The Zoning Commission is now considering updates to DC's parking
regulations, which date back to 1958, and will hold a public hearing on
Thursday, July 31, 2008. These changes will ensure our city grows to be
even more bikeable, walkable, and green. The hearing will take place
at 441 4th Street NW starting at 6:30. To sign up to testify contact
Sharon Schellin at 202-727-6311. Take action>>
You may recall that last year the DC Council passed legislation
that would dramatically improve bike parking at commercial and
residential developments throughout the city. That legislation must
now be incorporated into the zoning code. Among the changes being
proposed are:
1) doubling the amount of bike parking required in commercial garages
2) requiring bike parking in new residential buildings
3) mandate bike parking at schools, rec centers, transit centers and
houses of worship To see the proposed changes, please pages 27-29 here:
While most of the proposed changes are very good, a few things have
been left out. WABA is also recommending that the following be added:
1) bike parking should be also added to libraries and outdoor
recreation centers
2) car sharing lots should have bike parking and car sharing poles should have hoop racks included
3) the number of bike racks per classroom at schools should be doubled.
4) building managers of commercial spaces should not be allowed to ban bikes from offices if the office manager approves
5) bike parking spaces in commercial buildings should be tied to square footage if car parking requirements are reduced
At the same time the Zoning Commission is also considering a significant
revision to vehicle parking requirements that could have a positive
impact on bicycling. These changes would:
• Make our city more pedestrian and cyclist friendly by reducing the number of parking lots and driveways.
• Require more bike parking and car sharing spaces.
• Stop city resources and money from being diverted to parking - underground spots can cost up to $50,000 each.
• Make some housing more affordable. By not requiring developers to
built a minimum amount of parking, the cost of parking won't
automatically be rolled into the price of each condo.
For more information from our Friends at the Coalition for Smarter Growth, please click here.
Why Parking Matters to Us
The location and amount of parking has a big effect on driving habits, traffic, air quality, and the urban fabric of our city. But DC's current suburban-style parking regulations have resulted in huge parking lots and garages that encourage more driving and traffic.
WABA urges you to write the zoning commission to support both bike parking changes and the overall changes to DC parking policy.
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