Springdale to study parking standards after staff outlines options, residents urge drop-off zones for outfitters

Town Manager Thomas Dansie briefed the Planning Commission on April 1, 2026 about the origins and critiques of municipal parking minimums and how they may not reflect local demand in a tourist town like Springdale. Dansie noted that Springdale's most recent parking analysis was about a decade old and that staff can explore options to collect current data. He described problems with parking minimums encouraging automobile dependence, underused paved lots during nonpeak times, and environmental effects such as increased stormwater runoff.

Commissioners asked staff whether updating the parking analysis was a priority; Commissioner Terry Kruschke said the town's current requirements "seem reasonable" now but asked staff to present options for a new study. Commissioner Matt Fink, representing Zion National Park on the commission, said visitors frequently press for more parking and "suggested that there will never be enough parking, so it comes down to keeping the integrity and character of the Town and managing the current flow." A written public comment submitted by resident Jonathan Zambella urged the town to reassess the fee parking program, said limited on-street parking in the central commercial zone hampers vendors and service vehicles, and recommended creating a pick-up/drop-off zone with a shade structure near SR-9 at the Cable Mountain Lodge entrance rather than paid parking there. Commissioners asked staff to research data-collection methods and return with options for discussion.