City planning staff recommends 10% parking reduction for multifamily project approval

The Apache Junction Planning & Zoning Commission convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, with a significant focus on a parking reduction request related to a multifamily development project.

The meeting began with a detailed examination of the applicant's proposal, which included a request for a parking reduction. According to city code, the site is required to provide a total of seven on-site parking spaces. However, the applicant proposed to provide only six spaces, resulting in an 8.7% reduction in required parking.

A key point of discussion was whether the proposed off-site parking on Plaza Drive, which includes approximately 45 spaces, could be counted towards the required parking. It was clarified that off-site parking does not contribute to the on-site parking requirement, which must be fully met on the property itself.

The city code allows for an administrative approval of up to a 10% parking reduction if two criteria are met. The first criterion requires the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed use generates a parking demand at least 10% less than the required standard. The applicant provided a parking analysis supporting this claim. The second criterion necessitates that a portion of the required parking can be accommodated with existing public parking within 100 feet of the site. The applicant met this requirement by offering 45 off-site parking stalls along Plaza Drive.

Given the evidence presented, city planning staff expressed support for the requested parking reduction. If the project receives overall approval, staff will issue a separate approval letter for the parking reduction.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the planning staff's endorsement of the multifamily use at the site, alongside the proposed parking reduction, which aligns with city regulations and community needs. Further steps will follow pending the project's approval.