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CC - ACTION ITEM: Adoption of an Ordinance Approving City-Initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2026-0196-ZCA) to Implement Citywide Maximum Parking Ratios for New Development and Redevelopment Projects.

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Meeting Date:                                           November 16, 2026

Contact Person/Dept:                     Gabriel Barreras, Planning and Development Department

                                                                                    Peer Chacko, Planning and Development Department

Phone Number:                                          (310) 253-5776 / (310) 253-5755

Fiscal Impact:                                          Yes [  ]    No [X]                     General Fund:  Yes [  ]     No [X]

Attachments:    Yes [X]     No [  ]          

Public Notification: (Email) Public Notifications - City Council (10/22/2026), Meetings and Agendas- City Council 11/12/2026), (Posted) City website (10/22/2026), Social Media (10/22/2026), (Published) Culver City News (10/22/2026)

Department Approval: Emily Stadnicki, AICP, Planning & Development Director (11/11/2026)

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RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the City Council adopt an ordinance approving the proposed City-initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2026-0196-ZCA) to implement citywide maximum parking ratios for new development and redevelopment projects (Attachment 1).

BACKGROUND

On September 23, 2026, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council approval of proposed parking maximum regulations including an Administrative Use Permit (AUP) process to approve increases over the proposed maximum ratios.

On September 29, 2026, the Standing Mobility Subcommittee reviewed the staff proposal and Planning Commission suggestions. In lieu of capping all residential uses and housing types to two spaces regardless of bedroom count, the Subcommittee recommended limiting multifamily developments with 16 or more units to two parking spaces per dwelling, consistent with the intent of California Civil Code Section 1947.1 (AB 1317), which requires parking to be unbundled from rent for certain developments. The Subcommittee further suggested that the Council be provided with another option to consider - limiting the permissible AUP increase from 10% to 5%, and recommended monitoring and evaluating the impact of the code amendment every three to five years.

On November 9, 2026, the City Council introduced an ordinance establishing the proposed parking maximums and standards and adopted an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.25(b)(11) and CEQA Section 15183. The City Council voted 3 to 1 (with 1 recusal) to approve the ordinance, with the following modifications to the staff recommendation:

1.                     Limit the permissible AUP increase to 2 spaces or 5%, whichever is greater;

2.                     Conduct an evaluation of the parking maximums ordinance and its effectiveness every 3 years; and

3.                     City Council confirmed that multifamily residential projects with 16 or more units shall be limited to 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit.

DISCUSSION

The Parking Maximums Study evaluated existing parking demand and market conditions across various development types in the city. Using Development Pipeline reports from January 2025 to January 2026, the Consultant analyzed proposed parking rates for 52 projects.

Based on the Development Pipeline data, it was determined that the former parking minimums previously required by the Culver City Zoning Code could feasibly serve as the basis for new parking maximums. Adopted parking maximum ratios and associated regulatory processes are included in Attachment 1 - Exhibit A.

However, certain projects may require a relief mechanism, through an Administrative Use Permit (AUP), to allow increases of up to 2 vehicular spaces or 5%, whichever is greater, above the established maximum where a demonstrated need for additional parking can be substantiated.

These elements are included in the proposed ordinance presented for adoption by the City Council.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION

On November 9, 2026, City Council approved an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.25(b)(11), and CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

The adopted Code Amendment would not result in any direct financial impacts to the City. Implementation of the amendment may encourage development to maximize habitable and leasable floor area within projects, which could indirectly result in increased revenue from tax-generating land uses, development impact fees, and applications or development fees associated with requests for relief from parking maximums, on a case-by-case basis. The extent of any future economic impact or additional City revenue will depend on market conditions, development activity, and other factors beyond the City’s control.

ATTACHMENTS

1.                     2026-11-16_ATT_City Council Ordinance (P2026-0196-ZCA) with Exhibit A: Proposed Zoning Code Text Changes in “strikethrough/underline” format

recommended action

MOTION

That the City Council:

Adopt an ordinance approving the proposed City-initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2026-0196-ZCA) to implement citywide maximum parking ratios for new development and redevelopment projects.