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Council approves zoning text amendments to allow parking flexibility for industrial and retail uses
Summary
Council adopted amendments creating definitions for showroom, warehouse, distribution center and fulfillment center, allowed conversion of dock areas to parking when screened, and authorized a director-level up to 10% parking reduction for retail centers over 10,000 sq ft with thresholds for studies.
Council voted to adopt zoning text amendments that revise parking rules and add definitions to the city’s zoning ordinance for industrial and retail land‑uses.
Planning staff said the amendments rest on two roundtables held during fiscal 2023 with industrial and retail stakeholders. Changes include: (1) allowing conversion of dock/yard areas to vehicle parking on existing industrial sites provided the space is screened from public view; (2) defining and setting lower minimum parking for warehouse, distribution center and fulfillment-center uses at 1 parking space per 2,000 square feet (or 1 space per employee if more appropriate); and (3) keeping showrooms at 1 space per 1,000 square feet. The amendments also permit the Director of Community Development to administratively approve up to a 10 percent reduction in required parking for retail centers greater than 10,000 square feet; reductions greater than 5 percent require a parking study and an alternate-parking plan prepared by a licensed transportation engineer.
Staff said the changes reflect evolving industrial operations (automation and lower employee density) and retail trends that can leave excess parking unused outside peak holiday times. Planning & Zoning held a public hearing and recommended approval; council closed the hearing and approved the text amendments as presented.
Councilmembers asked whether the changes would affect existing shopping centers; staff confirmed the amendments could apply to redevelopment or tenant-mix changes and to large retail centers such as grocery-anchored centers, subject to director review and any required studies.
The council vote was unanimous.
