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Council hears parking study options for downtown and tourist district, staff to return with next steps
Summary
Staff presented maps showing public, easement and private parking in downtown and the tourist district and noted the city lacks comprehensive usage data. Council discussed short-term steps (e.g., 3-hour parking in public green areas), enforcement constraints on easement areas, and longer-term transportation-based approaches; staff will return with proposed options and possible code changes.
Woodinville city staff briefed the council on public parking availability and restrictions in downtown and the tourist district on April 21, showing a mix of city-owned lots, easements and private stalls and advising that the city has not completed a data-driven study of supply and demand.
The presentation noted that some spaces are outside the city’s right-of-way and sit in easements tied to private development, which limits the city’s ability to impose or enforce parking restrictions without agreement. Staff pointed to roughly 50 public parking spaces near the Harvest project and larger park-and-ride capacity (staff noted roughly 459 spaces at one lot) and said "the city does not have data to back" community perceptions of shortages; instead the presentation was framed around observed concerns and policy options.
Council members debated short-term measures such as adding three-hour parking in green-highlighted public areas, restricted overnight parking in fields and targeted signage. Several members urged engagement with private property owners and the business community to explore shared enforcement or partnership approaches. Others recommended pursuing a citywide parking study and transportation solutions (shuttle/circulator) as a long-term fix rather than expanding surface parking.
Staff said next steps will include returning with options that consider enforcement mechanisms, easement constraints, signage and possible temporary restrictions to manage turnover during peak periods. Council took no immediate ordinance action on the matter.
