Raleigh to reduce the number of future parking spaces to encourage residents to bike or take public transit

City Council approved the change in hopes of reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that Raleigh residents emit by incentivizing residents to take the bus, walk or a ride a bike to work.

As of now, developers have to create a certain minimum number of parking spaces to complement the number of new workers, residents or customers the building would bring to the city.

A report from the city's planning department says removing the zoning requirement will likely reduce the cost of housing and goods and services by requiring less land to be used for vehicle storage. It would prevent households without cars from paying taxes on parking spaces they do not use.

“When we look back in 10 years why this is an urban, walkable, bikeable city, I think we’ll look at this code change as one of the biggest catalysts for that," said David Meeker, co-owner of Trophy Brewing Co.

Seattle made the same change a decade ago, and researchers found developers built 40% less parking than what was required before and saved $537 million.

"If a developer can include a couple fewer parking spots and a couple more housing units, over time that will add up, and the compounding effect will be a net positive for the community," said Raleigh Councilman Jonathan Melton.

While this plan sounds good in theory, some experts don't think the city's infrastructure is ready for such a change.

Former Planning Commission Chair Bob Mulder worries that this citywide approach will cause parking problems in neighborhoods where driving is the only way to get around right now.

"If you want to do something like this, you need light rail in place, you need a bus system in place that runs on time and frequently, and you need dedicated bicycle paths," he said.

The city will also require secure, covered bicycle parking in new multi-unit housing developments. These changes go into effect May 14.