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City of Northfield MN
File #: 24-130    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Information/Discussion Item Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 2/8/2024 In control: Planning Commission
On agenda: 2/15/2024 Final action:
Title: Review of Draft Text Amendments to Parking Standards.
Attachments: 1. 1 - Draft Redline 02082024 - 3.6___Off_Street_Parking__Loading__and_Mobility.
Related files: 24-330
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PC Meeting Date:                     February 15, 2024

 

To:                                          Members of the Planning Commission

 

From:                                          Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner

                                          Lori Johnson, WSB

 

Title

Review of Draft Text Amendments to Parking Standards.

 

Body

Action Requested:                     

The Planning Commission (PC) is requested to review draft amendments to parking standards in the Land Development Code (LDC).

 

Summary Report:

Reviewing parking standards, particularly parking minimums are an item on the Planning Commission’s work plan. Under the direction of the City Planner, consulting planning staff at WSB have provided a preliminary review of the City’s existing parking standards found in Article 3.3 of the LDC.  Removing parking minimums is a current best practice, among others, to help reduce vehicle miles traveled, encourage other modes of transportation and meet climate action goals, as well as reduce the cost burden on developers, particularly housing development.

 

Attached is a redlined draft which includes the minimum parking requirements removed along with some other technical changes to simplify and/or clarify language. Staff requests the PC review the initial redline with the minimums removed.

 

Staff continues to work on the bicycle parking requirements, which are tied to the vehicle parking minimum standards, which have now been removed. Staff will be reviewing best practices in bicycle parking standards and bring back a redlined version for the PC to review at a future date. Staff welcome any potential resources or feedback on the bicycle parking standards.

 

Alternative Options:

Additional changes to the document can be made by the PC.

 

Financial Impacts:                     

NA

 

Tentative Timelines:                     

Staff and the consultant team would like to continue to work on these changes and move ahead with a text amendment within the year.