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Commission approves zoning change exempting off‑street parking for much of 6th Street Historic District
Summary
The Emerald Planning and Zoning Commission approved ZT 2,601 to remove most off‑street parking requirements for nonresidential properties along the US Route 66 6th Street Historic District and to set residential parking at one off‑street space per dwelling; staff said the change preserves the corridor’s historic character and aligns rules with existing conditions.
The Emerald Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve ZT 2,601, a zoning text amendment that would exempt most nonresidential properties in the US Route 66 6th Street Historic District from municipal off‑street parking requirements.
A city staff member presenting the item said the amendment would also require residential land uses in the corridor to provide one off‑street parking space per dwelling, a reduction from typical apartment requirements. “We are recommending approval of this code amendment as presented,” the staff member said during the public hearing.
Staff framed the amendment as a way to preserve the district’s historic character — which is a draw for Route 66 tourism — and to correct widespread nonconforming parking status among existing businesses along the corridor. The presentation noted the proposed boundary was adjusted to align with the National Park Service historic designation and extended one block east to allow for a potential future intersection improvement at Georgia Street.
Commissioners asked about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and whether the amendment would affect required accessible spaces. Staff replied that ADA and Texas accessibility standards are enforced through the building safety review and would remain applicable for projects that qualify, and that existing on‑street accessible features and designated ADA spaces would persist under the new code language.
Staff also reported outreach for the proposal: internal development review committees, public works/traffic, TxDOT (which maintains 6th Street) and a merchants group of roughly 50 people were contacted; TxDOT and the merchants’ group did not object. The staff presentation said the corridor is largely built out with on‑street parking as the norm and that comparable Texas cities have adopted similar historic‑district parking rules.
The commission approved the amendment by voice vote; the chair called for ayes and the motion carried. The amendment was presented as a codified policy to set consistent expectations for staff and property owners and to encourage further economic redevelopment in the district.
