To promote more housing, cities and states target parking minimums

Cities and states are revisiting outdated parking mandates that historically required excessive parking spaces for new developments, which has hindered housing construction. These mandates, first introduced in Columbus, Ohio, in 1923, have grown increasingly stringent over the decades, creating disincentives for building more apartments. By reducing these parking requirements, urban areas aim to free up space for housing instead of parking, addressing the critical need for more affordable living spaces and promoting urban density. This shift not only helps tackle housing shortages but also encourages more sustainable urban planning.