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Council tightens downtown parking rules, approves code amendment 6–1
Summary
An amendment to the land development code will require new downtown uses that need overnight parking (hotels, resorts, similar uses) to meet off-street parking standards; the measure passed 6–1 and aims to close a loophole that previously exempted some hospitality uses.
The Prescott City Council approved ordinance No. 2026-1938 to amend the land development code for the downtown business district, requiring that any new uses that require overnight parking (hotels, resorts and similar uses) comply with off-street parking requirements.
Community planner Tammy DeWitt presented the amendment, explaining that historic protections from 1968 had exempted many hospitality uses from parking requirements but that an earlier temporary comment requiring parking until a garage was built is now obsolete. "Even existing buildings, if they change the use to a use that requires overnight parking, they will have to provide parking," DeWitt said.
Supporters said the amendment protects downtown access and prevents taxpayers from bearing the cost of a new parking garage; critics called it a reaction to prior approvals and questioned its long-term effect given downtown parking deck usage. Council approved the measure 6–1.
The amendment will require future projects in downtown that create overnight lodging to meet the city's off-street parking code; community development staff will implement the change through standard permitting and plan review.
