Port Washington planners debate EV readiness, bike racks and driveway rules in zoning rewrite

The Port Washington Plan Commission continued its multi‑chapter rewrite of the zoning code with a focused discussion on draft Article 23, which sets parking, loading and access standards. Staff presented several points for consideration, including whether bike racks should be required, whether EV infrastructure must be installed for larger parking areas and how driveway widths and vehicle stacking should be handled.

"Right now, the language is 'may'" on bike racks, staff said, and commissioners urged changing that to "shall" to encourage permanent, anchored bike parking. Commissioners also debated requiring EV readiness for parking areas with 20 or more spaces; staff noted the draft already includes language that a parking area with 20 spaces or more must have at least one EV‑capable stall (conduit or infrastructure provision).

Commissioners raised design concerns about large three‑car driveways that create wide curb cuts and heat/impervious surface impacts; staff suggested a tapering requirement so three‑car garages do not produce a continuous three‑car width at the sidewalk. Commissioners also discussed downtown exceptions — the draft retains no off‑street parking requirement in the downtown zone — and whether drive‑throughs should be limited there.

Staff said urban designers are drafting additional language for downtown design standards, including treatments for exposed or retaining walls associated with partially underground parking. Commissioners generally backed shared‑parking provisions and clearer standards to reduce conflicts with emergency services and to improve walkability.

The discussion will feed revisions to the working draft; staff asked commissioners to review the draft chapters and return with specific suggestions before the next scheduled review session.