FAQ on Madison, Wisconsin's Consideration to Eliminate Outdated Parking Requirements

What are Madison, Wisconsin’s current parking requirements?

Madison’s current parking requirements include mandates based on square footage and number of employees for commercial uses, 15 percent of a restaurant’s total capacity based on seats, and one off-street parking spot for every dwelling unit in residential neighborhoods.

Why is Madison considering eliminating these parking requirements?

The city is considering eliminating these requirements due to their burdensome nature, high construction and maintenance costs, and the negative impacts on development, air quality, and affordable housing availability.

How do parking requirements affect affordable housing?

Stringent parking requirements increase construction costs and limit space that could otherwise be used for housing, thereby reducing the availability of affordable housing.

What are the environmental impacts of current parking mandates?

Current parking mandates encourage driving, leading to increased exhaust and pollution, higher carbon emissions, and greater hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.

Who is advocating for the elimination of parking mandates in Madison?

Organizations like Strong Towns and individuals such as Joe Palmer from the Haltom United Business Alliance are advocating for the elimination of these mandates to rejuvenate older city parts and encourage development.

What is the ‘Open Option Parking’ system proposed by HUBA?

The ‘Open Option Parking’ system would allow developers, homeowners, and businesses to choose the amount of onsite parking they need, based on individual operations or specific activities, eliminating parking minimums in certain areas.

When did Madison first start reconsidering its parking mandates?

Madison removed parking mandates downtown several years ago but is now reconsidering the rest of the city’s outdated parking requirements.

Where in Madison are the parking requirements being reconsidered?

The reconsideration is focused on areas outside of downtown Madison, including residential neighborhoods and commercial areas with outdated parking mandates.

What are the potential benefits of eliminating parking mandates?

Eliminating parking mandates could save local businesses money, boost affordable housing availability, improve air quality, and reduce urban land wasted on parking lots.

How can I get more information about Madison’s parking requirements reconsideration?

For more information, you can contact organizations like Strong Towns or the Haltom United Business Alliance, or follow updates from Madison city lawmakers.