Article 44 - Zoning Bylaw Amendment: Commercial Districts Parking Requirements Section 4.2.3 Combined Business/Residence & Section 7.7 Table IV Minimum Parking Requirements

ARTICLE 44. To determine whether the Town will amend Zoning Bylaw Section 4.2.3 (Combined business/residence) to add a new subsection 4.2.3.5, and Zoning Bylaw Section 7.7 Off-Street Parking, Loading, and Design Standards Table IV Minimum Parking to add the following Footnote 1 to Business Uses (amendment shown in bold italics for emphasis only. Where a portion of a section is quoted, other sections shall remain unchanged); or take any other action relative thereto:

Subsection 4.2.3.5 In Commercial Districts, a change in use from a permitted Business use to a Combined Business/Residence use shall not be required to provide additional off-street parking.

Footnote 1: In Commercial Districts, a change in use from a permitted Business use to another permitted Business use shall not be required to provide additional parking.

Article Explanation

Removing excess parking requirements invigorates the local business activity that Concord aims to foster, which boosts economic vitality, enhances resident services, and increases tax revenues. It sustains Concord's historic commercial areas, supports small businesses, and advances environmental goals by reducing surface parking and better using existing structures.

The proposed bylaw change reflects Concord’s priority to maintain its unique character while fostering moderate, responsible economic growth. By allowing changes of use without requiring new off-street parking (provided no square footage is added), these bylaw amendments sustain Concord’s small commercial base in a way that directly benefits residents, both financially and in quality of life.

Article Motion

Mr. Lawson moves that Town Meeting take affirmative action on Article 44 as printed in the Warrant with the following changes:

1. Striking Section 4.2.3.5; and
2. including in Footnote 1 the phrase “that does not increase the square footage of the use or commercial space” so that Footnote 1 reads: “Footnote 1: In Commercial Districts, a change in use from one permitted Business use to another permitted Business use that does not increase the square footage of the use or commercial space shall not be required to provide additional parking.”