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Commission backs change to let developers add car‑share spaces without counting against parking maximums
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a planning‑code amendment to allow developers to include voluntary car‑share spaces that do not count toward private parking maximums, subject to deed restrictions, a certified operator letter and signage and enforcement provisions.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved changes to the planning code on Dec. 6 to encourage inclusion of car‑share spaces in new projects without penalizing developers under parking maximums.
Andres Power, representing Supervisor Scott Wiener, told commissioners the change would make it easier to preserve and add car‑share pods as older surface parking and gas stations are redeveloped: "Car share availability is an important aspect of the city's transit‑first policy," he said. Planning staff described required safeguards: a deed restriction keeping reserved spaces for certified car‑share operators, a letter of intent from an operator at entitlement and on‑site signage with enforcement contact information.
Public testimony included support from Zipcar’s Dan Grossman, who said car sharing has reduced vehicle miles and private ownership for many members, and a letter read by Sierra Club representative Sue Vaughn that warned increasing allowable parking—even if for car share—could run counter to transit‑first and greenhouse‑gas goals. Commissioners addressed those concerns with a package of modifications that require deed restrictions, limit use as incentive (not a way to evade parking maximums) and call for enforcement options in coordination with the Municipal Transportation Agency.
The commission adopted staff’s modifications and directed the department to provide ongoing tracking of car‑share sites. The vote was unanimous.
