Dallas is moving closer to eliminating parking minimums, a proposal that would allow developers to determine the amount of parking needed for their projects. This change has been under consideration since 2019, and would revise parking standards last updated in the 1980s that have been criticized as outdated and arbitrary, forcing developers to provide more parking than necessary.
Proponents argue that these parking minimums hinder housing development, redevelopment of older buildings, and complicate the permitting process. Planners emphasized that parking requirements negatively impact small businesses and contribute to an unwalkable, unpleasant urban environment. While developers would no longer be required to meet specific parking quotas, they would still need to provide ADA-compliant parking.
Dallas would join other cities like Seattle, Minneapolis, and Austin, which have already reformed their parking policies. Supporters of the proposal have noted that developers often build 20-30% more parking than needed, and argued that removing minimums could significantly improve urban design and land use.
The proposal still requires a public hearing and a vote by the City Council before it can be finalized.
For more details, check out KERA's coverage.
