Title
Parking Ordinance Update: Opportunity To Provide Advice and Direction to Staff on Accessible Parking Requirements and the Potential Elimination of Off Street Parking Requirements for New Projects.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Commissioners of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities
From: Brian McGuire, Planning Technician
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the June 9, 2021 study session is to hear from the public and the Commission on Persons with Disabilities how to meet our Climate Change, affordable housing, and transportation goals without disproportionately impacting persons with disabilities that rely on accessible parking.
No final actions on specific zoning code amendments are being requested at this time.
BACKGROUND
Section 30.7 of the Alameda Municipal Code (AMC) regulates off street parking requirements for new projects in Alameda. Off street parking requirements are triggered for projects such as a new building, new dwelling unit, expansion of non-residential buildings, use permit, change in use, and certain residential additions. The amount of parking required can vary dramatically depending on the proposed use.
Minimum parking requirements have a significant impact on the cost of projects and play a large role in determining when and what gets built, and what type of commercial activity occurs in the City. Requiring abundant parking subsidizes car ownership and increases Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). The extra space required for parking spreads out development and makes walking, biking, and transit less desirable and less viable. Parking crowds out other uses such as open space or employment. Pollution from tailpipe emissions, brake dust, and tire wear and tear all have significant public health impacts.
The San Francisco Bay Area roadway network is among the most congested in the nation and our own Estuary crossings are at or near capacity during pre-pandemic peak hours. Alameda has adopted a number of plans and policies aimed ...
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