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Home My WebLink AboutActive Adult Parking Research_AMActive Adult – Parking Research 2024 A parking strategy for a 55+ community, aiming for a ratio between 1.0 and 1.3 spaces per unit is generally in line with national trends and research, providing the right balance between convenience and space optimization. A parking ratio of around 1.3 spaces per unit for an active adult community can be advantageous for several reasons: 1. Space Efficiency: A 1.3 ratio ensures that there is ample parking for residents and visitors without excessive unused spaces. This prevents the unnecessary paving of land, making the development more efficient. 2. Increased Green Space: By reducing the number of parking spaces, you can allocate more space for landscaping, walking trails, gardens, and other green areas, creating a more attractive and peaceful environment. This green space can enhance the quality of life for residents, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and social interaction. 3. Environmental Benefits: Fewer paved areas mean less stormwater runoff, reducing the strain on local drainage systems and decreasing the risk of flooding. It also minimizes heat island effects, leading to cooler surroundings, which is particularly valuable in the summer months. 4. Aesthetic Appeal: More green space makes the community look more inviting and natural, aligning with the desires of many active adults who value wellness, nature, and an aesthetically pleasing living environment. 5. Encourages Walkability and Active Lifestyles: More green space and fewer parking lots can encourage residents to walk or use alternative modes of transportation, promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. 6. Marketability: Prospective residents are more attracted to a community that feels less like a parking lot and more like a residential, nature‐focused environment. Comparison with Higher Parking Ratios: ‐ A higher parking ratio might suggest convenience but often leads to a more commercial appearance, which can be less appealing in an active adult community setting. ‐ Excess parking areas can become underutilized, taking up valuable land that could be used for amenities or landscaping that better serves residents' preferences and needs. Regarding Carmel's UDO: While active adult communities don’t fit neatly into the category of CCRC since they offer only one lifestyle versus a continuum of care, the parking requirement for CCRC ‐independent living is more appropriate at 1 space per unit. The Meridian Trails Active Adult community offers supportive services such as wellness and life enrichment and therefore qualifies as suites for the elderly under retirement/convalescent definition. However, the parking requirement under this section is 1 space per licensed bed which does not relate to an unlicensed environment. Therefore, a 1.3 parking ratio offers a balanced approach, meeting residents' needs while maximizing the quality and appeal of the community space. Typical Parking Ratios in 55+ Communities: 1. Urban/Suburban Areas: ‐ The ratio often ranges from 0.75 to 1.25 spaces per unit. ‐ Urban areas may lean towards the lower end of this range due to better access to public transportation and amenities within walking distance. ‐ Suburban settings, where residents are more likely to rely on personal vehicles, often prefer a ratio closer to 1 to 1.3 spaces per unit. 2. Independent Living Communities: ‐ Common ratios are around 1 to 1.3 spaces per unit, as many residents may still drive but not as frequently as those in general apartment communities. ‐ These communities often allocate additional guest parking at a ratio of about 0.2 to 0.3 spaces per unit. 3. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) and Assisted Living: ‐ For CCRCs with independent living units, parking ratios range from 0.5 to 1 space per unit. ‐ Assisted living facilities usually have a lower ratio, around 0.3 to 0.5 spaces per unit**, as fewer residents drive. Key Findings from Research: ‐ Age and Mobility Influence: As residents age, their driving frequency tends to decrease. Many residents in the 55+ bracket continue to drive, but by their late 70s or 80s, the number of drivers drops significantly. This trend supports a lower parking ratio over time. ‐ Public Transportation and Ride‐Sharing: In areas with good public transportation or access to ride‐ sharing services, communities can successfully maintain a lower parking ratio, as residents have alternative transportation options. ‐ Walking and Health: Communities that promote active lifestyles often find that residents prefer walking or using golf carts, reducing the demand for parking spaces. ‐ Green Space Preference: Many residents in 55+ communities prefer green spaces and recreational areas over large parking lots, suggesting that lower parking ratios can enhance the appeal and livability of the community. General Trends and Recommendations: ‐ A parking ratio of 1 to 1.3 spaces per unit is becoming the most common standard for active adult and independent living communities. ‐ Ratios are often adjusted based on the availability of alternative transportation options and the overall lifestyle offered by the community. Why This Matters: ‐ Communities that adopt a more conservative parking ratio find that it helps create a more attractive and enjoyable living environment for residents. ‐ It reduces costs, increases green spaces, and aligns with trends favoring walkability, sustainability, and wellness. Justus Active Adult Senior Communities Parking Ratios ‐ CWN has 330 parking spaces…299 apartments for a parking ratio of 1.1 spaces/unit Spaces ‐ CWS has 961 parking spaces….757 apartments for a parking ratio of 1.3 spaces/unit Spaces ‐ Promenade Trails Parking ‐ Parking required = .5 parking ratio of Spaces / unit = 75 Spaces ‐ Parking Planned = 164 spaces for 151 apartments for a parking ratio of 1.08 spaces/unit Spaces Sources 1. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Generation Manual. This manual provides data on parking ratios for various land uses, including senior housing, and reflects the variations seen in urban and suburban settings. 2. Urban Land Institute (ULI) – "Emerging Trends in Real Estate”. This publication covers overall parking trends in real estate, including recommendations for active adult communities. 3. American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) – "State of Seniors Housing” Annual Report. This report provides insights into parking needs across various types of senior living arrangements, including CCRCs and assisted living. 4. AARP Public Policy Institute – "Transportation Mobility Options for Older Adults". AARP’s research shows trends in driving frequency among older adults, supporting the need for lower parking ratios as residents age. 5. Transportation Research Board (TRB) studies and reports, which cover the impact of public transportation and ridesharing on parking demand in senior communities. 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – "Healthy Aging Research Network". The CDC offers studies on how walkability and active living impact older adults, leading to a reduced need for parking. 7. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) – "What Home Buyers Really Want" survey. This survey indicates that 55+ buyers value green space and outdoor amenities over additional parking. 8. Urban Land Institute (ULI) – "Parking and the City". This publication covers overall parking trends in real estate, including recommendations for active adult communities. Note: By referring to the above listed sources, you can access more in‐depth data and examples to support each of the points regarding parking ratios in retirement housing communities.