AUSTIN – City leaders have eliminated parking requirements for any new construction throughout the city, allowing developers to determine how much on-site parking they need.
This aligns with the city’s goal to become more transit-focused as it pumps billions of dollars into a light rail plan throughout the city.
According to the Austin Business Journal, developers have said for years that parking requirements drive up project and housing costs and have been a major deterrent to creating new housing options throughout the city.
Research conducted by city staff determined that surface parking spaces cost Austin developers between $5,000 to $10,000 to construct per space, while parking in a built structure can cost between $25,000 and $60,000 per space.