A new federal law HR. 3145 introduced to the 23-24 Congress would preempt State and Local laws that require minimum parking requirements. The Bill named "People over Parking" will remove minimum parking requirements for both new developments and reconstructed or rehabilitated residential and retail construction. Intent of the law:
SEC. 2. Preemption of State and local laws requiring the provision of parking spots for new developments.
(a) Authority regarding provision of parking spots.—In the case of a newly constructed or substantially reconstructed or rehabilitated residential, retail, commercial, or industrial structure in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce that is located not more than 0.5 miles from the closest covered public transit point, or a project for such new construction or substantial reconstruction or rehabilitation that has been permitted or otherwise authorized by the appropriate agency of local government to be undertaken, the owner of such structure or project shall have the sole discretion to determine how many automobile parking spots to provide in connection with such structure.
The intent of this bill is a measure to address climatic changes, GHG emissions and consistent with the Laguna Beach General Plan and Vision 2030 Strategies. Given the cost of added spaces for building nine parking structures at $182,000 per space is a welcome relief from the burden on residents, commercial development and visitors.
It's time to think different about Laguna mobility and car parking, this legislation is timely relief from 1950 planning and essential for climate goals.
-LS
