Item 1: Ordinances on Infill Compatibility Standards Code Amendments

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Description of the Problem The Multi-D committee recognized that the lack of sufficient on-site parking for new multifamily development is a serious negative impact of infill. The high demand for parking in the areas surrounding the University of Oregon (R-3 and R-4 multifamily zones) is making it more difficult for residents living in these areas to find parking. To address a similar problem in the 1980s, the City of Eugene established a parking program that designates special zones and permits for residential and commuter parking. Residents living in these areas are eligible to purchase a Residential Parking Program (RPP) permit for on-street parking. Some new multifamily housing developments in zones near the University of Oregon are being built with three to six bedrooms per dwelling unit to minimize the off-street parking requirements, among other reasons. These developments are significantly worsening conditions that the RPP zones and permit programs were designed to mitigate. This is resulting in residents being forced to drive around wasting fuel to look for a parking space even when they have a legal RPP zone permit. In addition, there is an increase in illegal parking on alleys, in the planting strip (right-of-way) between the street and the sidewalk, and in the front setback between the street and the building. Illegal parking on alleys creates a serious safety hazard. In the event of a fire or other problem, these illegally parked cars block access by fire and emergency vehicles. Background Information and Current Code Requirements on Off-Street Parking The Residential Parking Program (RPP) was established in the 1980s to deal with a shortage of on-street parking in areas adjacent to the University of Oregon. Many of these areas were previously occupied by single-family housing. Over time, large houses were divided into multiple apartments, additional apartments were added to existing buildings, and new apartments replaced some older housing. The amount of off-street parking in these areas provided by remodels, additions, and new developments tended to be inadequate for the number of residents with cars and trucks. As a result, many residents of the area depended on on-street parking. Before RPP in the 1980s, it was common for residents of these areas, particularly west of campus in the West University neighborhood, to spend 15-20 minutes driving around searching (hunting) for on-street parking. The situation was extremely detrimental for a number of reasons. These areas are heavily used by bicyclists and pedestrians heading to and from the University and Sacred Heart Medical Center - University District. Streets clogged with cars and drivers hunting for spaces and the resulting congestion created many unsafe and dangerous conditions for the bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Several major designated bike routes pass through the WUN that are heavily used. These practices were also very energy wasteful, since gasoline was being consumed and wasted searching to find an on-street parking space. Residents responded to the parking shortage by parking illegally on alleys, in other people's driveways, and in front yards. The Residential Parking Program and RPP zones were created as a way for the City of Eugene to manage the parking issue in these areas and reduce congestion, improve safety, and reduce energy waste. Several RPP zones were established by the City of Eugene Parking Program. On- street parking in RPP zones was limited to 2-hour parking for non-residents. Qualified residents Multi-Dwelling Infill Committee Parking Recommendations - April 6, 2009 Page 2