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Bellaire planners propose parking credits and administrative reductions to spur small‑site redevelopment
Summary
Staff proposed amendments to parking code to allow on‑street, off‑site and shared parking credits, add schools/places of worship to the shared‑parking table, authorize up to 10% administrative reduction, and create limited bicycle and rideshare credits. Council raised concerns about commercial parking on residential lots and the size of bike/ride credits.
Planner Marley Callejos presented proposed amendments to Chapter 24 (Sections 24‑5‑14 and 24‑5‑14a) aimed at reducing minimum parking requirements, encouraging market‑driven redevelopment for small commercial sites, and adding flexibility such as on‑street credits, off‑site (shared) parking, administrative reductions up to 10%, and limited bicycle and rideshare credits.
Callejos said staff would approve most credits administratively and that shared parking could be documented by a written agreement. Councilmembers asked staff to ensure residentially zoned lots would not become de facto commercial parking operations and discussed whether shared‑parking agreements should be limited to certain uses such as restaurants or valets. Councilmember Gordon and others also urged caution on generous credits for bicycle parking (currently proposed up to five spaces) and rideshare spaces; staff said they could reduce the maximum and consider defining rideshare as a loading/drop‑off zone instead of a permanent parking space.
Callejos said the changes are intended as a “menu” of options—staff will work to refine the language before a final vote scheduled for September 21.
