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Planning Commission recommends bike-parking rule changes to council to align with MTC TOC standards
Summary
The commission recommended City Council adopt amendments to bicycle-parking requirements that replace auto-based ratios with square-foot-based metrics, add a 'TBD' category for variable uses, and set minimums for many nonresidential uses; staff said the changes are needed for OBAG/TOC eligibility and are not subject to CEQA.
The Emeryville Planning Commission on Dec. 11 voted unanimously to recommend City Council adopt amendments to the city's bicycle-parking regulations that would align local rules with regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) transportation-oriented community (TOC) requirements.
Planning staff said the changes move away from automobile-based ratios and toward requirements tied to square footage of use, add a 'TBD' category for highly variable uses (with a baseline of two short-term and two long-term spaces for many nonresidential uses), and create a new table for parking requirements. Staff said the revisions are not subject to CEQA and are intended to maintain eligibility for MTC-administered OBAG grants.
During questions, staff explained TBD entries provide staff the ability to evaluate specific site context during permit review (for example, proximity to bike-share or transit, or unique school sizes), rather than impose a one-size-fits-all minimum. Staff noted BPAC and related committees reviewed the proposed changes and issued a unanimous recommendation to forward the amendments.
Commissioners expressed concern about how the rules would affect small multifamily developments and whether local incentives (transit passes, bike-share subscriptions) might be used as alternatives; staff said incentive programs are not in place now but the regulations are flexible about how required bike parking can be provided.
Commissioner Martinez moved and Commissioner Chafe seconded to recommend the amendments to City Council; roll call was unanimous in favor with Commissioner Small absent. The item will go to council in January with a second reading in February and an effective date 30 days after council adoption, per staff.
