City leaders in Ukiah are tackling what many residents consider an eyesore: half-empty, crumbling parking lots. The Ukiah City Council is set to vote on an ‘urgency ordinance’ designed to dramatically slash minimum parking requirements for new businesses and developments at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday. City staff says the current rules are wildly outdated, built for an era when cities felt forced to provide free parking for the busiest shopping day of the year. Officials say too much parking has turned into a nuisance.’ Staff reports highlight a recent spike in trespassing, illegal gatherings, trash buildup, and illegal sales in these underutilized lots. -If passed, the new rules would immediately align Ukiah with its 2040 General Plan, shifting the focus away from cars and toward housing, public transit, and walkable neighborhoods. Because it’s being introduced as an urgency ordinance, if the council approves it, the changes will take effect immediately to prevent further neighborhood blight. That meeting kicks off tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20th, at 5:15 p.m. at Council Chambers on Seminary Avenue. Residents can also voice their opinions online via Zoom.