Parking Minimums, Maximums, and Mitigations (TC-11-21)
Parking Minimums, Maximums, and Mitigations (TC-11-21)
This text change proposes to modify the existing regulations for the minimum and maximum numbers of vehicle parking spaces that are required for specific uses, such as residential, office, retail, and other uses. Read the full ordinance online.
Background information:
Currently, new buildings, or older buildings with new use, in most of the city are required per the UDO to build parking spaces. The number of vehicle spaces required varies by the use, as well as the number of residential units or nonresidential square footage. In some parts of the city, including downtown and areas near frequent transit service, no vehicle parking is required, although it may be provided.
In addition to minimum vehicle parking requirements, current regulations also specify a maximum number of spaces that may be provided in the DX- (Downtown Mixed Use) and TOD (Transit Overlay) districts. For surface parking lots in any location, the code specifies a maximum that may not be exceeded without incorporating mitigating features.
While the current code requires vehicle parking, it does not include similar requirements for bicycle parking for residential uses.
Proposed Text Change:
The intent of this text change is to address the effects of minimum vehicle parking requirements, which incentivize driving, contribute to carbon emissions, add to the cost of housing, and penalize residents who cannot afford to own a car or choose not to drive. It also addresses the provision of large amounts of vehicle parking, which has similar effects.
The text change accomplishes that goal by removing minimum vehicle parking requirements from areas of the city where they are in place. It also strengthens the existing mitigation requirements for projects that exceed a prescribed maximum number of vehicle parking spaces.
Lastly, the change adds a minimum bicycle parking requirement for apartment buildings. That change would require that new apartments have a space for long-term (covered and secure) bicycle parking.
Public Meeting Schedule:
This text change is scheduled for a Planning Commission meeting in November. The Commission may act on that date or refer to their Text Change Committee for further discussion. We will be collecting comments here through October 28. Comments after this date should be submitted directly to Jason Hardin via email.