HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9301INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
No. 9301
September 28, 2010
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: PROPOSED BICYCLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS
The October 13 Zoning Commission agenda will contain a text amendment adding bicycle
parking requirements for certain developments. Cities that have adopted bicycle parking
ordinances have shown a measurable increase in bicycle trips. Replacing vehicle trips with
bicycle trips can decrease congestion, improve air quality, and promote public health.
On February 9, 2010, the City Council unanimously adopted the Bike Fort Worth plan. The plan
recommends a Zoning Ordinance amendment to include bicycle parking in all new development
projects and for change -of -use permits that require additional automobile parking. Staff has
researched cities across Texas and the nation for best practices in creating bicycle parking
standards.
On March 29, 2010, staff briefed the Development Advisory Committee on the proposed policy
elements of the text amendment. Concern was expressed from one developer on the amount
and location of bicycle parking required for multi - family residential, particularly within the central
city. Further discussion resolved that concern, and no other objections were noted from this
committee.
On May 12, 2010 the Zoning Commission was briefed on the proposed standards and was
supportive of the proposed standards.
On September 13, 2010 the Tarrant County Apartment Association received the proposed
standards and did not have any specific concerns.
The proposed standards would regulate the design, location, amount and dimensions of bicycle
parking facilities. The proposed number of required racks is listed below. Each rack equals two
bicycle parking spaces.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
0 -40 auto spaces = 1 rack minimum
1 -60 auto spaces = 2 rack minimum
61 -80 auto spaces = 3 rack minimum
Non - Residential
81 -100 auto spaces = 4 rack minimum
101 + auto spaces = 5 rack minimum
or 5 %, which ever is greater
Multi - Family
Residential
1 rack for every 35 auto spaces
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
.mot_
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
No. 9301
September 28, 2010
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: PROPOSED BICYCLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS
One- to four - family dwellings, industrial and agricultural uses, and certain other uses will be
exempt from this requirement.
The proposed standards include:
1. Bicycle parking shall be located as close as or closer than the nearest car parking space to
the building entrance, other than those spaces for persons with disabilities;
2. Required automobile parking may be reduced by the number of bicycle parking spaces
provided (5% maximum);
3. Bicycle parking will not count against the maximum allowable automobile parking;
4. Land uses with no minimum parking requirement will provide bike racks based on the
actual automobile parking spaces provided;
5. When automobile parking spaces are provided in a structured parking garage, all required
bicycle spaces shall be located inside that structure on the ground level. Alternative layout
and design of racks to maximize space may be administratively approved;
6. After the first 6 bicycle racks are provided for non - residential units, additional bicycle
parking spaces required are one -half (0.5) space per unit of measurement listed;
7. Bicycle parking is not required in Central Business "H" District if the property falls within
500 feet of an existing bicycle rack; and
8. Due to developable space constraints within mixed -use zoning including Urban Residential
and Urban Design Districts, deviation of up to 20% of the required bicycle parking spaces
is allowed with administrative approval.
This text amendment is scheduled to be considered by the City Council on November 9.
Should you have any questions, please contact Susan Alanis, Planning and Development
Director, at 817 - 392 -8180.
Dale A. Fi ler, P.Er
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS