Parking minimums have long been a cornerstone of urban planning, but their impact on cities like Kansas City is increasingly coming under scrutiny. The current requirements, as outlined in section 88-420 of the Zoning and Development Code, mandate substantial parking provisions for various types of buildings. These rules, while intended to ensure adequate parking, often lead to unintended consequences that stifle urban vitality, consume valuable land, and make cities less welcoming for pedestrians and alternative modes of transport. It’s time to reconsider these policies and look towards a more balanced, comprehensive approach to parking.
One of Kansas City’s most successful and beloved areas, Westport, provides a striking example of the impact of minimal parking requirements. The existing buildings in Westport, which thrive without meeting today’s parking regulations, create a vibrant, walkable environment that draws residents and visitors alike. If these buildings were to be constructed today, adhering to modern parking standards would require sacrificing significant space, resulting in the loss of entire buildings to accommodate parking lots. This would undoubtedly diminish the charm and functionality that make Westport so appealing.
This visualization of modern parking requirements shows just how much space is consumed by parking in Kansas City. For general retail, restaurants, offices, and bars/nightclubs, a large portion of the site is dedicated to parking rather than the building’s primary function. Here are some specific figures:
- General Retail: For every 1,000 square feet of building, 2.5 parking spaces are required, leaving only 35-50% of the site for the building’s primary use.
- Restaurants: Require 10 parking spaces per 1,000 square feet, leaving just 25-35% of the site for actual dining space.
- General Office: Needs 1 parking space per 1,000 square feet, leaving 60-70% of the site for office use.
- Bars & Nightclubs: The most extreme, with 20 parking spaces required per 1,000 square feet, leaving only 15-20% of the site for the establishment itself. This is especially concerning considering the possibility of driving after drinking at one of these establishments.
These requirements lead to large swathes of urban land being used for parking, which not only reduces the space available for housing, businesses, and public amenities but also makes the cityscape less appealing and less walkable.
