Policy Order O-19

WHEREAS: Cambridge's zoning ordinance requires one off street parking space per newly constructed residential unit; and

WHEREAS: This requirement is not absolute but may be waived by Special Permit; and

WHEREAS: The Special Permit option creates a burden for the applicant and for City staff in preparing, reviewing and deciding on the application; and

WHEREAS: Building off street parking adjacent to a Private Way seems like it may be an unecessary addition to paved surfaces and an unecessary reduction to lawns, gardens or other similar open space; and

WHEREAS: Private Ways in Cambridge allow people who own the property adjacent to a Private Way to park on the part of the Private Way that borders the property they own; and

WHEREAS: The requirement for residences bordering a Private Way to have an off-street parking space seems both unecessary and redundant as long as parking on the Private Way would not interfere with required access for emergency vehicles or other occupants of the Private Way; and

WHEREAS: Requesting a Special Permit to eliminate the offstreet parking requirement for a Private Way seems overly burden should their be adequate access for emergency vehicles and other occupants of the Private Way with a car(s) parked on the Private Way rather than on on the residential lot; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Council hereby submits the following change to the City's Zoning Ordinance for consideration and ordination- to add a footnote #15 to Table 6.36.1(a) column III (Open Space, Res A-1, A-2, Res B) stating: "Where a single dwelling unit is located on a private way and where said private way would provide adequate parking for at least one car, with the written notice from the Fire Department that emergency access would not be impaired, the requirement for off street parking is waived;" and be it further

ORDERED: That this proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinances be referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for a hearing and report.