Streamlined Approval Process For Loading Zones Approved In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Amid rising interest in curbside pickup and drop-off areas, a streamlined process for approving these loading zones was approved by the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board Monday.

The approval allows Alexandria's Transportation and Environmental Services director to administratively approve pick up and drop-off loading zones for rideshare, takeout, delivery and other drop-offs in limited parking areas. These new types of loading zones are different from the traditional loading zones for freight truck deliveries.

During the Monday public hearing, Traffic and Parking Board members raised concerns with the need for public input in the administrative approval process. With the board's approval of the process, on-site signage is required to seek public feedback for several weeks before administrative approval of loading zones. The board also supported allowing staff to time-limit the loading zones.

The approval comes as interest in loading areas for rideshare, takeout and delivery rose since the creation of new service apps and the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have in Alexandria food and online shopping deliveries, we have taxi and rideshare trips. There are a number of schools and daycares that have opened or are opening that don't have on-site parking," said Max Devilliers, an urban planner for the City of Alexandria. "There are carry out pickup businesses and then of course your general freight loading and unloading for streets from businesses that don't necessarily have a loading zone."

On the benefits of loading zones, Devilliers said, "they have helped and will help to reduce double parking, the obstruction of travel lanes, preventing obstruction of fire hydrants, mitigating the prevalence of drivers parked in crosswalks and all the while addressing the needs of the businesses these are meant to help."

The city has received a slew of applications for loading zones since the Traffic and Parking Board first approved these types of zones in June 2022. Before the administrative process, the board considers each loading zone request on an individual basis.

But requests have been met with mixed feedback at times. The board on Monday approved a new drop-off and loading zone in front of Carpenter's Shelter in the 900 block of North Henry Street. A request for a loading zone Café du Soleil in the 200 block of South Union Street, which received some opposition, was deferred to the board's May meeting.

Eligible locations for pickup and drop-off loading zones must have at least one primarily carryout business, healthcare or senior-focused business, school, child care, or major destination and not have an existing loading zone.

If city staff alter the proposal in a way the applicant does not agree with, the matter can go to a Traffic and Parking Board public hearing.

If loading zones are approved, city staff will make annual checks of the loading zones to determine if they are still needed.

The Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board previously approved other administrative processes for removal of parking at bus stops for ADA compliance, addition of "no turn on red" signage at intersections and removal of parking at crosswalks to improve driver sightlines.