Title
Residential Parking Standards - Briefing
Recommended Action
Information and discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the residential parking requirements.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.5722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Principal Planner, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
In September 2022, City staff briefed the Planning Commission on efforts to reduce residential parking standards for new residential projects. This is part of a state funded grant the City was awarded to help implement its Housing Action Plan (HAP). Specifically, this work addresses the following strategy and action step of the HAP:
Strategy: Expand the overall housing supply by making it easier to build all types of housing.
Action 3i: Reduce parking requirements for residential uses, including for multi-family developments near frequent transit routes.
A community questionnaire was open for approximately one month on the City’s Engage Olympia webpage. The questionnaire was not a scientific survey, instead it was an opportunity for members of the public to share opinions with staff on questions surrounding residential parking requirements.
Climate Analysis:
The reductions associated with the proposed reduction in automobile parking spaces will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supporting alternative forms of transportation and promoting compact urban areas within the City. However, changes to parking requirements only impact new developments or substantial redevelopment projects.
Equity Analysis:
Equity and parking are complex issues to consider as not everyone has the same access to transportation options or the same transportation needs. These issues can vary based on a wide variety of factors, such as personal choice, proximity to daily needs, physical ability, income, and more.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Neighborhood interests regarding parking vary from person to person and from neighborhood to neighborhood. At the briefing staff will share a summary of the questionnaire results. Additional public comments will be solicited once the proposed code amendments are drafted and at the public hearing tentatively scheduled for late March.
Options:
None - Discussion only. No action requested.
Financial Impact:
This work is being conducted using grant money from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the implementation of Housing Action Plans.
Attachments:
None.