HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpposition Letter - AB 2097 (Friedman) - 07.27.2022
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July 27, 2022
The Honorable Laura Friedman
California State Assembly
Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suite 6310
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: AB 2097 (Friedman) – OPPOSE
Dear Assemblymember Friedman,
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, I am writing to express our opposition to AB 2097,
which would prohibit local governments from imposing or enforcing a minimum automobile
parking requirement on residential, commercial, or other developments, without regard to the
development size, if the development is located on a parcel within 1/2 mile of public transit.
AB 2097 would essentially allow developers to dictate parking requirements in large
areas of many cities because the definition of public transit includes entire bus routes within 15-
minutes service intervals. Restricting parking requirements within 1/2 mile of a high frequency
transit route does not guarantee individuals living, working, or shopping on those parcels will
actually use transit. Employees who work night shifts cannot be forced to rely solely on public
transit, especially in areas with inequitable transportation services. Many residents will
continue to own automobiles and require nearby parking, which will only increase parking
demand and congestion.
AB 2097 would give both developers and transit agencies, who are unaccountable to
local voters, the power to determine parking requirements. Transit agencies would be able to
dramatically alter local parking standards by shifting transit routes and adjusting service
intervals. Additionally, AB 2097 can negatively impact the states Density Bonus Law by
providing developers parking concessions without also requiring developers to include
affordable housing units in the project. The purpose of Density Bonus Law is to provide
concessions and waivers to developers in exchange for affordable housing units.
While AB 2097 maybe well intended, parking requirements are more appropriately
established at the local level based on community needs. A one-size fits all approach to an issue
MAYOR DARCY PAUL
CITY OF CUPERTINO
CORRESPONDENCE TO ASSEMBLYMEMBER FRIEDMAN OPPOSING AB 2097 page 2 of 2
that is project specific just does not work. For these reasons, the city of Cupertino opposes AB
2097.
Sincerely,
Darcy Paul
Mayor
City of Cupertino
cc: Senator Dave Cortese
Senator Josh Becker
Assemblymember Evan Low