Tallinn is developing new guidelines that will reduce the number of parking spaces in new and renovated buildings, but the crisis in the municipality may delay their adoption, writes ERR News.
City officials have completed work on new parking space development guidelines, which will outline conditions that will allow for further easing of requirements for new or renovated buildings. One of the requirements is the number of parking spaces near apartment buildings. In recent years, significant green space has been lost due to the creation of additional parking spaces.
Areas free from hard surfaces are essential to prevent increased heat and help collect rainwater. Tallinn Deputy Mayor Madle Lippus told the program “Aktuaalne kaamera” that around 2010, it became common to cover the entire yard with asphalt, even in the city center, but it is definitely not good practice and city avoids it now. She said:
“Preserving gardens and greenery in the urban environment — especially in the city center — is extremely important.”
The new guidelines will stipulate that if the building expansion does not exceed 33%, there is no need to create additional parking spaces, Lipus added. She explained that other factors will also be taken into account, such as public transport coverage, nearby schools and kindergartens, and the availability of underground parking. The councilor said that if all of the above is available, there is little need to create new parking spaces.
True, the guidelines still need to be approved by the city council, and the vote was initially planned for the 21st of July. However, the situation in the Tallinn city council suggests that this will not happen. Until the vote, the previous guidelines for creating parking spaces will remain in effect. They are more of a recommendation and give both associations and officials the opportunity to be guided by specific circumstances.
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