City planners unveil ambitious parking strategy overhaul

During a recent government meeting, city planners presented an update on the Access Management and Parking Strategy (AMPS), a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing parking policies and management in Boulder. The project, which has been in development since 2014, involves collaboration across multiple departments, including Planning and Development Services, Transportation, and Community Vitality.

Lisa Hood, a principal city planner, outlined the project's three primary focus areas: off-street parking standards, transportation demand management (TDM) requirements, and on-street parking management strategies. Off-street parking refers to spaces located on private property, regulated by city zoning codes, while on-street parking is managed by the city within public rights-of-way. TDM encompasses strategies to promote efficient transportation options, including walking, biking, and public transit.

The AMPS initiative has a lengthy history, with its initial adoption by the city council in 2017. Over the years, various phases of the project have included simplifying off-street parking standards and introducing bicycle parking requirements. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays, pausing the project until late 2022 when efforts resumed to assess parking needs in the post-pandemic context.

Hood emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of Boulder’s parking requirements, which have remained largely unchanged since their introduction in the 1950s. The city has seen a growing trend in parking reform, with 78 cities across the U.S. eliminating minimum parking requirements entirely. Recent state legislation in Colorado further supports this movement by prohibiting minimum parking requirements in transit service areas for certain types of developments.

The meeting concluded with a call for feedback from council members on the recommended scope of the project, engagement strategies, and the project timeline, as city officials aim to finalize the AMPS by mid-2024. This initiative reflects a broader shift towards more sustainable urban planning practices, addressing both environmental concerns and housing affordability in Boulder.