The Southborough Planning Board convened on January 27, 2025, to discuss proposed changes to the town's parking regulations aimed at facilitating shared parking arrangements among commercial property owners. The primary focus of the meeting was a new bylaw that would allow two different property owners to share parking spaces, provided their properties are within 500 feet of each other.

Currently, Southborough's zoning code requires that parking spaces be owned by the same entity and be contiguous. The proposed amendment seeks to relax these restrictions, enabling businesses to collaborate on parking solutions, which could reduce the need for extensive paving and improve land use efficiency. Under the new framework, property owners would need to apply for a special permit from the Planning Board to establish shared parking agreements.

Board members expressed concerns about the necessity of a special permit, suggesting that the process could complicate what is intended to be a straightforward arrangement. Several members argued that allowing shared parking should be integrated into the site plan approval process rather than requiring a separate special permit. This change would streamline the process and make it more business-friendly, especially in light of evolving parking needs post-COVID.

The discussion highlighted the importance of flexibility in parking arrangements, particularly for businesses with varying peak hours. For instance, a coffee shop and a restaurant could share parking spaces effectively if their busy times do not overlap. The board members reached a consensus that while the concept of shared parking is beneficial, the special permit requirement may hinder its implementation.

The Planning Board plans to revisit the proposal in future meetings, aiming to refine the language and process to better serve the community's needs while promoting efficient land use. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact local businesses and their operational flexibility in Southborough.