People Over Parking: A Call for Parking Reform

How can urban planners continue to promote sustainable urban development while reducing reliance on cars and decreasing housing expenses? Many cities in the US require builders to include an excess amount of parking with every new build whether it be residential, commercial, retail, or institutional. The drawbacks to this policy include high construction costs, promotion of car dependency, vast quantities of materials and land, and the under-utilization of these parking lots. Reformers argue, “Bad parking policy inhibits many of the things we say we want from our cities: Things like affordable housing, a walkable neighborhood, attractive architecture, a greener, cleaner city.”

The good news is that parking reform legislation is in the works around the country and cities like Minneapolis, San Francisco, Buffalo, Hartford, Austin, and San Jose are leading this movement. On May 9, 2023, Congressman Robert Garcia introduced a federal bill to eliminate outdated parking minimum requirements for new developments.?

Another recent reform was implemented in Los Angeles, Assembly Bill 2097 (AB 2097). New residential and commercial projects located within half a mile of transit stops and existing residential or commercial parking are generally eligible for parking reductions.?

Parking reform is essential for sustainable urban planning by prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation over cars and thereby creating healthier and more livable urban environments.?

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?Yale Environment 360