Minimum parking mandates have generated urban sprawl and actually encouraged car-centered, high-traffic cities. Evidence shows that abolishing parking minimums is a key priority for transforming Salt Lake City into a more livable collection of healthy, welcoming neighborhoods. By approving the proposed Update to Off-street Parking Regulations, the Salt Lake City Council can address a critical piece of Salt Lake City’s housing needs by reducing the cost of building new housing, increasing the utilization of valuable land in the city, and facilitating active transportation. As such, reducing or eliminating minimum off-street parking mandates is not only a housing policy, but also an important climate policy.
By approving the proposed Update to Off-street Parking Regulations, the Salt Lake City Council can address a critical piece of Salt Lake City’s housing needs by reducing the cost to build housing and eliminate a costly mandate that has negative consequences.