Urban planners typically assess the need for parking in urban areas through various methods such as conducting surveys of residents and businesses, analyzing parking occupancy data, and conducting traffic studies. The following steps are commonly used by urban planners to assess parking needs:
1. Identify the land uses and potential parking demand: Urban planners must first identify the land uses in a particular area and the potential parking demand from customers, residents, and employees. This includes estimating the number of cars that will require parking and the duration of time for which they will need it.
2. Analyze existing parking availability: Urban planners must also analyze the availability of existing parking spaces in the area, including both public and private parking facilities. This helps in identifying any parking deficiencies or surpluses in the area.
3. Research parking standards and regulations: Urban planners must be aware of any parking standards and regulations set by local governments, which may include zoning regulations and minimum parking requirements for specific land uses.
4. Conduct a parking demand study: As part of the parking assessment, urban planners may conduct a parking demand study that involves surveying property owners, residents, businesses, and visitors to estimate demand for parking.
5. Evaluate future growth and development: Urban planners must also consider future growth and development in the area, including new land uses and changes in transportation patterns that may affect future parking needs.
6. Develop a parking plan: Based on the analysis and evaluation of data, urban planners will develop a parking plan that outlines strategies to provide adequate parking in the area, including recommending changes to parking regulations, developing new parking facilities, and implementing transportation demand management strategies.
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