Lake Macquarie council considering changes to required parking rates for residential developments in business-zoned areas

Under a proposal put to councillors on Tuesday night, the amount of parking spaces required in developments like residential flat buildings, multi-dwelling housing and shop-top housing would be reduced.

The proposal, which was a recommended action in the Lake Macquarie Parking Strategy the council adopted in mid-2018, would amend the city's development control plan so an "A rate" of required parking would apply within all land zoned B2, B3 and B4, and adjacent R3 zoned areas in walking distance of centres.

Currently, the A rate is only applied in areas zoned B2, B3 and B4 where the dwelling is less than 400 metres from a train station, transport interchange or major bus route.

The B rate applies in B1 and B4 zones, or in B2 and B3 zones where the A rate does not apply. The two rates specify how many parking spaces a residential development is required to have.

Under the B rate, there must be 0.75 spaces per one-bedroom dwelling, 1.0 spaces per two-bedroom dwelling and 1.5 spaces per three-bedroom dwelling.

Under the A rate, there it is 0.5 spaces per one-bedroom dwelling, 0.75 spaces per two-bedroom dwelling and 1.0 spaces per three-bedroom dwelling.

For example, a development with 20 one-bedroom units would need to have 15 spaces under the B rate, but only 10 under the A rate.

A staff report to councillors says the proposed changes "are appropriate as they account for the benefit of proximity to centres".

"As residents are less car-dependent in these areas, parking rates should be more sensitive to the reduced need when compared to areas without walkable proximity to the range of services and facilities found in and around our centres and business-zoned land," it says.

"Whilst parking enables travel by private vehicle, it also contributes significantly to the cost of development, which leads to impacts on housing affordability, development viability, and costs of goods and services.

"It is in the interests of council and the community to seek a balanced approach to parking which will facilitate adequate parking for residents, and mitigate impacts on the vibrancy and liveability of our centres."

The council voted to defer a decision on the proposed changes until councillors are briefed in further detail.

"We do need to have a serious look at these car-parking rates," Cr Kevin Baker said.

"We need to make sure we are providing enough parking for residents."

The matter will likely return to council next month.