Rivalry Brews Between Parking Reformers, Affordable Housing Advocates

Bill to lower parking requirements in transit-oriented districts in California faces opposition from housing advocates who don't want a parking density-bonus provision to be undermined.

1 minute read

October 6, 2011, 8:00 AM PDT

By Josh Stephens @jrstephens310


"There was a time when the biggest opponents to infill development were the interstate highway, the barbeque grill, and the American dream. Following the failure of Assembly Bill 710, you might be able to add advocates of affordable housing to the list."

"Though cities set their own standards, parking requirements are typically derived from the Institute of Transportation Engineers' Parking Generation. Those standards are meant to apply nationwide and include what some consider absurdly detailed recommendations that overestimate parking needs and are insensitive to urban context. They are outdated at best, say AB 710's supporters."

"You can't have a sustainable community unless you've got equity in the way the land is developed. You can't have a sustainable community if you force out the affordable housing that exists because you're pushing out core transit riders."

Thanks to Josh Stephens

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in California Planning & Development Report

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