 |
AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
Public Hearings 8.D.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 09/08/2025
Agenda Item:
Ordinance amending Section 10-1630 and Section 7-88 Number 4 reducing parking requirements for multiple-family dwellings from 2 parking spaces to 1.5 parking spaces per unit; by request of the City of Mankato.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached ordinance amendment.
Summary:
As part of the City of Mankato’s Strategic Plan and City Housing Needs Analysis, the Mankato Economic Development Authority has directed staff to refine the City’s development processes to better support community growth and address housing needs. This direction focuses on providing flexibility in the zoning ordinance by allowing high-density residential uses in the Highway Business District. Staff presented the concept at the August 11, 2025, Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting and the EDA recommended drafting an ordinance to amend the code to reduce the parking requirements from 2 parking stalls per unit to 1.5 parking stalls per unit.
The American Planning Association Planning Advisory Service's “Planning Standards” document states, "Much recent parking literature argues that excessive parking supply discourages alternative modes of transportation, reduces density, increases the cost of development, creates an uninviting built environment, and degrades the natural environment (e.g., by increasing polluted stormwater runoff into area water bodies, increasing air pollution by inducing automobile travel, and contributing to urban heat islands). While benefits may accrue from minimizing the amount of off-street parking, downsizing minimum parking requirements may be a tricky proposition in many communities due to the feared impact on other community objectives."
Parking requirements for multifamily housing have been raised in several recent proposals, with applicants citing reduced car ownership, greater transit access, and changing resident needs. Apartment parking flexibility has been requested in all areas of the community.
The Mankato City code currently reduces parking for uses in the Central Business District-Fringe (reduces parking by half) and Central Business District (does not require parking). With the review of conditional use permits, the City Council may adjust the parking requirements if it is determined an increase is required. The Council has previously required additional parking based on the number of bedrooms in an apartment unit rather than the standard two parking stalls per unit. The proposed code amendment would not limit the construction of parking stalls beyond the proposed City Code requirements.
The Planning Commission held significant discussion related to the proposed amendment. The discussion focused on whether it would be more appropriate to base the parking on the number of bedrooms rather than requiring 1.5 parking stalls per unit. Additional discussion was held related to guest parking. Ultimately, the Planning Commission recommended the proposed parking change from 2 parking stalls to 1.5 parking stalls.
Based on a review of other communities, staff recommend reducing the requirement for apartment buildings to 1.5 stalls per unit. This adjustment would align with best practices and provide several benefits: more efficient land use, reduced stormwater runoff, lower development costs, and increased housing supply.
The American Planning Association Planning Advisory Service's “Planning Standards” document states, "Much recent parking literature argues that excessive parking supply discourages alternative modes of transportation, reduces density, increases the cost of development, creates an uninviting built environment, and degrades the natural environment (e.g., by increasing polluted stormwater runoff into area water bodies, increasing air pollution by inducing automobile travel, and contributing to urban heat islands). While benefits may accrue from minimizing the amount of off-street parking, downsizing minimum parking requirements may be a tricky proposition in many communities due to the feared impact on other community objectives."
Parking requirements for multifamily housing have been raised in several recent proposals, with applicants citing reduced car ownership, greater transit access, and changing resident needs. Apartment parking flexibility has been requested in all areas of the community.
The Mankato City code currently reduces parking for uses in the Central Business District-Fringe (reduces parking by half) and Central Business District (does not require parking). With the review of conditional use permits, the City Council may adjust the parking requirements if it is determined an increase is required. The Council has previously required additional parking based on the number of bedrooms in an apartment unit rather than the standard two parking stalls per unit. The proposed code amendment would not limit the construction of parking stalls beyond the proposed City Code requirements.
The Planning Commission held significant discussion related to the proposed amendment. The discussion focused on whether it would be more appropriate to base the parking on the number of bedrooms rather than requiring 1.5 parking stalls per unit. Additional discussion was held related to guest parking. Ultimately, the Planning Commission recommended the proposed parking change from 2 parking stalls to 1.5 parking stalls.
Based on a review of other communities, staff recommend reducing the requirement for apartment buildings to 1.5 stalls per unit. This adjustment would align with best practices and provide several benefits: more efficient land use, reduced stormwater runoff, lower development costs, and increased housing supply.