The Impacts of Minimum Parking Requirements: A Research Synthesis

Our new research synthesis assembles dozens of studies examining the impacts of parking infrastructure, the effects of minimum parking requirements, and early outcomes in cities that have repealed them.

Taken together, this body of evidence provides important context for evaluating parking policy. Across the research literature, scholars generally recommend eliminating minimum parking requirements. Removing these mandates lifts a major barrier to new housing and businesses, reduces the risk of parking oversupply, and encourages more efficient use of existing spaces. Slowing the growth of parking infrastructure can improve walkability and urban design, reduce environmental harms, and support more sustainable travel behavior.

The synthesis is organized into the following sections:

1. Impacts of Parking Infrastructure: Parking infrastructure negatively affects a wide range of urban outcomes.
2. Impacts on Car Ownership and Travel Behavior: Parking affects car ownership, driving, and transit use.
3. Parking Oversupply and the Role of Minimum Parking Requirements: Parking is often provided in excess, and parking requirements often contribute to oversupply.
4. Parking Minimums as Constraints on Development: Parking requirements can limit the development of new homes and businesses, reducing density and decreasing land values.
5. Effects of Repealing Minimums: Eliminating minimums generally slows the growth of new parking supply and often produces the intended effects.