Could Free Parking Become a Thing of Albany's Past?

Members of Albany's , and will meet together on Tuesday to discuss changes to the city's parking policy. 

See the meeting agenda and details below this story. Click the "Keep me posted" button below for alerts when we cover this topic.

In October, the met to discuss parking issues in Albany. The commission decided that a joint meeting, with and panelists, would be key before recommending any changes in the city's parking policies.

The city's parking policies are based on Measure D, a 1978 measure "to restore a reasonable balance between single and multiple unit homes in Albany, and to halt the steady increase in congestion in City streets," according to the Jan. 24 staff report.

One of the measure's key points was the establishment of the requirement of two parking spaces per dwelling unit (up from 1.5 spaces). 

Over the years, according to the staff report, various discussions have taken place by city bodies about reviewing and changing Measure D.

"In each instance, it was decided that amendments should proceed at a later date," reads the staff report.

As a result, the Planning & Zoning Commission regularly makes parking exceptions during permitting processes for a variety of commercial and residential projects, which "adds time and expense to Planning applications. In most cases, exceptions are approved without substantive discussion."

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY CHANGES

In April 2010, the city adopted its , which "establishes a goal of reducing 4,665 metric tons of Greenhouse Gas Emissions."

This goal includes five objectives, including making it easier to walk, bike and bus around town; reduce vehicle trips; and promote pedestrian-oriented development.

The Climate Action Plan also includes several measures related to the review and possible changes related to parking in Albany. 

According to the staff report, three other strategies (paid parking, permit parking and in-lieu parking fees) also "could be considered for review..."

After Tuesday's joint talk, each of the three city bodies will have parking policies agendized for future discussions.

City staff recommend that the groups meet quarterly to continue the conversation.

Do you think the city's approach to parking needs to change? Tell us in the comments. Click the "Keep me posted" button below for an alert when we publish future stories on this topic.

AGENDA

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING of the Planning & Zoning Commission, Traffic & Safety Commission, and Sustainability Committee
Date: 1/24/2012, 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Albany City Hall - Council Chambers
1000 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, California 94706

1. CALL TO ORDER 

2. PUBLIC COMMENT 
For persons desiring to address the Commission on an item that is not on the agenda please note that each speaker is limited to three (3) minutes. The Brown Act limits the Commission ability to take and/or discuss items that are not on the agenda; therefore, such items are normally referred to staff for comment or to a future agenda. 

3. JOINT MEETING AGENDA ITEM 

a. Parking Policy Discussion- As requested by the Planning & Zoning Commission at the October 25, 2011 hearing, this is a joint effort by the Commission, the Traffic & Safety Committee and Sustainability Committee to review existing parking policies. All Committees will begin discussions to amend policies within their respective purviews, for consistency with the City’s Climate Action Plan. 

Recommendation: Receive the report and provide feedback to staff.
2012-1-24 PZ SR Parking Standard Discussion
Attachment 1 Transportation Strategy CAP
Attachment 2 Parking Permit Provisions
Attachment 3 Paid Parking Council Staff Report
Attachment 4 Paid Parking Report PZ 2008 

4. ADJOURNMENT 

The Commission/Committee/Board packet is available for public inspection at the Albany Community Center/Library, Fire Department and at Community Development Department offices at 1000 San Pablo Avenue. The agenda and supporting staff reports can be found on our web page at www.albanyca.org. 

Please note that if you provide your name and address when speaking before the Commission it will become part of the official public record, which will be posted on the Internet. Agenda related writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the Community Development Department.