What Is a P Zone?

A P Zone is used to enhance vitality in neighborhood business districts by:

• requiring ground floor uses that contribute to pedestrian activity and interest along identified “principal pedestrian” streets
• providing waivers for parking requirements in acknowledgment that providing less parking gives smaller businesses more flexibility

What Uses Are Allowed in a P Zone?

Businesses and community facilities that attract pedestrian activity and interest are allowed at street level in P Zones, these include:

• retail stores
• restaurants
• banks
• medical offices
• community centers
• libraries
• hair salons

Uses that attract automobile activity, like gas stations and auto repair, or uses where employees stay inside most of the day and don’t have clients walking in regularly, like research labs and administrative offices, are prohibited at street level. A real estate agent is another example of an allowed use while a computer programming office would not be allowed along a pedestrian designated arterial.

What About Existing Businesses?

No existing businesses will be displaced due to the designation of a P Zone. Existing businesses can continue to operate in their current location. New businesses can move into existing spaces if the use of the space doesn’t change. New regulations will only apply when a new type of business locates along the principal pedestrian arterial within the designated P Zone.

Why Are Parking Waivers Part of the P Zone?

Parking waivers provide an incentive for businesses to locate at street level within a P Zone. Many customers use means other than driving to travel to and around a P Zone business district. P Zone designations are generally located in areas with good transit service. In addition, when customers do drive to a pedestrian area, they often park once and visit several businesses. This means that each business doesn’t have to provide a parking space for every customer.

The waiver makes it easier for smaller businesses to locate in new buildings. Parking spaces can cost as much as $30,000 each. New buildings that are allowed to provide fewer parking spaces will have lower construction costs which would, in turn, allow them to provide space for businesses at lower rent.