Planning commission flags parking management as priority; joint session with council set for Feb. 18

During reports on Jan. 15 the Planning Commission discussed parking management and enforcement as a crosscutting issue tied to housing, downtown planning and code updates.

Planning staff told the commission that they will examine parking this year, noting pending state legislation that staff described as “a new bill, I think it’s 5184,” and that parking considerations will factor into multiple code updates. Staff said they are monitoring state action and that the city will tackle parking under several lenses: affordable housing, downtown needs and citywide policy.

Commissioners emphasized the need for an explicit parking-management plan before reducing on-site parking requirements. Commissioner Jones said many residents support housing density but “to the average citizen … it does not appear as if there’s a parking plan or parking management plan,” and that perception can create friction. Commissioner Westerbeck and other commissioners urged that enforcement, curbspace management and downtown strategies be part of the work. Commissioner Westlake noted previous city parking studies and the cost of enforcement as a constraint.

Staff said they plan to bring parking and a docket request to the commission and city council and that a joint study session with the council is scheduled for Feb. 18 to review the work program and consider parking priorities. Several commissioners said they would follow up with ideas and stakeholder lists and requested the commission capture desired direction before the council meeting.