San Marino : Off-Site Parking Rules OKd

The City Council last week tentatively approved an ordinance allowing the use of remote parking by businesses seeking to expand.

Under the proposed amendment to the city’s commercial parking ordinance, an enterprise that lacks the necessary space for parking could contract with a private company for the extra spaces.

An off-site parking lot less than 300 feet from the business could be used by customers, but any lot more than 300 feet away would be restricted to use only by its employees.

An exception would be made for similar establishments operating side-by-side. If one should go out of business, the other would be allowed to rent its space without having to provide more parking.

The city’s parking requirements vary with the type of business. Office buildings now require one space per 250 square feet, and nurseries one per 200 square feet, while beauty salons need one per 75 square feet, with a minimum of one for each operator.

About 30 residents at Wednesday’s meeting protested the ordinance, saying it will give a green light to the construction of a multilevel parking structure in the city.

The council is scheduled to consider final approval of the ordinance on July 8.