Claremont, California Development News

Claremont Council Addresses Apartment Parking Shortage; Considers Temporary Solutions and Ordinance Enforcement

The City Council received an informational update regarding overnight parking concerns raised by residents of Claremont Pacifica and Cambridge Apartments on Bonita Avenue. These residents lost access to private tenant parking agreements with St. Ambrose Episcopal Church due to church construction. The report detailed the city's long-standing overnight parking ordinance (ONP), its purposes (public safety, street maintenance, beautification), and existing exemptions. Staff presented data showing 135 ONP citations in the study area between May 1 and June 30, with 8 directly associated with the two apartment complexes. Outreach efforts have connected property management with Solid Rock Church, which may offer up to 10 parking spaces for a six-month temporary term, requiring property management to provide liability insurance. Staff noted limitations in addressing private property parking availability and is not recommending changes to the ONP or using city-owned facilities for parking. The council and staff also discussed potential on-site solutions like clearing garages, exploring underutilized property space, and the feasibility of multi-modal usage or vehicle stacking, though noted challenges with staff resources and current zoning setbacks. Property managers and residents shared perspectives on the parking deficit, the importance of the ONP for safety and aesthetics, and the limitations of public transit adoption for some residents.