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Alexandria proposes cutting residential parking minimums citywide

Alexandria proposes cutting residential parking minimums citywide

Rule Changes Alexandria, VA local

Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend the parking amendment; City Council hearing set for November 14

6 days ago: Planning Commission recommends approval

Overview

Updated Oct 26

Alexandria's Planning Commission voted 6-0 on November 5 to recommend replacing the city's variable parking formula for multifamily buildings with a flat minimum of half a space per home. The recommendation sends Zoning Text Amendment #2026-00006 to the City Council, which has the final say.

The proposal would set a 0.35-space minimum for affordable units and a citywide maximum of two spaces per home. It responds to Virginia House Bill 888, which limits parking requirements near major transit; because the state's half-mile transit area covers most of Alexandria, staff recommend one set of rules citywide. The City Council hearing is November 14 at 9:30 a.m.

Why it matters

The change would cut minimum parking for new multifamily homes citywide, potentially lowering construction costs while shifting more cars onto neighborhood streets.

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Key Indicators

0.5
Proposed minimum parking spaces per multifamily dwelling
Down from a variable formula based on bedroom count, location and affordability.
0.35
Proposed minimum for affordable housing units
For homes serving households earning below 60% of area median income.
2
Proposed citywide maximum parking spaces per dwelling
A new cap that does not exist in current rules.
1.1
Average parking spaces per home in recent projects
Residential projects approved since December 2025, per city data.
6-0
Planning Commission recommendation vote
Commissioners voted 6-0 on November 5 to recommend approval.

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Organizations Involved

Alexandria Planning Commission
Alexandria Planning Commission
City advisory body
Voted 6-0 on November 5 to recommend approval of Zoning Text Amendment #2026-00006; the City Council makes the final decision.

The appointed body that reviews zoning changes and makes recommendations to the City Council.
Alexandria City Council
Alexandria City Council
Municipal legislative body
Scheduled to hold public hearing November 14

The elected body that will vote on the zoning text amendment after the Planning Commission's recommendation.
Virginia General Assembly
Virginia General Assembly
State legislature
Passed HB 888 limiting parking requirements near transit

The state legislature that passed House Bill 888, which limits how much parking localities can require near major transit facilities.

Timeline

November 2023 November 2026

6 events Latest: 6 days ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date

  1. City Council public hearing scheduled

    Upcoming Hearing

    Council will hear the amendment after the Planning Commission's recommendation.

  2. Planning Commission recommends approval

    Latest Hearing

    The commission voted 6-0 to recommend Zoning Text Amendment #2026-00006. The City Council makes the final decision.

  3. Docket set for November 5 hearing

    Notice

    The city posted the final docket for the November 5 Planning Commission hearing on October 23. It lists Zoning Text Amendment #2026-00006 (Parking Requirements) for a 7 p.m. hearing in Room 1305 at 4850 Mark Center Drive, among five items, with Council review on November 14 at 9:30 a.m.

  4. Planning Commission work session on parking

    Meeting

    Commissioners reviewed the staff proposal; no public testimony was taken.

  5. Proposed parking changes reported

    Report

    The Zebra reports on the staff proposal to comply with Virginia HB 888 and the upcoming work session.

  6. City Council approves Zoning for Housing reforms

    Policy

    Council voted unanimously to expand housing production and affordability through zoning changes.

Scenarios

1

Alexandria adopts citywide parking minimum cut

Likely Resolves by Dec 15, 2026

Discussed by: City staff recommendation; The Zebra reporting

The City Council adopts the staff proposal after the Planning Commission's 6-0 recommendation: 0.5 spaces per multifamily dwelling, 0.35 for affordable units, and a 2-space maximum. The change takes effect as a zoning ordinance amendment.

2

Council modifies parking ratios before approval

Possible Resolves by Dec 15, 2026

Discussed by: Planning Commission work session discussion

Commissioners or council members push for different ratios, such as a higher minimum for larger units or a lower maximum. The amendment is approved with changes from the staff proposal.

3

Parking amendment delayed or sent back to staff

Unlikely Resolves by Jan 31, 2027

Discussed by: Public testimony and commissioner concerns

Significant public opposition or commissioner concerns lead to a deferral. The item is sent back to staff for revision, pushing the final vote into 2027.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

November 2023

Alexandria Zoning for Housing reforms (2023)

The Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to approve a series of zoning changes designed to expand housing production, improve affordability, and address barriers to equitable housing access. The reforms included changes to off-street parking requirements and density bonuses.

Then

The reforms took effect, changing how residential development is reviewed in the city.

Now

They established a framework for ongoing housing policy work, including the current parking amendment.

Why this matters now

The 2023 reforms were Alexandria's previous major zoning overhaul. The parking amendment is the next step in the same policy direction, now driven by a state mandate.

Sources

(6)
+1
City of Alexandria The Zebra Press DocketCity Alexandria Brief City of Alexandria City of Alexandria