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Commission recommends reducing multifamily parking minimums for MR‑15, MR‑30 and NMU
Summary
After a staff presentation showing many local multifamily properties already provide one to two spaces per unit, the Plan Commission voted to recommend a zoning text amendment lowering parking requirements in MR‑15, MR‑30 and NMU districts and will forward that recommendation to the common council.
The Monroe Plan Commission voted to recommend that the common council consider a zoning text amendment reducing minimum parking requirements for multifamily developments in MR‑15, MR‑30 and NMU districts.
Shannon, a planner with Vandewell, presented an analysis of existing multifamily parcels and examples showing many older buildings provide about one stall per unit and newer developments operate with two stalls per unit. Shannon noted that the code currently requires a guest parking spot for every three dwelling units and that “the majority of these apartments are not meeting the current code.”
Commissioners asked for examples and operational data. Jeff described two recent projects: Westwind (72 units; roughly two spaces per unit and about 20% vacancy) and Alice Place (a planned development allowed to have 1.5 spaces per unit, with about 30% vacancy), saying those projects were functioning without persistent overflow. Commissioners also raised concerns that lowering minimums can shift parking onto neighborhood streets in older parts of town and that conversions of single‑family houses to multiple units sometimes create concentrated curbside parking.
Commissioner (speaker 8) moved to accept the zoning text amendment reducing parking requirements for MR‑15, MR‑30 and NMU; a colleague seconded the motion. The commission recorded a roll‑call vote in which all present voted aye and the recommendation will be forwarded to the common council for final action.
The amendment package presented to the commission included options and questions staff asked commissioners to consider (unit caps by district, guest‑space requirements and whether to align NMU language with other districts). Staff will provide the council packet and any supplemental materials for the council’s review.
