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Planning Commission backs looser parking minimums for shopping centers, 1 space per 350 sq ft
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended that City Council introduce an ordinance to add a shopping-center definition and reduce the parking minimum to 1 space per 350 square feet for shopping centers (down from 1 per 250); staff said the change implements sustainability goals and is exempt from CEQA.
The Planning Commission on June 10 voted to recommend that City Council introduce an ordinance that would amend zoning code definitions and off-street parking requirements to set a parking minimum for shopping centers of one space per 350 square feet of gross floor area.
Brianna Alameda, a planner in the Community Economic Development Department, said staff proposes adding a new definition of "shopping center" (three or more consumer-service or retail establishments on single or contiguous parcels with shared parking and access) and changing the parking requirement for those centers from 1 space per 250 sq ft to 1 space per 350 sq ft. "We're proposing an amendment to add a parking requirement of 1 parking space per 350 square feet of gross floor area," Alameda said.
Why staff proposed the change: Alameda said the amendment implements a measure in the city's Sustainability Action Plan and supports City Council strategic priorities to make Tracy more business-friendly for the 2025—2027 period. Staff also told the commission the amendment and specific-plan changes are exempt from CEQA under Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
Applicability to existing centers: Commissioners asked whether the requirement would force existing tenants or businesses to retrofit. Staff and the consultant clarified that existing uses are not required to change; the shopping-center standard applies prospectively to future tenant changes or new shopping-center proposals and would simplify review by setting a single standard for a whole shopping center rather than reviewing each individual tenant's required parking.
Vote and next steps: Commissioner Shrout moved and Chair Penning seconded the recommendation to City Council to waive first reading and introduce the ordinance and specific-plan amendments (Cordes Ranch; I-205 Corridor; Residential Area specific plans). The motion passed on a roll-call vote among members present. The commission's recommendation sends the ordinance to City Council for consideration.
