Light Rail Interim Parking

Overview

The economic recession has introduced uncertainty into the development process even in areas near the Link light rail system. Limited prospects for new development exist in the near-term. Underused lots in and around light rail stations in Southeast Seattle may pose a safety hazard as well as create an unsightly condition.  
 
Providing temporary additional parking in this area can facilitate light rail ridership. Additional parking can be provided on sites where parking lots now exist, but are not fully used. This is also true of the sites of several institutions outside of Station Area Overlay District boundaries but within a quarter of a mile of the light rail stations themselves. 
 
The Mayor directed DPD to prepare legislation to help address issues of safety, improve the appearance of neighborhoods and provide more riders for light rail. The legislation has been adopted by City Council and is intended to help encourage additional people to ride light rail and provide for some economic return on lots near light rail stations. The following is a summary of the new legislation:
 
  • The legislation would allow light rail parking as an interim use on existing lots in station areas in Southeast Seattle (Mt. Baker, Columbia City, Othello and Rainier Beach Station Areas) where principal use (commuter) parking is not currently allowed.  The area within the station area in North Beacon Hill is not eligible.
  • Owners are allowed to make parking available to rail commuters, employees and patrons of nearby businesses. 
  • Light rail commuter and business support parking are also allowed on lots owned by institutions within walking distance of these light rail stations, including institutions near the Beacon Hill station. 
  • The proposal does not allow principal structures to be demolished in order to establish a parking use.
  • The proposal limits the number of non-accessory parking spaces that may be established on a lot to 40, except that institutions within a quarter mile of a light rail station that are not within the boundaries of the Station Area Overlay District may establish up to 100 parking spaces.
  • The interim use parking allowance is permitted for a maximum term of three years, and the ability to apply for a permit expires at the end of 2012. 
Last Updated:

March 31, 2011