State Senator Wants California to Rethink Parking

Legislation written by State Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) would require parking reform in the "Donald Shoup" mold in almost every city in California.

1 minute read

March 4, 2009, 5:00 AM PST

By daymen


"Last week, Senator Alan Lowenthal introduced legislation that would require that California municipalities reform their parking systems by cobbling together a series of reforms that would total "20 points" of reform. Lowenthal's legislation outlines what reforms are worth how many points. For example, if you eliminate parking requirements for new development you earn all 20 points. If you dedicate parking revenue to bicycle and pedestrian improvements and have a variable congestion charge, you'll earn between 7 and 10 points.

You can expect some political blowback on this legislation. It's unlikely that many L.A. County politicians, where every car has 7 dedicated parking spaces, will look kindly on this legislation and Infosnack wonders how small, rural communities are going to possibly meet their 20 point requirement. However, if this legislation were to somehow become law, it could have a greater impact on development in L.A. County than past Complete Streets or Anti-Sprawl legislation ever could because it is a lot more specific in what is required of municipalities."

Thanks to Damien Newton

Monday, March 2, 2009 in Los Angeles Streetsblog

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.