HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM V-C
Memorandum
To:
Planning and Community Development Committee
From:
Planning, Building, and Community and Public Works Departments
Date:
July 6, 2009
Re:
Commercial Loading Zones – Urban Center
Background
Within downtown Auburn there are eight (8) commercial loading zones. Of the eight,
seven (7) are signed and described in city code or by ordinance. There is one
commercial loading zone adjacent to city hall on Division Street that is described in city
code but not currently signed. Attached to this memo is a map showing the commercial
loading zones’ location.
There has not been a high demand for commercial loading zones within the City overall.
Over the past two years, the City has received three requests for commercial loading
zones. Of those three requests two were within downtown. Limitations to consider
when looking at loading zones within downtown are the vacation of alleys for
redevelopment, narrow right-of-way combined with on-street parking, and full block
redevelopment where loading zones will need to be incorporated into the development
or on-street.
Discussion
There are several ways to address commercial loading zones within a downtown. The
following are examples of options:
1. Communal commercial loading zones – shared by several businesses within the
same block; staff would work with the ADA and Chamber on potential locations.
2. Timed commercial loading zones – the space is timed for loading/unloading then
outside the specified time the space is available for general parking; staff would
work with the ADA and Chamber on potential locations.
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3. Permit system – issue annual commercial vehicle loading zone permits (annual
fee) to businesses or individuals. Permit is required to parking in a commercial
loading zone.
4. Add a requirement to the Downtown Urban Center Design Standards that loading
zones shall be incorporated into new projects and locations approved by the City
(similar to what is already required for the Auburn Junction project).
Next Steps
At the July 13, 1009 meeting staff would like to discuss the following question:
1. Does the Committee have a preferred option(s) from the above list? Staff
recommends a combination of Options 1 and 4. Option 1 would address existing
businesses within downtown while Option 4 would capture new development.
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