Hayden mulls parking ordinance

HAYDEN - The Hayden City Council is considering revising its parking ordinance that could increase startup costs for businesses.

According to community development director Lisa Key, the proposed revision would affect landscaping in parking areas near businesses.

If the revision is approved, parking areas will require at least one tree for every thousand square feet, Key said, making Hayden's business areas more aesthetically appealing. Other landscaping restrictions would be included as well, including pavement requirements.

The current parking ordinance does not address landscaping, Key said.

The City Council did not wish to revise an ordinance without first receiving participation from the business community, she added

Key said the proposed revision would likely create more attractive business areas, which would in turn draw more customers. However, landscaping is costly, and the ordinance change would likely increase startup costs for businesses that move to Hayden.

"I think, generally speaking, it improves aesthetics and also has some life cycle benefits (for pavement in parking areas)," Key said. "But it does increase the up-front cost to provide additional landscaping."