Reefmonkey Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 A few weeks ago, after the city planning commission fielded a proposal to eliminate the minimum parking requirements, the Houston Chronicle's op-ed voiced its full support for ditching them https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Ditch-Houston-s-burdensome-parking-regulations-13220515.php What do people think of this, is this the way to spur better urban planning and encourage using public transportation, ride sharing, micromobility? Or are they putting the cart before the horse, reducing parking before providing better alternatives to driving yourself? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 51 minutes ago, Reefmonkey said: What do people think of this, is this the way to spur better urban planning and encourage using public transportation, ride sharing, micromobility? Or are they putting the cart before the horse, reducing parking before providing better alternatives to driving yourself? In this instance, I think the free market is the best way to determine which businesses will be viable with less parking and which neighborhoods have sufficient pedestrian traffic to justify opening a business. While I have some sympathy for those who have become used to exploiting the free parking in front of their homes, it's time that people understand that on-street parking belongs to everyone. I've lived in several properties where no off-street parking was provided, and I'm pretty sure that my rent would have been higher if it had. I'm tired of seeing the fabric of a street torn apart needlessly for parking lots that are never more than half full. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HNathoo Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 I think that by allowing developers that optionality, you'll begin to see more creativity to solve the problem. When there was only one option, there wasn't really an incentive to think outside the box. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted October 8, 2018 Share Posted October 8, 2018 1 hour ago, HNathoo said: I think that by allowing developers that optionality, you'll begin to see more creativity to solve the problem. When there was only one option, there wasn't really an incentive to think outside the box. I agree, I think that's a very solid point as to the monotony of development in Houston. This is going to bring some great density to areas of the city that honestly deserve it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Dogs Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 On 10/8/2018 at 4:20 PM, j_cuevas713 said: I agree, I think that's a very solid point as to the monotony of development in Houston. This is going to bring some great density to areas of the city that honestly deserve it. Any new developments ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 On 10/8/2018 at 3:09 PM, HNathoo said: I think that by allowing developers that optionality, you'll begin to see more creativity to solve the problem. When there was only one option, there wasn't really an incentive to think outside the box. Honestly, you could simply pitch this via selfish business terms, and that would be an easy sell. For a city that prides in being easy access to business interests its peculiar that we have a limitation that does the opposite of their MO. Why put such a burdensome requirement that is such a waste of money when that could go into more floors for a building or more retail lease space? If an argument can be pitched with this perspective then its a must. Its way more effective then trying to take the "moral" or "intellectual expert opinion" stance that might cause more resistance to change. It also flys in the face of our no-zoning policy. It we truly want to embrace no-zoning then lets go all the way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted January 30, 2019 Share Posted January 30, 2019 Did the city ever vote on this at all? Is there something we don’t know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 On 1/30/2019 at 5:48 PM, j_cuevas713 said: Did the city ever vote on this at all? Is there something we don’t know? I am curious myself. I found the video where they held the public hearing, but could not find the video where they voted on it two weeks later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Dogs Posted March 18, 2019 Share Posted March 18, 2019 On 2/1/2019 at 8:16 AM, DrLan34 said: I am curious myself. I found the video where they held the public hearing, but could not find the video where they voted on it two weeks later. Haven't heard any new developments lately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trymahjong Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 I think perhaps there will be a few Civic Associations testifying about this at COH Ellen Cohens Quality of Live Committee meeting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Dogs Posted March 20, 2019 Share Posted March 20, 2019 On 3/19/2019 at 6:44 AM, trymahjong said: I think perhaps there will be a few Civic Associations testifying about this at COH Ellen Cohens Quality of Live Committee meeting. Let us know how that went... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 Eliminate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
august948 Posted March 21, 2019 Share Posted March 21, 2019 On 1/30/2019 at 3:35 PM, Luminare said: Honestly, you could simply pitch this via selfish business terms, and that would be an easy sell. For a city that prides in being easy access to business interests its peculiar that we have a limitation that does the opposite of their MO. Why put such a burdensome requirement that is such a waste of money when that could go into more floors for a building or more retail lease space? If an argument can be pitched with this perspective then its a must. Its way more effective then trying to take the "moral" or "intellectual expert opinion" stance that might cause more resistance to change. It also flys in the face of our no-zoning policy. It we truly want to embrace no-zoning then lets go all the way. I generally agree on this. The most consistent way to approach this that's in line with the city's overall no-zoning policies is to let the market decide how to provide access to businesses. The only caveat to that, though, is by doing so you might end up with developers shifting their burdens onto the neighbors by not providing enough parking for those customers who don't wish to walk or take public transport. That's not really fair to those neighbors who then have to deal with additional traffic and parking problems. How do you solve that or do you just tell them "tough luck"? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 18 hours ago, august948 said: How do you solve that or do you just tell them "tough luck"? Short answer? You tell them "tough luck". People need to be disabused of the idea that free parking is a God-given birthright, and that on-street parking exists solely for the benefit of those who live adjacent to it. This isn't news in other big cities. People select their housing with the expectation that accommodations need to be made if they choose to have a car (or two). It's time for Houston to grow up, and place the responsibility squarely where it belongs. If you can't afford to park your car, then you can't afford a car. 6 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
august948 Posted March 22, 2019 Share Posted March 22, 2019 1 minute ago, dbigtex56 said: Short answer? You tell them "tough luck". People need to be disabused of the idea that free parking is a God-given birthright, and that on-street parking exists solely for the benefit of those who live adjacent to it. This isn't news in other big cities. People select their housing with the expectation that accommodations need to be made if they choose to have a car (or two). It's time for Houston to grow up, and place the responsibility squarely where it belongs. If you can't afford to park your car, then you can't afford a car. Understood, but what I'm referring to here isn't so much a God-given right to a parking space for your home but deliberate burden shifting by businesses onto the surrounding residents. If they're deliberately not going to provide enough parking and are going to burden the surrounding streets then maybe they should contribute their savings to some other public good as mitigation. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 On 3/22/2019 at 10:00 AM, dbigtex56 said: Short answer? You tell them "tough luck". People need to be disabused of the idea that free parking is a God-given birthright, and that on-street parking exists solely for the benefit of those who live adjacent to it. This isn't news in other big cities. People select their housing with the expectation that accommodations need to be made if they choose to have a car (or two). It's time for Houston to grow up, and place the responsibility squarely where it belongs. If you can't afford to park your car, then you can't afford a car. What big cities do not have parking requirements? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeerNut Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) https://www.houstontx.gov/council/committees/qol/20190327/agenda.pdf Central Business District Market-Based Parking Area PowerPoint Midtown SuperNeighborhood isn't too happy about this based on the email they sent out. Edited March 24, 2019 by BeerNut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 On 3/24/2019 at 9:10 AM, Houston19514 said: What big cities do not have parking requirements? That's a good question. I don't know. However, it would seem unlikely that places such as the French Quarter or Greenwich Village would emphasize parking over maintaining a dense, interesting, walkable streetscape. Imagine how different those places would be if minimum parking requirements had been required for every shop, bar, and restaurant. They might look much like Houston. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 On 3/24/2019 at 12:56 PM, BeerNut said: Central Business District Market-Based Parking Area PowerPoint Is this the correct link? It takes me back to this page. On 3/24/2019 at 12:56 PM, BeerNut said: Midtown SuperNeighborhood isn't too happy about this based on the email they sent out. Is there somewhere this email can be viewed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 7 minutes ago, dbigtex56 said: Is this the correct link? It takes me back to this page. Is there somewhere this email can be viewed? It downloads a Power point presentation for me 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted March 26, 2019 Share Posted March 26, 2019 On 3/24/2019 at 9:10 AM, Houston19514 said: What big cities do not have parking requirements? I believe most do not. You can google maps of US cities without them and most cities have at least sectors without them. The bigger, more dense cities, have very large sectors. Outside of the US, I would expect it more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 21 hours ago, kbates2 said: I believe most do not. You can google maps of US cities without them and most cities have at least sectors without them. The bigger, more dense cities, have very large sectors. Outside of the US, I would expect it more. Most cities do not have minimum parking requirements? Pretty sure that is false. Even NYC has minimum parking requirements outside of Manhattan and I believe part of Brooklyn. Just as Houston has none in the CBD and part of Midtown. I believe Houston is actually ahead of the game when compared to similar cities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbates2 Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 (edited) 30 minutes ago, Houston19514 said: Most cities do not have minimum parking requirements? Pretty sure that is false. Even NYC has minimum parking requirements outside of Manhattan and I believe part of Brooklyn. Just as Houston has none in the CBD and part of Midtown. I believe Houston is actually ahead of the game when compared to similar cities. I think it is hard to make the argument because it isn’t just a true/false. Most cities have sectors with and without the requirements. The question is the scale of each. Edited March 27, 2019 by kbates2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeerNut Posted March 27, 2019 Share Posted March 27, 2019 On 3/26/2019 at 11:38 AM, dbigtex56 said: Is this the correct link? It takes me back to this page. Is there somewhere this email can be viewed? yeah probably should have snipped the powerpoint. I didn't make it to this meeting... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 So I was curious, I tried looking up the parking minumums in NYC and I found this https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2016/03/17/parking-requirements-will-be-reduced-in-a-huge-chunk-of-nyc/ it seems that there is, but only for publicly subsided housing, which is a far cry from Houston which has parking minimums for a broad spectrum of retail and multi-family residential requirements. I could be incorrect regarding NYC, so feel free to interject. I dont think NYC is a fair comparison however. Atlanta is similar to houston in terms of sprawl and recent growth in the late 20th century. It would appear they, among other US cities have parking minimums and are undergoing debate to reduce or remove them: https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2019/02/11/atlanta-zoning-update-addresses-parking-adus-missing-middle Looking at my googling, it appears that many US cities have (or had) parking minimums that were enacted in the 50s and 60's which likely coincides with the transportation engineering movement of the era: Sprawl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 (edited) 12 hours ago, Purdueenginerd said: So I was curious, I tried looking up the parking minumums in NYC and I found this https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2016/03/17/parking-requirements-will-be-reduced-in-a-huge-chunk-of-nyc/ it seems that there is, but only for publicly subsided housing, which is a far cry from Houston which has parking minimums for a broad spectrum of retail and multi-family residential requirements. I could be incorrect regarding NYC, so feel free to interject. I dont think NYC is a fair comparison however. Atlanta is similar to houston in terms of sprawl and recent growth in the late 20th century. It would appear they, among other US cities have parking minimums and are undergoing debate to reduce or remove them: https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2019/02/11/atlanta-zoning-update-addresses-parking-adus-missing-middle Looking at my googling, it appears that many US cities have (or had) parking minimums that were enacted in the 50s and 60's which likely coincides with the transportation engineering movement of the era: Sprawl. No, NYC has minimum parking requirements for pretty much everything outside of lower and mid Manhattan. Here's a document that provides a good summary and also a bunch of other information about minimum parking requirements. https://www.nymtc.org/portals/0/pdf/presentations/Parking_Agenda_forNYMTC_PrintVersion.pdf Even more similar than Atlanta is Dallas. They also have minimum parking requirements throughout the city, even in the CBD. Austin has minimum parking requirements everywhere except the CBD, just like Houston. Here's a nice website that indicates progress towards eliminating minimum parking requirements. Note that they don't even bother offering a pin-color for cities that have no minimum parking requirements; the highest level is green, for cities that have eliminated parking requirements in at least one neighborhood (like Houston). https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1fpQabG3XKyHH7YNlmQobUHjwuLI&ll=32.46047397105892%2C-96.30246458164186&z=4 I have yet to find a major city in the US that has no minimum parking requirements. Edited April 1, 2019 by Houston19514 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 11 hours ago, Houston19514 said: No, NYC has minimum parking requirements for pretty much everything outside of lower and mid Manhattan. Here's a document that provides a good summary and also a bunch of other information about minimum parking requirements. https://www.nymtc.org/portals/0/pdf/presentations/Parking_Agenda_forNYMTC_PrintVersion.pdf Ah, perfect I stand corrected. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted April 3, 2019 Share Posted April 3, 2019 Some interesting data and observations from Our Neighbours To The North: https://www.citybuildinginstitute.ca/2016/10/04/why-parking-is-taking-a-back-seat-in-many-municipalities/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H-Town Man Posted April 17, 2019 Share Posted April 17, 2019 On 4/1/2019 at 9:19 AM, Houston19514 said: No, NYC has minimum parking requirements for pretty much everything outside of lower and mid Manhattan. Here's a document that provides a good summary and also a bunch of other information about minimum parking requirements. https://www.nymtc.org/portals/0/pdf/presentations/Parking_Agenda_forNYMTC_PrintVersion.pdf Even more similar than Atlanta is Dallas. They also have minimum parking requirements throughout the city, even in the CBD. Austin has minimum parking requirements everywhere except the CBD, just like Houston. Here's a nice website that indicates progress towards eliminating minimum parking requirements. Note that they don't even bother offering a pin-color for cities that have no minimum parking requirements; the highest level is green, for cities that have eliminated parking requirements in at least one neighborhood (like Houston). https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1fpQabG3XKyHH7YNlmQobUHjwuLI&ll=32.46047397105892%2C-96.30246458164186&z=4 I have yet to find a major city in the US that has no minimum parking requirements. Some quick googling shows that Buffalo is the first to eliminate minimum parking city-wide and Minneapolis and San Francisco are in the process of eliminating them. So yes, there is not a lot of precedent for a city-wide elimination, but I think Midtown would be a pretty modest and logical experiment. Also wouldn't hurt for our city to be near the forefront of a trend instead of following at a distance. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trymahjong Posted June 28, 2019 Share Posted June 28, 2019 I got an email update on Market Based Parking in Midtown from midtown Superneighborhood president ”The City has agreed to compromise with the MSN and they have offered to exclude market-based parking from the highly-residential area East of San Jacinto. See the attached map. I have responded that I would like to make sure that parking for other residents in Midtown is provided for since there is a shortage of residential parking in other areas of Midtown (2016 Main, Brazos and Tuam. As far as businesses are concerned, I believe that their customers are taken care of with the two parking garages on Main (MATCH and Midtown Park Garage).” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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