Charlotte Has No Plans To End Parking Minimums

The city’s latest revisions to its Unified Development Ordinance call for expanded parking requirements near residential neighborhoods.

1 minute read

July 27, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Charlotte, NC

James Willamor / Flickr

“Despite the fact that Charlotte wants to be less car-reliant, the city, in overhauling its development regulations, is still requiring developers to include a minimum number of parking spots in many new projects, especially those near residential neighborhoods.” As Alexandria Sands reports for WBTV, this is in part due to concerns about the city’s public transit system, which doesn’t serve all parts of the city reliably, as well as the availability of parking in residential areas. 

In the city’s latest draft Unified Development Ordinance, “Multi-family housing developments within 400 feet of a low-density housing neighborhood,” which currently have no parking requirements, would require at least one space per housing unit. Certain businesses, such as bars and entertainment venues, within 400 feet of neighborhoods would also have to add parking spots, broadening the requirement from the current 200 feet.

Elsewhere in North Carolina, Raleigh eliminated parking requirements altogether, but uses residential parking permits to regulate non-resident parking in neighborhoods.

Monday, July 25, 2022 in WBTV

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square