Board adopts library parking minimum: one space per 400 square feet

The Village of Cottage Grove board voted 4–3 on Feb. 17 to adopt a zoning amendment setting the minimum parking requirement for libraries at one parking space per 400 square feet of gross floor area (with a 30-stall minimum referenced by the planning commission discussion).

Planning staff and the library facilities subcommittee had recommended a one-space-per-500-square-foot standard; planning commission members recommended one space per 400 square feet based on a survey of comparable municipalities. Trustees debated whether to build a variable standard tied to available on-street parking; one trustee suggested language to allow a lower ratio where nearby on-street parking exists, but the board ultimately adopted the planning commission recommendation as presented.

Staff noted the ordinance establishes a minimum standard; actual site plans may exceed the minimum or seek exceptions with supporting analysis. Trustees said site-by-site parking demand and pedestrian access will remain part of individual site-plan reviews.

The motion to adopt the 1:400 minimum passed on a recorded roll call (4–3). Staff will update the zoning ordinance text and apply the new standard to future library or museum facilities proposed within the village.