Edmonton homeowners could soon have the option of replacing that double garage with extra yard space.
The City of Edmonton is looking at reducing the parking requirements for single detached homes, duplexes, row houses and secondary suites in low density areas.
In 2017, city council will decide whether or not to approve changing the requirements for low density housing from two parking spaces per home to one.
The change would apply to single detached homes, duplexes, row houses and secondary suites.
The city said the change would be good for Edmontonians entering the housing market because parking spaces add to the cost of buying a home. It would also benefit those who prefer to have things like a larger garden or patio in their yard, instead of two parking spaces, according to the city.
“These new regulations mean more choice for everyone – seniors, students, single parents, families and individuals,” senior planner Anne Stevenson said. “Now homeowners can decide the appropriate amount of parking to meet their needs and how they want to put their property to its best use.”
The city said if the new regulations are approved, they will bring parking standards in line with other Canadian cities that only require one stall for low-density areas.
City council asked city administration to prepare changes to residential parking requirements. Council must approve the changes before the rules go into effect.
The city believes the changes would go hand-in-hand with its strategy to encourage using public transportation and other modes of transportation.