This Land Use Code Amendment (LUCA) established lower minimum residential parking requirements for certain developments in areas with frequent transit service.
Background
In 2017, the City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Strategy (AHS) in recognition of the affordable housing crisis in the city and has committed to implementing specific recommendations to increase the supply of affordable housing. This includes recommendations to reduce parking requirements in order to lower the costs of building affordable housing.
In 2020, the Washington State Legislation adopted SHB 2343, amending RCW 36.70A.620, in order to increase housing supply. A portion of the legislation imposed caps on minimum residential parking spaces that cities can require for certain residential developments that are within one-quarter mile of transit stops that receive a minimum number of transit trips per hour.
In 2020, the Legislature also adopted SHB 6617, amending RCW 36.70A.698. This legislation establishes that cities may not require off-street parking for accessory dwelling units located within one-quarter mile of a major transit stop.
What is Happening Now?
On April 26, 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance 6575 to amend Land Use Code Chapters 20.20 General Development Requirements, Chapter 20.25 Special and Overlay Districts, and Chapter 20.50 Definitions to establish lower minimum residential parking requirements for certain housing developments in areas with frequent transit service.
The EBCC rejected Ordinance 6575 on May 4, 2021. To ensure compliance with state law, the City Council passed Ordinance 6589 establishing a smaller radius from transit for eligibility within the EBCC jurisdiction only. The EBCC approved Ordinance 6589 on August 3, 2021.
Public Hearing
On February 24, 2021, the Planning Commission held a virtual public hearing on the proposed LUCA.
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