Parking Minimums & Maximums

Pedestrian Master Plan > Toolbox > Planning, Land Use, and Zoning > Regulations & Director’s Rules

Parking maximums establish an upper limit on parking supply, either at the site level or across an area. Either type of maximum can be imposed in addition to or instead of minimum parking requirements. Establishing a maximum allowable amount of parking can prevent developers from building excessively large lots, or limit the parking supply in an area based on roadway capacity or community priorities. Communities looking to increase tax revenue through redevelopment of parking lots, improve pedestrian safety and comfort downtown, or reduce stormwater runoff and heat islands should consider parking maximums as a way to achieve those goals. The City of Seattle allows a maximum of one parking space per 1,000 sq. ft. of downtown office space. Click here for more information.