Council approves parking variance for BCS Capital multifamily project with 60% minimum one‑bedrooms

The Montgomery City Council voted Sept. 22 to approve a parking‑ratio variance for a proposed multifamily development by BCS Capital (development no. 2415), allowing a reduction to 1.5 parking spaces per unit from the city's 2-per-unit standard, with an amendment that at least 60% of the project's units must be one‑bedroom apartments.

The vote followed an extended public discussion during which the project’s representative, Jason Howick of Morgan Group, described the planned product as “about 60 to 65 percent one bedrooms,” and argued the lower parking ratio reflects experience on similar developments and that the project would be managed and maintained by the developer to avoid off‑site parking problems. Planning and Zoning Commission had not recommended approval; council members debated whether the council should overturn the commission’s decision.

Councilmember Fox moved to accept the item as presented. Councilmember Olsen proposed an amendment to require that the one‑bedroom share remain at or above 60% of the total units; the amendment was seconded and approved. The motion as amended carried on a voice vote.

Supporters said the reduced parking reflects the unit mix and the developer’s property management plans. Opponents and at least one council member voiced concern that the change undercuts an ordinance the city had adopted after a study earlier in the year and that reduced parking could cause spillover parking on nearby streets. Council discussion referenced existing multifamily projects behind Brookshire Brothers and other nearby sites as precedent but acknowledged those developments are gated or include on‑site controls.

The developer told council the project would be gated, would be managed by the developer’s in‑house property management company, and the unit mix would be predominantly one‑bedroom units (the developer gave a 62% figure as the current plan). Council members asked for assurances that the one‑bedroom percentage would not be lowered after council approval; the approved amendment requires the one‑bedroom share to remain no less than 60%.

The council record shows the variance and the accompanying amendment were approved; the formal development agreement language and final site plans will be the instruments that memorialize the ratio requirement and other conditions.

Going forward, staff and the developer will finalize project plans consistent with the amendment and the development agreement provisions referenced during the meeting.