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 report identified roughly 38 parcels currently outside high‑quality transit areas that would be newly affected by the change; most parcels in West Hollywood are already exempt under AB2097.

Public comment and examples: Helen Kger, speaking as a West Hollywood resident, urged the commission to adopt staff’s recommendation, saying the change gives developers and renters more options and that “a parking space costs tenants about $200 a month.” Anita Gaswami, another resident, supported shared parking but asked whether the Transportation and Mobility Commission had been involved and urged attention to livability.

Questions and concerns from commissioners focused on practical impacts. Commissioners pressed staff about how the ZTA would affect condominium conversions and whether state and local displacement protections (relocation assistance, right of first refusal and other tenant protections) remain applicable; staff said existing displacement protections and local regulatory processes would continue to apply. Commissioners also asked whether hotels and parcels in the four map areas would be included; staff said the council directive requested blanket elimination of minimums for all uses citywide, which the draft amendment implements.

Unbundling, shared parking and tenant protections: Commissioners sought clarity about unbundling mechanics (separating parking from rent) and whether landlords could rent residential parking to commercial entities. Staff explained that state law permits sharing of underutilized parking between uses and that tenant safeguards — including right of first refusal and rent‑stabilization protections for covered units — remain in effect where they apply. Commissioners repeatedly urged coordination with the Rent Stabilization department to ensure tenants understand changes and to monitor for unintended effects, such as owners charging separate fees for formerly bundled parking.

VMT screening and technical issues: Several commissioners asked about a VMT screening factor (an F value referenced in the staff report) that appeared counterintuitive; staff said the screening approach is taken from state guidance and that an underbuilt site (relative to allowed floor area) can signal potential for trip generation from outside the area and therefore merit additional VMT review.

Accessibility, EV charging and livability: Commissioners also raised whether removing minimums could affect electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and ADA access. Staff replied that projects that provide parking must still meet building‑code requirements for ADA and EV infrastructure, and that the city is pursuing a broader EV charging plan and ongoing ADA compliance work.

The vote and next steps: A motion to approve the staff recommendations was made and seconded; the commission voted 7–0 to approve resolutions 26‑1639 and 26‑1640 and forward them to the City Council for consideration. Staff said there is no appeal process at the planning commission stage; the matter will proceed as part of the council’s administrative record. The planning commission noted the need for monitoring and follow‑up — particularly regarding rent‑stabilized households, seniors and residents with disabilities — and requested that staff include outreach and tracking strategies when the package goes to council.

The Planning Commission adjourned and noted the next scheduled meeting is March 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at West Hollywood Park Council Chambers.