Rules for providing minimum parking space in La Crosse face possible repeal

Is too much space in La Crosse being taken up by off-street parking lots?

City council members are looking this month at possibly repealing existing requirements for parking off the street. The suggested changes are included in city committee agendas, leading up to the December council meeting next week.

Supporters of a change suggest that requiring a minimum amount of parking space in neighborhoods takes away land that could be used for housing or other purposes, and that can affect the affordability of housing. A recent housing study in La Crosse indicates that parking off the street is the most expensive use of land that does not produce much income.

Similar votes in recent years affected parking in commercial and non-residential parts of the city. A study from 2020 found that even busy areas of La Crosse rarely see full parking lots during peak hours.

A few rules might remain in place, such as making sure the parking areas are paved with materials like concrete or asphalt.