Shoreline council advances proposal to allow car‑share parking in rights of way, sets fee schedule

The Shoreline City Council on Feb. 3 reviewed a proposed ordinance (No. 1028) and companion resolution (No. 537) that would authorize dedicated car‑share parking spaces in the city right of way and establish fees for those spaces.

City Senior Transportation Planner Jeff Raker told the council the ordinance would amend Shoreline Municipal Code Chapter 212.15 to allow car‑share as a permit‑able right‑of‑way use through the existing right‑of‑way site permit process. Resolution 537 would set the fee at $1,300 annually for a dedicated space plus the standard right‑of‑way site permit minimum of $1,040, making the first‑year total $2,340 for a single dedicated on‑street space.

The proposal is intended to expand shared‑use mobility options, align with the city’s climate action and transportation policies and provide another alternative to private vehicle ownership. Raker said two car‑share providers — Zipcar and ZEV CO‑OP — have expressed interest and that car share operates best as part of a larger network of sites.

Councilmembers asked how locations would be selected and whether the city would limit the number of on‑street spaces in any given block. Raker said operators would propose sites; the city would review proposals with the traffic engineer and Public Works, require public engagement for proposed spaces and retain authority to deny or revoke permits if conflicts with other right‑of‑way uses arise. He said typical site amenities and signage would be considered during review. Raker also said current operations for the interested providers require vehicles to be returned to the same designated space; “flex” or one‑way returns have been trialed elsewhere but are not standard in the Seattle area.

Councilmembers discussed rollout strategy and data needs, with concerns that a very slow initial rollout could limit usefulness because residents need a reliable network to adopt car share. Raker said staff did not expect a rush of applications but that the ordinance would prepare Shoreline for interest that exists in the region.

There was no formal ordinance vote on Feb. 3. Councilmembers raised no objections to placing the proposed ordinance and resolution on the March 3 meeting consent calendar for consideration and possible adoption at that time.

Details: The resolution sets an annual dedicated‑space fee of $1,300 and uses the city’s existing right‑of‑way site permit minimum of $1,040 (calculated by staff as $260 per hour with a four‑hour minimum). First‑year costs for a single dedicated on‑street space would total $2,340 to cover one‑time setup (signage/markings) plus the annual fee.

The item will return to council on March 3, 2025.