Photo Credit: MN Senate Media
The “People Over Parking Act”, a bill that would eliminate minimum parking requirements for real estate developments statewide, was introduced during a press conference this week. If signed into law, the language would prohibit local governments from imposing minimum parking mandates for residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Senator Omar Fateh (DFL, Minneapolis) is introducing the language with support from outside groups including Housing First Minnesota, Sierra Club, Move Minnesota, Neighbors for more Neighbors, Our Streets Minneapolis, Sustain St. Paul, the Minnesota Housing Partnership, and more.
“Parking mandates are among the most exclusionary land-use tactics in housing, and a policy which increase housing costs in Minnesota,” said James Vagle, CEO. “Allowing property owners to choose their parking needs is one of many meaningful zoning and land-use reforms that we hope the legislature tackles this session. Renters and homeowners alike will benefit with more housing opportunities and greater affordability.”
In many growing cities there can be requirements to build three-car garages. Under the language of this bill, it would be up to homeowners to choose how many garage stalls they would like. This flexibility has the potential to save up to $40,000 per house.
Press coverage of the event can be found here:
DFL lawmakers to introduce bill to ban parking minimums statewide – Minnesota Reformer
New proposal aims to make MN first in country to ban ‘parking minimums’ – KTTC
Editorial: State bill aims to put people over parking – Star Tribune
Legislators introduce ‘People Over Parking’ bill to remove minimum parking spot quotas – KSTP
