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Shoreline council repeals citywide parking minimums, updates bicycle parking rules
Summary
The Shoreline City Council on Aug. 11 approved Ordinance 10-43, removing citywide minimum parking requirements and revising bicycle parking standards after public comment and Planning Department presentation. Vote was 6-0.
The Shoreline City Council voted 6-0 on Aug. 11 to approve Ordinance 10-43, a package of development-code amendments that eliminates citywide mandatory parking minimums and updates bicycle parking requirements.
Staff said the ordinance implements a 2024 comprehensive plan policy (LU 3.2) directing the city to remove minimum parking ratios within six months of the plan adoption. Senior Planner Steve Saffron told council the changes aim to “right-size parking,” support more affordable housing, reduce hardscape, and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The council heard public comment before the vote. Speakers who supported the ordinance included Habitat for Humanity advocacy and policy manager Tahar Amini, who said outdated parking rules raise housing costs and “make it harder to build the homes our communities need.” Several residents who said they primarily walk or bike urged repeal of parking minimums; other commenters urged caution, citing concerns about spillover street parking and enforcement at nearby park-and-rides.
Council members who spoke in debate emphasized that removing minimums shifts responsibility to developers to provide appropriate parking for their projects. Council discussion referenced the city’s parking enforcement program and noted that enforcement of park-and-ride lots is handled by King County Metro, not the city.
The ordinance also includes changes to require higher-quality bicycle racks (U‑staple style) and other updated bike-parking standards described in the staff report. Staff told council the Planning Commission recommended approval and that council had discussed the ordinance at its Aug. 4 meeting without requesting major edits.
The council adopted the ordinance by unanimous roll-call vote. The motion to approve Ordinance 10-43 was made and seconded on the floor; the recorded vote was Aye from Council members Scully, Ademasu, Robertson, Pobie/Povey, Deputy Mayor Mark, and Mayor Roberts; the motion passed 6-0.
Next steps: staff will implement the revised development code language and incorporate the bicycle parking standards into permit review. Council members discussed the need for a future citywide parking-management strategy as the city grows.
