Prepare for the parking nightmare to worsen in Colorado, as liberal Denver Democrats push a bill that would eliminate parking minimums statewide. It seems that these Democrats, who prefer bikes as their main form of transportation, are determined to make parking spaces, even in front of homes, as rare and valuable as gold.

House Bill 24-1304, introduced by these left-leaning Democrats, would prohibit municipalities and counties from enforcing minimum parking requirements for residential or commercial properties.

According to their release, this move is justified as it would make housing more affordable and reduce traffic congestion. But at what cost?

PRIME SPONSORS

• Rep. Stephanie Vigil

• Rep. Steven Woodrow

• Sen. Kevin Priola

• Sen. Nick Hinrichsen

Representative Steve Woodrow, a proponent of the bill, claims that there are currently eight parking spaces for every vehicle on the road. He argues that requiring up to three parking spaces per unit for new multifamily housing adds millions to the building costs.

While “affordability” is an important consideration, eliminating parking minimums completely disregards the needs and preferences of Colorado residents.

Additionally, the bill's supporters argue that eliminating parking minimums would reduce greenhouse gas pollution by lowering the number of vehicle miles traveled. They claim that cars contribute nearly 60% of the transportation sector's greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado.

However, this claim overlooks the fact that many Coloradans rely on their vehicles for work, family obligations, and personal convenience. Limiting parking spaces without providing viable alternatives will only frustrate residents and create more problems than it solves.

It is important to note that there are currently no uniform parking minimums for the state, with each municipality and county having its own regulations.

READ MORE:

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• CONTROVERSIAL BILL THREATENS LOCAL CONTROL AND FORCES DENSER HOUSING IN COLORADO

• COLORADO'S PUSH FOR MULTIPLE HOUSEMATES TO SOLVE ‘AFFORDABLE HOUSING’ RAISES CONCERNS

• STATE LAWMAKERS TARGET COMMERCIAL TRUCKERS WITH NEW LEGISLATION

Denver, for example, has specific parking requirements outlined in its zoning code. This allows local communities to tailor parking requirements to their unique needs and circumstances. The proposed bill would strip away this local control and impose a one-size-fits-all approach that may not be suitable for all areas.

While the bill claims that it would not impact parking spaces required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, it fails to address the concerns of everyday residents who rely on parking availability. Limiting parking spaces may disproportionately affect the elderly, people with mobility issues, and those with young children who require convenient access to their homes.

If passed, this bill would go into effect on January 1, 2025, leaving Colorado residents with limited time to voice their concerns and seek alternatives.