Today, there are more than three parking spaces for every car in the United
States. No one likes searching for a space, but in many areas, there is an
oversupply, wasting valuable land, damaging the environment, and deterring
development. Richard W. Willson argues that the problem stems from outdated
minimum parking requirements. In this practical guide, he shows practitioners
how to reform parking requirements in a way that supports planning goals and
creates vibrant cities.
Local planners and policymakers, traffic engineers, developers, and community
members are actively seeking this information as they institute principles of
Smart Growth. But making effective changes requires more than relying on
national averages or copying information from neighboring communities. Instead,
Willson shows how professionals can confidently create requirements based on
local parking data, an understanding of future trends affecting parking use, and
clear policy choices.
After putting parking and parking requirements in context, the book offers an
accessible tool kit to get started and repair outdated requirements. It looks in
depth at parking requirements for multifamily developments, including
income-restricted housing, workplaces, and mixed-use, transit-oriented
development. Case studies for each type of parking illustrate what works, what
doesn’t, and how to overcome challenges. Willson also explores the process of
codifying regulations and how to work with stakeholders to avoid political
conflicts.
With Parking Reform Made Easy, practitioners will learn, step-by-step,
how to improve requirements. The result will be higher density, healthier, more
energy-efficient, and livable communities. This book will be exceptionally
useful for local and regional land use and transportation planners,
transportation engineers, real estate developers, citizen activists, and
students of transportation planning and urban policy.
