Which U.S. Cities Are Lowering Parking Minimums?

Based on crowdsourced data from across the country, this updated map shows which municipalities have eliminated, lowered, or discussed their parking minimum laws.

1 minute read

December 1, 2016, 2:00 PM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


The folks over at Strong Towns have been vociferous in their opposition to parking minimum laws. Rachel Quendau writes, "The proliferation of parking minimums over the last several decades has resulted in the demolition of beautiful historic buildings and the ruin of productive commercial districts—giving us communities filled with empty asphalt instead of homes and businesses."

Last year, the team wanted to dig deeper. "What if we tried to track parking minimum laws in every city in the nation? We knew they were prevalent and problematic almost everywhere, but we wanted to get an idea of the scale and learn the details of each municipal code." The result: a crowdsourced map of the country showing where parking minimums have been eliminated, lowered, or are under discussion. 

In some denser locales, however, cities are subbing in parking garages for lots. Quendau quotes a Pittsburgh contributor to the project: "While the submitter may be correct that parking minimums have been eliminated downtown [...] the city and our urban development organization have actively, quite actively in fact, worked to subsidize tons of structured parking in the downtown zone."

Wednesday, November 23, 2016 in Strong Towns

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

Get top-rated, practical training

For Lease painted on window of vacant commercial space.

2024: The Year in Zoning

Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.

January 8, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Cyclist on bike in green painted bike lane at intersection with three-story buildings in background.

NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide

The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.

January 8, 2025 - National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

View up at Chicago elevated train line with train passing and glass high-rises in background.

Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package

Public transit across the Chicagoland region could suffer massive cuts without additional funding.

45 minutes ago - Bloomberg CityLab

Sign for Eaton Canyon Natural Area in Los Angeles County.

After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails

The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.

January 17 - Los Angeles Public Press

Person on bike on path next to Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C. with fall foliage in background across river.

DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates

District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.

January 17 - WUSA9