Commission seeks redline to OCMC 17.54 after calling local parking rules 'a mess'

The Ocean Shores Planning Commission on March 24 agreed to prepare a redlined update of the city's parking code (OCMC 17.54) concentrating on commercial requirements, after commissioners described the existing rules as confusing, land-intensive and a barrier to downtown development.

Commissioner (speaker 5) characterized current rules as disorderly and inefficient, saying the ordinance "is a mess" and noting the code can require the equivalent of 250–500 square feet of floor area per required parking space for certain uses. The commissioner said those requirements can force property owners to set aside large portions of a lot for parking rather than shops or housing.

Commissioners discussed how the requirement affects downtown development and housing density. A staff member (speaker 3) outlined the next procedural steps: draft a redline version of the code, present it to the commission for review, and then send the commission's recommended redline to the mayor for council consideration. The commission amended a motion to bring back a redline for final review and forwarded it to the mayor with approval.

The commission also heard a public comment from Rita, who cautioned that removing minimum parking requirements may have legal implications. Rita urged legal review before changes are adopted because Washington's anti-discrimination law and the Growth Management Act can affect eligibility for funding and create additional compliance obligations. She described local parking rules as an example of "exclusionary zoning."

Next steps: staff will draft a redline focused on commercial parking provisions, and commissioners will review the redline at a future meeting prior to formal referral to the mayor and city council.