WASHINGTON — Drivers in the District would have fewer parking spaces to choose from under regulations set to be finalized this week by the city’s Zoning Commission.
Real estate developers have traditionally been required to leave a certain number of spaces for off-street parking around properties. But that requirement is going away in some parts of the city, giving developers the option of building fewer such areas.
“That’s only going to mean that parking is going to become more difficult to find, and it’s going to become more expensive,” says AAA spokesman John Townsend.
The Zoning Commission approved an overhaul of D.C. regulations in November, and this week, the new rules are expected to be published in the D.C. Register. They would take effect in six months.
According to AAA, opponents plan to take the city to court to keep the parking-space requirements on the books.
“We’re reducing the number of parking spaces while the number of residents in the city is increasing,” Townsend added.
Supporters of the change argue less off-street parking leads to less congestion and housing that is more affordable.
