More cities are loosening parking requirements for new developments, but there is no single formula for reducing parking that will work for every community.
Often, the first step is to regulate street parking for residents facing reduced in-building parking, according to representatives from Walker Consultants. Parking pricing and time restrictions make existing parking space more efficient and ensure that on-street parking spaces are available for visitors and customers.
Another effective strategy is to employ a shared parking model by activating unused office or apartment parking at times of the day when the spaces are typically empty. This cost-effective approach increases the capacity of each parking space. This also opens more land for other uses and reduces overall development costs.
Instituting paid parking via meters can fund transportation projects such as bike lanes that can reduce reliance on cars. Although some cities have used these policies to eliminate parking requirements on some new developments, most communities and developers will want to maintain some parking requirements for now, given that most Americans still rely upon cars for transportation.
Related Stories
Smart Buildings | Aug 21, 2015
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes offers plan to strengthen codes for disaster resilience
Some states losing ground on resilience, group says
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
After disease outbreak, ASHRAE legionella standard adopted in New York
City Council acts after 12 die of legionellosis
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Research indicates major earthquake looming for Pacific Northwest
Most structures built before seismic codes instituted; extreme damage predicted
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
New York City may allow affordable housing developers to ‘double dip’ in subsidies
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
L.A. considers controversial traffic calming measures
Goal is to encourage alternative transportation
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Proposed facility smart grid standard open for public review
Goal is common way to describe, manage, communicate about electrical energy consumptions, forecasts
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
AAMA updates methods for testing of exterior walls
The standard specifies test methods, specifications, and field checks to evaluate structural adequacy of exterior wall systems composed of curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
Difference in male-female thermal comfort is due to clothing, ASHRAE says
Women wear lighter clothing in the summer, so they tend to be cooler in air-conditioned rooms, according to the group.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
ConsensusDocs releases new CM agency contract standard agreement
For use when owner acts as the construction manager, hires a construction manager, or uses multiple prime contractors
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
AIA, International Code Council reach collaborative agreement on building codes
The deal covers a wide range of initiatives, including code development, compliance, and sustainability.
