• Green Neighborhoods
  • Learn
  • Plan
  • Act
    • Characteristics
      • Location
      • Density and Mixed-Use
      • Pedestrian Environment
      • Cycling Environment
      • Support for Transit
      • Parking Management
      • Transportation Management
      • Green Networks
    • Policy Levers
  • Leading Actions
Parking Management
“Our observations in Los Angeles lead us to believe that, at present levels of service (convenience), each vehicle requires 8 parking spaces: one full time space at home, one at work, the remaining fractional use spaces at supermarkets, retail stores, doctors, dentists, and other business establishments throughout the City” Hart, Spivak (1993).

Parking standards

Typically, parking standards are determined based on the most isolated locations – those where cars are the only viable means of access.  However, real demand for parking is reflective of the location.

Compact and diverse neighborhoods and city centers generally have lower parking demands than low-density suburban locations, so there is often an over-supply of parking if typical standards are applied there.

Reducing space for parking reduces construction costs and makes land available for other uses.  With less off-street parking and more shops, residences, parks, and amenities, communities become more vibrant.

Measures and policies that optimize parking efficiency (minimizing the need to provide spaces) can include allowing businesses with complementary parking needs to share parking spaces, charging for parking, and providing car-sharing, bicycle parking, and transit subsidies.