Council reduces multifamily parking minimums after staff study; change approved 6‑1

The City Council amended the city code Sept. 15 to lower certain multifamily parking minimums following staff review and Planning and Zoning recommendations. Council members debated the change during public comment, where neighbors from rental‑heavy areas urged caution and said on‑street parking and snow removal are already strained in some neighborhoods.

Staff told the council they had performed field observations at several complexes and found that newer developments often have spare capacity; the proposed adjustments align the city’s requirements with peer cities while ensuring adequate on‑site parking for most new projects. Planning and Zoning recommended the amendment unanimously.

Why it matters: Parking minimums affect development costs, land use intensity and neighborhood impacts. Supporters said the change reduces construction costs and encourages efficient land use; opponents raised concerns about spillover parking and emergency access in denser rental areas.

Council vote: The amendment passed on a 6‑1 vote, with Councilmember Kosowski recorded as dissenting.

What’s next: The new parking regulations take effect when the ordinance is finalized. Staff will continue to monitor new developments for spillover impacts and will bring anecdotal and field data to the council as needed.