Parking Reform and Management

To create vibrant, walkable mixed-use areas with less driving, it helps to reform mandates that require new developments to provide parking and to manage parking supplies. One way to do this is limiting the amount of parking spaces on or near streets designed to be friendly to bikers, walkers and rollers.

For example, land use laws could say that parking must be located behind Main Street businesses, or restricted to parking garages. This saves space near those businesses, which benefits them and their customers who walk, bike or roll.

Charging a fee to park at some areas in a community can also help. Parking fees can generate revenue for the community, and also encourage workers and shoppers to use other non-car transportation like bikes or public transit.

Parking reform and management: emissions reduction vision

 

  • By 2050, at least 25% of workers in Oregon’s larger urban areas pay to park under fees that are about three times higher than current parking fees.

How Oregon is doing

 
 

The Department of Land Conservation and Development updated Transportation Planning Rules will limit the ability of local governments in urban areas to require new developments to include nearby parking lots, particularly in mixed-use areas. The rules will also have updated guidance on parking management in Oregon’s eight most populous areas.

How Oregon can improve

 

The new Transportation Planning Rules make it easier for local builders to install less parking near their new buildings, particularly if the building can be easily reached by low-emission travel options.

The state can analyze parking strategies and provide results and guidance for local governments who will work to implement parking management programs. Guidance could include limiting parking mandates in development codes, and time limits or pricing for on-street parking.

State government can also coordinate with employers on workplace commute programs that help educate workers about non-driving commute options. Incentives can work here, too, like discounted transit passes, and showers and lockers for bicyclists. Employers can also use parking “cash out” programs that reimburse employees for unused parking spots.