Bill would limit local parking rules and stormwater controls

Local governments would be barred from requiring a minimum number of off-street parking spaces or spaces larger than 9 by 20 feet. These limits would apply to local zoning and other development rules for off-street parking. The size limit would not cover spaces designated for accessible, parallel, or diagonal parking. The parking limits would not apply to specified historic properties and districts, or to local governments in the coastal area. This section would take effect July 1, 2026.

Local governments would be limited in requiring stormwater controls for existing paved areas when property is developed or redeveloped. These limits would apply to local governments and existing built-upon areas at development or redevelopment sites. For redevelopment, added controls could be required only for new paved area beyond the amount already on the site, unless federal law requires otherwise. Existing paved area would not count toward calculations for additional stormwater controls, even if it is demolished, moved, replaced, or left in place. A property owner could choose to treat runoff from the net increase in paved area as allowed under watershed rules. This section would take effect if the bill becomes law and apply to stormwater rules and program changes adopted on or after that date. Local governments with stormwater programs would have 12 months after that date to update their ordinances; inconsistent rules would then be unenforceable.

The Department of Commerce would receive $5,000 to help educate property owners about adjusting parking spaces to match current and expected use. The outreach would be for property owners considering changes to parking lots. The money would come from the General Fund and would be nonrecurring. The money would be for fiscal year 2026–2027.