Citywide Parking Requirement Reform Passes in Seattle

"Seattle council members on Monday approved changes to the parking code that they hope will ultimately tackle their carbon-free, pedestrian-and-bike-friendly, affordable vision for the city," reports Hayat Norimine.

Specifically, the city's new parking ordinance, "expands areas that fall under the definition of 'frequent transit service,' reduces the parking minimum for affordable housing projects, increases requirements for bicycle parking, allows underused private parking lots to be open to the public, and separates parking fees from rental leases."

Support for the new parking ordinance focused on the potential benefit to housing costs, not the potential environmental benefits of less driving.

A previous article by Norimine provides more explanation and background on the changes to Seattle's parking requirements.