The move toward reduced parking requirements in Dallas is one step closer to reality after city officials agreed to deliver a plan for a full council discussion.
If successful, the amended plan would reduce, or in some cases eliminate, parking requirements throughout Dallas. The plan would help free up more space for housing and development in the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Tennel Atkins says the reform has been a long time coming. “We’re growing faster, the city is expanding,” Atkins said during a meeting of the Economic Development Committee on Monday, per KERA News.
“It shouldn’t take six years to figure out how you’re gonna park a car.”
With some exceptions, the amended plan calls for no minimum parking requirements for areas close to light rail and streetcar stations, downtown, office, and retail areas. It also proposes eliminating parking requirements in industrial and commercial areas of the city, except in locations close to single-family homes. In those areas, the proposal calls for a requirement to include one parking space per 500 square feet of commercial space.
The amendment also lowers the parking burden for bars, restaurants, and other amusement uses to a single space per 200 square feet. Furthermore, bars and restaurants housed in buildings under 2,500 square feet would have no parking minimums.
“Parking and cost of housing goes hand in hand. This is why I’m so excited to see these reforms move forward and help us keep historic buildings, allow small businesses to thrive, and make housing more affordable,” said District 1 Councilmember Chad West.
The amended proposal discussion is expected to take place on Wednesday.