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In adopting a zoning
ordinance, the Board of Supervisors endeavors to set
meaningful restrictions on anticipated uses.
Understandably, new and different businesses come along that
do not neatly fit within codified definitions and
limitations.
Parking requirements are
principally based on professional, technical studies,
established demand, and need review and periodic refinement
due to local demand, location and other factors. There also
is a complex balance needed for effectively meeting business
requirements, location of parking facilities, shopper or
employee parking demands, and the need to minimize the
impact of impervious surfaces on stormwater management and
water resources.
The purpose
of this proposed amendment is to offer some flexibility to
parking requirements. If a business can demonstrate that
the parking requirements of the Zoning Ordinance are in
excess of what is reasonably necessary, the Director may
reduce the number of parking spots based on specific
guidelines. The applicant will need to demonstrate, based
on national or local experience, the business does not need
the parking space totals required by the Ordinance. Parking
studies or other jurisdictional standards within the region
can be used to justify the request, along with any shared
parking agreements.
This text
amendment is business friendly by providing a mechanism to
eliminate unnecessary regulatory costs. The text amendment
is also environment friendly by providing a mechanism for
reducing impervious surfaces associated with development.
On December
7, 2005, the Planning Commission initiated this proposed
text amendment. On January 26, 2006, the Planning Commission
recommended that the proposed Ordinance be adopted. |