Effort to Eliminate D.C. Parking Minimums Comes Under Attack

"After six years of work, the first major rewrite of Washington, D.C.'s zoning code since 1958 is inching closer to approval. But it's facing fierce opposition from some residents who worry it will shrink parking," reports Martin Di Caro. 

"Under the new proposal, developers would no longer be required to construct a minimum number of parking spaces in new apartment housing, office, and retail space in downtown D.C., near Metro rail stations, and in busy bus corridors," he explains. At a D.C. Council hearing held this week, "Office of Planning Director Harriet Tregoning told council members that the current rules are outdated, prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach that does not reflect driving and parking demand in individual neighborhoods."

"Opponents testified that the elimination of parking minimums would force drivers to circle their neighborhoods looking for spaces. Despite efforts to reduce car dependency, the number of vehicles in the District is increasing, they said."