HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Multi-Family Parking
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING DIVISION
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
DATE: JULY 17, 2013
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: BRIAN SAEKI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DAVID BLUMENTHAL, SENIOR PLANNER
SUBJECT: MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
DISCUSSION
During recent public hearings, the Planning Commission has expressed that the City’s parking
requirements are insufficient for multiple-family residential developments. The current parking
standard, as compared to a couple of surrounding cities can be summarized as follows:
City Enclosed Open
Downey 2 spaces per unit ½ space per unit
Paramount 2 spaces per unit ½ space per unit
Norwalk 2 spaces per unit ⅓ space per unit
Bell Gardens 2 spaces per unit ½ space per unit
Pico Rivera 2 spaces per unit ⅛ space per unit
Santa Fe Springs 2 spaces per unit None Required
As noted in the above table, the City of Downey’s requirements for multi-family parking is inline with
the surrounding cities. It should be noted that prior to the 2008 Zoning Code update, the City of
Downey requirement for the open parking space was ¼ spaces per unit. Since this parking
standard has been increased, no multi-family units have been fully constructed; as such, staff is
unable to determine if the increase has provided the necessary parking relief. If it is the desire of
the Planning Commission to further increase parking requirements, the appropriate action is to
initiate a code amendment. This will allow staff to expand the survey of surrounding cities, analyze
potential code changes, conduct the necessary environmental review, and set the matter for public
hearing.
Requirements for multi-family parking can be set using one of the three following methods:
1. Set number per unit – This is the current method used for requiring parking in multi-family
residences, in which there is a set number of spaces required regardless of the unit size.
This method is the standard practice used by most agencies for residential parking.
2. Based on square footage – In this method, staff would develop a sliding scale of parking
requirements based on the habitable space of each unit. Currently, parking requirements
set forth in the City’s Zoning Code for single-family residences utilizes this method.
3. Based on bedroom count – Like the square footage method, staff would develop a sliding
scale for parking requirements, but instead of square footage the scale would be based on
Multi-Family Parking
July 17, 2013 - Page 2
the number of bedrooms being proposed. It is staff’s opinion that this method is the most
problematic to implement. Past practice of this method resulted in developers trying to
circumvent the requirements (i.e. calling a room a den or home office).
In lieu of changing the Zoning Code, staff can also develop standard conditions of approval that
can be implemented with new multi-family developments. This may include ensuring open spaces
are available for guest parking (not assigned to residents) or keeping garages open for the parking
of vehicles.
Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission discuss the parking requirements in the
multi-family zones and provide staff with an appropriate direction.