Ann Arbor Zoning Aims to Promote Urban Walking
While height restrictions may be relaxed, parking and setback requirements would tighten under new Ann Arbor zoning laws. The City of Ann Arbor wants to promote “walkability” in its urban centers meaning maximum setback requirements and parking lots behind or next to buildings versus in the front. Their goals is to place commercial buildings closer to walking spaces so that pedestrians have easier access.
New parking standards would encourage rear or side parking but they wouldn’t stipulate that a certain percentage of parking be in a certain place.
The development community has offered mixed reviews. Retailers and developers just do not see how parking in the back will work for sales. They believe that people will be discouraged to stop and shop if there appears to be no parking out front. According to city planners, many of Ann Arbor’s zoning rules haven’t been changed since the 1950s and need to be updated to fit with new community values.
This plan will be considered by the Ann Arbor City Council in September, so if you’d like a voice – weigh in now!
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