Clarksville cuts parking requirements for commercial, industrial sites
Clarksville officials in Southern Indiana have voted unanimously to reduce parking requirements for commercial and industrial sites. The move aims to address underused space, improve the town’s economy, and tackle environmental concerns.
For years, Clarksville has been a major commercial hub, attracting shoppers from nearby cities who visit its stores and restaurants daily. However, the development codes implemented in the past have resulted in sprawling parking lots that now remain mostly empty.
According to Town Planning Director Neal Turpin, these minimum parking requirements were based on fear rather than actual data. A lot of communities were very afraid that if you didn’t have enough parking, businesses would fail and jobs would go away… But they’re just not based on anything, he explained.
The recent decision by the Clarksville Town Council amends the town zoning ordinance, eliminating minimum parking requirements for commercial and industrial sites. However, adherence to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and safety standards is still mandatory. The town’s plan commission had previously approved the measure.
The comprehensive change in parking regulations is a response to environmental issues, the need to utilize underused space effectively, and evolving shopping habits. In some of the main commercial areas, parking lots occupy four times more space than the actual businesses themselves.
Clarksville is relatively landlocked. Space is at a premium here, said Turpin. So requiring so much of our scarce land to be dedicated to parking lots that are really not necessary… it’s not good development strategy.
The excessive amount of concrete and asphalt in the town has also contributed to problems such as increased stormwater runoff and the urban heat island effect. A heat analysis conducted a few years ago revealed that areas with more parking and larger roadways experienced higher temperatures. The hottest area was near Walmart at Veterans Parkway and Interstate 65.
Developers and planners have voiced their support for the change, highlighting the need to move away from outdated parking standards. In one instance, a medical facility with 40 beds was required to have 245 parking spaces under the previous requirements. The developers successfully obtained a variance to reduce it to 100 spots. Home Depot also sold a portion of its parking lot years ago, allowing another business to operate on the space.
The removal of parking requirements is expected to pave the way for more flexible development in Clarksville, both for existing businesses and future projects. The updated zoning ordinance emphasizes the importance of minimizing urban areas dedicated solely to car storage, stating that it limits space for people, businesses, and open spaces.
With this decision, Clarksville officials hope to create a more sustainable and vibrant town while stimulating economic growth. By prioritizing efficient land use and addressing environmental concerns, they aim to attract new businesses and further enhance the town’s commercial standing.
The move to reduce parking requirements is a progressive step that aligns with best practices in urban planning and design. As Clarksville embarks on this new phase of development, it sets an example for other communities grappling with similar issues. By focusing on making land available for productive use instead of excessive parking, towns can create more livable and sustainable environments, promoting economic growth and preserving natural resources.
