Origin of the Parking Study
Concerns have been raised that the commercial and office parking standards of the zoning code are too restrictive (require too much parking), and that properties with long-standing uses cannot feasibly meet current zoning code parking requirements. Parking standards are typically determined by the area of the use; for instance, a free-standing general office use would require one space per 225 square feet of space. Only off-street parking is counted towards required parking requirements.
The intent of parking standards is to capture the majority of successfui uses within a specific category of use. While less successfui or demanding uses may need fewer spaces, more demanding uses in the same building may require more parking. There is a further challenge to determine appropriate parking requirements for new developments where the initial use may have less demand for parking than wouid potential future uses. Standards are meant to apply to current and future businesses since it is difficult to add parking years after a property is developed. Over time, the character of the use may change (e.g, banks used to have higher peak periods on Thursday and Friday evenings which is not the case given today's use of electronic banking).
This study will complete a comprehensive review of parking standards for commercial and a variety of office uses. Current pianning data, other city approaches, sampling of existing parking conditions in the city, standards for mixed-use commercial projects, and public and business input will be used in reviewing and considering potential parking standards. The goal is to balance the needs of the business community with the goal of providing parking necessary for current and future tenants of property.
Parking White Paper
"White papers" are informative sheets that explain key facts, compare parking rates with surrounding cities, give examples of Sunnyvale projects, and include staff comments and some preliminary recommendations. The White Paper are coming soon.
Other Resources and Links
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Parking Resources