20240207-003: DRAFT Parking Recommendation — original pdf

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ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240207-004 Second by: Date: February 7, 2024 Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Hanna Cofer WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission understands that hotels, hospitals, cluster or tower housing, schools, shopping centers, parks, sports centers, and businesses still need parking options for their workers and clients to conduct business; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; THEREFORE, The Environmental Commission requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine if what are the most environmentally friendly options. 1 of 2  When assessing environmental impacts, the Commission asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to capture/treat stormwater, associated heat island effects, light pollution, and any other environmental impacts. The study should also reflect what types of parking options people prefer. The Environmental Commission desires this report to be a tool for city staff, public space planners, and developers to determine what parking options are environmentally superior in; reducing impervious cover, reducing pollution from runoff during rain events, reducing heat island effects, reducing light pollution, and increasing solar energy use. The Commission requests that this study be completed and presented to the Austin City Council no later than December 2024. Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Kevin Ramberg, Environmental Commission Chair 2 of 2