KENNEBUNKPORT – Parking is typically a hot topic in downtown or beachfront Maine communities, where streets are narrow and parking can be a challenge. On June 9th, Kennebunkport voters will be asked whether they want to amend section 240-10.7 of the land use ordinance to explicitly allow stacked or valet parking for properties that require a site plan application. Current regulations require parking independently on the lot by guests or patrons.
Galen Weibley, Kennebunkport director of planning and development, noted that this arrangement “would typically be used for a commercial entity, but could also be helpful for existing smaller in-town residential lots with constrained parking areas.”
He added that planning staff had noticed that some commercial locations were effectively using this valet arrangement with good results. There is no standard that says you can’t stack park on your property, so staff recommended making the option available more broadly to provide greater flexibility. Weibley explained that this will allow a reduction in the amount of impervious surface on a lot, reducing stormwater runoff and impacts to surrounding wetlands and environment, while still meeting town objectives for adequate parking on a site.
This alternative plan would require approval by both the fire and police chiefs and the planning board in order to make sure the plan would ensure public safety in the case of an emergency situation on the site.
There were no public comments on the proposed ordinance revision at the required public hearing, which was held May 14 at the Kennebunkport Select Board’s regular meeting.
