Life without Parking in San Francisco

Life Without Parking in San Francisco: 2025 Update

San Francisco’s Shift Away from Parking Minimums

Since January 2019, San Francisco has eliminated minimum parking requirements for new buildings citywide, including residential projects 2 8 3.

Developers are now free to design and build multi-story, multi-unit buildings without on-site parking, a dramatic departure from past practice. This policy aims to reduce construction costs, encourage alternative transportation, and free up space for more housing instead of garages 2 8 6. As a result, numerous new buildings have been approved, constructed, or are underway with little or no parking included 1 6

Adapting to a New Urban Reality

This represents a major cultural shift for many in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) fields. Traditionally, every project included a minimum number of parking spaces, often in expensive underground structures. Now, the focus is on maximizing housing units and supporting San Francisco’s “Transit-First” policy 2 8. While this change brings opportunities, such as more affordable housing and vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, it also raises challenges, particularly in areas with limited public transit or for residents who still rely on cars 2 8 3.

Bicycle Parking and Alternative Mobility

San Francisco has also strengthened its bicycle parking requirements. New buildings must provide secure bike parking, with recent updates increasing the minimum to about 5% of units and clarifying design standards 45. While the policy previously mandated one bike space per dwelling, current regulations now require more nuanced standards based on building type and use, and developers can convert former car parking spaces into bike parking 5 10. The city is also rolling out an ambitious new bike plan to create safer, more interconnected bikeways, making cycling a more viable option for everyday trips 11.

Designing for the Future

For AEC professionals, the challenge is to design buildings and communities that work without traditional parking. This might mean adding more bike storage, integrating scooter charging stations, or prioritizing locations with strong transit access. Community engagement is key to understanding how residents adapt, whether by living car-free, relying on public transit, or seeking creative mobility solutions 6 7.

Looking Ahead

It’s still too early to fully gauge the long-term effects of these reforms. However, San Francisco’s approach influences other cities and prompts a broader rethinking of how urban space should be used 1. As the city continues to invest in transit and cycling infrastructure, residents and designers alike are being asked to reconsider their relationship with cars and embrace a more resourceful, sustainable urban lifestyle 2 11.