Parking maximums are zoning limits on how many parking spaces a development may provide, usually expressed per unit or per 1,000 square feet. They are the opposite of parking minimums, which require a minimum number of spaces.
Cities use maximums where they want to limit traffic, protect walkable streets or support transit, most often in downtowns and near major transit stations. Removing minimums lets developers build as much or as little parking as the market supports; adding maximums goes further and caps it.
Design and policy choices
- Where they apply. Downtown districts, transit station areas or citywide.
- How they count. Whether shared or public spaces count toward the cap.
- Exceptions. Accessible spaces, EV charging, car share and loading are often excluded.
- Pairing. Maximums work best with good transit, priced curb parking and TDM requirements.
Trade-offs
Maximums can push parking demand onto streets and neighbors if curb parking is not managed, and lenders or tenants may resist projects with less parking than they expect.
The Parkonomics view
Removing minimums lets the market decide. Maximums are a statement that the city has already decided, which works best when the alternatives to driving are real.
Related terms: Parking Minimums, Required Parking Spaces, Parking Ordinances, Transit-Oriented Development, AB 2097
Further reading: Santa Monica’s Height Fight Is a Parking Fight