The Dallas City Plan Commission (CPC) is set to receive a briefing on the proposed Off-Street Parking & Loading Code Amendment during its meeting on Thursday, November 21, at 9:00 a.m. City staff will provide information and address questions during the briefing. A public hearing on the amendment will be scheduled at a later date.
Proposed Changes
The amendment seeks to eliminate regulations requiring specific amounts of parking spaces for different types of properties. The goal is to allow for "right-sized" parking tailored to actual needs, rather than adhering to standardized mandates. This approach aims to promote a safer, more walkable city while creating space for housing, supporting small businesses, and reducing environmental impacts.
Additionally, the amendment includes consolidating the city's transportation review process into a unified program called the Transportation Demand Management Plan (TDMP).
Current Parking Minimums
Under the current Development Code, properties are required to provide a minimum number of parking spaces:
- Residential: One parking space per bedroom.
- Restaurants: One parking space per 100 square feet.
- Other property types have similar requirements.
These parking minimums apply to parking spaces on the property itself, not curb parking, which is governed by a separate On-Street Parking & Curb Management Plan adopted earlier by the city.
Reasons for Change
City officials argue that existing parking minimums hinder the development of needed housing and prolong the permitting process. For small businesses, these requirements often result in unnecessary and costly parking spaces.
According to city data, building a single parking space costs between $7,000 and $45,000, expenses that are ultimately passed on to consumers, renters, and homebuyers. Officials also note that mandatory parking lots consume valuable land that could otherwise be used for housing, green spaces, or businesses, contributing to urban heat and reducing walkability.
The CPC briefing is the first step in what could be a significant change to Dallas's parking policies. Residents interested in this amendment are encouraged to stay engaged as the process moves forward.
