HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.0 - Vehicle Lifts to Meet Required Parking StandardsMemorandum
To: Mayor and Council Members
From: Planning Commission
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE
NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
(949)644 -3200
Date: May 22, 2014
Re: Vehicle Lifts to Meet Required Parking Standards
The Municipal Code specifies on -site parking requirements in terms of the minimum
number and dimensions of the space, but the Code does not define what constitutes a
parking space. On May 8, 2014, the Planning Commission approved a request that
included 11 parking spaces within a vehicle lift system /structure to meet the required
number of on -site parking spaces. (See attached concept illustration). The matter came to
the attention of the Planning Commission as an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's
decision. The Commission's ultimate approval included numerous conditions that address
the appearance, operation, and maintenance of the vehicle lift/structure.
The Planning Commission desires to bring to the attention of the City Council that
additional requests may be made for the use of vehicle lifts elsewhere in the community,
and that there is currently no City policy or code provision regarding these
systems /structures. So there is no policy guidance about (i) allowing lift spaces to count as
required parking spaces; (ii) the propriety of the use of lift spaces by businesses that have
rapid parking turnover; (iii) mandating valet attendants be present when lifts are to be used;
and /or (iv) consideration of aesthetic impacts of lifts
Under the existing provisions of the Municipal Code, future applications for the use of lifts
would be reviewed on a case -by -case basis by the Zoning Administrator. Alternatively, the
Council may choose to consider specific development standards for the use of lifts through
an amendment to the Zoning Code.
At this time the Planning Commission is not making any recommendation to the City
Council, but rather it is the intent of the Commission only to bring this situation to Council's
attention.
cc: Concept Illustration