Downtown Raleigh Debates Relaxing Parking Requirements

The city council is considering letting developers decide for themselves how many parking spaces to build, though many worry the change could harm downtown.

1 minute read

January 10, 2007, 2:00 PM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Downtown [Raliegh] offers 42,000 spaces -- more than one apiece for every worker -- but the daily visitor still thinks it's a chore."

"Raleigh, though, would like to relax its parking rules. The City Council today will consider scrapping the rules that require developers to create one spot per residential unit they build. New offices could get a break, too.

The idea is to remove any barrier to building a more lively downtown, letting the builders control whether and when they need parking."

While some on the council worry about creating new parking problems, some developers question whether the absence of parking requirements will result in less parking being built.

" 'We are not a mass transit urban community by any stretch of the imagination,' said Dicky Walia, principal in the Soleil Group. 'People travel by cars and if you do not have parking, you are going to have to come down on rates and your tenants are going to have so many other choices.' "

Tuesday, January 9, 2007 in The News & Observer

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

'Vertical canyon' on glass-clad residential high-rise in Denver, CO.

Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design

Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.  

November 29, 2024 - designboom

Aerial view of small town of Sparta, Wisconsin.

Opinion: Federal Government Must Continue Supporting Rural Housing Program

The incoming Congress will have a say in bolstering — or harming — the only federal housing program focused on affordable housing in rural areas.

December 8 - The Daily Yonder

Chicago sidewalk with brick homes in winter.

Chicago Budget Fails to Include Snow Plowing Program

Disability rights advocates say the “Plow the Sidewalks” program is a necessity for Chicagoans with limited mobility in winter months.

December 8 - Block Club Chicago

Close-up of yellow Pacers Bikeshare e-bike parked outdoors with blurred people in background.

Indy Bike Share Sees Sharp Growth Thanks to Free Pass Program

A new fleet of e-bikes and free access for Marion County residents are getting more people on bikes.

December 8 - Pacers Bikeshare

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.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.