The City of Orlando yesterday approved a new policy that will impact the downtown residential community once the new Amway Center opens. Private property owners who own property adjacent to the new Amway Center and wish to operate “for fee” parking lots during certain events at the Amway Center will need to apply to the City for a Temporary Use Permit to operate a parking lot near the Amway Center.
Known as the Temporary Amway Center Special Event Parking, certain new policies, procedures and standards will govern the “Special Event Parking:
Location –Properties located within the yellow hatched boundary line depicted in Exhibit “A” or on property abutting the right-of-way or parcel that constitutes the boundaries of the district shall be eligible for Special Event Parking. (See attached for boundary line).
Procedures – The owner of any property located within the area depicted on Exhibit “A” who desires to provide Special Events Parking must petition the City planning official for a Temporary Use Permit (as defined by Section 4N of Chapter 58 of the Land Development Code). The application fee is $275 (a Letter of Determination application). City staff will review the application to confirm the proposed parking lot complies with the standards provided herein. City staff will prepare application forms and identify any documents to be submitted in conjunction with the application. Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for compliance and merit.
Standards – City staff will not recommend approval of a Temporary Use Permit for Special Event Parking unless the application complies with the following standards:
o Vacant Lots – All applications for Special Event Parking on vacant (unimproved) lots must include a “to-scale” site plan that demonstrates compliance with City Code requirements for parking spaces, access and circulation. Staff will make recommendations for reasonable aesthetic and safety improvements to include fencing, perimeter landscaping, and signage.
o Existing Paved Parking Lots – All applications for Special Event Parking on existing paved surface parking lots that comply with the City Code at the time of construction must include a recent survey identifying the location of the proposed Special Event Parking spaces and the overall traffic circulation pattern. The applicant must also submit documentation demonstrating that the proposed Special Event Parking is ether in excess of the City’s required minimum parking spaces or the business that utilizes this parking will be closed at the time of the special event.
o Occasional Parking (unimproved parking used by churches and other institutional uses) – The surface of occasional use parking lots may need to be upgraded to gravel or stone if they are used frequently enough to degrade the quality of the grass surface. The type and extent of improvements required to upgrade occasional use parking lots will be determined by the City Engineer at the time of the pre-application meeting.
Pre-Application Meeting – Prior to filing an application, the owner /operator of the temporary Special Event Parking lot must request a pre-application meeting with the City staff (through the Zoning Official) to determine if any improvements will be required. The type and extent of required improvements will depend on the size and the existing condition of the proposed Special Event Parking lot. If the City requires a gravel or stone parking surface, the City will also require the owner to remove the gravel or stone and re-sod or seed the surface after the expiration of the Temporary Use Permit.
Affidavit – Authorization from the owner of the property proposed to be used for Special Event Parking shall be submitted in conjunction with any application for Temporary Use Permit approval.
Attendant – All Special Event Parking lots must be manned for the duration of the special event.
Signage – All Special Event Parking lots must display an approved sign provided by the City with prices posted. If the lot is full or closed, it shall be posted as full or closed. No other signage is allowed. This sign will include a City phone number for complaints.
Lighting – All Special Event Parking Lots must be properly lighted.
Tailgating – Tailgating is not permitted.
Duration –Special Event Parking lots are limited to a maximum duration of two years or to January 2013, whichever is less.
Business Tax Receipt – A Business Tax Receipt is required prior to operating an approved Special Event Parking lot.
Exempt Properties – Single Family Residential properties are exempt from receiving a Temporary Use Permit and from requiring a Business Tax Receipt provided all vehicles are parked on approved paved parking surfaces.
Amway Center Events Only – Special Event Parking lots may only be operated during Amway Center events expected to attract 5,000 or more paid attendees. The Orlando Venues Department will be responsible for identifying and noticing events that meet this threshold. Parking not associated with an Amway Center event is not allowed. Fencing or bollards and chains may be required to prevent parking not associated with an Amway Center special event.
