Commission keeps Ocean Shores downtown parking requirements as written after discussion

The Ocean Shores Planning Commission voted Tuesday to leave municipal code 17.540.1 — the city’s downtown parking requirement table — unchanged for the time being.

Commissioners and business owners described the downtown corridor as tight on parking at peak times and said some businesses rely on unmarked or rear parking that customers often do not realize is available. Several speakers urged keeping minimum parking requirements to avoid “Wild West” conditions where businesses would occupy public right of way or overwhelm curbside spaces.

Planning staff said the code governs private-property parking requirements but does not currently regulate on-street parking; staff review enforces the table when a change of use or new business triggers a plan review. Staff also noted the city’s ongoing downtown redesign review could be the appropriate moment to revisit parking standards, including adding on-street parking in some places.

At Tuesday’s meeting a motion to leave section 17.540.1 as written passed by roll call with an affirmative voice vote; no formal tally of individual yes/no votes was recorded in the transcript.

Commissioners discussed options including allowing more parking flexibility for stall sizes and landscaping, creating clearer signage to indicate rear parking, and considering a variance process for businesses that cannot meet the code’s minimums.

The commission did not change the code at this meeting, but members said a future downtown redesign or code update could revisit on-street parking and numerical requirements.