How Minneapolis is reimagining itself by eliminating parking minimums and why other cities should do the same.
In 2019, the city of Minneapolis took a bold step toward reshaping its urban landscape by ending parking minimums for new developments. This decision was a part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable urban planning, reduce traffic congestion, and make the city more pedestrian and bike-friendly. Nearly three years have passed since this groundbreaking move, and it's time to assess the effects it has had on the city.
Parking Minimums
Parking minimums are zoning regulations that require developers and property owners to provide a specific number of parking spaces for their buildings or developments based on factors like land use, square footage, or the number of units. These regulations are typically implemented by city or municipal governments and are intended to ensure that a sufficient amount of parking is available for residents, customers, and employees.
Some cities like University City, a suburb of St. Louis, require one parking space per bedroom while other cities may require at least one space per dwelling unit. For example, a 300-unit residential building would require at least 300 parking spaces regardless of where that building was located. A 200-unit, 400-bed building adjacent to a streetcar station, within a university campus would still be required to meet that parking minimum, even though those parking spaces may not be used by residents or the public.
The Abolition of Parking Minimums
Before delving into the effects of Minneapolis's decision to abolish parking minimums, it's essential to understand what these minimums were and why they were scrapped. Parking minimums were zoning requirements that mandated developers to provide a minimum number of parking spaces for each type of building, based on factors like square footage and intended use. These minimums often led to the over-provision of parking spaces in many urban areas, which encouraged car dependency and detracted from the city's livability.
Shown Above: a rendering of a proposed Minneapolis development without parking.
The Impetus for Change
Minneapolis decided to do away with these parking minimums for several reasons. First, the city sought to reduce the environmental impact of excessive parking construction, which contributed to increased impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff. Second, the move aimed to promote more sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, and public transit, while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. Lastly, Minneapolis aimed to make housing more affordable by reducing the cost of development, as parking spaces are expensive to build and maintain.
The Effects
Reduced Congestion and Increased Mobility: One of the most noticeable effects of ending parking minimums in Minneapolis has been a significant reduction in traffic congestion. As more residents have been encouraged to use alternative transportation methods, the city's streets have become less clogged with cars during peak hours. This has led to faster commute times, reduced stress for commuters, and a more efficient transportation network overall.
Improved Affordability: The decision to abolish parking minimums has made housing more affordable in Minneapolis. Developers no longer need to allocate valuable land and resources to constructing excessive parking spaces, which has lowered construction costs. Consequently, this has allowed for more reasonably priced housing options, making the city more accessible to a broader range of residents.
Increased Pedestrian and Bike-Friendliness: Minneapolis has become a more pedestrian and bike-friendly city since the removal of parking minimums. With fewer cars on the road, walking and biking have become safer and more appealing modes of transportation. The city has invested in new bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure, making it easier for residents to get around without relying on cars.
Positive Environmental Impact: The reduction in parking construction has also had a positive environmental impact. By minimizing impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff associated with parking lots, Minneapolis has contributed to improved water quality in its lakes and rivers. Additionally, the decrease in car use has led to lower carbon emissions, furthering the city's commitment to sustainability.
Mixed Outcomes for Parking Supply: While Minneapolis has seen a reduction in the construction of new parking spaces, it's essential to note that the effect on existing parking availability varies across neighborhoods. In some areas with higher demand for parking, residents and businesses have adapted by using existing parking more efficiently. However, others have experienced temporary parking challenges, emphasizing the importance of targeted solutions for specific neighborhoods.
Conclusion
Four years after Minneapolis abolished parking minimums, the city has experienced a transformative journey toward a more sustainable and livable urban environment. Reduced traffic congestion, improved affordability, increased mobility options, and positive environmental outcomes have been some of the notable effects. While the change has not been without challenges, it serves as a model for other cities looking to reduce car dependence and create more inclusive, environmentally friendly urban spaces. Minneapolis's experience demonstrates the potential for lasting positive impacts when cities prioritize people over cars in their urban planning decisions.
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