Charlotte removes mandatory parking requirements, aiming for less car dependency

A new law in North Carolina may change parking rules significantly. The law will remove certain minimum requirements for off-street parking. This means there could be fewer designated spaces for drivers to park their cars. The changes are part of an effort to reduce car dependence in Charlotte. The legislation is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025. Lawmakers hope this will also help make housing more affordable by lowering construction costs. Supporters of the bill include environmental groups. They believe eliminating unnecessary parking lots will help reduce pollution, especially in the Catawba River Basin. “Stormwater runoff from land use changes is the largest source of pollution into the river,” said a representative from Catawba Riverkeeper. Some residents and businesses are worried, however. They fear the changes will lead to more time spent searching for parking on the streets. This concern is growing as Charlotte's public transit system is not yet ready to handle a larger shift away from driving. Additionally, the bill will ban harmful pavement sealants. These include certain substances that can hurt the environment. Lawmakers are still discussing the bill, and more reviews are expected soon.