EFFICIENT PARKING STRATEGIES

What Is It?

Actions to make more efficient use of parking can range from ordinance changes that rely on maximum numbers of parking spaces rather than minimum numbers, to encouraging shared parking by adjacent uses. These actions are aimed at reducing the"seas of asphalt" that seem to have taken over many of our communities. Because many of our local land use regulations concerning parking standards are modeled on outdated principles, in many areas the architectural adage:"form follows function" has been challenged by the modern reality:"form follows parking." Devoting excessive land to parking is expensive, wastes resources, and degrades the environment by adding to urban heat islands and increasing water runoff. State-of-the-art parking management employs a variety of strategies that result in more efficient use of parking resources, address a range of transportation issues, and reduce impervious area without negatively impacting access to goods, services and activities.

Shared Impact and Benefits

• Reducing impervious surface, particularly heat-absorbing surfaces, decreases urban heat islands, slowing the production of ozone and reducing energy cooling costs.
• More efficient use of parking may encourage use of other forms of transportation rather than the single-occupant vehicle, and thus reduce emissions through reduced vehicle miles traveled.
• Decreased impervious surface reduces storm water runoff and peak flow rates, thus reducing surface pollution going into streams and rivers.
• Reducing the amount of land required for parking frees land for more profitable uses, enhancing economic development.
• Less impervious surface and more landscaping dramatically enhances the visual and environmental character of streets and communities.