Planning commission approves payment-in-lieu for two downtown parking spaces

The Moab City Planning Commission on Jan. 30 approved Planning Resolution 01-2025, allowing LC's Old World Delights to satisfy a two-space parking requirement by paying a fee into the city's parking fund instead of creating two additional on-site spaces at 87 North Main Street.

Corey Shirtlove, planning staff, said the building already has six existing tandem spaces and that the restaurant's change of use generates a higher parking calculation than the prior use. “This procedure requires we have a public hearing. However, it is just the Planning Commission's consideration,” Shirtlove said while explaining the payment-in-lieu option and how the city applies existing parking credits.

The applicant told the commission that on-site placement of two additional spaces would interfere with the planned layout and outdoor dining. “And so we're asking for permission to pay for 2 spaces,” the applicant said during the public hearing.

Commissioners discussed the parking fund and how in-practice the city uses money collected under the payment-in-lieu policy. Shirtlove said the fund is intended for “facilities development expenditures” such as dispersed parking, maintenance and operations, though tracking and a separate fund account remain work items for finance staff.

Commissioner Miles Lofton moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Jill Tatton seconded. The commission voted 4-0 in favor: Carolyn Conant — aye; Miles Lofton — aye; Jill Tatton — aye; Kai Merienfeld — aye. The motion carried and staff said it will issue a record decision for the change of use once building permit standards are met.

The approval applies only to the current change-of-use application and the parking calculations documented by staff. Shirtlove noted the payment-in-lieu option is capped under the city code and that the planning commission reviews whether the project meets the criteria for an exception or a fee-in-lieu payment.