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
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Construction workers need continuous skills upgrades
A report by Autodesk and Deloitte focuses on how workers can succeed in an automated world.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Updated standard for liquid applied flashing for exterior wall openings released
AAMA document establishes minimum performance requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Public restrooms being used for changing clothes, phone conversations, and 'getting away'
About 60% of Americans use a public restroom one to five times a week, according to the latest annual hand washing survey conducted by Bradley Corporation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2019
Green Globes 2019 accepted as a revised American National Standard
Advances include language on resilience, life cycle cost analysis, moisture control analysis, health, and effectiveness.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2019
Reports from Intl. Code Council focus on expanding use of shipping containers as building materials
Three companies show compliance for using containers for housing.
Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2019
Report explores potential for rope-less and multidirectional elevators in tall buildings
Technology can enable cities to be more interconnected, efficient, and accessible.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2019
USGBC-LA launches Net Zero Accelerator
Goal is to enable building tech market adoption for a net positive future.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2019
BREEAM USA In-Use standard to be released this fall
Will expand to include residential and multifamily for assessment and certification.
