Council‑filed amendment would remove parking minimums for bars and nightclubs outside the UZO; commission defers for July 24

The Planning Commission opened public hearing on a councilmember‑filed text amendment that would remove minimum parking requirements for bars and nightclubs outside the Urban Zoning Overlay (UZO).

Staff planner Dustin Shane explained that outside the UZO bars and nightclubs currently must provide one parking space per 75 square feet of floor area; within the UZO parking for the use is already capped and parking minimums do not apply. The proposed change would remove the 1:75 requirement outside the UZO. Staff said removing costly parking minimums can encourage more efficient land use, reduce impervious surface and support alternative transportation. Staff recommended approval and noted potential ancillary benefits, including reducing impaired driving, though staff said that was not the primary driver of the amendment.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about distinctions between bars and restaurants and where the change would apply. Staff explained the code classifies a use based on alcohol sales versus food sales, and that restaurants that include bars are often classified as restaurants and would keep their separate parking rules. Several commissioners expressed support for removing parking minimums for the narrow use as filed. The Planning Commission voted to defer the item to its July 24 meeting for final action.

Why it matters: Removing parking minimums for bars and nightclubs outside the UZO could reduce land area dedicated to surface parking and encourage more walkable or transit‑oriented development, but it raises practical questions about spillover parking in neighborhoods where such uses operate.