Geneva's Planning and Zoning Commission has proposed a significant change to parking regulations that could impact residential conversions in the downtown area. During their meeting on September 11, 2025, city officials discussed a text amendment aimed at removing the off-street parking requirement for residential conversions of existing non-residential buildings within the Downtown Residential Vehicle Parking Permit area.

The proposal, initiated by the Geneva Community Development Department, seeks to address discrepancies between the city’s zoning ordinance and traffic code. Currently, new residential units in designated districts must provide a specific number of off-street parking spaces, while non-residential uses only need to maintain the number of parking spaces that existed as of February 2001. This inconsistency has raised concerns about the feasibility of converting non-residential buildings into residential units.

The amendment aims to streamline the process for residential conversions, potentially encouraging more development in the downtown area. Residents living within the downtown residential vehicle parking permit area can apply for permits that allow them to park on the street without adhering to posted time limits, further alleviating parking concerns.

The commission's discussions highlighted the importance of balancing development needs with parking availability, as the city continues to evolve. The proposed changes will be reviewed further, with the potential for implementation that could enhance residential opportunities in Geneva's downtown core. As the city moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these adjustments will shape the community's growth and accessibility.