On Monday, the Senate Committee Substitute for S-2974, which reduces the number of parking spaces required in Statewide site improvement standards at residential developments relative to the development’s proximity to public transportation was favorably reported by the Committee. The legislation also requires the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs to adopt regulations implementing certain reductions in the maximum required for on- and off-street parking spaces in the Statewide site improvement standards by 20%, 30%, and 50% depending on a residential development’s proximity to certain public transportation services.
The bill would restrict a municipality’s ability to make land use decisions that best suit its community and that are reflected in their Master Plan. By mandating specific zoning obligations without local input, it would undermine local officials’ ability to properly manage land use in their municipality. Without local review, planning and decision-making authority, local officials are unable to be as effective to their respective communities.
S-2974 assumes that reduced parking is appropriate for all projects based on their proximity to public transportation. While this may be true in some instances, it may not be true in others. Decisions on minimum parking for projects are best done on a case-by-case basis and should be made by local officials with an understanding of specific needs of the community. Under current law, a developer can already obtain relief from minimum parking standards.
Eliminating minimum parking requirements may be suitable for some areas, but in others could cause congestion and parking shortages. Limited parking availability increases “cruising” or the amount of time drivers spend looking for parking.
Reductions in parking impact commuters to varying degrees even down to the type of transportation utilized (e.g., bus, rail, car). Advocates for the reduction in parking also seek increased investments in public transportation infrastructure to accommodate all types of commuters. This legislation does not include those increases. Reducing parking minimums without other similar efforts aimed at reducing driving will only create different problems.
Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.