The Seattle City Council approved legislation Monday to ease building rules for off-street parking. The vote was 7-1.
Developers could build housing without providing off-street parking if they are near "frequent transit service."
“We know that an over supply of cheap parking has a negative impact on Seattle – it increases driving and traffic congestion, increases our carbon footprint, and makes housing more expensive," said Councilmember Rob Johnson.
The Seattle Times reports the move could increase housing since developers could build more units with less parking.
Owners could rent out extra parking. Larger apartment buildings would need to separate rents from parking spaces, so tenants could pay less if they don't use parking.
