Contractor’s yard | none | none
AGRICULTURAL USES
Plant nursery or greenhouse | none | none
Raising of livestock | none | none
Community garden | none | none
Commercial farming enterprises | none | none
Table 295-404-1 NUMBER OF BICYCLE PARKING SPACES REQUIRED, BY USE
Use | Long-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required | Short-Term Bicycle Parking Spaces Required
UTILITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE USES
Broadcasting or recording studio | see general office | see general office
Transmission tower | none | none
Water treatment plant | none | none
Sewage treatment plant | none | none
Power generation plant | none | none
Small wind energy system | none | none
Solar farm | none | none
Substation/distribution equipment, indoor | none | none
Substation/distribution equipment, outdoor | none | none
TEMPORARY USES
Seasonal market | none | see general retail establishment
Temporary real estate sales office | none | see general retail establishment
Concrete/batch plant, temporary | none | none
Live entertainment special event | none | none
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-2/CH295-sub4.pdf#page=8Fetched: 10/26/2026