Will the U.S. entirely remove parking minimums? Some cities are already ditching these parking requirements. As of writing, numerous states and cities have parking minimums that off-street parking developers need to follow.
This parking minimum varies depending on the location of an establishment that will be constructed and will also depend on what kind of building it is.
But, is this really a good thing? Here's what Americans need to know about the removal of parking minimums.
Some US Cities Ditch Parking Minimums—Here's Why
According to NPR's latest report, numerous U.S. cities are already removing their parking minimums. As of writing, there are around over 50 cities and towns that are ditching these establishment requirements.
These include San Jose (California), Anchorage (Alaska), Gainesville (Florida), Austin (Texas), etc. But, some American residents are concerned about the removal of parking minimums.
One of them is Malcolm Yeatts of Austin, Texas, who is concerned regarding the effects of ditching parking minimums.
"Austin has developed as a low-density city without an adequate mass transportation system," said the citizen.
"Austin citizens cannot give up their cars. Eliminating adequate parking for residents will only increase the flight of the middle class and businesses to the suburbs," added Yeatts.
But, those who favor the removal of parking minimums are higher compared to those who are against ditching them.
"I think our country has used its land wastefully, like a drunk lottery winner that's squandered their newfound wealth," said Tai Hovanky, an Austin resident supporting the removal of parking requirements.
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Benefits of Ditching Parking Minimums
In the U.S., many Americans rely on private vehicles to go from one place to another. Unlike Asian countries, which offer a wider variety of public transportation options, public transportation is limited in the United States.
In 2022, ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) said that almost 50% of Americans don't have access to transit. Because of this, cities and states have parking minimums, which make it possible for parking to be free for 99% of automobile trips, as reported by Science Direct.
But, experts claim that the consequences of parking minimums outweigh the benefits they offer. One of the issues with parking requirements is that parking lots can trap heat and create a runoff since they rely on asphalt.
Aside from this, parking also makes neighborhoods less walkable and creates sprawls. Costs to construct buildings also become more expensive because of the required parking lots.
Another issue with parking requirements is that retailers that spend money to build parking lots tend to pass the costs to consumers, making their products more expensive.
If parking minimums are removed, these issues can be solved. But, it would take years before all of the U.S. ditch these parking requirements.
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