Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: MATTHEW BAUMGARDNER, P.E., DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/ CITY
ENGINEER
DATE: JUNE 13, 2023
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING ISSUES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the March 14, 2023 City Council meeting, Councilmember Horn presented on a number of residential parking issues. The issues were broken down into several private property categories such as: how residents are currently using their garages and driveways; operating businesses from home; and the tendency of neighbors to host large gatherings. Other issues focused on the proximity of single-family neighborhoods to multi-family units and businesses. Finally, there was discussion regarding the time restriction that is established for existing and future preferential parking districts.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Discuss community parking issues as presented and proposed by Councilmember Horn and provide direction to staff regarding taking any additional steps to address residential parking issues.
BACKGROUND
At the March 14, 2023 City Council meeting, a number of parking issues were shared by Councilmember Horn, which he requested to discuss with the City Council at a future Council meeting. The demand for residential parking is high in many areas of the community, and parking issues impact many neighborhoods around the City. The causes of these issues include overflow of parked vehicles from surrounding multi-family homes and business, as well as a change in the use of private property over the years. Some of these issues have been addressed through the creation of preferential permit parking districts in single-family residential neighborhoods.
AN ALYSIS
A number of factors can impact on-street parking within Downey neighborhoods. Several of the issues with on-street parking are outlined below as highlighted by Councilmember Horn.
APPROVED BY
CITY MANAGER
DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING ISSUES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS JUNE 13, 2023
PAGE 2
Issue: Garages are sometimes used for purposes other than parking operational vehicles, such as:
• Storage
• Workshop
• Additional living space
• Gym
The alternative uses of garage space are allowed.
Potential Solution: The City could send marketing materials (i.e., a letter) to remind residents in heavily impacted neighborhoods to consider opening up space in their garages to allow for parking of operational vehicles.
Issue: Driveways are sometimes used for parking recreational vehicles, campers, boats, and trailers.
Parking of self-propelled, operational recreational vehicles and campers are allowed in driveway areas within a front yard and within street-side yard areas, provided they do not block access to vehicles accessing a garage or car port. Parking of boats or trailers is allowed on a lot behind the front yard or street side yard area, provided that they do not block access to a garage or carport, that they do not occupy a side setback, and that they are not parked within five feet of any window or door of a habitable structure.
Potential Solution: Similar to the garage use issue, if parking of recreational vehicles, campers, boats and trailers is being followed properly, reminders can be provided to residents in heavily impacted neighborhoods to consider alternative methods for parking of these vehicles, such as storage in recreational vehicle lots.
Issue: Additional impacts to on-street residential parking demand include operating a business from home.
Currently, all home-based businesses are required to obtain permits from the Planning Department to assess whether the operation is compatible and not disruptive to residential neighborhoods. Permits are required to be renewed on an annual basis. It should be noted that there is a provision in the Downey Municipal Code that states that use of “Garage or carports, whether attached or detached, shall not be used for a home occupation in any manner that temporarily or permanently inhibits or diminishes the required off-street parking spaces.” It also states that “No customers shall be served on the premises, and no pedestrian or vehicular traffic shall be generated beyond that incidental to a residential use.”
Other issues that were brought up include: proximity of residences to nearby multi-family homes and businesses, which results in overflow parking spilling into residential
DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING ISSUES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS JUNE 13, 2023
PAGE 3
neighborhoods, and neighborhoods that host frequent events that significantly impact residential parking occupancy.
Potential Solution: Continue enforcement of City ordinances where a home-based business is violating on-street parking rules and regulations.
Issue: Councilmember Horn raised a question regarding the parking restriction period for preferential parking districts, starting at 2:00 AM.
Many apartments and condominiums require permitted parking at their complexes as early as 4:00 PM until as late as 9:00 AM the following day. As a result, there may be a potential overflow of vehicles into preferential parking districts before the start of the 2:00 AM restriction period. This has the potential of increasing parking demand in residential areas outside of the preferential parking district time frame of 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM.
Potential Solution: Councilmember Horn suggested that a specific change to the current time restriction period be considered (e.g. 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM) by the City Council.
Finally, a few other issues were brought up by Councilmember Horn, which include:
proximity of residences to nearby business, which results in overflow parking spilling into residential neighborhoods, and neighborhoods that host frequent events that significantly impacts residential parking occupancy.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
None.