States eliminate parking minimums

Since 2019, at least 14 U.S. states have enacted 34 laws reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements, and 116 cities have removed parking minimums citywide. The movement, driven by housing shortages and affordability concerns, began with United States — California's first statewide ban in 2022, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Other states including United States — Oregon, United States — Connecticut, United States — Colorado, United States — Florida, United States — Illinois, United States — Maine, United States — Keene, New Hampshire, Washington, United States — West Virginia, and United States — North Carolina have followed with similar measures. Proponents argue that parking minimums increase development costs and hinder housing construction, while opponents raise concerns about congestion and public safety. The trend has unified developers and environmentalists, who see benefits in reduced costs and less impervious surface runoff.