People Over Parking Act of 2023
If enacted, HB3145 would preempt any existing state or local laws that mandate the number of parking spots to be included in new developments. This preemption ensures that property owners have sole authority to decide on parking provisions, which could lead to innovative land use and promote a more sustainable approach to urban development. The bill emphasizes the connection between development and public transit accessibility, suggesting that fewer parking spots should be mandated in areas that are well-serviced by public transport systems.
House Bill 3145, known as the People Over Parking Act of 2023, is designed to grant property owners the discretion to determine the number of parking spaces required for new residential and commercial developments. This bill aims to align development more closely with local transit availability, particularly for projects located within a certain proximity to public transit points. The bill asserts that regulations requiring specific numbers of parking spots can be burdensome and counterproductive to urban planning and community development.
However, the bill has raised concerns among local governments and advocacy groups, who argue that without parking requirements, there may be inadequate facilities for vehicles, especially in areas transitioning to a higher density of population. Detractors believe that this could lead to overloaded street parking, inconvenience for residents, and potential backlash from communities where parking scarcity intersects with daily life. The debate centers on the balance between encouraging development and maintaining adequate infrastructure to support that growth.