Torrance : Parking-Space Formula
The City Council approved a more stringent method for computing how many parking spaces developers must provide.
The formula for figuring parking spaces used to be based on a building’s floor area minus area used for elevators, rest rooms, staircases and building equipment. The new formula simply computes the area within exterior walls.
A survey of 15 surrounding municipalities showed that the new formula is more common.
City staffers said that the old formula typically produced an area 5% smaller than the new formula. They said about half of a group of developers contacted by the staff have been using the new formula.
The ordinance will take effect Jan. 1. Buildings constructed under the old formula will not have to make any changes unless substantial renovation --30% or more of the building value--is undertaken.
Councilman Dan Walker was the only council member to vote against the measure.
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