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Home My WebLink AboutOrd. 1264 - ZOA 13-226 - Prking Spaces Reqrd -Various Land Use ��:��..:..»�•.�� • � �{�i� ,�� - ��oc � / ��`�"�"4 a y .,�,�,. � ��,�,�� .a.,�..Y��+X h.wd��"+k i��y.��*+c#�e^� � � �""'� n ' e �a, CITY OF PALM DES ' , ` " �"`�� rc � 4 tN ..,r-� R! �O �� `�� ..J t�e�irW.`�l,.°.i ��i .. , .� w......._.w .w.+..+ �, ,. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY EVELOPMENT . ,�..�,,�.,,.��.n.��..�.�..�...,��.�,:..w:.,:,� STAFF REPORT REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SECTION 25.46.040.A. (SECTION 25.58.310 CURRENTLY) PARKING REQUIREMENTS TABLE 25.46-1, CHANGING THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED FOR VARIOUS LAND USES SUBMITfED BY: Tony Bagato, Principal Planner APPLICANT: City of Palm Desert CASE NO: ZOA 13-226 DATE: September 26, 2013 CONTENTS: Ordinance No. 1264 , Exhibit A- Proposed Parking Ratio Table Desert Sun Legal Notice Current Parking Standards City Parking Study Article: "500 million reasons to rethink the parking lot" Planning Commission Resolution No. 2609 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, dated August 6, 2013 Planning Commission Staff Report, dated August 6, 2013 Recommendation Waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1264 to second reading, approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 13-226 amending Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.46.040.A. (currently 25.58.310) — Parking Schedule. Executive Summary This staff report is one of three that will amend current policy that has been discussed by the City Council the past few years. These amendments were presented at joint Planning Commission/City Council study sessions on March 22, 2012 and May 9, 2013. This report focuses on reducing the City's parking requirements for future development and redevelopment. This is a development issue that staff and the Sustainability Committee have been studying for two main reasons: 1) most of the year, many parking Staff Repo� Ordinance No. 1264 ZOA 13-226 Page2of4 September 26, 2013 spaces are not used and the unused paved surface creates adverse environmental issues; and 2) parking spaces require a large amount of developable real estate which could otherwise be used for building space that would instead benefit the land developer and increase the potential sales tax generated from the increased retail and restaurant uses. The proposed amendment will reduce the overall number of parking spaces required based on a comprehensive citywide parking study done by staff and members of the Sustainability Committee. To verify the validity of the parking study, staff compared the reduced parking numbers with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Generation Manual, and found that our parking numbers match the Parking Generation Manual, which contains parking generation studies for 106 different land uses. This supports staff's findings that Palm Desert's current parking requirements are too great for actual demand, which creates too many unused parking spaces and wastes productive land area. On August 6, 2013, the Planning Commission reviewed and approved the proposed parking modifications as presented by staff. Planninq Commission Action On August 6, 2013, the proposed amendment was presented to the Planning Commission. Staff presented the request and answered several questions that the commissioners had. After the discussion, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the reduced parking standards as proposed. Backqround Staff has previously discussed the possibility of reducing the number of required parking spaces for new development with the City Council and the Sustainability Committee. There is a growing trend to reduce the parking requirements for businesses in cities that are trying to be more environmentally sustainable. The reasoning for this is that parking lots consume a large portion of the land used for any project. Many of these parking lots are over built to meet a perceived high parking demand, which in fact only occurs for a few seasonal days a year. Most of the year, many parking spaces may not be used and the paved surface leads to increased rain runoff, creates heat islands, and increases concrete glare and light pollution. In addition to the environmental impacts, parking lots have economic costs related to construction, maintenance, and loss of developable land. The City's current parking standards usually lead to more parking spaces than are needed for actual use. This limits the development and redevelopment of a property because a lot of land will be required for parking surface instead of building square footage. If the parking requirement standards were reduced, it would allow for more building square footage for G:1Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff Reports�ZOA�ZOA 13-226 Parking\CCSR_Reduced Parking Standards.docx Staff RepOrt Ordinance No. 1264 ZOA 13-226 Page 3 of 4 September 26, 2013 more profitable uses, which is financially beneficial to the land developer and increases the potential sales tax generated from a project. For these reasons, staff compared Palm Desert's required parking ratios (attached) with actual parking demand by conducting a citywide parking study from January through April, 2012. Staff chose January through April because that is considered the high season for parking demand, stemming from the higher number of visitors and seasonal residents during these months. The findings based on the parking survey (attached) illustrate that many businesses and shopping centers are presently over-parked. Based on these findings, staff is recommending that the City adopt new parking ratios which are lower than the current requirements. The reduced parking ratios in Exhibit A, attached, will replace Section 25.58.310 in entirety. The parking requirements are a slightly higher than the actual parking count averages, but lower than our current requirements. This was done to make certain that there is a margin of extra parking because parking demand will vary within the same land use category due to the popularity of certain businesses. (For instance, one restaurant might be much more popular than another restaurant.) Initially staff was concerned about proposing the reduced parking ratios. Staff reviewed the proposed parking ratios and compared them with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) 4t" Edition Parking Generation manual. The 4th Edition Parking Generation manual has more than 450 new parking studies that include parking demand numbers for 106 different land use types based on different locales (cities, suburban, rural). According the manual, the proposed new parking ratios are very similar to the demand studies shown for parking in areas similar to Palm Desert. Based on these findings, staff supports the reduced parking standards being proposed. Environmental Review According to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), staff must determine whether a proposed activity is a project subject to CEQA. If the project is subject to CEQA, staff must conduct a preliminary assessment of the project to determine whether the project is exempt from CEQA review. If a project is not exempt, further environmental review is necessary. Further review from a non-exempt project would result in a Negative Declaration, a Mitigated Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Generally, an EIR must be prepared if a project may have a significant impact on the environment. In this case, staff has determined that the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment is not a project subject to CEQA because there no physical development will take place as part of this approval. However, reducing the amount of parking required will lead to a direct environmental benefit by reducing paved areas, which will reduce rain runoff, heat islands, light pollution, and glare. G:1PlanninglTony Bagato\Staff Reports�ZOA�ZOA 13-226 Parking\CCSR_Reduced Parking Standards.docx Staff Report Ordinance No. 1264 ZOA 13-226 Page 4 of 4 September 26, 2013 Fiscal Impact No fiscal impact to the City associated with the Zoning Ordinance Amendment Submitted By: �� Tony Ba ato, r cipal Planner Department Head: Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Approval: Jo M. Wohlmuth, City Manager G:\Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff Reports�ZOA�ZOA 13-226 Parking\CCSR_Reduced Parking Standards.docx ORDINANCE NO. 1264 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SECTION 25.46.040.A. (SECTION 25.58.310. CURRENTLY) PARKING REQUIREMENTS TABLE 25.46-1, CHANGING THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT LAND USES CASE NO: ZOA 13-226 WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the day of 2013, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City of Palm Desert for approval of the above noted; and - WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 2609 on August 6, 2013, recommending approval of ZOA 13-226; and WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act," Resolution No. 2013-16, the Director of Community Development has determined that the project is not considered a project for CEQA purposes; and WHEREAS, at said public hearing, said City Council heard and considered all testimony and arguments of all interested persons; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDANED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTION OF THE PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE IS HERBY AMENDED: SECTION 1: The Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.46.040.A. — Table 25.46-1 is herby amended and revised as described in Exhibit A, attached. SECTION 2: That the City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, is herby directed to publish a notice of this ordinance with the Exhibit A provided at City Hall in the Desert Sun, a newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the City of Palm Desert, California, and shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its adoption. ORDINANCE NO. 1264 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the day of , by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: JAN C. HARNIK, MAYOR ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA G:\Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff Reports�ZOA�ZOA 13-226 Parking\CCORD_Reduced Parking Standards.docx 2 ORDINANCE NO. 1264 EXHIBIT A TABLE 25.46-1 (Replaces 25.45.040.A. in entirety) ;� Us� Minimum Stalis Requirect �; Residential Uses - - . .. . .. Children's homes 1 per 4 beds' Cluster housing Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2.5 per unit Condominium Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2.5 per unit Dwelling, mobile home 2 per unit Dweiling, multifamily Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2 per unit Dwelling, single-family 2 per unit Residential care facility 1 per 4 beds' Residential care home 1 per 4 beds' � <�, A,�s� — Agricufttirat and�Animal-Related Uses.�; �'�"'`�� _ _ _ _. _.. . _ . � . _ . . Stables, boarding 1 per 5 stables2 Veterinary facility 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. ReereatiQn, Resource PreservaiiorrF Op�r�Space; Ed`ucation, and Pubfi�.Assembl�Uses Assembly uses 1 per 3 seats or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Billiard halls 2 per billiard table Bowling alleys 2 per alley Golf-related uses Driving ranges 1 per tee3 Golf courses 4 per hole3 Pitch and putt 3 per hole3 Libraries 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. Preschools, nursery schools, and day nurseries 2 per 3 employees + 1 per 8 children Private clubs, union halls, lodge halls 10 per 1,000 sq.ft. Religious institutions 1 per 3 seats3 Schools, private 1 per employee plus 1 per 3 students at maximum classroom capacity Skating rinks, ice and roller 10 per 1,000 sq.ft.3 G:\Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff Reports�ZOA�ZOA 13-226 Parking\CCORD_Reduced Parking Standards.docx 3 ORDINANCE NO. 1264 Use Minimum Stalls Required Sports arenas and stadiums 1 per 3 seats or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Swimming pools, commercial 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. of pool area3 Tennis facilities, commercial 3 per court or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Theater/auditorium 1 per 3 seats or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Utilify,Transportation, P`ublic�acility,and Communication Uses ,::. Public utility facilities 2 or 1 per employee (in the largest shift) + 1 per vehicle used in conjunction with the use Refad;'S�ririce;'andOfficeUses; � � ��R.�'` '� s °�;- �°� " '� Appliance stores 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. Banks 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. Drugstores 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. Financial institutions and savings and loan 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. offices Furniture stores 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. Plant nursery with outdoor sales and display5 2.5 per 1,000 sq.ft. of gross building space, excluding greenhouse area Grocery stores 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. Gym, commercial 8 per 1,000 sq.ft.' Gym, personal studio 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. Health, figure, and exercise salons and spas 5 per 1,000 sq.ft.4 Hotels 1.1 per guest unit3 Lumber yards 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. of floor area + 1 per 1,000 sq.ft. of open area for sales and display Medical, clinics 5 per 1,000 sq.ft. Medical, hospitals 1.75 per bed Medical, office 4 per 1,000 sq. f.t Mortuaries 5 + 250 sq.ft. of usable and accessibie paved parking area for every 25 sq.ft. of assembly room floor area Motels 1.1 per guest unit3 Offices 4 per 1,000 sq.ft. Personal services 4 per 1,000 sq.ft. Resort hotels 1.1 per guest unit' Restaurants 8 per 1,000 Retail uses, general 3 per 1,000 sq.ft.' Shopping centers, community and regional 4 per 1,000 sq.ft.' Shopping centers, specialty and district 3 per 1,000 sq.ft.' Automob�l�and Vehicle E1ses �. Auto rental agencies 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. of gross rentals G:\Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff RepoRs�ZOA�ZOA 13-226 Parking\CCORD_Reduced Parking Standards.docx 4 ORDINANCE NO. 1264 11se. Minimum Stails Required Auto repair/service stations 1 per 1,000 sq.ft. Auto gas/convenience stations 3 per 1,000 sq. ft. Auto washing, full service 3.5 per 1,000 Auto washing, self service 1 per vacuum station or wash stall Auto and vehicle sales 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. _ �. fnd`ustriat„ Manufacturing,:.and Processing Uses . , ._ . Industrial uses, general5 2 per 1,000 sq.ft.s Storage, personal storage facility 6 + 2 per caretaker unit' Support facilities for construction, renovation, Provide as needed and equipment installations 2 per 3 employees and not less than 1 per 1,000 sq.ft. Warehouses and storage facilities for the first 20,000 sq.ft., 1 per 2,000 s sq.ft.f for the second 20,000 sq.ft., 1 per 4,000 sq.ft.for area in excess of initial 40,000 sq.ft. Wholesaling and distribution 1 per 3,000 sq.ft. Notes 1. The number of beds used in the calculation shall match the resident capacity of the home as listed on the required license or permit. 2. Parking areas for boarding stables should be treated to prevent dust and designed to provide for the needs of customers and employees. 3. As is needed,additional parking should be provided for other uses on the site. 4. Swimming pool area shall be counted as part of a facility's floor area. 5. Except structures used exclusively for warehousing purposes. 6. Loading spaces may be counted as part of the required parking at a rate not to exceed 1 per 2,500 gross square feet. 7. Additional parking may be required by the Director through the precise plan process. G:\Planning\Tony Bagato\Staff Reports�ZOA�ZOA 13-226 Parking\CCORD_Reduced Parking Standards.docx 5 CITY OF PALM DESERT LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO.ZOA 13-224/ZOA 13-225/ZOA 13-226 NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT THREE (3) AMENDMENTS TO PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25,ZONING. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:The City of Palm Desert City Council will be considering the followi�g zoning ordinance amendments at the September 26,2013 meeting: ZOA 13-224:The City of Palm Desert is considering allowing illuminated window signs as part of the signage ordinance. Currently, any illuminated window signs are only allowed to say"open"and cannot exceed three square feet.The proposed amendment will allow a business to have one illuminated window sign that may not exceed 25 percent of the total window area or 15 square feet,whichever is less.Businesses on EI Paseo will not be allowed to have illuminated window signs, except for an"open"sign no more than 3 square feet. ZOA 13-225:The City of Palm Desert is considering a modification to the current signs standards for Pedestrian-Oriented Signs. Currentiy, A-frame signs are prohibited city wide. The proposed modification will allow A-frames throughout the city, except for EI Paseo. EI Paseo businesses will continue to have pedestal signs. However, the proposed amendment will only allow pedestal signs during certain times of the year,or circumstances. EI Paseo businesses are allowed to have them during the summer months between June 1 and October 1,or before 10 a.m.when a business is actually open at that time,during construction of a storefront,and/or any time a business is the sole tenant of an otherwise-vacant multi-tenant building. ZOA 13-226:The City of Palm Desert is considering a modification to the entire Parking Standards sec4ion of the code. The proposed amendment will reduce the number of parking spaces for most uses within the City.The reasoning for this is that parking lots require a large portion of land for any project.Many of these parking lots are over built to meet a perceived high parking demand,which in fact only occurs for a few seasonal days a year. Most of the year, many parking spaces may not be used and the paved surface leads to increased rain runoff, creates heat islands, arid increases glare and light pollution. A table for the new standards is available at the City of Palm Desert Community DevelopmenUPlanning Department for review and comment. SAID pubiic hearing will be heid on Thursday,September 26 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at the Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm DeseR, Califomia, at which time and place all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard.Written comments conceming all items covered by this public hearing notice shall be accepted up to the date of the hearing. Information conceming the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments is available for review in the Department of Community Development at the above address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you challenge the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice,or in written correspondence delivered to the City Councii at,or prior to,the public hearing. PUBLISH: Desert Sun RACHELLE D.KLASSEN,CITY CLERK September 15,2013 City of Palm Desert,California rrent Parking Ratio Requiremen; � uSe�� ' Minimur�t Stalis Required " Residentiar Use� - �`�� =R'' _ - , Children's homes 1 per 4 beds� Cfuster housing Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2.5 per unit Condominium Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2.5 per unit Dwelling, mobile home Z per unit Dwelling, multifamily Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2 per unit Dwelling, single-family 2 per unit Residential care facility 1 per 4 beds' Residential care home 1 per 4 beds' Agriculturaland�nimal-Relateckllse�� fi Y * . , � ., .w_, , _ ..: Stables, boarding 1 per 5 stables2 Veterinary facility 3 per 1,000 sf Recreatio�i Resourc�PreservatIorr; Oper�rSpace�w,Educattarr�and Puhlic Rssembix Uses.° w , ,_ Assembly uses 1 per 3 seats3 Billiard halls 2 per billiard tabie Bowling alleys 2 per alley Golf-related uses Driving ranges 1 per tee4 Golf courses 5 per hole4 Pitch and putt 3 per hole4 Libraries 2 per 1,OOOsf Lodge halls 13 per 1,000 sf Preschools, nursery schools, and day nurseries 2 per 3 employees + 1 per 8 children Private clubs 13 per 1,000 sf Religious institutions 1 per 3 seats3 Schools, private 1 per employee plus 1 per 3 students at maximum classroom capacity Skating rinks, ice and roller 10 per 1,000 sf 1 �rent Parking Ratio RequiremenS � � Use ` " Minimurrr Stalls Required Sports arenas and stadiums 1 per 3 seats3 Swimming pools, commercial 2 per 1,000 sf of pool area4 Tennis facilities, commercial 3 per court4 Theater/auditorium 1 per 3 seats3 Union halls 13 per 1,000 sf Utility,.Transportatiorr, Public Facility, and Communication tJses �, Y.,�;. ,K Public utility facilities 2 or 1 per employee (in the largest shift) + 1 per vehicle used in conjunction with the use A y X t � ��:sr Refai�; Servic�-,ryanc�Office Uses: 1 - { Appliance stores 2 per 1,000 sf Banks 5 per 1,000 sf Drugstores 5 per 1,000 sf Financial institutions and savings and loan 4 per 1,000 sf offices Furniture stores 2 per 1,000 sf Plant nursery with outdoor sales and display5 4 per 1,000 sf of gross building area + 2 per 1,000 sf of outdoor display and greenhouse area Grocery stores 5 per 1,000 sf Health, figure, and exercise salons and spas 6 per 1,000 sf Hotels 1.1 per guest unit4 Lumber yards 2 per 1,000 sf of floor area + 1 per 1,000 sf of open area for sales and display+ 1 per 2 employees Medical, clinics 6 per 1,000 sf' Medical, hospitals 1.75 per bed Mortuaries 5 + 250 sf of usable and accessible paved parking area for every 25 sf of assembly room floor area Motels 1.1 per guest unit4 Offices 4 per 1,000 sf Personal services 4 per 1,000 sf Resort hotels 1.1 per guest unit4 Restaurants 10 + 10 per 1,000 sf for first 3,000 sf + 15 per each additional 1,000 sf Retail uses, general 4 per 1,000 sf Shopping centers, community and regional 5.5 per 1,000 sf 1,000 car parking area 10% reduction 1,500 car parking area 12% reduction 2 � �rrent Parking Ratio Requiremen; � ` . Use = ' Minimum Stalls Required. ° 2,000 car parking area 14% reduction � 2,500 car parking area 15% reduction Shopping centers, specialty and district 5 per 1,000 sf Automnbil�anc�Vehicle�Uses�� 3 f �. Auto rental agencies 2.5 per 1,000 sf of gross rentals Auto repair 2.5 per 1,000 sf Auto service stations 10 spaces Auto washing , full service 16 spaces Auto washing, self service 5 per 2 stalls Auto and vehicle sales 2.5 per 1,000 sf tndustrial,'IVCanufacturing;and�Processin Use��.��'= �n; �� ,�� '� � ' �� ;� ° ez� .: g _ u..: _: _ , ; ,. x. � � :r r . , . _ _ - , ,, . Industrial uses, general9 2 per 1,000 sf10 Storage, personal storage facility 6 + 2 per caretaker unit" Support facilities for construction, renovation, provide as needed and equipment installations 2 per 3 employees and not less than 1 per 1,000 sf for Warehouses and storage facilities the first 20,000 sf, 1 per 2,000 sf for the second 20,000 sf, 1 per 4,000 sf#or area in excess of initial 40,000 sf Wholesaling and distribution 1 per 3,000 sf Notes: 1. The number of beds used in the calculation shall match the resident capacity of the home as listed on the required license or permit. 2. Parking areas for boarding stab/es should be treated to prevent dust and designed to provide for the needs of customers and employees. 3. For facilities that include benches, 18 linear inches of bench shall be considered a fixed seat.For facilities, or portions thereof, that do not include fixed seats,parking shall be provided at the rafio of 1 space to 35 square feet of seating area. 4. As is needed, additional parking should be provided for other uses on the site. 5. Excluding greenhouses. 6. Swimming pool area shall be counted as part of a facility's floor area. 7. Based upon submittal of a tenant improvement floor plan, Commission may grant up to a 15 percent parking reducfion. ltems to be considered in granting such reduction include elevators, stairways, and landings;interior utility facilities;restroom areas; and non-leasable common areas. 8. Exclusive of stainvays,elevators,landings,and mechanica!rooms,not exceeding 15 percent of the gross floor area. 9. Excepting structures used exclusively for warehousing purposes. 10. Loading spaces may be counted as part of the required pa�king at a rate not to exceed 1 per 2,500 gross square feet. 11. Additional parking may be required by the Director through the precrse plan p�ocess. 3 �se Parking Study Averages' � Use� Parking Stal[ Requirements Banks _ _ � First Bank 2.2 er 1,000 Wells Far o 2 per 9,000 Dru stores 2.5 er 1,000 Wal reen's 2.6 er 1,000 Plant nursery with outdoor sales and dis la Moller's 2.3 er 1,000 buildin sf onl Groce stores Grower's Market 9 er 1,000 sf Hotels/motel lnn at Dee Can on .9 per 1,000 The Mo ave 9.9 er 1,000 Marriot Residence Inn 2.3 er 1,000 Home improvement stores/lumber ards Lowe's .6 er 1,000 � Medical, clinics 73-271 Fred�Warin 2.5 er 1,000 72-650 Fred Warin .6 er 1,000 73-211 Fred Warin 2.1 per 1,000 Restaurants App/ebee's 8.1 per 1,000 General C-1 The Gardens 2.4 er 1,000 EI Paseo Villa e 1.8 per 1,000 Desert Discount 1.5 er 1,000 Planned Commercial, Specialty and District Albertson's 81,635 2.3 er 1,000 Bristol Farm's 103,567 3.5 per 1,000 Planned Commercial, Regional and Resort Trader Joe's 55,260 2.8 per 1,000 Fresh and Eas 127,262 2.5 per 9,000 Olive Garden/Red Lobster 64,912 3.7 er 1,000 111 Town Center 161,606 1.7 er 1,000 Centers lar er than 200,000 sf Desert Crossin s 532,639 1.8 per 1,000 Desert Gatewa 623,753 1.6 per 1,000 Westfield 617,750 3.3 er 1,000 Auto rental a encies Enterprise 3.1 er 1,000 1 ,�se Parking Study Averagesi � Auto re air/service stations Good ear .8 er 9,000 Auto as/convenience station 3 er 1,000 sf 73-980 Hw 919 2.3 er 1,000 72-345 Hw 911 3.5 er 1,000 Auto washin , full service Red Car et 3.2 per 1,000 Stora e, ersonal stora e facilit 5 + 1 for caretaker unit if a licabte Storage units .07 per 1,000 2 . - • � ub�. � v1 •r � . � (.'�>mmcnts � 7 Jun 2O12 IO:3� AN( �0� �nnillio� ��asons �to r�t�i�� t�he �aar�ring lo�t 13y J�irccl (�rccn :1 ��c:r•.viv�i o/�llti,v,�7nry fir•,►�1 t�p/�c�ar•ed un 7hc� 1.)irl. � � '� ,��g `. ,, � I t'hoto by Matt Jc�hnson. It cloesn't matter whether you have a Prius or a Hummer,yau have the same environmenta( impact. So argues MlT landscape architecture and planning professor Erail Ben-Joseph in his flscinating new book, ReThinhing u Lvt: T/ze De.sign and Culh�s•e uf Parkirrg. Whatever couid he mean?Cars, on average, are immobile 95 percent of tl�e time, takinp up the same 9 -by-1$-foot paved recta�ig(e. Atl ofthase paved spaces increase ru�ioFf into streams a»d wetlands, create heat islands, inerease�lare and light pollution, and shape the chacacter of our cities. To grasp the mag�iitude of the problem,consider that there ace 500 million surface parking (ots in the . U.S. alone, in some cities, parking lots take up one-dlird of a(I land area, '`becoming the sinble most s��(ient landscape feature of aue built environment,"Ben-Joseph writes. I3ut to this day, he says, '`parking lots are considered a necessary evil; unsightly, but essential to tlte market sticcess of most developments.'' So tlie time is det7nitely ripe to redesign tl�e l�t. Therein lies t11e materi�( f'or an incredibly boring book,you mioJtt be thi��kipa. But [3en-Jaseph's book is so e(eacly written and designecJ and includes such gre�tt photos you'll kind yourse(fdrawn in. http://grist.org/cities/500-million-reasons-to-rethink-the-parking-lot/ 7/6/2012 - � ,� . � � '�n..u�«;y.,.�. ut �'. .. u. ,. � Ij �` �A � � � a:1 � ��'y 5;.; .. � .-� !�"�,ti`. t: � � : } 1! i � ��{ , I� . 1'�il<e the hislory, for e.r•ampl�. E3ack in 705 F3.C., n5SyC1�ll1 I�iil� Senn:�cherib pus(ed 5igns on his highway lc.> ensure it�v�tti cleared of p.�rked chariots. The si�ns read: "Royal Road— Iet no mcii� clecrease it." Where�s nowadays,you'd just get a tic;ket, then �n irriprc�p�rly parl<ecl charic�l could r�sult in cleath by behe�ding. Later, t�he Romans actually implcmented parl<in�; laws. Julius C�esar institutecl rules preventing�chariots from entering busy cc�mmercial zones ducin�;�peak how•s to limit congestion. "I'�vo millennia l�ter, as cacs, the"horseless chariots,"ove:rtook horse-clra�vn carria�es, thEy stacted to consume too much rc�ac) sp��ce, so neeeleci tc� be stored some�vhere. Ta "ease this ever-growing nc:cd," municipalitics �ind cntreprene�u.s star�ed t�o otFec off street parl<iil�. T3e�inning in the I 930�,c�f'f=stre:et packing began t�o 1ppe;ar in pl�ilning 1nd urb�n zoning strltegies. Guiclelines were praduc�:d ovec the years,culminatin� in lhe [nstitutc of Transportation Engineers' . h�indbooks 7r•ip CGenerutiart and Parki�7g(�enerc!linrt in the l9$Os, which�Ben-Joseph says are stil( the go-to guidelines for many t�•ansportation and community planners. The guides hetps communities estimzte the number of parlcing spaces needed for a particular deve(opment. The only problem: A simplistic use ofthese guides alone has resulted in masses of underutilized parking lots. Tl�e �esthetics of a parlcing lat were considered important back in the 1920s to 1940s,but over the ye�rs,the design of these spaces was incceasingly left up to developers. Even very progressive cities lilce C�mbricige, Mass., o('fer over 30 pages of regulations on parkino lots' size aitd organization, but no rules about how dley should look. The result was that many developers simply cut corners, creating oceans of these"generic, ordinaiy spaces." All of those parking lots are not only expeiisive but represent an opportunity lost.Tlte avecage parking lot cost is�4,000 per space, with a space in an above-grade stcucture costing$20,000, and a space in an undergraund garage$30,000-$40,000. To give us some sense of the opportunity lost, Ben-Joseph s�ys 1,713 square miles{the estimated size of alt surface packin� lots in the U.S. put together) caulcl instead he used for spaces that generate 1 Uillion kilowatt-hours oPsolar pawer. With just 50 percent af that space covered widl trees, this space could hand(e 2 billion cubic meters of starmwater runoFf, generate 822,264 tons c�foxygen, and cemove 1.2 mil(ian tons oFcarbo�i diaxide a��nually. Still, so fcw curnmunities impose even 6asic {andscape requirements to m3ke these places just a bit more breen and permeable. Ben-Joseph points to many we(1-ciesigiled examples creat�d by landscape �,rchitects and arcllitects, but unt�>rtunatefy, dley remain veiy rare bicds. [►i Tu►•in, Italy, Renzo Piano created a belutiFul packind !ot without parking islands and cucbs,just rows of trees in ctense grids intermin�led amona the spaces. Other high-perfocming parking lots incorporate solar ranels oc wind http://grist.org/cities/500-million-reasons-to-rethink-the-parking-lot/ 7/6/2012 . - �- - • "b� .. ... . •• � lurbiiics. .IIICI IIC4V (I'CCti l)1'CVl'il 4)I'C1C1'V(:IIICI llI1CS, unci iitcc�r��aratc hiutiwalcs ;�n�l p�rntcahic pav�mcnt. Onc �arkin� lot in I)uck, N.('., is cvcn �lcsigncci �c� �;crvc.�s.1 IICICIIIIt)Il ��c111CI IIUI'1111! Illllll)I' ��!)tl(�111�. 13cy�►ncl lhc cnvirc�nmcnl;�l hcnclils, u�urc Ilcxihle parkind spaccs I�clp cummunitics buil�l s��cial coriiiccti�ns. nlrcady, as 13rn-Juhnscm n��trs, in parkin�; luts, chilclrcn Icarn hc�w to ricic l�icycics, �ccna�crs Icarn how tc�cJrivc carti, ��nd hi�h tichc►cil stuctcnts han��iul oltcr schoul '`�vhcr� thc draina uf youth playti nut." In many cumn�unilic5, (armcrs mackcts uncl Ilcu n�arkcis t<<kc uvcr lots on wccl<cnds. In Munh�tUan's Luwcr l?ast Sicle, thcrc's Shakcspuirc in �i Parl<in� [.ot. Outsidc of stacliun�s, thcrc are tailgalin� partirs. In Walmart luts,yuu can lind RVs "h�>cm-ctocking." In a numhcr c�l�cilics, fcstivals c�l'fi�c�d trucl<s luci� a.ti�cl ��arl<in�; Ic�t inlc�a s��tcc fur Ic>c�cl, ��ccc, aitd l�ancls. Whal's import.ii�l is (hat c��mmuiiily Ie<iders �inc) plt�nners ��clually cnable these activitic;s and reni�il<c rc�;ulatiuiis sc� thc�l parl:ii�c� �u•cas cun provicic inultiple sc�cial (i�nclions. Parl<in� lots can ulso becc�me sitcs for activism. Snn f'r�nciscu I�ndscapc �rchitecl ,lohii E3ela cccated thc nonprotit Itchar�nd launched thc f11111Ut1I PACIC�111�� U�lY, which has become a glubal movement. in ?009, some 7UU parl:inb sp,ic�s wece desi�;ned as mini-p�rlcs in 21 countries�u�d 1=�0 cities. St�me have even becn macic permanent in San Francisco, V�lI1COUVCC, and other cities. "1'hcse spaces can also l�ecome siCes for art. Mlrtha Schwariz created a funl.y pa�•Icin�; Ic�t for an �musemenr park, while art�ist 'Coshihiro Katayama and (finclsci��e �rchitecture tirm Halvacson Uesigt� created a stunning shared space for cars and ��edestri�ns in t3oslon. Ui�fortunately, onee yc�u exclude lhe sm�ll share of'�vell-clesigned lols, thc average parl<ing spaee hasn't really ch811bF'.C� 111UCIl SIl1CC l'Il@ 1950s, Slill, these bland e�panses of'asphalt aren't"no-places," and they coulcl siill b� sc� mueh more. [7on't l�elieve; it? R�;aei lhis boo(<. I pcomise yc�u'll bc: pleasantly surprised. Jurc�l Gi'(?C'i7!S 14�C'h rnnh��r!cmcJslrale�ry�ua►ru��cr u1 I/rc�,t�u�ric�cm Suci��/v�f Lufxfsc�uE�e,4rclritc�c/s (:4SLA), rclitor�f T/tc�DirJ hlu�� artcl prtx/ucer c f ASLA's,sustai�TuGilitj�Inulkit, resut[rces guid�.s, und inten�iex�se�•ic�s ivith leudin�clesig»r�;s�uu�srrsYuincr!>i/ilv thot�glr[-leuclers. Read more: Cities, Transportation Also in Grist You might like: . ..._ i /�i ! �'� � . , _ _ �_ . � . . .��r � , r� « ''�� a�� y' , . ,Y" ,...+ � .f L � � . � �..,�.!^g�: ��t � b..,�l � .:1�•. � F � , .� ��,► � F�: �� ,;� � �- : � ��.��.. . . ___ �___ .. � . ._. .__ � Otl'our cl�ests: What Can`r•e�gie [[&Ahem;Cheap We'ro about tu push (3athtub photo(ands l�reasts tell us ubout prescriptions'really cic7thing hurts the the E?�lrth uver the coal aetivist in cl�ild- the state of nur�voclil makc people planei,the ecanc�my, brink,ne.�v stuJy pon�hot watcr he�lthier" and your style fin�s [''1 http://grist.org/cities/500-inillion-reasons-to-rethink-the-parking-lot/ 7/6/2012 , ' � ` � P PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2609 A RESOLUTION OF THE P�ANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SECTION 25.46.040.A. PARKING REQUIREMENTS TABLE 25.46-1, CHANGING THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT LAND USES (SECTION 25.58.310. CURRENT ZONING ORDINANCE) CASE NO: ZOA 13-226 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, did on the 6th day of August 2013, hold a duly noticed public hearing to consider the request by the City of Palm Desert for approvai of the above noted; and WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act," Resolution No. 2013-16, the Director of Community Development has determined that the project is not considered a project for CEQA purposes. WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony 4""; and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said Planning Commission did find the following facts and reasons to exist to justify the "- ' recommendation to the City Council of said request: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, AS FOLLOWS: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the Planning Commission in this case. 2. That the Planning Commission does hereby recommend approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 13-226 as proposed. � PLANNING COMMISSI� .�RESOLUTION NO. 2609 ' � � e : PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, at its regular meeting held on the 6"' day of Auqust 2013, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: CAMPBELL, DASH, DE LUNA, and STENDELL NOES: NONE ABSENT: GREENWOOD ABSTAIN: NONE �� NANCY DE UNA, CHAIRPERSO ATTEST: �------ �� ;= d� �'G 2 ; "�: LAURI AYLAIA , S CRETARY '� PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION G iPlanning\Monica OReillylPlanning Commi,sien12013�Resolutions�Res.No.26G9 Parking Stand3rds.docx 2 . � � ~ PLANNING COMMISSIC.��RESOLUTION NO. 2609 } EXHIBIT A _ TABLE 25.46-1 (Replaces 25.45.040.A. in entirety) Use. Minimum Stalls Required Residential Uses. � Children's homes 1 per 4 beds' Cluster housing Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2.5 per unit Condominium Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bedrooms 2.5 per unit Dwelling, mobile home 2 per unit Dwelling, multifamily Studio and one bedroom 2 per unit Two and more bed�ooms 2 per unit Dweliing; single-family 2 per unit `' Residential care facility 1 per 4 beds' i ' � Residential care home 1 per 4 beds' �-- Agricultural and Animal-Related Uses ' ' , . , . , Stables, boarding 1 per 5 stables2 Veterinary facility 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. Recreatiort; Resource Preservation, Open Space; Education, and pubiic Assembly.Uses' Assembly uses 1 per 3 seats or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Billiard halls 2 per billiard table Bowling alleys 2 per alley Golf-related uses Driving ranges 1 per tee3 Golf courses 4 per hole3 Pitch and putt 3 per hole3 Libraries 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. Preschools, nursery schools, and day nurseries 2 per 3 empioyees + 1 per 8 children Private clubs, union halis, lodge haiis 10 per 1,000 sq.ft. Religious institutions 1 per 3 seats3 Schools, private 1 per employee pius 1 per 3 students at maximum classroom capacity Skating rinks, ice and roller 10 per 1,000 sq.ft.3 G 1P!anninglMonica OReiIIy�P!arning Commission120131ResolutionslRes.No.266g parking Stancards docx 3 � � PLANNING COMMISSf�,� RESOLUTION NO. 2609 � ; ` Use Minimum Staiis Required . . . .. � Sports arenas and stadiums 1 per 3 seats or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Swimming pools, commercial 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. of pool area3 Tennis facilities, commercial 3 per court or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Theater/auditorium 1 per 3 seats or 1 per 18 inches of bench area Utility, Transportatiorr, P"ublic Facility,and Communication Uses--. ` Public utility facilities 2 or 1 per employee (in the largest shift) + 1 per vehicle used in conjunction with the use Retail, Service�;and Office Uses� ' Appliance stores 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. Banks 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. Drugstores 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. Financial institutions and savings and loan 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. offices Fumiture stores 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. Plant nursery with outdoor sales and displays 2.5 per 1,000 sq.ft. of gross building space, excluding greenhouse area Grocery stores 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. , . Gym, commercial 8 per 1,000 sq.ft.4 � ' Gym, personal studio 4 per 1,000 sq. ft. j.'�:: Health, figure, and exercise salons and spas 5 per 1,000 sq.ft.4 Hotels 1.1 per guest unit3 Lumber yards 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. of floor area + 1 per 1,000 sq.ft. of open area for sales and display Medical, clinics 5 per 1,000 sq.ft. Medical, hospitals 1.75 per bed Medical, office 4 per 1,000 sq. f.t Mortuaries 5 + 250 sq.f#. of usable and accessible paved parking area for every 25 sq.ft. of assembly room floor area Motels 1.1 per guest unit3 Offices 4 per 1,000 sq.ft. Personal services 4 per 1,000 sq.ft. Resort hotels 1.1 per guest unit' Restaurants 8 per 1,000 Retail uses, general 3 per 1,000 sq.ft.' Shopping centers, community and regional 4 per 1,000 sq.ft.' ,-:. Shopping centers, specialty and district 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. � � � ,. ; Automobile'and Vehicle Uses. �' -- Auto rental agencies 3 per 1,000 sq.ft. of gross rentals G.lPlanning\Monica ORedIylPlanning Commission�20131ResolulicnslRes.No.2609 Parking Standards docx 4 .r J � . ' PLANNING COMMISSIG��RESOLUTION NO. 2609 i Use Minimum Stalls Required � ` Auto repair/service stations 1 per 1,000 sq.ft. Auto gas/convenience stations 3 per 1,000 sq. ft. Auto washing, full service 3.5 per 1,000 Auto washing, self service 1 per vacuum station or wash stall Auto and vehicle sales 2 per 1,000 sq.ft. Industrial;Manufacturing,,and Processing EJses Industrial uses, general5 2 per 1,000 sq.ft.s Storage, personal storage facility 6 + 2 per caretaker unit' Support facilities for construction, renovation, Provide as needed and equipment installations 2 per 3 employees and not less than 1 per 1,000 sq.ft. Warehouses and storage facilities for the first 20,000 sq.ft., 1 per 2,000 s sq.ft.f for the second 20,000 sq.ft., 1 per 4,000 sq.ft. for area in excess of initial 40,000 sq.ft. Wholesaling and distribution 1 per 3,000 sq.ft. Notes: . 1. The number of beds used in the calculation shall match the�esrdent capacity of the home as listed on the�equired/icense or permit: 2. Parking areas for boarding stables should be treated to prevent dust and designed to provide for the needs of customers and employees. ( : 3. As is needed, additional parkrng should be provided for other uses on the site. {;;' 4. Swimming pool area shall be counted as part of a facilitys floo�area, �.u� 5. Except structures used exclusively for warehousing purposes. 6. Loading spaces may be counted as part of the required parking at a rate not to exceed 1 per 2,500 gross square feet. 7. Additional parking may be required by the Director through the precise plan process. i i G.1PtarninglMonica OReilly�Planning Commission120131Resolutions\Res.No.2609 Parking Standards.docx 5 �' �� MINUTES � � PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 6, 2013 Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stendell and carried by a 3-0-1 vote with Commissioner Greenwood ABSENT and Commissioner Campbell ABSTAINING. Vice Chair Dash moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2608. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stendell and carried by a 3-0-1 vote with Commissioner Greenwood ABSENT and Commissioner Campbell ABSTAINING. D. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to the City Council to approve a zoning ordinance amendment to modify Section 25.46.040.A. Parking Requirements Table 25.46-1, changing the number of parking spaces required for different land uses (Section 25.58.310 current zoning ordinance). Case No. ZOA 13-226 (City of Palm Desert, Applicant). Mr. Bagato orally presented his staff report and onscreen presentation. He said reducing parking requirements has been discussed by staff and the Citizens' Sustainability Committee to be more environmentally sustainable. Based on a study done by staff and the Sustainability Committee, it was reported that about 40 percent of parking spaces were vacant. Over built parking lots increase rain runoff, create heat islands, and increase concrete glare and light pollution. He said that if parking requirements are reduced, it gives a developer more square footage for more profitable uses and potentially more sales tax for the City. He briefly highlighted different uses and the parking stall requirements. He noted that staff verified the validity of the parking study with the Transportation Engineers Parking Generation Manual, and found that the numbers match the Parking Generation Manual. Mr. Bagato offered to answer any questions. Chair DeLuna asked if there is a minimum size for a parking space. She noted , that the spaces at Bristol Farms are small and cars get hit by car doors. Mr. Bagato responded that there is a standard size. He said the stalls are supposed to be nine feet wide with double pin stall dividing lines, which actually nets 10 feet. He explained that Bristol Farms had trouble meeting the amount of parking spaces required so the City allowed them to have stalls at nine feet and single striped dividing lines. Chair DeLuna inquired if the City is going to require removal of asphalt if a shopping center is over parked, and have it returned to a more natural state. Mr. Bagato replied no unless someone comes to the City requesting to add a building to the parking lot. Commissioner Stendell commented that he looked at Figure 25.46-1: Parking Lot Design Requirements, and it indicates a nine-foot with a single-stripe parking stall. He asked if that is the current code because it does not show a double stripe. 14 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission�2013\Minutes!8-613 min.docx > _ MINUTES ' � � � PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 6, 2013 Mr. Bagato responded that the current code has that indication, and it may not have been transferred to the new code. He will make that change, and noted that there are other changes that he needs to make. Commissioner Stendell asked at what time was the study done. Mr. Bagato answered that it was over several months between February and April at different hours of the day. Vice Chair Dash inquired if staff has enough flexibility to make adjustments without having to go back to the Planning Commission or the City Council. Mr. Bagato responded that there are two different provisions under the adjustment section that allows the zoning administrator (staff) to approve a parking reduction of 10 percent. If there is a scenario that staff believes someone is going to demand more parking than the City demands, then those scenarios will be brought back to the Planning Commission for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Commissioner Campbell asked if the City could make it mandatory for Westfield Shopping Center employees to park in the north parking lot. � Mr. Bagato said that he would have to read the parking management agreement. He noted that the City provided funds for the parking and has an easement. He stated that any time there is a CUP, the City could add those restrictions. Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing open and invited the applicant to address the Commission on this matter, followed by any public testimony IN FAVOR or OPPOSITION. With no further testimony offered, Chair DeLuna declared the public hearing closed. Vice Chair Dash moved, by Minute Motion, to recommend to the City Council approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 13-226 modifying Section 25.46.040.A. Parking Requirements Table 25.46-1, changing the number of parking spaces required for different uses. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 4- 0 vote with Commissioner Greenwood ABSENT. Vice Chair Dash moved, by Minute Motion, to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2609. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell and carried by a 4-0 vote with Commissioner Greenwood ABSENT. Chair DeLuna thanked Mr. Bagato for his work done on the Zoning Ordinance. Vice Chair Dash commented that he was talking to someone in a shopping . center, and they mentioned that there are restrictions on the colors of the signs. He asked if the City is involved. 15 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission�2013\Minutes\8-6-13 min.dxx rE � � MINUTES PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 6, 2013 Mr. Bagato replied yes and no. He explained that if it is inside the mall, the City does not have restrictions. For shopping centers, the landlord will submit a sign program for approval by the Architectural Review Commission. IX. MISCELLANEOUS None X. COMMITTEE MEETING UPDATES A. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES None B. PARKS & RECREATION None XL COMMENTS None XI1. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Dash, second by Campbell, and a 4-0 vote of the Planning Commission with Commissioner Greenwood ABSENT, Chair DeLuna adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m. NANCY DE LUNA, CHAIR ATTEST: LAURI AYLAIAN, SECRETARY PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION 16 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Planning Commission�2013\Minutes\8-6-73 min.docx , � � CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APROVE A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO MODIFY SECTION 25.46.040.A. PARKING REQUIREMENTS TABLE 25.46-1, CHANGING THE NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES •REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT LAND USES (SECTION 25.58.310 CURRENT ZONING ORDINANCE) SUBMITTED BY: Tony Bagato, Principai Pfanner APPLICANT: City of Palm Desert CASE NO: ZOA 13-226 DATE: August 6, 2013 CONTENTS: Planning Commission Resolution No. 2609 Exhibit A- Proposed Parking Ratio Table Desert Sun Legal Notice Current Parking Standards City Parking Study Article: "500 million reasons to rethink the parking lot" Recommendation Waive further reading and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2609, recommending that the City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment 13-226 amending Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.46.040.A. — Parking Schedule (currently 25.58.310). Executive Summary This stafF report is one of three that will amend current policy that has been discussed by the City Council the past few years. These amendments were presented at joint Planning Commission/City Council study sessions on March 22, 2012 and May 9, 2013. This report focuses on reducing the City's parking requirements for future development and redevelopment. This is a development issue that staff and the Sustainability Committee have been studying for two main reasons: 1) most of the year, many parking spaces are not used and the unused paved surface creates adverse environmental issues; and 2) parkir�g spaces require a large amount of developable real estate which could otherwise be used for Staff Report � � ZOA 13-226 Page 2 of 3 August 6, 2013 building space that would instead benefit the land developer and increase the potential sales tax generated from the increased retail and restaurant uses. The proposed amendment will reduce the overall number of parking spaces required based on a comprehensive citywide parking study done by staff and members of the Sustainability Committee. To verify the validity of the parking study, staff compared the reduced parking numbers with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Generation Manual, and found that our parking numbers match the Parking Generation Manual, which contains parking generation studies for 106 different land uses. This supports staff's findings that Palm Desert's current parking requirements are too great for actual demand, which creates too many unused parking spaces and wastes productive land area. Backqround Staff has previously discussed the possibility of reducing the number of required parking spaces for new development with the City Councit and the Sustainability Committee. There is a growing trend to reduce the parking requirements for businesses in cities that are trying to be more environmentally sustainable. The reasoning for this is that parking lots consume a large portion of the land used for any project. Many of these parking lots are over built to meet a perceived high parking demand, which in fact only occurs for a few seasonal days a year. Most of the year, many parking spaces may not be used and the paved surface leads to increased rain runoff, creates heat islands, and increases concrete glare and light pollution. In addition to the environmental impacts, parking lots have economic costs related to construction, maintenance, and toss of developable land. The City's current parking standards usually lead to more parking spaces than are needed for actual use. This limits the development and redevelopment of a property because a lot of land will be required for parking surface instead of building square footage. If the parking requirement standards were reduced, it would allow for more buitding square footage for more profitable uses, which is financially beneficial to the land developer and increases the potential sales tax generated from a project. For these reasons, staff compared Palm Desert's required parking ratios (attached) with actual parking demand by conducting a citywide parking study from January through April, 2012. Staff chose January through April because that is considered the high season for parking demand, stemming from the higher number of visitors and seasonal residents during these months. The findings based on the parking survey (attached) illustrate that many businesses and shopping centers are presently over-parked. Based on these findings, staff is recommending that the City adopt new parking ratios which are lower than the current requirements. The reduced parking ratios in Exhibit A attached, will replace Section 25.58.310 in entirety. The parking requirements are a slightly higher than the actual parking count averages, but lower than our current requirements. This was done to make certain that there is a margin of extra parking because parking demand will G:1PlanninglTony BagatolStaff Reports�ZOA�Zoning Ordinance\PC Heanng Docs 8-61Reduced Parking Standards Slaff Report.docx Staff Report � � ZOA 13-226 Page 3 of 3 August 6, 2013 vary within the same land use category due to the popularity of certain businesses. (For instance, one restaurant might be much more popular than another restaurant.) Initially staff was concerned about proposing the reduced parking ratios. Staff reviewed the proposed parking ratios and compared them with the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) 4th Edition Parking Generation manual. The 4th Edition Parking Generation manual has more than 450 new parking studies that include parking demand numbers for 106 different land use types based on different locales (cities, suburban, rural). According the manual, the proposed new parking ratios are very similar to the demand studies shown for parking in areas similar to Palm Desert. Based on these findings, staff supports the reduced parking standards being proposed. Environmental Review According to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), staff must determine whether a proposed activity is a project subject to CEQA. If the project is subject to CEQA, staff must conduct a preliminary assessment of the project to determine whether the project is exempt from CEQA review. If a project is not exempt, further environmental review is necessary. Further review from a non-exempt project would result in a Negative Declaration, a Mitigated Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Generally, an EIR must be prepared if a project may have a significant impact on the environment. In this case, staff has determined that the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment is not a project subject to CEQA because there no physical development will take place as part of this approval. However, reducing the amount of parking required will lead to a direct environmental benefit by reducing paved areas, which will reduce rain runoff, heat islands, light pollution, and glare. Submitted By: � '�7 Tony Bagato, Principal Planner � Department H Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community De ment G:\Planning\Tony 8aqatolStaff Reports�ZOA�Zoning OrdinancelPC Heanng Docs 8-6\Reduced Parking Standards Staff Report,docx