Zoning commission recommends new ULDC type‑2 parking waiver for some affordable housing projects

Palm Beach County zoning staff and commissioners on Thursday backed a proposed revision to the Unified Land Development Code that would allow a Type 2 public‑hearing waiver to reduce required parking for certain affordable multifamily projects.

Alex Barray of the zoning division told the commission the revision responds to board direction to allow more flexible parking rules for multifamily affordable housing. He said the change would create a public‑hearing process to consider an alternative parking ratio for projects that meet specific criteria, including location within the urban development area of unincorporated Palm Beach County, participation in the county affordable housing program, being within one quarter mile of a fixed‑route bus line, and submission of a parking demand statement, parking analysis and a parking management plan.

Barray described the rule as “another tool in the toolbox” to allow case‑by‑case reductions in required parking where transit and on‑site management can reasonably be demonstrated to meet needs. He explained existing options under current code include a Type 1 administrative waiver (limited to up to 15% reduction for projects requiring 20 or more spaces), Type 2 variances that must demonstrate hardship, and the Westgate Community Redevelopment Area density‑bonus pool option. Staff reviewed comparable local governments and Westgate case studies such as Autumn Ridge Apartments and other recent projects when developing the proposal.

A commissioner asked about the quarter‑mile threshold; Barray said the quarter‑mile was selected as a common planning standard for walkability and to capture the applications the county has received, noting the county could not use the word “adjacent” without formally defining it in the code. Barray said applicants requesting reduced parking have argued residents will rely on bus service and that the proposed criteria narrow eligibility to projects where transit is available and parking can be managed and enforced.

Commissioner Van Eker moved to recommend approval of the ULDC revisions (items 4a and 4b); Commissioner Caliendo seconded. The commission voted in favor and the motion passed.

The change, if adopted by the Board of County Commissioners, would allow alternative parking ratios for qualifying affordable housing projects on a case‑by‑case basis subject to the stated criteria. The presentation did not include specific fiscal impacts, a cap on the number of eligible projects, or an effective date; staff said enforcement measures and a management plan would be required to address illegal parking and predatory towing concerns outlined in the proposal.