Three Montgomery County councilmembers plan to introduce a zoning change that would eliminate some parking requirements at new housing developments.
The idea is to reduce the cost of housing and the use of single occupancy cars, explained Council President Evan Glass at his weekly meeting with the media Monday.
The proposal, which is expected to be introduced at Tuesday’s county council meeting, promotes car-free living and would add additional housing near transit hubs, Glass said. He also said reduced parking requirements would lower carbon emissions.
A public hearing is set for Jan. 16, 2024.
Glass, along with Vice President Andrew Friedson and Councilmember Kristin Mink, are holding a press conference Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. on the third floor of the Council Office Building in Rockville to explain this proposed zoning text amendment.
Their proposal would eliminate parking requirements within one-half mile of a Metro or Purple Line station and within a quarter mile of a bus rapid transit station.
Currently, new apartments must provide parking spaces whether a resident requests it or not. In downtown urban areas, the spaces must be underground, which Glass said costs between $70,000 and $100,000 each.
That hikes up housing costs, Glass said, adding, “Housing is extremely expensive in our region.”
