What the Heck are Parking Maximums?
I can't believe I'm doing this. This is my second article in a row about parking. Why am I doing this? Well, parking requirements in cities, midburbs (you know I like this term https://www.njurbanthinker.org/blog/red-hot-4za3y), suburbs, heck, even in rural areas, is a conundrum. Why do you ask? Excess parking leads to sprawl, car dependency, the potential for increased traffic, less pedestrian forward-thinking, wasted space that can be used for parks and open spaces, and excess cost.
The term parking maximums is becoming a more common terminology in the planning world. So what does it mean? Well, instead of the usual parking minimum standards that are commonplace in zoning ordinances, for example, two parking spaces per 2-bedroom apartment or one parking space for 200 square feet of retail space, a parking maximum limits the amount parking spaces that can be provided for new development. Let's put it simply: let's say that a new 100-unit development, which is a mix of one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units, requires a minimum of 1.5 parking spaces for each residential unit, and then a minimum of 150 parking spaces will be required for this new development. But let's say there was a parking maximum requirement for this development scenario. So there are 100 units, and the maximum parking required is 100 spaces. This parking maximum requirement is 50 units less than the minimum parking standard of 1.5 parking spaces per unit.
Why do this? The idea is to reduce car dependency and sprawl, promote pedestrian and bikeability, have better design, increase open space, and limit dead space. In New Jersey, there are several examples of parking maximums. The downtown area of Jersey City does not have parking minimums, and Newark does not require parking when residential units are built within 1,200 feet of a light rail station. So these are examples of parking maximums in urban areas in NJ. This is a good thing. But how does this apply to NJ and the midburbs?
Transit-oriented development is the development model of building high-density residential many with commercial components, hence mixed-use to reduce the dependence on the all-mighty car and promote smart growth models. In NJ, this was promoted with the Transit Village initiative in 1999, spearheading this development model primarily surrounding NJ Transit Train Stations. The program has been a resounding success with 34 Transit Villages. If a town is designated Transit Village, this creates grant funding opportunities. Transit-oriented development developments generally have reduced parking standards, which they should. But now, should they have parking maximums? It's a good thought.
So, as noted before, why do you use parking maximums? You want to create less car dependency, and promote alternative transportation means, like walking, biking, and the use of public transportation. Excess parking is dead space. This space can be an open, green space that is provided for the public, creating inviting spaces where one can socialize, and people watch in a green space rather than a sea of asphalt. Parking maximums help the environment. Reducing parking requirements promotes sustainability. If you don't need a car, then why have one? It's a burden. It's expensive. The money you can save by not having a car can create a better lifestyle for one by having extra money. Parking maximums promote a healthier lifestyle. Walking and biking are better for your body than sitting in a car. Parking maximums is a model where towns that dictate zoning prioritize people over parking spaces. Hopefully, this parking maximum trend will continue in areas where it's appropriate.
