Parking Requirements for New Homes and Businesses

Why We're Reviewing the Rules

Many of the zoning rules that determine the minimum number of on-site parking spaces homes and businesses must have were put in place in the 1970s. Edmonton has changed considerably since then and the rules need to be updated to make sure they make sense for Edmonton today and where we want to go in the future. Click on the dots in the infographic below to learn more.

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Tap on hotspots to learn more.

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Economical

Providing parking can be expensive, creating cost barriers to owning a business and make housing more expensive.

Abundant

Once parking is provided on-site at a home or business, that parking is static and can’t easily be adjusted so we need to get that number right. The amount of parking we provide influences how people choose to get around in Edmonton. We’re looking ahead, planning for edmonton’s future to support changes in the way people are choosing to get around.

Walkable

How parking is provided and managed plays a powerful role in shaping how our communities look. Large parking lots take up a lot of space, making neighbourhoods less compact and walkable.

Economical + Abundant

Businesses and homes are located further apart, and neighbourhoods less walkable. Commutes are long and you have to drive farther for errands or entertainment. The construction cost of new homes and businesses is relatively low. This scenario would be similar to an area like South Edmonton Common or a condo complex with a large surface parking lot.

Walkable + Economical

Some businesses have parking and some businesses do not. Different households have different numbers of parking spaces depending on their needs. Businesses and homes are located closer together and neighbourhoods are more walkable. Commutes are moderate and errands can be done by walking or short drives. The cost of construction for new homes and businesses is moderate. This scenario would be similar to the Whyte Avenue or 124 Street area.

Abundant + Walkable

Businesses and homes are located close together and neighbourhoods are very walkable. The cost of construction for new homes and businesses is high, leading to more expensive homes and higher cost of services at businesses. Commutes are typically short and errands can be done by walking or short drives. This scenario would be similar to Downtown or the Oliver neighbourhood.