During a recent meeting of the Ocala Contractors Board of Examiners and Appeals, city planner Bria Miller presented a public hearing regarding a request for a reduction in parking requirements for a local tech center. The property, which includes an IG glass plant and a tech center, has undergone significant development since receiving site plan approvals in 2017 and 2020, respectively.

The tech center, which was fully developed in February 2023, is now seeking to expand its office space, leading to a request for 21 additional parking spaces. However, this expansion will also result in the removal of 18 existing parking spaces, reducing the total from 205 to 187 spaces. A parking study indicated that the city’s code requires 272 parking spaces for the new improvements, creating a deficit of 85 spaces. According to the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) manual, the required number of spaces is even higher at 315, resulting in a 128-space deficit.

Miller noted that the facility operates with a shift-based system and employs 203 workers, but not all employees are present on-site at the same time due to the facility's high level of automation. This operational model suggests that the actual parking demand may be lower than the numbers indicate.

City staff recommended approval of the parking reduction request, contingent on two conditions: the construction of the additional 21 parking spaces within six months and a requirement for the facility to update its parking plan if employee numbers exceed those outlined in the parking study.

The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing development needs with parking requirements in Ocala, particularly as the city continues to grow. The board's decision on this request will have implications for future developments and the management of parking resources in the area.