Richmond Weighing How to End Parking Requirements

A series of town hall meetings will allow the public a chance to give feedback about zoning changes in Richmond, Virginia that would include the end of parking requirements.

1 minute read

August 17, 2022, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Virginia

ESB Professional / Shutterstock

An ordinance under consideration by the Richmond City Council would eliminate parking minimums citywide but is still subject to revision as it works through the public engagement process, according to an article by Tyler Layne for WTVR.

“While urban planning experts have shown support for the move, some residents questioned if the city is ready to take that step just yet,” writes Layne. The Richmond City Council seems committed to the cause, passing resolution in 2021 declaring the necessity to amend the zoning ordinance to eliminate parking minimums, reports Layne.

Councilmember Mike Jones, who represents parts of the Southside, is quoted in the article listing the benefits of parking reform. According to Jones, those benefits include:

  • Reducing costs for businesses
  • Improving housing affordability and availability
  • Promoting the use of public transit and walkability
  • Getting better use out of lots rather than empty asphalt

The city is holding public town halls this week to discuss zoning changes that include changes to parking requirements around the city. More on the debate surrounding parking reform in Richmond is included in the source article below.

Thursday, August 11, 2022 in WTVR

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Overlapping highways

The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin

People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.

September 8, 2026 - Benjamin Schneider

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A cluster of wind turbines beneath a stormy sky, above a forest where the leaves are beginning to change colors.

5 New England states march closer to 800 megawatt wind energy project

Securing federal approval for the project may be complicated under the Trump administration, which has historically been hostile towards domestic wind power.

September 16 - Inside Climate News

People boarding a bus on Maryland's Orange Route.

Baltimore to break ground on $50 million Transit Priority Project

The project will bring faster bus trips, safer streets and better bike connections to Baltimore.

September 16 - Mass Transit

A brick building with a circular sign with the Airbnb logo hanging off of it.

Airbnb launches $250 million 'last-dollar financing' housing accelerator, makes first investment in Austin

The company will put $6.4 million towards affordable housing development in Texas’ capital.

September 16 - Smart Cities Dive

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.