Yachats is a city of about 1,000 residents on the Oregon Coast, but on summer weekends the population can triple or more as visitors flock to “The Gem of the Oregon Coast.” Studio Davis prepared a comprehensive downtown parking management plan to address seasonal demand and improve access for residents, visitors, and local businesses. The planning process began with a site visit and inventory of all public and non-residential private parking facilities within the study area. Initial interviews with local stakeholders were followed by a broad public outreach campaign that generated a robust set of feedback. Detailed demand observations during the peak season provided data on the timing, location, and severity of parking issues experienced by visitors.
Yachats has a sizable population of retirees who are often active in community affairs, resulting in strong local interest in the parking plan. Accordingly, the work included a significant outreach and education component, with interviews conducted with business owners throughout the city and a well-attended public workshop.
Through close collaboration with the Yachats Planning Commission and City staff, the project resulted in a draft plan that identifies underutilized parking resources throughout the downtown area and recommends strategies to activate these resources rather than construct unnecessary additional supply. The plan is currently in draft form and is scheduled for City Council consideration later in September.