Parking Exempt Zone

Adequate parking is needed to support the community’s greater vision for economic activity, social interaction, transit choices and environmental aspirations. Developments within the Parking Exempt Zone (PEZ) are not currently required to provide parking.

Downtown Parking

The intent of the PEZ is to encourage business development in the downtown and to create intensive developments. Developers can design and build larger developments without having to incur the cost of parking. This is a common practice in many successful downtowns and can attract new businesses and developments.

Downtown Parking

In the 1960’s, the City adopted the PEZ. In 2010, the City added 15 blocks. It is important that the zone not become too large, because the City provides all parking within the PEZ. Expanding beyond the additional blocks was not recommended in 2010 due to a reduction in density outside the recommended boundary.

Downtown Parking

• “Parking Benefit Zone”

• Property owners may have the following options in lieu of providing on-site parking:

Shared parking with adjoining properties

Allow flexible parking standards based on the use

Mutual parking agreement with an adjoining property owner within 500 ft (no public hearing required)

Property owners pay a fee for parking provided by the City (subject to limitations)

Count on-street parking in some cases (develop guidelines)

Property owners may provide a parking study to reduce on-site parking requirements

• Property owners manage their own parking needs • City will not guarantee parking unless paying for designated spaces

New Parking Concept to Promote Redevelopment and Flexibility

Parking Benefit Zone

• Add blocks from NE 3rd Street to Railroad Tracks along N. Magnolia Ave and NE First Ave

• Add blocks from SE 3rd Street to SE 5th Street along S. Magnolia Ave and SE First Ave

• Add blocks around City Hall and Citizens’ Circle

Parking Benefit Zone

• Add blocks from NE 3rd Street to Railroad Tracks along N. Magnolia Ave and NE First Ave

• Add blocks from SE 3rd Street to SE 5th Street along S. Magnolia Ave and SE First Ave

• Add blocks around City Hall and Citizens’ Circle

• Add blocks around the Post Office and to S. Pine Ave

Recommendations

Continue to evaluate this concept or a similar concept with DBA, affected property owners and the public.

Evaluate proposed roadway changes (on-street parking may be impacted).

Incorporate any changes based on roadway changes, vehicular wayfinding and the new Form-Based Code

Questions?