Timnath panel adopts minimum parking-stall sizes; removes compact-stall option

The Timnath Planning Commission on May 20 advanced new land-use language setting minimum on-site parking-stall dimensions drawn from Larimer County (Lucas) standards and approved the code change as amended after a 3–2 vote to remove a proposed compact-stall table.

Commissioners discussed whether the town should adopt narrower “compact” stalls (proposed at 8 feet for 90-degree stalls and 7.5 feet for some compact diagonals) for up to 20% of a long-term parking field, and whether a staff-authorized 10% reduction to certain drive-aisle widths was appropriate.

Why it matters: The change brings explicit, town-level minimums where the current Timnath land-use code had only referred to outside standards. Supporters said a local text clarifies expectations for applicants; opponents warned smaller dimensions risked door dings, more on-street parking, and would be out of step with typical local stall sizes.

What the commission did and why: Planning staff proposed adding a new subsection (5.8.0.19) that copies the Larimer County/Lucas numeric diagram for stall widths and aisle depths but adds local clarifications about where compact stalls are appropriate. Troy Jones, a planning staff presenter, told the commission, “Currently, we don't have any parking space dimensions in the Timnath land use code, but the land use code does defer or refer the reader to Larimer County urban area street standards.” Jones also said the compact option would be voluntary.

Several commissioners and staff pressed for practical tests. Commissioner Tom Wood reported a quick field survey and said “the average parking space … is about 8 and a half feet,” arguing the 8‑foot minimum would be smaller than most local lots and could cause problems in the town’s suburban context. Staff and the town engineer explained the proposed tables are intended as minimums and do not prohibit applicants from providing larger stalls.

Key votes and motions: The commission voted to remove the compact-vehicle table and references to a long-term compact option (motion carried 3–2). A separate motion to delete a staff-authorized 10% allowance to reduce drive-aisle widths failed (2–3). After those amendments the commission approved the overall staff recommendation for item 7a “as amended.” The final approval was recorded as “carries as amended”; the minutes do not list a numeric tally for that final vote.

What remains: The 10% asterisk on certain drive‑aisle columns remains in the draft (it applies to aisle widths, not stall widths), so staff will retain that administrative flexibility. The compact-stall option and the long-term‑parking allowance were removed from the adopted text.

Quotes “Troy Jones (planning staff): ‘Currently, we don't have any parking space dimensions in the Timnath land use code, but the land use code does defer or refer the reader to Larimer County urban area street standards.’”

“Commissioner Tom Wood: ‘I found that the average parking space … is about 8 and a half feet,’ citing a short survey of local lots and arguing Timnath’s standards should reflect existing vehicle sizes.”

Ending: The commission directed staff to move the amended text forward to town council. Staff will update the draft to reflect the adopted edits and prepare materials for the council hearing.