Cities like Vancouver are rethinking parking minimums as they try to meet climate goals, reduce traffic, and reallocate street space to other modes.

To counter the current model of prioritizing parking with each new development, Vancouver's city council approved a motion shifting focus toward "open option parking," giving developers a choice when it comes to providing on-site parking. Acknowledging that car owners will look for on-street parking, the city is also implementing a permit parking system for resident vehicles. The goal, writes Frances Bula for the Sightline Institute, is to signal to the public that "roads are not free space or a right to free car storage," a mentality that has prevailed for decades in cities.
Like many cities, Vancouver has a parking requirement of roughly one stall for every residential unit and similar rules for different types of commercial and office space. Removing these requirements would make it the second Canadian city, and only one of a few in North America, to legalize optional on-site residential parking in the entire city.
Critics of "excessive" parking mandates argue that the regulations raise the cost of construction, reduce the space available for pedestrians, bikes, and other uses, and prioritize car owners above everyone else. As cities move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate congestion, and provide more affordable housing, parking policies have come to signify an outdated planning tool that negatively impacts neighborhoods and the environment.
FULL STORY: The Hidden Costs of “Over-Parking” Our Cities

Minneapolis Housing Plan a Success—Not for the Reason You Think
Housing advocates praise the city’s move to eliminate single-family zoning by legalizing triplexes on single-family lots, but that isn’t why housing construction is growing.

New White House Housing Initiative Includes Zoning Reform Incentives
The Biden administration this morning released a new program of actions intended to spur housing construction around the United States.

‘Mega-Landlords’ Threaten Housing Stability for Renters
As institutional investors buy up a larger share of single-family homes, the families renting them are increasingly vulnerable to rent increases and eviction.

More Funds to Transform the Puente Hills Landfill into a Regional Park
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors just approved an additional $28 million to support the development of the Puente Hills Regional Park at the landfill site.

Denver Freeway Widening Plans on Hold
The Colorado Department of Transportation’s plan to widen the Interstate 25 freeway through Denver is one of a few plans to widen urban freeways under consideration in the United States.

Public Perceptions of Sprawl and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Urban density has a bad reputation.
Clarion Associates
Urban Planning Partners
Sandy City
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Redwood City
City of Rohnert Park
City of Hot Springs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.