Title
Ordinance to Amend and Re-Enact the Zoning Ordinance of the City Of Hampton, Virginia By Amending Chapter 11, Section 11-8 Entitled “Parking Credits, Exemptions And Reductions” to Reduce the Minimum Parking Required in the Coliseum Central Overlay (O-CC) District to Zero with Additional Criteria to Clarify Other Parking Requirements
Purpose
Background Statement:
The proposed amendment seeks to modify Section 11-8 of the Zoning Ordinance to eliminate the minimum parking requirements within the Overlay - Coliseum Central (O-CC) District. In order to get the minimum parking spaces required reduced to zero (0), a development or property must feature accessible parking spaces on-site as would have been required pursuant to the base minimum parking requirements. Additionally, all green area requirements described in Section 9-24 shall be met and there shall be a minimum of ten (10) bicycle parking spaces provided, plus one (1) bicycle parking space per every fifty (50) automobile parking spaces provided or portion thereof. Lastly, this proposed amendment does not eliminate maximum parking requirements as described in Section 11-2.
This proposed amendment, in conjunction with Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 24-0159, aims to further promote the Coliseum Central area of the City as one of the major urban development areas and to encourage more dense development. The City has recently become aware of possible new proposals for multi-family and/or mixed-use developments on private parcels, as well as City and Economic Development Authority owned parcels within the O-CC District. These latest proposals may indicate a trend toward taller and higher density development than what is currently allowed by existing zoning regulations. While evaluating these proposals, staff has recognized that current market conditions may warrant consideration of some changes to the current density, height, lot coverage, and minimum parking requirements. Given that the current zoning regulations may limit the district’s ability to densify over time, staff is therefore considering appropriate amendments to address these concerns.
By eliminating minimum parking requirements within the O-CC District, there is greater flexibility in repurposing existing sites and structures, thus removing potential barriers to development or redevelopment. This approach also encourages the creation of smaller, denser, and potentially more inclusive housing options. Moreover, it aligns with the city's resilience efforts by potentially reducing the need for extensive parking surfaces, leading to conservation of natural resources, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and promotion of energy efficiency. It is important to clarify that eliminating minimum parking requirements does not signify a complete absence of parking provision. Rather, it allows the market to dictate the appropriate level of parking for a specific site or use, ensuring that parking solutions are tailored to meet the needs of individual developments while still aligning with broader city policies and planning objectives.
Recommendations:
Rec
Staff Recommendation:
Approve
Planning Commission Recommendation:
Approve
Body
WHEREAS, the public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice so require;
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia that Chapter 11, Section 11-8 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Hampton, Virginia, be amended and re-enacted as follows:
CHAPTER 11 - PARKING
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Sec. 11-8. - Parking credits, exemptions and reductions.
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(6) Parking exemptions and reductions. To recognize the unique character of established urban neighborhoods and the provision of alternative parking options nearby, the following zoning districts shall have parking requirements exempted or reduced as described below:
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(e) O-CC District.
(i) The minimum parking requirement shall be zero (0), provided:
(aa) Accessible parking spaces shall be provided on-site as would have been required without a parking reduction;
(bb) All green area requirements are met as described in Section 9-24(2)(a) or Section 9-24(3) where an administrative design alternative is approved;
(cc) There shall be a minimum of ten (10) bicycle parking spaces provided, plus one (1) additional bicycle space per every fifty (50) automobile parking spaces provided or portion thereof; and
(dd) This provision does not eliminate maximum parking requirements as described in Section 11-2.
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