The York County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on key issues related to parking regulations and residential design standards. A significant discussion emerged regarding the adequacy of current setback requirements for new developments, particularly in light of changing vehicle sizes and parking needs.
Supervisors expressed concerns that existing setbacks of 20 to 25 feet are insufficient for modern vehicles, which have increased in size over the years. One supervisor highlighted that many homeowners are using their garages for storage rather than parking, leading to a persistent parking problem. The suggestion was made to increase setbacks to 30 feet to accommodate two vehicles, as many families now own multiple cars.
Another topic of discussion involved parking regulations for restaurants, particularly those with drive-through services. Supervisors clarified that while traditional dine-in restaurants have standard parking requirements, adjustments have been made for establishments like Cookout, which primarily serve customers through drive-throughs. The Board has implemented a new ordinance that requires one and one-third parking spaces for each employee during peak shifts, but they did not reduce the overall parking requirements for restaurants that also offer dine-in options.
The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing development needs with practical parking solutions in York County. As the community continues to grow, these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping future regulations and ensuring that residential and commercial developments meet the needs of residents.