Westport Parking Standards to be Reviewed

According to the news release, "Amendment No. 645 has been submitted by attorney Lawrence Weisman to modify the parking standards found in Section 34-5 of the zoning regulations.  Specifically, the proposed amendment as proposed would eliminate three separate categories of Place of Worship, Theaters, and Auditoriums/Stadiums -- which all have different requirements -- in favor of a single standard that includes all of the above plus other Places of Assembly.

Currently, theaters have a standard of one parking space for every three seats, auditoriums and stadiums one parking space for every five seats and places of worship uses a standard established by the Fire Marshall based upon occupancy load. 

The new standard for all of these categories would be one parking space for every three seats or one parking space for every 45 square feet of floor space used for public assembly, whichever is greater.

According to Weisman’s written proposal, “Establishing a single standard is more rational and the Planning & Zoning Commission should not delegate its authority to the Fire Marshal for places of worship.”

All those interested in these amendments are encouraged to attend the Planning & Zoning Commission’s public hearing on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium.

Copies of the amendments are available for viewing in both in the P&Z Office and in the office of the Town Clerk. 

The commission can receive written comments from the public in advance of the hearing.  Once the hearing is closed, no more information or comments will be accepted."