Shoreline abolishes parking mandates

The Shoreline city council voted unanimously on August 11, 2025, to abolish parking mandates, allowing property owners to determine their own parking needs. Mayor Chris Roberts stated that parking costs can reach up to $60,000 per space, which inflates housing costs and impacts the local economy. Councilmember Keith Scully, who previously supported parking minimums, now advocates for affordable housing and reduced hardscape, indicating a shift in perspective. Deputy Mayor Laura Mork supported the measure, emphasizing the responsibility it places on developers to understand parking needs. This decision aligns with similar actions taken by cities such as Bothell, Spokane, and Port Townsend, which have also scrapped parking mandates.

The Shoreline Planning Commission recommended the change, asserting that it would help balance the city’s goals of preserving green space and reducing heat islands. Councilmember John Ramsdell expressed his support, arguing that eliminating parking minimums would prevent urban sprawl and encourage sustainable transportation. The move signals a broader trend in Washington state towards relaxing parking regulations to promote housing development.