This is a companion code amendment to accomplish the parking management goals for the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD). These goals and strategies have been prepared and recommended by Nelson/Nygaard Associates, the consultant firm working with the City on this project. The Zoning Commission has conducted a public hearing on the proposed parking overlay district and zoning code amendments. The Zoning Commission also received a draft of this companion code amendment. The City Council conducted a public hearing on March 22, 2010 and approved the code amendment on 1st reading.

The consultant and Steering Committee reviewed the options available to better manage parking within the EBURD district. The current parking code is a disincentive to reinvestment in the district. This amendment is considered a key element of the three proposed code amendments that will achieve several goals of the EBURD Master Plan approved in July 2009. Those goals are as follows:
1. Foster economic growth in the District & surrounding region.
2. Foster distinct mixed use, industrial, and hospitality centers with a strong sense of place and character.
3. Ensure existing industrial uses can continue to operate as desired.
4. Integrate the edges of the District with the North Park Neighborhood, the Downtown Core, the Medical Corridor, and the University.
5. Provide a variety of transportation connections and choices throughout the District and surrounding
areas.
6. Encourage environmental consciousness, green development, clean technology, and
healthy living.
7. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.

There will be a financial impact on the City's Parking Division if future development in the district requires implementation of a Permit Parking district or installation of parking meters and signage to manage the demand for on-street parking. However, it is expected that revenues from any new districts or parking meter systems will help to off-set the costs of implementation and management.

This amendment does not require the city to survey on-street parking vacancy within the district. The city may initiate an on-street parking survey on an as needed basis. The estimated inventory of on-street parking spaces is 1,950 (parrallel parking) and 6,600 off-street parking spaces. Supply of parking in the district exceeds demand at this time.

The Planning Division recommends the City Council approve the amendment to Section 24-451 Parking Meters and Zones, and approve the addition of two new sections 24-480 Permit Parking Districts and 24-490 East Billings Parking Overlay District.