Modifications to current off-street parking requirements.

As part of a separate referral to the LUSC, made in conjunction with the recently adopted Resiliency Code and LDR updates, planning staff will be working with the Code consultant to fully evaluate the current minimum parking requirements set-forth in the LDR’s. A good portion of the current minimum parking requirements are dated and not consistent with actual off-street parking demand. This is anticipated to be an extensive review, culminating in recommendations for separate amendments to the minimum parking requirements.

Regulations to encourage or require the replacement of existing off-street parking spaces.
Currently, existing properties that contain off-street parking facilities and spaces must retain such spaces, unless a change in use results in a decrease in the number of required parking spaces. Additionally, in certain areas of the City, existing off-street parking spaces may be removed and not replaced subject to the payment of a one-time parking impact fee (currently $40,000 per required space).

In terms of encouraging the retention of existing spaces, this should be looked at very carefully, as some properties have the capacity to store more vehicles on site, while others do not. Also, some properties simply no longer have a need for some, or all of the parking spaces located on site.

Since the City has funds available in the parking impact fee accounts, and collects ongoing mobility fees, further study into potential locations for public garages, or joint ventures with the private sector that include public parking, would make the most sense.

Zoning incentives for private development to create additional parking for public use.
One of the biggest impediments for developers to provide additional parking on site is that any parking not considered required parking counts towards a property's floor area ratio (FAR). To address this, there are two (2) potential options:

1. Adopt an LDR amendment that would provide an FAR exception for non-required parking; this would require voter approval.

2. Increase minimum parking requirements within a given district, to create a parking requirement for public or guest spaces.

Also, code changes to encourage and make it easier for properties with existing, excess parking to be utilized by the public, would be appropriate.

Parking master plan and updated analysis of current and future parking demand.
A scope for the parking master plan has been prepared by the Parking Department. It is anticipated that an Invitation to Quote (ITQ) for a consultant to develop a parking master plan based on this scope will be brought before the City Commission for approval in April 2023.