Item 7: Action: Ordinance on Infill Compatibility Standards Code Amendments

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I am in favor of making one change to the current parking proposal: Restore the limitation in the ICS proposal to prohibit tandem parking off an alley within 30 feet of the street. This was designed to make sure that building and eyes are on the street at grade level, not a sea of cars (see attached drawing). Note that there is another ICS approved proposal that deals with tandem parking in driveways on multifamily developments that will be considered by the Planning Commission at some future date. Most of the proposed wording for the proposal was written by Gordon Anslow, an ICS Task Team and ICS Multi-Dwelling Committee member. Mr. Anslow is also prominent developer of multifamily projects in WUN and SUNA. A copy of the proposal passed by the ICS Task Team is attached. #3 Background on Residential Parking Program 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 bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Several major designated bike routes pass through the WUN and are heavily used. These practices were also very energy wasteful, since gasoline was being consumed and wasted during the search for 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 is limited to 2-hour parking for non-residents during posted times (Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm). Qualified residents can purchase an annual RPP parking permit for their RPP zone that allows them to park on-street beyond the posted time limits. To qualify for a permit, a resident has to bring a current driver's license, car registration, and proof of residency in the RPP zone to purchase the annual permit. The initial RPP zones were designated in areas adjacent to the University. Over the years, new RPP zones have been added in other areas of Eugene. There are currently about 840 RPP permits issued annually to residents in the A, B, and C zones (WUN and SUNA) near the University for on-street parking. In addition, up to 55 commuter Additional testimony by Steven Baker on proposed Parking amendments (November 23, 2009) Page 2