Montana committee hears bill to cap local parking mandates as tool to lower housing costs

Representative Katie Zolokov, sponsor of House Bill 492, told the House Local Government Committee the bill aims to lower the cost of development by capping local parking requirements and forcing municipalities to reimburse developers if they mandate additional parking.

The bill would limit mandatory parking for new developments to one space per residential dwelling unit and one space per 5,000 square feet of commercial space, exempt some uses (for example small commercial spaces under 15,000 square feet and childcare and assisted-living uses), and preserve parking required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Zolokov said.

"Parking spaces are incredibly expensive, costing anywhere from $9,000 to $50,000 per spot," Representative Katie Zolokov, bill sponsor, said. "Those costs get baked into rent prices. This bill provides developers flexibility, and if a locality wants more parking it must compensate the developer for the real cost of construction."

Why it matters: Supporters said changing parking mandates is a practical, evidence-based way to reduce housing costs and free land for housing. Opponents, including the Montana League of Cities and Towns and several municipal planners, warned the bill would preempt local zoning decisions and undercut the Montana Land Use and Planning…