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Commission backs ULDC change to allow parking waivers for qualifying affordable housing projects
Summary
Palm Beach County Zoning Commission voted to recommend a land‑development-code revision creating a Type 2 waiver process to allow alternative parking ratios for multifamily affordable housing projects that meet specified transit and analysis criteria.
The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission recommended approval of a proposed revision to the Unified Land Development Code that would create a Type 2 waiver public hearing process permitting alternative parking ratios for multifamily projects using the county affordable housing program.
Alex Byray of the zoning division told the commission the change is part of the board's broader direction to allow flexible land-development regulations for multifamily uses. Byray said the proposed code language would allow a Type 2 waiver — reviewed in a public hearing — when an affordable housing project meets several criteria: it must be within the county's urban development area, participate in the affordable housing program, be within one quarter mile of a fixed-route bus line, and provide a parking demand statement, parking analysis and management plan demonstrating that transit and on-site arrangements will meet demand without illegal parking or predatory towing.
Byray said current code offers three ways to reduce parking: a Type 1 administrative waiver (limited to up to 15% reduction for projects requiring 20 or more spaces), a Type 2 variance (which requires showing hardship), and the Westgate Community Redevelopment Area density bonus pool, which uses bedroom‑based ratios. Staff presented Westgate projects as case studies showing alternative minimum parking ratios tied to unit bedroom counts rather than a flat 1.75 spaces per unit.
A commissioner asked why the one‑quarter‑mile distance was used; Byray said the quarter‑mile is a common walkability planning standard and that the quarter‑mile limitation was intended to narrow the waiver to applications where transit access is realistically within walking distance of the site.
Commissioner VanEckor moved to approve the staff recommendation covering both the text amendment and the commission's consistency finding; Commissioner Caliendo seconded. The commission voted in favor and the chair announced the motion passed. Staff and commissioners described the revision as another tool intended to allow reduced parking when transit and site management can mitigate parking demand.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. Staff noted applicants must still submit required analyses demonstrating how reduced parking will be managed and enforced.
