Dallas Parking Plan May Mean Fewer Spaces

Dallas city leaders are trying to match parking spaces with parking demand

Fewer parking spaces could be the result of new rules under consideration at Dallas City Hall.

Current rules base the number of spaces on the square foot space of a building. It has left Dallas with large lots of usually empty spaces.

At the same time those same rules make it tough to do business in older neighborhoods where there's insufficient space for giant parking lots.

Those big lots have environmental consequences, too.

"The runoff is increased exponentially, so that's one thing. Also, when you have a lot of paving that you don't need, it also creates an urban heat island effect that makes the city hotter," Councilwoman Linda Koop said.

A city council committee heard a briefing on possible changes Monday and Koop said the full Dallas City Council could be asked to vote on some of them soon.

Drivers complain more about compact spaces often used by large cars and too few spaces for bars and restaurants. Those issues are still under review.

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