After years of debate, the Dallas City Council has approved sweeping changes to the city’s parking regulations, aiming to modernize outdated rules and support small businesses and walkable neighborhoods.
The reforms, passed in a 14-1 vote Wednesday night, eliminate parking requirements in several key areas, including downtown, near transit stations, historic landmarks, offices, and retail spaces. Small bars and restaurants under 2,500 square feet are also now exempt from minimum parking requirements.
Elmwood café welcomes new rules
In Oak Cliff’s Elmwood neighborhood, Russell Tibbits, co-owner of Little Joy Coffee Shop, welcomed the change.
“Parking reform allows us and our small business neighbors to continue to build a thriving community,” Tibbits said. “With the parking reform, we can shift our focus away from restrictive, allocated parking and pour into local small businesses that help the community flourish.”…