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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 08/20/2013 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 121, 2013, AMENDINGDATE: August 20, 2013 STAFF: Seth Lorson AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 35 SUBJECT First Reading of Ordinance No. 121, 2013, Amending Section 3.2.2(k) of the Land Use Code Regarding Minimum Parking Requirements in the Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Zone District. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to propose minimum parking requirements for multi-family dwellings in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone. At the July 9, 2013 Joint Work Session of City Council and Planning and Zoning Board, direction was given to implement interim minimum parking requirements for multi-family dwellings in the TOD Overlay Zone, while maintaining that the long-term vision for the TOD should stay intact. At the August 8, 2013 Planning and Zoning Board Hearing, the Board recommended revising the Land Use Code (LUC) to require minimum ratio of 60% - 70% parking spaces to the proposed number of bedrooms, a provision to meet the standard through alternative compliance, and a one year sunset in which time a TOD Parking Plan will be created. Accordingly, the City Council will need to select the ratio and fill in the blank on page 2 of the Ordinance. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff is recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION In 2006, the TOD Overlay Zone was added to the City of Fort Collins LUC, creating the map and the removal of minimum parking requirements to encourage a more urban form of development and allow market conditions to provide adequate parking. It was further amended in 2007 addressing mixed-use and pedestrian-oriented design. Attached to this AIS (with the P&Z staff report) is a TOD memorandum dated May 10, 2013 that provides an in depth discussion of the TOD formation and parking analysis. Problem Statement The vision expressed in City Plan and implemented in the Land Use Code (LUC) is for concentrated higher density housing and mixed-use development supported by investment in infrastructure including high-frequency transit, streetscape and urban design improvements, and pedestrian and bicycling facilities. The removal of minimum parking requirements for multi-family development within the TOD Overlay Zone is premised upon the full implementation of these infrastructure investments. While progress is being made on those investments, the full system is not yet in place. In the meantime, the limited parking for multi-family development, combined with commuter traffic, could cause spillover parking into existing neighborhoods. To reduce the impacts from spillover on neighborhood on-street parking, address the demand for parking capacity, and reduce parking demand, the following strategies could be implemented: Parking Capacity • Require minimum parking requirements in the TOD Overlay Zone. (Proposed with this agenda item) • Require a Parking Analysis to determine parking demand as identified in the Parking Plan. (Proposed with this agenda item, to be expanded with consultant input) • Create a parking district that would facilitate the creation of parking infrastructure as recommended in the Midtown Plan. (Could be included with parking fee discussion) • Require off-site parking storage. (Proposed as possible mitigation per alternative compliance) • Create a parking impact fee or parking fee-in-lieu as identified in the Parking Plan. (To be discussed at November 26 Work Session) August 20, 2013 -2- ITEM 35 Spillover Parking • Create a Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP). (Ordinance No.102, 2013 was adopted by City Council on First Reading on July 16, 2013 and is considered on Second Reading on August 20) • Impose time limits for parking on public streets in affected areas as identified in the Parking Plan and already implemented in the Mantz Neighborhood. Parking Demand • Require mitigation measures to reduce parking demand (e.g., require purchase of bus passes, enhanced bike facilities, implement car share and bike share programs). (Proposed with this agenda item) • Implement high-frequency transit. (In process) • Support TOD with mixed-use development including residential, employment, and commercial services. (Being discussed in Midtown Plan) Land Use Code Staff analyzed eleven multi-family development projects in the TOD Overlay Zone (see attached) and found that, on average, they provided a ratio of 57% parking spaces to bedrooms. If these same projects were to be developed outside the TOD Overlay Zone, subject to existing minimum parking requirements, they would have been required to provide an average ratio of 89% parking spaces to bedrooms. Staff averaged these two numbers, representing the current market ratio being proposed with development and the Land Use Code’s minimum requirement for multi-family dwellings, which resulted in ratio of 73% parking spaces to bedrooms. Thus, staff recommended to the Planning and Zoning Board (P&Z) a ratio of 70% parking spaces to bedrooms. Subsequent to publishing the P&Z staff report, additional analysis has been done on the same projects in the TOD Overlay Zone with outlier percentages removed in an attempt to get a better indication of what the market is providing (see attached spreadsheet). With the outliers removed (The Summit [32.1%], Ram’s Crossing K2 [33.6%], and Penny Flats [92.9%]), the average ratio is 58.5% parking spaces to bedrooms. This ratio was considered by the P&Z Board and they recommended a ratio of 60% - 70% parking spaces to bedrooms. The proposed alternative compliance section is premised on promoting the goals of the TOD Overlay Zone - such as concentrated higher density residential development, high-frequency transit, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities - without compromising compatibility with existing neighborhoods in terms of excessive spillover parking. In order to request alternative compliance, a Parking Analysis is required to be submitted that will provide an in-depth analysis of parking demands created by the proposed development and mitigation measures taken to reduce demands for on-site parking. The Parking Analysis criteria are a result of preliminary implementation work done by staff for the Fort Collins Parking Plan: Downtown and Surrounding Neighborhoods. However, these proposed criteria are a temporary solution to expire in one year. In which time we plan to procure an expert consultant to expand the Parking Plan to the TOD Overlay to create a comprehensive approach to parking requirements. Staff has received a proposal from Kimley-Horn and Associates to develop this plan. Parking Plan Action Item #7 of the Parking Plan, adopted by Council on January 15, 2013, calls for an amendment to the requirements for Transportation Impact Studies (TIS) to require that TISs for development proposals include an assessment of parking impacts in Fort Collins. Policy 6.4 – Review of New Development Parking Impacts New development will be systematically evaluated for its impact on Downtown parking within a Transportation Impact Study. The evaluation will include information about expected parking generation for new uses, parking created or lost, demand reduction measures, impacts to public parking, anticipated impacts to public parking, anticipated spillover effects, and any other information relevant to changes in parking demand and supply. Parking Fee Discussion • Planning Development and Transportation (PDT) and Finance staff have been evaluating the potential of creating a parking impact fee that would off-set impact created by utilization of public parking; and/or creating August 20, 2013 -3- ITEM 35 a parking fee-in-lieu as a mechanism to permit lowered parking ratios that would pay into facilities that absorb some of the parking demand generated by a development. The parking fee discussion is tentatively scheduled for Council Finance Committee on October 21, 2013 and Council Work Session on November 26, 2013. FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS The TOD Overlay Zone has not had minimum parking requirements since 2006. The removal of minimum parking requirements was implemented, in part, to incentivize infill and redevelopment in challenging locations and conditions. This incentive may be reduced with this proposal to require minimum parking. Additional analysis of financial and economic impacts is expected with the forthcoming parking plan/study. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Planning and Zoning Board Recommendation #1: At the August 8, 2013 Planning and Zoning Board Hearing, the Board voted 4 – 2 to recommend approval of an ordinance requiring a minimum ratio of 60% – 70% parking spaces to bedrooms for multi-family housing in the TOD Overlay Zone. The Board was divided on whether 60% or 70% was an appropriate minimum ratio, thus the recommendation of a range with a final ratio to be decided by City Council. During deliberation two board members felt both ratios were too high and other members felt it was too low. However, the Board did recommend approval of the alternative compliance element and the one year sunset clause in the ordinance. Recommendation #2: Additionally, the Board recommended funding for a comprehensive study/plan and public outreach for overall parking issues affecting the TOD Overlay Zone to be completed within the next year before the ordinance expires. It recommended that a high priority be placed on this study/plan worthy of “emergency funding” that would develop necessary tools to address parking issues and also restate the benefits of transit-oriented development. Discussion: The Board debated various perspectives expressing concern about neighborhood character and upholding the vision for transit-oriented development and infill in City Plan. Some Boardmembers felt that the lack of parking minimums may work in communities that already have fully operational public transit systems, but the MAX has not yet started operating so Fort Collins still needs parking minimums. They also felt that people will still have vehicles regardless of whether they will use them on a daily basis and therefore there will still be a need for auto storage. Other Boardmembers felt that the role of the Board is to implement City Plan which calls for a compact, transit-oriented community core; and that implementation of a 70% parking ratio is moving in the opposite direction from this vision. And, if this is the direction we are going to go, it should be a comprehensive plan conversation. The Board further discussed how to get developers to start thinking creatively to solve parking problems that does not involve excessive spillover or expansive surface parking. The Board agreed that the city is in a time of growth in which urban growth is struggling with neighborhood character. And, it is challenging to know which comes first: higher density or the high frequency transit system to serve it. Because conversely, the high frequency transit system needs the high density residential to be successful. Thus, the Board agreed that a comprehensive study of parking issues and tools needs to be prioritized in order to protect neighborhoods and realize the city’s vision for the future. Parking Advisory Board The Parking Advisory Board has been established, but its members will be appointed on August 20, 2013, and therefore, has not had an opportunity to review the proposal. August 20, 2013 -4- ITEM 35 ATTACHMENTS 1. Planning and Zoning Board Staff Report and Attachments 2. Analysis of Parking in the TOD Overlay 3. Planning and Zoning Board minutes, August 8, 2013 4. Powerpoint Presentation 1 PROJECT: Parking Minimums in the TOD Overlay Zone APPLICANT: City of Fort Collins PROJECT DESCRIPTION: At the July 9 Joint Work Session of City Council and Planning and Zoning Board, the lack of a minimum parking requirement for multi-family development in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone was identified as an issue. More specifically, they discussed whether the standards in the Land Use Code (LUC) are providing adequate capacity for the parking demand being generated by multi-family development and how it relates to the City’s vision for the TOD Overlay Zone and the Mason Corridor. The discussion formulated direction to implement minimum parking requirements for the TOD Overlay Zone but maintained that the vision for the TOD should stay intact. Staff is recommending revising the LUC to require minimum ratio of 70% parking spaces to the proposed number of bedrooms and a provision to meet the standard through alternative compliance. RECOMMENDATION: Approval BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION: Problem Statement The vision expressed in City Plan and implemented in the Land Use Code (LUC) is for concentrated higher density housing and mixed-use development supported by investment in infrastructure including high-frequency transit, streetscape and urban design improvements, and pedestrian and bicycling facilities. The removal of minimum parking requirements for multi-family development within the TOD Overlay Zone is premised upon the full implementation of these infrastructure investments. While progress is being made on those investments, the full system is not yet in place. In the meantime, the limited parking for multi-family development, combined with commuter traffic, could cause spillover parking into existing neighborhoods. To reduce the impacts from spillover on neighborhood on-street parking, address the demand for parking capacity, and reduce parking demand, the following strategies could be implemented: Parking Capacity Planning, Development and Transportation Services Current Planning 281 North College Ave. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 970.221.6750 970.224.6134 - fax fcgov.com/currentplanning ATTACHMENT 1 2 • Require minimum parking requirements in the TOD Overlay Zone. (Proposed with this report) • Require a Parking Analysis to determine parking demand as identified in the Parking Plan. (Proposed with this report, to be expanded with consultant input) • Create a parking district that would facilitate the creation of parking infrastructure as recommended in the Midtown Plan. (Could be included with parking fee discussion) • Require off-site parking storage. (Proposed as possible mitigation) • Create a parking impact fee or parking fee-in-lieu as identified in the Parking Plan. (To be discussed at November 26 Work Session) Spillover Parking • Create a Residential Parking Permit Program (RPPP). (Ordinance adopted by City Council on first reading at July 16, 2013 hearing) • Impose time limits for parking on public streets in affected areas as identified in the Parking Plan and already implemented in the Mantz Neighborhood. Parking Demand • Require mitigation measures to reduce parking demand (e.g., require purchase of bus passes, enhanced bike facilities, implement car share and bike share programs). (Proposed with this report) • Implement high-frequency transit. (In process) • Support TOD with mixed-use development including residential, employment, and commercial services. (Being discussed in Midtown Plan) Land Use Code Staff analyzed eleven multi-family development projects in the TOD Overlay Zone (see attached) and found that, on average, they provided a ratio of 57% parking spaces to bedrooms. If these same projects were to be developed outside the TOD Overlay Zone, subject to existing minimum parking requirements, they would have been required to provide an average ratio of 89% parking spaces to bedrooms. Staff averaged these two numbers, representing the current market ratio being proposed with development and the Land Use Code’s minimum requirement for multi-family dwellings, which resulted in ratio of 73% parking spaces to bedrooms. Thus, staff is recommending a ratio of 70% parking spaces to bedrooms. The proposed alternative compliance section is premised on promoting the goals of the TOD Overlay Zone - such as concentrated higher density residential development, high- frequency transit, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle facilities - without compromising compatibility with existing neighborhoods in terms of excessive spillover parking. In order to request alternative compliance, a Parking Analysis is required to be submitted that will provide an in-depth analysis of parking demands created by the proposed development and mitigation measures taken to reduce demands for on-site parking. The Parking Analysis criteria are a result of preliminary implementation work done by staff for the Fort Collins Parking Plan. However, these proposed criteria are a temporary solution until we can procure an expert consultant to assist in writing the full criteria that will amend the chapter 3 4 of the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS) to include a Parking Analysis within the requirements for a Transportation Impact Study (TIS). Staff has received a proposal from Kimley-Horn and Associates to develop these criteria. LUC Amendment Section 3.2.2 (K) Parking Lots - Required Number of Off-Street Spaces for Type of Use. (1) Residential and Institutional Parking Requirements. Residential and institutional uses shall provide a minimum number of parking spaces as defined by the standards below. (a) Attached Dwellings: For each two-family and multi-family dwelling there shall be parking spaces provided as indicated by the following table: Number of Bedrooms/Dwelling Unit Parking Spaces Per Dwelling Unit* One or less 1.5 Two 1.75 Three 2.0 Four and above 3.0 * Spaces that are located in detached residential garages (but not including parking structures) or in attached residential garages, which attached garages do not provide direct entry into an individual dwelling unit, may be credited toward the minimum requirements contained herein only if such spaces are made available to dwelling unit occupants at no additional rental or purchase cost (beyond the dwelling unit rental rate or purchase price). 1. Multi-family dwellings and mixed-use dwellings within the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone shall have no minimum parking requirements provide a minimum number of parking spaces in an amount equal to or greater than 70% of the number of proposed bedrooms in the development. 2. Alternative Compliance. Upon written request by the applicant, the decision maker may approve an alternative parking ratio, other than the minimum required in the TOD Overlay Zone per Section 3.2.2(K)(1)(a)(1), that may be substituted in whole or in part for a ratio meeting the standards of this Section. (a) Procedure. Alternative compliance parking ratio plans shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the submittal requirements for plans as set forth in this Section. The request for alternative compliance must be accompanied by a Parking Analysis. (b) Parking Analysis. A Parking Analysis shall consist of the following: 4 (1) Data related to expected parking demand based on project size, location, employees, units, and/or bedrooms. To the extent reasonably feasible, comparable local and regional parking demand rates for similar uses shall be utilized together with the average demand rates for similar facilities compiled by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). (2) Data related to estimated non-vehicular mode usage shall be determined based on Transportation Impact Study analysis. (3) Parking mitigation measures beyond non-vehicular mode usage and support shall be identified and included in the analysis. Specific measures to reduce on-site parking demand may include, but are not limited to: a. Shared parking. b. Off-site parking. c. Parking pricing. d. Transit pass program. e. Unbundling the leasing cost of parking spaces from residential units for both enclosed and surface parking. f. Flexible work hours and telecommuting. g. Rideshare, guaranteed ride home programs, car sharing, shuttle services. h. Enhancements that encourage bicycle and pedestrian mobility. i. Other verifiable parking demand reduction measures. (4) The number and location of parking spaces proposed to be removed as part of the project, if any, shall be identified. (5) Assignment of parking demand to proposed parking locations; surplus/deficit shall be identified. (c) Review Criteria. To approve an alternative plan, the decision maker must first find that the proposed alternative plan accomplishes the purposes of this Section and the TOD Overlay Zone (3.10) equally well or better than would a plan which complies with the standards of these Sections. In reviewing the request for an alternative parking ratio plan in order to determine whether it accomplishes the purposes of this Section, the decision maker shall take into account the objective and verifiable results of the Parking Analysis together with the proposed plan’s compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods in terms of potential spillover parking.* *This language has not had a final review by Legal Staff and therefore is subject to change. Parking Plan The Parking Plan, adopted by Council on January 15, 2013, action item #7 calls for an amendment to the requirements for Transportation Impact Studies (TIS) to require that TISs for development proposals include an assessment of parking impacts in Fort Collins. 5 Policy 6.4 – Review of New Development Parking Impacts New development will be systematically evaluated for its impact on Downtown parking within a Transportation Impact Study. The evaluation will include information about expected parking generation for new uses, parking created or lost, demand reduction measures, impacts to public parking, anticipated impacts to public parking, anticipated spillover effects, and any other information relevant to changes in parking demand and supply. Parking Fee Discussion Planning Development and Transportation (PDT) and Finance staff have been discussing the potential of creating a parking impact fee that would off-set impact created by utilization of public parking; and/or creating a parking fee-in-lieu as a mechanism to permit lowered parking ratios that would pay into facilities that absorb some of the parking demand generated by a development. The parking fee discussion is scheduled for Council Fee Committee on October 21, 2013 and Council Work Session on November 26, 2013. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Ordinance (Forthcoming) 2. TOD Project Analysis Spreadsheet 3. TOD Parking Study, May 10, 2013 Projects in the TOD Overlay Zone Bedrooms Parking Provided Ratio of Parking Spaces to Bedrooms Parking Required If Outside TOD Ratio of Parking Spaces to Bedrooms Willow Street Lofts 46 36 78.3% 42 91% Flats at the Oval 98 57 58.2% 83 85% Penny Flats 280 260 92.9% 255 91% Pura Vida Place 100 49 49.0% 90 90% 318 W Myrtle 17 8 47.1% 13 76% Sherwood Forts 9 5 55.6% 6 67% Ram's Crossing K2 140 47 33.6% 191 136% The Summit (Choice Center)* 676 217 32.1% 471 70% Legacy Senior Apts* 112 52 46.4% 118 105% District at Campus West* 658 461 70.1% 431 66% Carriage House Apts* 89 58 65.2% 94 106% Average 57.1% Average 89% *under construction Parking Analysis of Projects in the Transit‐Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone Average of Ratio of Parking Provided, and Ratio of Parking Required if Outside the TOD 73.2% Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study P&Z Board Work Session Discussion Paper May 10, 2013 I. Purpose of the Discussion Planning and Zoning Board members requested a Work Session discussion of the parking impacts of multi-family projects within the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone - TOD is characterized by higher-density mixed-use development within walking distance of a transit station supported by features to enhance transit ridership and walkability. This paper provides background and information of the creation of the TOD and preliminary research on parking impacts of TOD projects and research from other communities. The intent is to facilitate a Board discussion and to gain an understanding of the Board’s concerns. II. Overview and Summary  The vision supporting TOD is articulated in City Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, Mason Street Transportation Corridor Master Plan, and other related plans. An element of the community vision speaks to inward revitalization supported by a robust transit network.  The implementation of TOD is still in its infancy. Many of the critical TOD components, particularly a high-frequency transit network, are not yet in place. As a result, Fort Collins does not yet have significant experience with fully-implemented TOD projects sufficient to fully gauge benefits and impacts.  P&Z and City Council created compatibility standards allowing the decision maker to require additional parking, and in the fall of 2012 re-confirmed the suitability of the TOD boundary.  The parking inventory and utilization survey shows that the area north of Laurel Street is heavily utilized at all times of the day. Other areas have lower parking utilization and on- street parking capacity is not currently an issue.  There are broader issues of parking around CSU linked to commuter travel related but separate from multi-family parking demands. North of Laurel Street, parking by commuters exacerbates an already tight parking supply. Several possible solutions to parking issues are identified in the Parking Plan. III. Summary of Transit Oriented Development Overlay District Standards The Land Use Code contains three elements directly referencing Transit Oriented Development: Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 2 1. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone definition (Definitions 5.1.2, Article 5 page 45) represented by a map (see Attachment 1). The map includes Downtown, an area surrounding the CSU Main Campus, and south along College Avenue to Fossil Creek Parkway. 2. Parking Compatibility (Section 3.5.1(J) page 92): This section allows additional parking to be required by the decision maker to ensure compatibility with existing neighborhoods. 3. Development Standards for the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone (Division 3.10, Article 3 page 195): Applies to development within the TOD Overlay Zone south of Prospect. These standards encourage land uses, densities, and design that support attractive public spaces, transit and other alternative transportation. 4. Parking Lots – Required Number of Off-Street Spaces for Type of Use (Section 3.2.2(K)(1)(a)(1), Article 3 page 30): Multi-family dwellings and mixed-use dwellings within the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone shall have no minimum parking requirements. IV. Background City Plan Vision and Policies Related to TOD City Plan Vision Statement (in part): In Fort Collins, development and growth are focused within the community’s designated Growth Management Area in order to protect sensitive natural resources and the regional landscape setting, encourage infill and redevelopment (inward revitalization), and make the most efficient use of public infrastructure. By increasing the overall average density of the city, the community’s neighborhoods will foster efficient land use, support a mix of housing types, increase efficiency of public utilities, streets, facilities, and services, and accommodate multiple modes of travel (including vehicle, bus, bike, and walking)… While earlier versions of City Plan focused largely on new development, the 2010 City Plan continues to shift the focus toward redevelopment and infill development. These activities are increasing as the remaining vacant lands within the community’s Growth Management Area build out. The Targeted Redevelopment Areas Map identifies possible locations for future infill and redevelopment activities. Many of the Targeted Redevelopment Areas are designated as activity centers or areas where higher intensity development is encouraged and expected to occur to support existing and future transit. Specific City Plan Policies:  Policy LIV 5.1 – Encourage Targeted Redevelopment and Infill  Policy LIV 5.2 – Target Public Investment along the Community Spine  Policy EH 4.2 – Reduce Barriers to Infill Development and Redevelopment  Policy LIV 30.6 – Reduce Land Devoted to Surface Parking Lots To support transit use and a more pedestrian-friendly environment, reduce land devoted to surface parking lots as infill and redevelopment occur. Adhere to maximum parking ratios for commercial uses and reduce or eliminate minimum parking requirements for transit- supportive uses. Encourage alternatives such as structured parking, angled or parallel on- street parking, shared parking, and others as appropriate.  Policy T 3.3 – Transit Supportive Design Implement and integrate Transit Supportive Design strategies with respect to new and infill development opportunities along Enhanced Travel Corridors. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 3 Transportation Master Plan Policies:  Transportation policies are same as those contained within City Plan. Mason Street Transportation Corridor Master Plan (2000) Next Steps - Regulatory actions:  Establish Enhanced Development Areas, possibly through creation of an overlay zone.  Reduce residential parking requirements in development areas proximate to transit stops/stations.  Encourage more residential development in the corridor.  Modify development code to incorporate requirements for community amenities.  Streamline City development process.  Increase signage allowance on rear of buildings. Formation and Approval of the TOD Overlay Zone The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) overlay zone was added to the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code in 2006 and further amended in 2007. The TOD zone addresses land use, density, height and compatibility for a specific geographic zone, as shown in Attachment 1. TOD Overlay Zone: Map, Definition, Parking, and Compatibility (Ordinance No. 192, 2006) Hearing Dates: 11/16/06 – P&Z 12/5/06 – CC 1st Reading 12/19/06 – CC 2nd Reading Staff Presentation Topics:  Incentivize redevelopment in proximity to high activity centers and alternative transportation.  Identified in City Plan as targeted infill and redevelopment areas.  Financial challenges and physical site constraints make providing minimum parking difficult.  Existing parking minimums are closer related to green-field as opposed to redevelopment standards. Parking is expected to be required but as a function of market conditions.  The city could receive an FTA grant for the Mason Corridor and MAX if it shows a true commitment to multi-modal development and transit-oriented design. P&Z Discussion – November 16, 2006: Approved 6 - 0  There were no members of the public present to comment on the creation of the TOD Overlay.  One board member felt the boundary went too far to the west, while another board member felt it didn’t go far enough. The justification was that the transit line through Campus West is well traveled.  The Chair asked what research supports eliminating parking instead of reducing minimums. Staff worked with developers and implemented a code revision allowing additional parking to be required in the compatibility section (3.5.1). Also, an FTA grant for the MAX requires commitment to TOD and reducing vehicle miles traveled. The community has been working toward this for a long time and is ready to take the bold next step that is supported by policies for infill and redevelopment within our fixed Growth Management Area (GMA). Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 4  The Chair questioned zero parking in the Myrtle/Meldrum area and discussed the need to utilize the neighborhood compatibility criteria (permitting the decision-maker to require additional parking) and ensured staff was willing to do that.  Is there multi-family zoning adjacent to the TOD boundary where one side will have parking and the other (TOD) will not? Staff has adjusted the boundary accordingly to avoid such a conflict. City Council Discussion 1st Reading – December 5, 2006: Approved 5 – 2  No discussion occurred regarding the TOD Overlay Zone. Other LUC topics were discussed with this ordinance that lead to a split vote. City Council Discussion 2nd Reading – December 19, 2006: Approved 5 – 2  No discussion occurred regarding the TOD Overlay Zone. Other LUC topics were discussed with this ordinance that lead to a split vote. TOD Overlay Zone: Development Standards (Ordinance No. 078, 2007) Hearing Dates: 5/17/07 – P&Z 6/5/07 – CC 1st Reading 6/19/07 – CC 2nd Reading Staff Presentation Topics:  Development pattern supports compact urban growth, infill, redevelopment, and multi- modal transportation.  It is primarily a commercial area.  Remove “greenfield-type” standards from TOD Overlay.  Federal grant application with the FTA.  Ingredients for successful transit-oriented development (which can also be thought of for successful MAX) o Compact development (density) o High-quality, active, and safe streetscapes o Diversity of uses (especially mixed-use buildings) o District orientation o Civic spaces  Performance based incentives for community objectives o Compact development aimed at residential and employment o Affordable housing (height incentives) o Structured parking (height incentives) o Compatibility with neighborhoods  Encourage pedestrian-orientation without compromising the commercial nature of the area and not try to “re-create” downtown.  Public outreach with various community, civic, and business groups informed the proposed ordinance. P&Z Discussion – May 17, 2007: Approved 7 - 0  The chair asked about parking structure standards, transparency requirements, and the material and colors section. City Council Discussion 1st Reading – June 5, 2007: Approved 7 – 0 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 5  A councilmember asked why changing parking standards for mixed-use dwellings is a good idea.  A councilmember asked why parking on the side of building would not be allowed. o He requested that staff address this in writing on second reading. City Council Discussion 2nd Reading – June 19, 2007: Approved 7 – 0 (Consent)  Written response: The intent was to eliminate “greenfield-based” parking requirements for multi-family and mixed-use is essentially multi-family with ground level commercial.  Written response: Another councilmember had suggested disallowing side parking and staff agreed in light of Council’s direction to aim for very high level of quality. Recent discussions regarding TOD Overlay Zone P&Z Discussion – September 20, 2012  A board member questioned the boundary west of the Mason Corridor. Staff responded that it contains the most high performing transit lines in the city and thus was included in the TOD.  The board consensus was that no adjustment to the boundary is warranted. City Council Work Session – October 9, 2012  Council determined to leave the TOD boundary in its current location by reasoning that it has only been established since 2007, the transit system is not yet fully built (notably the MAX), and large scale developments within the district are too new to understand the impacts. Parking Requirements Rationale The intent of the parking provision was to remove minimum parking requirements as a barrier to proposed projects in the TOD, and to reflect the fact that enhanced travel options were available or planned for those areas such as high frequency transit, and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The removal of minimum parking requirements was not meant to remove the entire obligation for development-related parking. Instead, the provision was intended to recognize that the need for parking should be a market-based decision based on specific project needs, the surrounding context, and available travel options and facilities. The alternate situation is one where the City mandates parking minimums. The purpose of parking minimums is to reduce the likelihood of spillover parking into residential areas. However, because minimums are a “one-size-fits-all” approach, they may or may not address the specific needs of the project, and thus could add unnecessary project costs. This may result in excessive parking and possibly prevent some projects from moving forward. Excessive parking increases auto dependency, reduces the ability to support travel options, increases stormwater, contributes to air quality issues, and other problems (for a complete Triple Bottom Line analysis of the impacts of minimum parking requirements, see the Parking Plan pages 25- 26 and 34-35). While there is no firm evidence that the TOD parking requirements are resulting in spillover parking issues, the City Council recently gave the authorization to move forward on a Neighborhood Permit Program that could address residential spillover parking issues. In addition, Council approved the Parking Plan: Downtown and Surrounding Neighborhoods that Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 6 contains a policy requiring parking impact studies which would identify any parking impacts generated by new development. Inter-Related Strategies and Programs that Support TOD Transit Oriented Development is characterized by higher-density mixed-use development within walking distance of a transit station supported by features to enhance transit ridership and walkability. The purpose of Table 1 is to show that the City is implementing a broad array of TOD tools in addition to the parking requirements. These strategies are both inter-related and synergistic. Table 1. TOD Tools TOD Tool Description/Notes Source MAX High Frequency Bus Rapid Transit Service 10 minute bus service from the South Transit Station to Downtown Mason St Corridor Master Plan TOD Overlay Zone Standards standards encourage land uses, densities, and design that support attractive public spaces, transit and other alternative transportation Land Use Code Bicycle Parking Requirements bicycle parking minimums for enclosed and fixed racks Land Use Code Neighborhood permit program addresses spillover parking in neighborhoods Parking Plan Parking impact study new development will be evaluated for parking needs and impacts Parking Plan Improved transit service full grid transit network and increased service frequencies Transit Strategic Operating Plan Financial incentives tax increment financing assistance Midtown Urban Renewal Plan In addition, consultants for the draft Midtown Urban Design Plan are currently recommending additional strategies for implementation of the TOD dealing with: 1. Streetscape and intersection improvements 2. Gateways, urban design elements, and design guidelines 3. Pedestrian promenade along the MAX line 4. Parking strategies:  Parking district for parking management and oversight and could be linked to financing.  Maximum parking ratios for residential developments.  Unbundled parking from housing costs where costs for parking are separated from the cost for housing.  Preferential parking for carpools/vanpools, car share programs and electric vehicles.  Provide transit passes for residents and employees. V. Fort Collins TOD Data Existing TOD Projects Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 7 Attachment 2 shows all projects containing multi-family units that are under review, approved, under construction, or have been built in the TOD since 1998, and the proximity of these projects to transit service. Since adoption of the TOD overlay zone in 2007 there have been nine residential projects completed or under construction within the TOD overlay zone (see Table 2). Each of these projects included automobile parking, although no minimum parking was required. On average they provided about 31% less parking than would have been required without the TOD exemption. The range of difference from what would otherwise have been required was between +2% and -56%. Table 2. Parking Analysis of Significant Residential TOD Projects Project Name Bedrooms Parking Provided Required If Outside TOD Difference Percent Difference Willow Street Lofts 46 36 42 ‐6 ‐13% Flats at the Oval 98 57 83 ‐26 ‐32% Penny Flats 280 260 255 5 2% Pura Vida Place 100 49 90 ‐41 ‐46% 318 W Myrtle 17 8 13 ‐5 ‐38% Sherwood Forts 9 5 6 ‐1 ‐17% Ram's Crossing K2 58 47 67 ‐20 ‐30% The Summit (Choice Center)* 676 217 471 ‐254 ‐54% Legacy Senior Apts* 112 52 118 ‐66 ‐56% Average ‐46 ‐31% * Under construction In addition to project data, staff interviewed several of the managers of the projects listed in Table 2 to better understand the parking situation: A. Flats at the Oval:  Estimated percentage of residents with cars: 75%  Parking spaces lease for: $50/mo. (uncovered), $100/mo. (covered), $100/mo. (for a rented garage space in alley)  Have parking for just under 60% of bedrooms (including 5 off-site spaces Flats at the Oval is renting), but could use a lot more. Waiting list for parking spaces this year.  Occupants without leased spaces park on streets in area; typically Meldrum and Howes. B. Pura Vida Place:  Estimated percentage of residents with cars: 80%  Parking spaces lease for $50/mo. Waiting list for parking spaces this year  75% of spaces are leased for next year (lower % of apartments are leased)  Occupants without leased spaces park on streets in area C. Mason Street Flats (part of Penny Flats owned by Brinkman; north of corner Penny Flats building):  24 parking spaces underground  On-street parking is more limited in this area than at Flats at the Oval Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 8 D. The Summit (multi-family portion of Choice Center):  Parking spaces lease for $35/mo. – will have a hanging tag  170 spaces are available to residents to lease (there is other parking that may be available to tenants – up to 217 spaces). It is unknown how parking allocated for retail uses will be restricted. Parking Utilization Parking utilization surveys are a common way to understand parking patterns at different times of the day. In neighborhoods having parking concerns, they provide parking data on the blocks and identify times that are under- or over-utilized. For this study, parking was inventoried and counts gathered around five projects inside the TOD. These areas are where multi-family projects are in close proximity to single family neighborhoods, and included the following:  Big Horn Village II (Springfield/City Park)  Clock Tower Lofts (Birch west of Shields)  Flats at the Oval (Laurel/Howes)  Pura Vida Place (Laurel/Sherwood)  The Summit* (College/Stuart)  Viale Collegio (College/Laurel) ______________________________ * Under construction, parking survey provided for future comparison A count was conducted from 6 – 7 a.m. representing a time when most residents are still at home, and 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. representing a time when commuters to CSU park on the street. The area for the on-street parking counts was a two-block walking area around each projects. Table 3 shows the utilization of off-street parking at the five existing projects. Table 3. Off-Site Parking Utilization Project Parking Capacity Utilization TH 6:00 ‐ 7:00 am TH 2:20 ‐ 3:30 pm Big Horn Village II 110 70% 85% Clock Tower Lofts 48 90% 63% Flats at the Oval* 57 88% 70% Pura Vida Place* 49 98% 92% Viale Collegio 25 52% 92% *TOD Parking Requirements Off-street parking utilization for the five existing projects ranges from 52% (Viale Collegio) to 98% (Pura Vida Place) at 6 a.m. However, since some of the parking inventory included handicapped spaces, and possibly reserved for commercial uses (especially for Viale Collegio), staff estimates that the likely utilization is closer to 100% for most projects at 6 a.m. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 9 Table 4 shows the on-street parking utilization of areas around the six subject sites for the two time periods. Table 4. On-Street Parking Utilization Summary on Streets Surrounding Projects Project Area On‐Street Parking Capacity TH 6:00 ‐ 7:00 a.m. TH 2:30 ‐ 3:30 p.m. Count Utilization Count Utilization Big Horn Village II 413 148 36% 175 42% Clock Tower Lofts 476 161 34% 145 30% Flats at the Oval 311 212 68% 258 83% Pura Vida Place 351 212 60% 326 93% The Summit 277 70 25% 63 23% Viale Collegio 471 219 46% 255 54% The area of greatest parking utilization is north of Laurel Street around Flats at the Oval and Pura Vida Place. Unlike other areas that typically have driveways and garages for single family dwellings, this area has very limited off-street parking for all types of residential units. These experience high occupancies at all times of the day, and particularly at 2:30 p.m. One obvious reason for the high occupancies in this area is the close proximity to primary campus destinations like the Lory Student Center. The other areas experience much lower utilization rates of between 23 – 54%. For maps of overall parking utilization and detail for specific block faces, refer to the maps contained in Attachments 3-5. VI. Literature/Research on TOD Parking Needs TOD Principles Achievement of successful Transit Oriented Development depends upon public-private partnerships based on interrelated and interdependent actions. Kimley-Horn and Associates summarized the elements needed for an effective TOD strategy (see Attachment 6) as follows:  Land Use and Development: Concentrate a mix of complementary, well-integrated land uses within walking distance of the transit station.  Provide a Mixture of Complementary Transit-Supportive Uses  Increase Land Use Intensity  Mobility Management: Enhance the existing transportation network to promote good walking, bicycle, parking and transit connections.  Provide an Extensive Pedestrian & Bicycle System  Design a Multi-Modal Street Network  Implement Parking & Transportation Demand Management Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 10  Community Design: Use urban design to enhance the community identity of station areas and to make them attractive, safe and convenient places.  Provide Pedestrian-Friendly Building & Site Design  Design the Streetscape to Encourage Pedestrian Activity  Establish Open Space Around Transit Stations and Centers of Activity  A sufficient density of housing and employment is critical to supporting high-frequency transit service like the MAX system. Studies show that the minimum overall residential density threshold is approximately 15 dwelling units per acre along transit routes. They also show that the minimum employment density threshold is approximately 25 jobs per acre. These levels of densities do not currently exist anywhere within the TOD or along the MAX line. Many communities with TOD regulations require minimum residential and non-residential densities for development projects near TOD station areas. Vehicle Ownership and Storage  Vehicle ownership by students living in off-campus housing in Fort Collins appears to be around 75 – 80% based on the off-campus housing survey and interviews of housing managers.  A Pew Research Study (February 21, 2013) found that after the recession, the percentage of young adults (younger than 35) owning a vehicle dropped from 73% in 2007 to 66% in 2011 (www.pewsocialtrends.org/2013/02/21/young-adults-after-the- recession-fewer-homes-fewer-cars-less-debt/).  Studies have shown a lower percentage of vehicle ownership for residents of TOD. TOD households typically own fewer cars because they have smaller households, and because they may forego extra cars due to transit’s proximity. TOD households are almost twice as likely to not own any car, and own almost half the number of cars of other households.  A study based on Census data found that TOD households own an average of 0.9 cars compared to 1.6 cars for comparable households not living in TODs. TOD households were almost twice as likely to not own a car (18.5% versus 10.7%). While about 66% of non-TOD households own two or more cars, only about 40% of TOD households own as many cars. In TODs, about 63% of households own fewer than two cars, compared to 45% for other households.  Studies and surveys of developers and transit agencies show that proximity to Bus Rapid Transit had at least some positive impact on reducing parking demand.  A survey of households living in TOD projects in Portland found that 28% do not own or lease a car, and that there were between .5 and 1.2 average cars per unit.  From a survey of residents of TOD projects, most people are reluctant to get rid of their vehicles. For those who would consider a car-free life, the most important amenities include: o Easy access to transit and services such as stores and restaurants o Transit that travels to my place of work/school o More car-sharing options o Affordable, high quality daycare in the area Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 11 Neighborhood Concerns  Neighborhood concerns over parking impacts from multi-family projects was the reason Portland re-instituted minimum parking requirements for certain projects. Buildings that are less than 40 units will still have no minimums, while those over 40 units will have to provide one space for every four units, and the requirement can be reduced through car- sharing.  One major challenge developers face with TOD is the increased time and expense getting development approvals for infill development because of neighborhood concerns about traffic and parking. Faced with opposition, a typical response is for the developer to cut the density below transit-supportive levels and increase parking in order to get a development approval and recover fixed costs. Parking Requirements  Communities with TOD regulations often, but not always, reduce or eliminate minimum parking requirements. For example: o Denver Zoning Code: Maximum number of spaces shall not exceed 110% of the minimum parking spaces required by context-specific ratios (Denver’s method of calculating parking requirements everywhere). Parking in structures doesn’t count toward the maximums. o Aurora TOD Zoning Sub-District: Minimum 5 – 1.0 space per multi-family dwelling unit depending on proximity to station compared to 1.0 – 2.5 spaces per unit depending on number of bedrooms outside TOD. o Lakewood Transit Mixed Use Zone District: Minimum 1 space per unit, maximum 2 spaces per unit. Parking in structures doesn’t count toward the maximums. The parking requirements may be met on-site or off-site at a distance of up to 600 feet from the use. o Eugene, Oregon: Establishes parking exempt areas not subject to minimums including Downtown and a couple other areas.  Metro Portland recommends three actions when the parking ratio is below 1.0 space/unit: 1. Charge for all covered parking 2. Get flexcar (car-share) in your building or nearby 3. Provide first rate bicycle facilities (lockers, wash areas, secured bike parking, etc.) VII. Attachments 1. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Boundary 2. Multi-Family Projects in the TOD Since 1998 Map 3. Overall Parking Utilization Map – AM Counts 4. Overall Parking Utilization Map – PM Counts 5. Parking Utilization Maps for Specific Project Areas 6. Transit Oriented Development and Station Area Design Principles 7. TOD Information Resources Transit Or Attachm riented Devel ment 1: Tran lopment (TOD sit Oriented D) Parking Stu d Developm udy 12 ment (TOD) OOverlay Boundary May 10, 2013 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 13 Attachment 2: Multi-Family Projects in the TOD Since 1998 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 14 Attachment 3: Overall Parking Utilization Map – AM Counts Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 15 Attachment 4: Overall Parking Utilization Map – PM Counts Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 16 Attachment 5: Parking Utilization Maps for Specific Project Areas Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 17 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 18 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 19 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 20 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 21 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 22 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 23 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 24 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 25 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 26 Transit Or riented Devellopment (TODD) Parking Stuudy 27 May 10, 2013 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 28 Transit Or Attachm riented Devel ment 6: Tran lopment (TOD sit Oriented D) Parking Stu d Developm udy 29 ment and Staation Area DDesign Prin May 10, nciples 2013 Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Parking Study May 10, 2013 30 Attachment 7: TOD Information Resources “A Toolbox for Alleviating Traffic Congestion”, Institute of Transportation Engineers, 1989. Aurora Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) District, City of Aurora, Planning Department, February 21, 2009. Bus Rapid Transit and Transit Oriented Development: Case Studies on Transit Oriented Development Around Bus Rapid Transit Systems in North America and Australia. Breakthrough Technologies Institute, Washington D.C., 2008. City of Lakewood Land Use Code, Article 22: Transit Mixed Use Zone District, May 2011. City of Portland Land Use Code, Chapter 33.266 Parking and Loading, July 1, 2011. City of Portland Parking Impacts for New TOD Along Portland Inner Corridors Parking Study. David Evans and Associates, November 2012. Denver Zoning Code, Division 10.4 Parking and Loading, June 25, 2010. “Portland Reimposes Parking Requirements,” Cities&Towns Online, Robert Steuteville, 2013. Role of Parking Management in Livable Communities, Todd Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Railvolution, November 7, 2006. Statewide Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Study: Special Report - Parking and TOD: Challenges and Opportunities. Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, California Department of Transportation, February 2002. Strengths and Weakness of Bus in Relation to Transit Oriented Development, Professor Graham Currie, Chair of Public Transport, Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University, Australia TCRP Report 118: Bus Rapid Transit Practitioner’s Guide, Kittleson & Associates; Transportation Research Board, 2007. TCRP Report 128: Effects of TOD on Housing, Parking, and Travel, Robert Cervero; G B Arrington; Transportation Research Board, 2008. Transit Oriented Development, Oregon Metro, website www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id/140 Projects in the TOD Overlay Zone Bedrooms Parking Provided Ratio of Parking Spaces to Bedrooms Parking Required If Outside TOD Ratio of Parking Spaces to Bedrooms The Summit (Choice Center)* 676 217 32.1% 471 70% Ram's Crossing K2 140 47 33.6% 191 136% Legacy Senior Apts* 112 52 46.4% 118 105% 318 W Myrtle 17 8 47.1% 13 76% Pura Vida Place 100 49 49.0% 90 90% Sherwood Forts 9 5 55.6% 6 67% Flats at the Oval 98 57 58.2% 83 85% Carriage House Apts* 90 58 64.4% 95 106% District at Campus West* 658 461 70.1% 431 66% Willow Street Lofts 46 36 78.3% 42 91% Penny Flats 280 260 92.9% 255 91% Average 57.0% Average 89% w/o outliers 58.6% w/o outliers 79% *under construction Parking Analysis of Projects in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone Average of Ratio of Parking Provided, and Ratio of Parking Required if Outside the TOD 73.2% w/o outliers 69.0% ATTACHMENT 2 Planning and Zoning Board Hearing Minutes August 8, 2013 6:00 p.m. Council Liaison: Mayor Weitkunat Staff Liaison: Laurie Kadrich Chair: Andy Smith Phone: (H) 482-7994 Chair Andy Smith called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Roll Call: Carpenter, Hatfield, Hart, Kirkpatrick, Smith and Schneider Excused Absence: Heinz Staff Present: Kadrich, Eckman, Levingston, Shepard, Ex, Stanford, Lorson, Varrella, and Sanchez-Sprague … Discussion Agenda: 7. Colorado Water Conservation Board Floodplain Regulation Adoption and other Minor Policy and Clean-up Items 4. Feeders Supply Project Development Plan, #PDP130012 5. Prospect and Timberline Overall Development Plan, #ODP130001 6. Integrated Recycling Facility Project Development Plan, #PDP130020 8. Land Use Code Amendment related Transited Oriented Development Minimum Parking Requirements … _______ Project: Land Use Code (LUC) Amendments related to Transit Overlay District Minimum Parking Requirements Project Description: This is a request for a recommendation to City Council regarding a proposed revision to the Land Use Code. This revision pertains to creating a minimum parking requirement for multi-family development in the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone. The recommendation is to revise the Land Use Code to require a minimum ratio of 70% parking spaces to the proposed number of bedrooms and a provision to meet the standard through alternative compliance. Recommendation: Recommend to City Council the adoption of LUC amendments ATTACHMENT 3 Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2013 Page 2 Hearing Testimony, Written Comments and Other Evidence CDNS Director Kadrich said the issue before the board is a follow- up to the July 9th City Council/ Planning and Zoning Board Joint Work Session. One of the emerging issues discussed was the negative effect of higher density projects within the TOD (Transit Oriented Development) Overlay Zone which may be causing spill-over parking in adjacent residential areas. Because there is not currently a parking requirement within the TOD, the purpose tonight is to follow Council direction to look for a first step or stop-gap measure. It would allow for further study for a more systematic approach to the issue of parking within the TOD. City Planner Seth Lorson said the Land Use Code (LUC) amendment is to establish minimum parking requirements for the TOD. He said a minimum parking requirement for that area has not existed since 2006. Staff analyzed 11 multi-family projects that have been developed in the TOD since 2006. He reviewed a table showing project names, bedrooms, parking provided, and ratio of parking spaces to bedrooms. On the table he compared that to parking requirements had the project been outside the TOD and what the ratio of parking spaces to bedrooms would have been in that situation. The average ratio between inside and outside the TOD was 73%. Within the TOD, the average without outliers was 58%. Lorson said those results show what the market is providing. Lorson said staff compared our TOD requirements with other communities’ TOD districts (including Boulder, Aurora, Lakewood, Denver, and Eugene and Portland Oregon). Lorson said even today’s proposal for 70% parking spaces to bedrooms is much higher than what we’re seeing in other communities. Lorson said after the work session he did further research looking at notes, minutes, and staff reports on the creation of the TOD. He said nowhere did he find the intent was to get ‘x’ percentage. He thinks the intent was actually to let the market dictate what is needed. Lorson said an alternative compliance would allow an applicant to make the case ‘they don’t need the 70% -- we can do it for less based on a number of mitigation measures’ including proximity to transit stations. He said elements of the parking analysis would show expected parking demand, non-vehicular use, and mitigation measures such as off-site parking for storage or car-share. Lorson said within the next year staff proposes additional work that includes an update to Traffic Impact Study (TIS) requirements in LCUASS (Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards), methods for review of the parking analysis, and possibly more dynamic parking requirements. Lorson noted the ordinance before the board has a one-year sunset clause. That time will allow staff to look at the elements in a comprehensive approach at a more fine-grade level. Director Kadrich said on behalf of the board, she contacted Kathleen Bracke who is now working in Boulder. Kathleen was a part of the original TOD study and implementation team. Kathleen worked on transportation issues in our community for many years prior to working in Boulder. Some of the information she provided was implementation of the TOD was intended to help the community move from a suburban plan to a more urban environment. It was also meant to assist in a more dense/intense urban development in which there would be more mass transit and less reliance on vehicles. Bracke shared the complexity of the parking issues within the Boulder community and stated how complex the parking issue can be in different communities. Kadrich said tonight the percentage put forth is intended to be a starting point. Kadrich said her conversation with Bracke certainly corroborates with the written document as far as the market driven parking. Kadrich asked Bracke if the original plan considered outliers (those intense developments submitted that did not provide much parking). She said it did but she could understand how difficult it could be for the community because the theory is those folks who did not have a vehicle would select Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2013 Page 3 that unit to rent and have other options. Kadrich said Bracke understood overall why we are in a quandary over what to do in the interim period. She also advised us not to select any one tool to address the issue. In her experience, multiple tools are preferred. Kadrich said that’s similar to what they learned in the downtown parting study and it’s been supported in the work staff has done to date. Public Input None Board Questions Member Carpenter said is she to understand this is a stop-gap measure while we explore what other tools might be. Kadrich said yes. It is a tool for which the board can review proposals – they’ll have something specific from which they can assess alternative compliance. Member Hart said all the communities used as an example have extensive public transit systems. We’re still building ours so we shouldn’t really be using them because they are very much more interconnected with their public transit. Once we get there, however, we can go that route. At this point we’re just trying to provide a stop-gap. Member Schneider said he’d prefer a lower number (e.g. 50%) to allow the developers to be more innovate with alternative compliance. He thinks it would ‘force’ use of multi-modal sooner rather than later. He asked if the number is higher would they be as willing to look at alternative compliance measures. Lorson said possibly. In conversations with developers he’s learned they are shooting for a 50-60% market place rate. Member Schneider asked could we look at where they can park. Can they currently use public streets for meeting their parking requirements? Lorson said no. He said part of the alternative compliance conversation is ‘show us how it can work’ with car storage being one of the mitigation measures. Member Carpenter asked how much public outreach has been done on this issue. Kadrich said we’ve been going on a project by project basis. From the Planning Services standpoint, we have a lot of good plans (City Plan, sub-area plans, neighborhood plans). We also have a changing community in which folks who participated in the initial outreach may not be aware of where we are today. Kadrich said we’ve been talking internally about ways we can capture either executive summaries or the ‘top 10’ for a geographical area so we can begin to include that in our development review information. Kadrich said she’s been working with Neighborhood Services and the Neighborhood Development Review Liaison – looking for ways for being more proactive with sharing that information and collecting their feedback. Carpenter thinks that would be a good piece to add this next year. Director Kadrich said with regard to Member Schneider’s question about whether the 70% would create more creative thinking; she’s had a few minutes to think about that and she’s not convinced that it would. She said the purpose of this is really to give the board a tool in which they can better establish compatibility by having a percentage to use. You’d also have options with alternative compliance so it’s available for you as you review upcoming TOD projects until we have a fuller tool box to bring back to you. Kadrich said based on what we’re seeing, developers overall are trying to reach that 50-60% mark. We are looking to the board and to council to consider a stop-gap for those projects that are either unwilling or unable so we don’t have outliers that come before we have a broader program. Member Kirkpatrick said she had some questions on implementation. If we were to approve a new minimum parking requirement, how quickly could that go into effect? Would you be notifying projects that have been through conceptual review? Lorson said it would be very customer friendly to reach out. He said it would be in effect just after second reading on September 13. Director Kadrich said the practice has been that if an application has been received and the fees are paid prior to a change in the Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2013 Page 4 code; new code changes going into effect would not affect them. Member Hart asked is that not to say we could use the compatibility standard to get parking the board thinks appropriate. Kadrich said absolutely. Board Discussion Member Hart said he thinks we need a stop-gap. He doesn’t know if it should be 60, 70 or 80%. He thinks 70% seems to have some kind of wheels. He thinks it should be on the higher end. He agrees with Member Schneider that we should encourage innovation. He thinks we need to get a minimum in there until we can come up with a program that makes sense. Member Carpenter said she agrees and is comfortable with 70%. Member Kirkpatrick said she really thinks the role of the board is to act as guardian of the LUC and to support the implementation of City Plan. There are gaps between the City Plan vision (to have a really compact, transit-oriented, dense urban core) and the tools we have in our tool box. She said we don’t have the tools to promote a highly functioning transit system. We also do not have lots of tools for handling that interface between neighborhoods in that really dense, urban core. She said nonetheless, that is our vision and we are taking a huge step in the wrong direction by instituting a 70% standard. That is such a drastic difference from zero. She said we are not going to get where we need to be in terms of economic redevelopment, reinvestment in that core, and having the density to have a functioning transit system if we are creating a suburban footprint in an urban core. She said we could consider a sunset provision at a lower percentage. Member Hatfield said he thinks 70% is fine. Member Schneider said he agrees with Member Kirkpatrick’s statements that it should be closer to 50%; he just wonders how we get people to start implementing different creative programs. He doesn’t know how to get it going except with a higher number. Chair Smith said where one person might say 90% is better he would say that’s far worse. He sees it’s not necessarily a good thing to over park in an urban neighborhood where we’re trying to promote density and mixed use. He thinks you have to have density in order for transit to work. He said as a community we are struggling with these two primary objectives in our Comprehensive Plan -- urban density and the neighborhood character we’re trying to preserve. Chair Smith said ultimately having some type of alternative compliance is only as good and as useful as the decision maker is willing to accept. When we say alternative compliance might be part of the final solution, we have to have the courage to really believe that. We have to believe it’s equal to or better than the standard. In the meantime he could probably accept some number. He said 70% is too high. It goes so far from the intent of the TOD. Member Carpenter said she feels we need to work really hard to find the balance. She said her focus is to protect the neighborhoods that we have and she thinks we are really in danger of pushing so much out into the neighborhoods with car storage. She’d really like to see 70% at this point until we do the work we need to do to fix the problem. Chair Smith said he hopes when we have this community conversation that we don’t necessarily say there is not a problem with car storage but that we broaden that discussion so we go back to articulating what the benefits are as well. You could say, ‘you live in a great established neighborhood with easy access to CSU, old town, mid-town and MAX. Yeah there are more folks, cars and activity. It is exactly what our Comp Plan has called for and it’s not the way it used to be; however, you may not need both cars anymore.’ It’s a holistic approach of understanding the issue. He thinks we’d lose the overall Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2013 Page 5 academic discussion if we don’t include the benefits, the reduction in VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled), the walkability, the closer-knit community. Member Carpenter said she agrees with that. She said what Chair Smith is saying is right but what she’s afraid is we are moving the parking storage problem outside the TOD and into neighborhoods that do not have the benefits outlined by Chair Smith. Carpenter said we also have to work on our mass transit system so it works better. Member Schneider wondered if the ‘happy’ compromise is 60%. He’d like to see what development is in ‘production’ and close out the problems that might come out. Maybe it is spillover into the neighborhood but he said we have zero now. He thinks 70% is too high although if it’s higher it would encourage people to seek alternative compliance. He’d rather see 50 or 60% but that’s what’s being reached by developers now. Chair Smith said that’s a great approach...we’d address the outliers and find a little benefit for the time being. Let’s move closer to what we see as being the overall average of what we would find acceptable for a stop-gap. Many times we do pretty well about getting consensus – let’s see if we can come up with a motion and whether or not it’ll fly. Member Schneider made a motion to recommend to City Council to amend the Land Use Code related to Transit Oriented Development Minimum Parking Requirements to be at 60% with a one year sunset provision. Chair Smith seconded the motion. Member Hart said 70% has some legs on it. He said from the chart that Lorson provided, you could see how much a significant differences it can make. At 60% you’re going to impact those outlying neighborhoods even more. Member Schneider said he thinks we’re making a significant change at 60% because currently it’s at zero. Member Hart said the argument is that people are doing 60% now. What we’re trying to do is improve the situation not just continue the existing situation. Member Schneider said we’re trying to hit those outliers—those at 30%. If we look at City Plan and the Climate Action Plan, we don’t want to be at 70, 80 or 90%. We might as well have subdivisions. Member Hart said we’re talking one year – 2, 3, or 4 projects maybe. Member Hatfield called for the question. The motion failed 2:4 with Carpenter, Hart, Kirkpatrick, and Hatfield dissenting. Member Hart made a motion to recommend to City Council that we establish a minimum parking requirement for multi-family dwellings in the Transit Oriented District at 70% of the spaces provided as proposed with a one year sunset. Member Carpenter seconded the motion. The Motion failed 3:3 with Kirkpatrick, Schneider and Smith dissenting. There was some discussion about what the number should be. Chair Smith said anything over 60 he will likely vote no. Member Schneider made a motion to recommend to City Council to amend the Land Use Code related to Transit Oriented Development Minimum Parking Requirements to be at 60% with a one year sunset provision. Member Hart seconded the motion. Member Hart said he’d like to send a recommendation to City Council and he doesn’t think that 60% is as good as 70% but he’d like something rather than nothing. Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2013 Page 6 The Motion failed 3:3 with Carpenter, Kirkpatrick, Hatfield dissenting. Chair Smith said he got the sense from City Council at the joint meeting on July 9 that there was some interest by them to scrap the whole TOD – establish a moratorium. He doesn’t feel comfortable with 60% but he’s willing to accept that. Member Kirkpatrick thinks we are effectively putting a moratorium on the TOD. She doesn’t think you can have a one acre in-fill site and charge $35,000 for a subterranean parking spot and have it work in this market. Member Schneider thinks people will conclude its worth more to have a bedroom or a mixed-use unit than it is to have a parking spot so they’ll figure out a way to get the alternative compliance going. Member Kirkpatrick thinks we will get that after we dig in and spend a year getting the tools we need as well as determining how we can best get long term parking storage. Member Hatfield said we’ve had three votes on the question and they’ve all three failed. Either we not make a recommend or we make a recommendation at 70% with a one year sunset. Then at the end of that one year it could be re-evaluated. Member Carpenter made a motion to recommend to City Council a change in the LUC to 65% parking spaces with a one year sunset. Member Hart seconded the motion. The Motion failed 3:3 with Kirkpatrick, Schneider and Smith dissenting. Chair Smith asked staff about the feasibility of a shorter 6 month sunset period. Director Kadrich said that might be problematic. She’d like to say they could do the work in less than a year but she’s not convinced because of the scope of the work required. She said we have some unique situations – current studies that are taking place. She’s not sure how quickly that will happen and she’s not sure how long the scope of the work that needs to be done will take. She hesitated to say we can do that in less than six months especially if we take a look at the public engagement piece. She said there are other efforts related to parking and trying to do this in a 3 or 6 month period might be too quick. Member Schneider asked for a policy versus legislative question, doesn’t a tie vote go to the chair. Deputy City Attorney Paul Eckman said no. A tied vote means the question fails and a recommendation doesn’t go to City Council. Eckman said the information that would go to City Council is the board is deadlocked and couldn’t make a recommendation. Director Kadrich said they could include information relative to the deadlock in the Agenda Item Summary. They could also include portions of discussion of reasons why. Chair Smith said the question being asked is whether or not we’d want to put a stop-gap minimum amount of parking in the TOD for a certain amount of time. Maybe we need to come up with a boarder recommendation. The recommendation may be we struggled with this divisive issue. He said we think our discussion is probably reflective of what the community may feel. It may be something with which the Council may have to wrestle. He said we might say that our opinions on this board are too divergent. We could not come to consensus and we hope they can. He said we have strong opinions that want to move in one direction and we have just as many folks that want to move in another direction. Eckman asked if they could recommend the alternative compliance measures that have been crafted into the ordinance. Chair Smith yes, that’s critical. Member Schneider asked if it would be detrimental to give them a range such as 50 to 70%. Member Carpenter said she couldn’t go 50% -- she’d rather see 70%. Chair Smith said Member Schneider has a good point, he believes there’s a majority of board members here tonight who could support a range. If we said a range between 30 and 80% might that work? Smith said that it is likely neither Member Kirkpatrick nor he could support that but there may be 4 members who could. Planning & Zoning Board August 8, 2013 Page 7 Member Carpenter made a motion that the board recommend to City Council that revise the Land Use Code to require a minimum ratio of between 60 and 70% with a one year sunset and alternative compliance. Member Schneider seconded the motion. Chair Smith said for that would indicate to City Council the board could not come up with a specific number. Member Carpenter said yes. She said we underscore what Chair Smith said earlier relative to divergent opinions. Member Hart said that Council will know the board’s struggle because we couldn’t reach agreement on a specific percentage. Hart called for the question. The motion passed 4:2 with Members Kirkpatrick and Smith dissenting. Member Kirkpatrick asked in addition to the ordinance are there other things the board could recommend such as funding in the short term. What she heard on July 9th was to come back with recommendations for things such as the parking issue overall. To her, it’s more than a minimum; it would mean funding the implementation of a parking impact analysis – something in the short term while we’re having a longer term study. Director Kadrich said if the board would like to support the recommendation that we have funding for a study, you can. Kadrich said she has already conferred with her supervisors what is necessary in order to carry this forward and they are working on how they can use existing budget to fund it. She said we can make sure it’s part of the presentation that this is just a stop-gap as we complete that study. Chair Smith agreed and suggested we create another recommendation. He thinks this is one of the most critical discussions our community is having. He thinks it’s worthy of emergency funding if it cannot be found within existing budget. With all the different alternative methods, this may become the highest priority for CDNS. Member Kirkpatrick said Council just passed a parking plan so funding to implement components of that would be applicable to this interface between the TOD and residential neighborhoods. After some discussion of the elements of the recommendation and some wordsmithing the following motion was made. Member Hart made a motion the board recommend to City Council that funding be provided at a high priority for a comprehensive effort that could include a study of the parking issues in the TOD zone and that the study include public outreach and the development of tools for implementation and resolutions of the problems. It’s recommended that public outreach include a reiteration of the benefits of the TOD. Also, the study and the implementation tools should be developed by the sunset of the stop-gap measure. Member Carpenter seconded the motion. The motion was approved 5:0:1 with Member Hatfield abstaining. … 1 Minimum Parking Requirements in the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone City Council Meeting August 20, 2013 ATTACHMENT 4 2 Background Purpose: Incentivize infill and redevelopment as identified in City Plan; assist with walkable and transit-oriented Mason Corridor/MAX BRT. 2006: Map & Parking 2007: Development Standards 3 Background July 9, 2013: P&Z-CC Joint Work Session Direction to create minimum parking requirements in the TOD Overlay but maintain vision for TOD. 4 Analysis of TOD Projects 5 Analysis of TOD Projects 6 Other Communities’ TOD Parking Community Districts Parking Requirements Boulder, CO MU-4; RH-7 0 – 1 space per DU Aurora, CO TOD 0.5 – 1 space per DU Lakewood, CO Mixed-use Transit 1 – 2 spaces per DU Eugene, OR Citywide (TOD: Development standards only.) Min. 1 space per DU (-25% by right; -50% mixed-use) Portland, OR “Served by Transit” >30 DUs: 0 min. 31-40 DUs: 0.2 per DU 41-50 DUs: 0.25 per DU 51+ DUs: 0.33 per DU Denver, CO Urban Center (TOD = 110% Max) Min 0.75 spaces per DU 7 Planning and Zoning Board August 8, 2013 – Discussion • City Plan vision for TOD and infill/redevelopment. • Spillover impacts on neighborhoods. • City’s interim condition without MAX. • Creative and comprehensive solutions. • Deliberation of minimum parking ratios. 8 Planning and Zoning Board Recommendations • Require minimum parking ratio of 60% - 70% (final number to be decided by Council) with Alternative Compliance option. To sunset in 1 year. • Fund a comprehensive parking plan for the TOD Overlay with public outreach to be completed before the ordinance sunsets. 9 Parking Analysis Elements of Parking Analysis: • Expected parking demand. • Non-vehicular use. • Mitigation measures. Additional Work: • Methods for review of Parking Analysis. • More dynamic parking requirements. • Comprehensive approach to parking. 10 Questions for Council Consideration 1. Does Council agree with the recommendation to create a minimum parking requirement with an alternative compliance option in the TOD Overlay Zone? 2. If so, what parking ratio should be applied? (P&Z recommended between 60% - 70%.) 11 Thank you. - 1 - ORDINANCE NO. 121, 2013 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING SECTION 3.2.2(K) OF THE LAND USE CODE REGARDING MINIMUM PARKING REQUIREMENTS IN THE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ZONE DISTRICT WHEREAS, the vision expressed in City Plan and implemented in the Land Use Code calls for a higher concentration of residential density and mixed-use development supported by investment and infrastructure, including high-frequency transit, streetscape and urban design improvements, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the Transit-Oriented Development Overlay Zone District (the “TOD”); and WHEREAS, the Land Use Code presently contains no minimum parking requirements for multi-family developments within the TOD; and WHEREAS, the lack of a minimum parking standard for multi-family development within the TOD was premised upon the full implementation of the above-mentioned infrastructure investments; and WHEREAS, given that such investments have not yet been fully implemented, the City Council has determined that the Land Use Code should be amended to require a certain minimum number of parking spaces for multi-family developments in order to alleviate concerns about spillover parking into existing neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Board has recommended to the City Council that Section 3.2.2(K) of the Land Use Code be amended to establish certain minimum parking requirements in the TOD; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interests of the City that Section 3.2.2(K) be so amended. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That Section 2.2.2(K)(1)(a) of the Land Use Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (K) Parking Lots - Required Number of Off-Street Spaces for Type of Use. (1) Residential and Institutional Parking Requirements. Residential and institutional uses shall provide a minimum number of parking spaces as defined by the standards below. (a) Attached Dwellings: For each two-family and multi-family dwelling there shall be parking spaces provided as indicated by the following table: - 2 - Number of Bedrooms/Dwelling Unit Parking Spaces Per Dwelling Unit* One or less 1.5 Two 1.75 Three 2.0 Four and above 3.0 * Spaces that are located in detached residential garages (but not including parking structures) or in attached residential garages, which attached garages do not provide direct entry into an individual dwelling unit, may be credited toward the minimum requirements contained herein only if such spaces are made available to dwelling unit occupants at no additional rental or purchase cost (beyond the dwelling unit rental rate or purchase price). 1. Multi-family dwellings and mixed-use dwellings within the Transit- Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone shall have no minimum parking requirements provide a minimum number of parking spaces in an amount equal to or greater than __________ percent of the number of proposed bedrooms in the development. 2. Alternative Compliance. Upon written request by the applicant, the decision maker may approve an alternative parking ratio, other than the minimum required in the TOD Overlay Zone per Section 3.2.2(K)(1)(a)(1), that may be substituted in whole or in part for a ratio meeting the standards of this Section. a. Procedure. Alternative compliance parking ratio plans shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the submittal requirements for plans as set forth in this Section. The request for alternative compliance must be accompanied by a Parking Analysis. b. Parking Analysis. A Parking Analysis shall include the following: 1) Data related to expected parking demand based on project size, location, employees, units, and/or bedrooms. To the extent reasonably feasible, comparable local and regional parking demand rates for similar uses shall be utilized together with the average demand rates for similar facilities compiled by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). - 3 - 2) Data related to estimated non-vehicular mode usage shall be determined based on Transportation Impact Study analysis. 3) Identification of parking mitigation measures to be utilized (beyond non-vehicular mode usage and support). Specific measures to reduce on-site parking demand may include, but are not limited to: a) Shared parking. b) Off-site parking. c) Parking pricing. d) Transit pass program. e) Unbundling parking spaces from residential dwelling units. f) Rideshare, guaranteed ride home programs, car sharing, shuttle services. g) Enhancements that encourage bicycle and pedestrian mobility. h) Other verifiable parking demand reduction measures. 4) The number and location of parking spaces proposed to be removed as part of the project, if any. 5) Assignment of parking demand to proposed parking locations. c. Review Criteria. To approve an alternative plan, the decision maker must first find that the proposed alternative plan accomplishes the purposes of this Section and the TOD Overlay Zone (3.10) equally well or better than would a plan which complies with the standards of these Sections. In reviewing the request for an alternative parking ratio plan in order to determine whether it accomplishes the purposes of this Section, the decision maker shall take into account the objective and verifiable results of the Parking Analysis together with the proposed plan’s compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods in terms of potential spillover parking. . . . Section 2. That this Ordinance shall terminate and be of no further force and effect at the close of business on September 13, 2014, unless extended by ordinance of the City Council. - 4 - Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 20th day of August, A.D. 2013, and to be presented for final passage on the 3rd day of September, A.D. 2013. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 3rd day of September, A.D. 2013. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk