Eliminate Off-Street Parking Requirements

We believe that simply eliminating parking mandates is the best, simplest, and most sensible approach. We also feel that the effort to properly manage and price public parking should go beyond just the NPP to encompass all publicly-owned parking supply, including parking garages, city lots downtown, parking at parks and recreation centers, etc., and should include updates of our off-street parking mandates and transportation demand management (TDM) policy.

What problem(s) does this proposal aim to solve?

• Off-street parking requirements drive up the cost of housing development, reduce housing production, increase impermeable surfaces, and incentivize driving. If we create spaces to store cars, there will be more cars, and less people.

• All of these are contrary to our goals. TDM and proper pricing/management of public parking are necessary to effectively manage parking as an important resource. So all of these items interlock.

   

  Why is this proposal important to address as an immediate priority and how does this proposal further high-level City goals and plans?

• Parking is one of the most powerful levers we have to affect transportation mode choice, and it also has a very significant impact on housing production.

• Eliminating parking requirements is consistent with our Climate Action and TMP goals, and with many BVCP goals.

• Space and infrastructure devoted to parking also excludes other more productive uses, including parks and green space, local retail and businesses, bike or bus lanes, and many more.