The parking rules in Port Townsend are set to be changed around, with the goal of bringing more affordable housing options to would-be renters by loosening residential parking requirements and increasing residential building capacity options.

In an earlier special business meeting, Port Townsend City Council unanimously approved an ordinance loosening parking-related restrictions for residences in Port Townsend city limits.

The code amendments include eliminating accessory dwelling unit (ADU) parking requirements; setting a standard for boarding houses; reducing parking for multi-family units (no less than 1-1.25 ratio); reduce parking for senior multi-family units (no less than 1-1 ratio); reduce parking for smaller homes (no less than 1-1 ratio); crediting on-street parking when a historic, single-family residential property converts to multi-family residential; clarifying that on-street parking does not convey exclusive use; adopting a surface standard for on-site parking; and crediting up to one on-street parking space for single-family residential units.

With the goal of creating more households with eligible ADUs, the parking amendments could provide Port Townsend with more affordable rental spaces.

Beyond loosening rules for setting up an ADU, the parking reduction amendments to dwellings such as multi-family units and small homes fall in line with the city’s ongoing efforts to promote alternative and eco-friendly transportation methods like public transit and walking to destinations.

The proposal to change requirements prompted support and concern.

“I understand that parking restrictions are limiting construction of ADUs and other multi-family residences,” said Jaisri Lingappa, a Port Townsend resident and housing advocate, during public comment. “However, a town with narrow streets and few sidewalks does not have the infrastructure for an across-the-board increase in the amount of off-street parking.”

“On streets that lack sidewalks, pedestrians are forced to walk on the verges or shoulders … This puts pedestrians in danger, particularly when streets are narrow and lack paved shoulders like many of ours do,” Lingappa added. 

“I’m grateful the city is taking steps to reduce parking requirements, which as we know are often a barrier to building housing that locals desperately need,” said Kelsey Caudebec of the Housing Solutions Network via public comment. “Thank you for recognizing this and providing solutions to alleviate it.”

“In a town where rent, home buying, and building is only affordable to those whose income is well above the median income earners, any proposed changes to the parking and zoning code to increase density will benefit the wealthy and landlords who can charge exorbitant rent,” Meg Lodes said during public comment. “Using a public ROW for an on-street parking space and charge high monthly rent to bolster profits isn’t equitable or fair to neighborhood residents.”