Smart Parking Solutions

For decades, parking regulations in zoning ordinances have made generous accommoda- tions for automobiles as car ownership, driving, and parking have become essential elements of the transportation system.

A 2011 study conducted by the University of California estimated that an average of 3.4 parking spaces per vehicle and around 800 million parking spaces exist in the United States, covering about 25,000 square miles of land. Despite this large supply of park- ing, drivers often cannot find convenient parking near locations they want to visit, which leads to a perceived lack of parking. In recent years, cities and towns have started implementing progressive parking strategies aimed at balancing an appropriate amount of parking for cars with infrastructure that promotes alternative transportation.

Progressive parking strategies such as lowering minimum park- ing requirements and including shared parking provisions in local codes, pricing parking smartly, unbundling parking costs, and establishing vehicle permit programs can achieve this goal. Beyond efficiently allocating parking supply, these parking strategies create walkable communities and encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation. To be successful, however, local governments should pair these changes with improvements to pedestrian, bike, and transit services that will decrease the demand for driving and the subsequent demand for parking at destinations.