Planning panel backs citywide removal of parking minimums, forwards package to City Council

The West Hollywood Planning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 5 to forward two resolutions to the City Council that would eliminate minimum parking requirements citywide and clarify vehicle‑miles‑traveled (VMT) screening criteria to align the municipal code with state law.

The commission approved resolutions 26‑1639 and 26‑1640 after a staff presentation and public comment. Jordan Parish, a contract planner with Rencon Consultants, told the commission the amendments implement AB894 (shared parking) and AB1317 (unbundled parking), codify the council’s May 5, 2025 directive to remove all parking minimums, and adjust VMT screening so voluntary parking provision does not trigger unnecessary VMT analysis.

Why it matters: Staff said removing parking minimums is intended to reduce housing construction costs and expand housing choices. Parish noted that parking construction in the Los Angeles area can cost tens of thousands per stall — staff cited a range of $45,000 to $96,000 per space and, in public comment, a resident cited an estimate of about $73,000 per underground stall — and that those costs are often passed on to tenants. The staff…