Recent construction of and proposals for apartment buildings with no onsite parking along inner Portland’s commercial streets have sparked concerns from some neighborhood organizations about the impact this new construction and additional cars may have on their community.

In response to input from community members, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) has completed research and analysis in order to have more informed conversations about new apartments and parking, including: 

1. Summary of issues raised by community members
2. Review of last six years of permit data for multi-dwelling projects
3. Parking and Travel Behavior Study - A consultant study of travel, parking behavior and vehicle ownership of residents of eight existing residential/mixed use buildings with little or no parking; includes vehicle counts, surveys with residents and interviews as well as a compilation of other research related to infill development, parking and travel behavior of residents
4. Cost of Onsite Parking and Impacts on Affordability - BPS modeled development data to evaluate the cost of providing onsite parking for infill apartments and impacts on affordability.
5. TriMet Service Review - Review of transit service frequency in 2007 (prior to service cuts) and current service levels

The results of these studies will be presented to the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) at a Public Forum on November 13, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Portlanders are invited to attend and comment at this time.

The results of the studies above, as well as additional materials are now available online, including:

• Flyer announcing the November 13 Public Forum on New Apartments and Parking
• Memo to the Planning and Sustainability Commission regarding Minimum Parking Requirements for Multi-family Development
• Parking Study: Parking Impacts for New Transit-oriented Development along Portland Inner Corridors prepared for BPS by David Evans and Associates
• Cost of Onsite Parking and Impacts on Affordability Research
• Map of Multi-dwelling Permits in Last 18 Months and Changes to TriMet Service Since 2007
• Map of Areas Where Parking Is Allowed But Not Required
• November 2012 Frequently Asked Questions Memo about New Apartments and Parking

Please join us at the public forum on November 13. If you are not able to attend the forum, you can send comments directly to the PSC at psc@portlandoregon.gov.