Description: Historically, cities have required a minimum number of parking spaces for each new development, residential and commercial, even in transit- rich locations. This requirement increases costs and encourages car ownership and use over other modes of transport, e.g., transit, biking, or walking. Buffalo, NY was the first major U.S. city to eliminate citywide minimums. Buffalo eliminated off-street parking minimums on April 3, 2017 following a nearly 7-year effort that involved thousands of community members in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Whether in districts or city-wide, abolishing or restricting parking minimums can lead to more beneficial land use, improved urban accomodation of active modes of transport such as bicycles and scooters, and city centers that are more inviting to pedestrians. Also, businesses are able to grow and hire more workers when they don’t have to finance additional parking spots. Development of affordable housing has also benefited.

Goal: Reduce/eliminate parking minimums