How much parking space is required?

Parking space requirements vary significantly based on the type and usage of the building, as well as the location. For residential areas, typical requirements include one parking space per dwelling unit, though some cities may mandate up to 1.5 spaces per unit. In New Jersey, for example, the Residential Site Improvement Standards require an average of 1.91 parking spaces per unit for garden-style apartments and 1.33 spaces per unit for high-rises, although recent studies suggest these numbers can be reduced to 1.41 and 1.01 spaces per unit, respectively, to better align with actual usage. For commercial spaces, the requirements are often based on the square footage or specific use. For instance, one parking spot is typically required per 300 square feet of retail or commercial space, and one spot per 100 square feet of restaurant dining area. Hospitals and churches also have specific ratios, such as two parking spaces per hospital bed and one space for every five seats in the pews. These requirements are often determined by Parking Generation Rates from the Institute of Transportation Engineers, which provide statistical data on parking demand for different land uses. However, many cities are now reevaluating and reducing these parking minimums to address issues such as urban density, housing affordability, and environmental impact.