West Chester Borough Council voted to change the rules on how many parking spaces a builder should incorporate into new housing developments. Builders will need to supply more spaces than were required in 2021, the last time the ordinance was changed, but not as many as were required by zoning ordinances set prior to 2021. Councilwoman Nicole Scimone said that the “goal is not to cripple development,” but to find the “right size.” The councilwoman said that the borough was miscategorized as “dense urban” in previous planning studies because it lacks full public transit, does not host the correct type of jobs and lacks businesses like grocery stores. She said the borough is closer to an “urban suburban” setting. The new rules call for 1.2 parking spaces per one-bedroom unit or studio, 1.7 spaces for a two-bedroom home, 2.2 parking spaces for a three-bedroom unit, and 2.5 spaces for a four bedroom home. Development projects that have already been approved by council will not have to change their parking plans unless alterations are made.
Source: Daily Local; 6/20/2024