Senate committee approves parking cap for small residential units to ease housing costs

The Senate Local Government Committee voted to pass House Bill 4-92 as amended, a measure that restricts local zoning rules from requiring more than one parking space per residential unit and limits minimum requirements for units under 1,200 square feet to no more than one-half a parking space.

The sponsor and committee chair said the amendment addresses concerns about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and preserves exceptions for childcare, deed-restricted affordable housing and assisted-living facilities. The amended language states zoning regulations "may not include provisions that require more than one parking space for each residential unit, any minimum parking requirement for existing buildings, including vacant buildings undergoing a change in use, childcare facilities, deed-restricted affordable housing, or assisted living facilities, or more than 1/2 parking space for each residential unit under 1,200 square feet." (Committee explanation summarized from counsel.)

Supporters, including Senator Boldman, said limiting parking requirements prioritizes housing affordability and has produced data-driven cost reductions elsewhere. Opponents, including Senator Pope, argued the change could shift parking burdens between neighborhoods and complicate local planning, saying the one-size approach may hurt some communities.

After extended debate over local control, livability and ADA compliance, the committee adopted the amendment and passed HB 4-92 as amended on a roll-call vote of 8 yes and 3 no. Senator Trevis agreed to carry the bill on the Senate floor.

Next steps: the bill moves to the Senate floor for a floor carrier to seek final action.