Austin, Texas recently became the largest city in the United States to stop requiring new developments to set a minimum amount of parking.
The Austin City Council voted 8-2 earlier this month to eliminate parking requirements in an effort to fight climate change and spur more housing construction as Texas’s capitol grapples with a housing affordability crisis. Supporters of the measure say minimum parking rules drive up housing costs and prompt more people to be dependent on cars for transportation. Opponents counter that easing or eliminating parking requirements will cause parking to spill over onto neighboring streets and clog traffic.
The new parking rule does not prevent developers from adding parking. They will be able to decide how much parking they need for their project.
To create more affordable housing, Austin officials are also considering measures to allow up to three housing units in most places where single-family homes are allowed and reduce minimum lot sizes for certain multifamily buildings.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2020
New document to determine THERM finite element modeling surface temperatures released
Process often used to predict interior surface temperatures on fenestration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 5, 2020
HUD issues guidance on emotional support animals
Clarifies the responsibilities of rental housing providers and renters.
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2020
New Jersey to become first state to require building contractors to consider climate change impact
Governor has seven key strategies for emissions cuts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2020
Colorado ranks first in LEED Top 10 states
Rankings of states for LEED certified square feet per person released.
Codes and Standards | Jan 30, 2020
Dramatic demographic shifts poised to alter global workplace
By 2030, Millennials and Generation Z will dominate workforce.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2020
Half of Manhattan’s new residential skyscrapers are empty
Excess comes as middle class housing shortage worsens.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2020
Updated Engineered Wood Construction Guide now available
Provides guidance on building engineered wood floors, walls, and roofs.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2020
Fenestration Rating Council earns ANSI certification
FenStar Certification Program ensures windows, doors, and skylights meet Energy Star specifications.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2020
Rent control policies backfire on goal of boosting affordable housing
Natl. Apartment Assn. study says rent control decreases housing supply, harms condition of housing stock.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2020
Potential energy savings from smart meters is largely unrealized
Most utilities underuse the technology that can help customers save money.