By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

An alternative method for calculating the number of parking spots required for businesses has been approved by the Hays City Commission.

Public Works Director I.D. Creech told commissioners at Thursday’s city meeting the move allows business owners and developers to apply for an application for parking spaces based on design, rather than the number of spaces required due to zoning laws.

City Manager Toby Dougherty said the change was suggested in the city’s comprehensive plan passed in 2012, which identified parking regulations as something the city needed to consider changing.

Dougherty said the change prevents too much land being set aside for parking, such as a “big box” store that might not need all the parking spots, but was required due to previous zoning laws.

According to national statistics, ample land is wasted on parking.

“There are seven parking spots for every car in the U.S.,” Dougherty said.