Updated car parking rules could streamline developments and improve urban outcomes

Updated car parking rules could streamline developments and improve urban outcomes

Urban planning and transport experts from RMIT University weigh in on the Victorian government’s move to replace blanket minimum car parking requirements with a system that varies by public transport accessibility.

Dr Chris De Gruyter, Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Urban Research 

"The shift away from blanket state-wide minimum car parking requirements towards a system that assesses how well an area is connected to public transport is to be commended. 

"With less car parking required in areas with higher levels of public transport accessibility, these changes aim to support more sustainable travel choices and address instances of oversupply in off-street car parking, freeing up land for more productive uses. 

"It is important to note that minimum car parking requirements still exist and in some highly car dependent outer suburban and regional areas of Victoria these minimums can be exceeded to reflect market needs."

Dr Chris De Gruyter is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University. He conducts research in the area of transport and land use planning, with a focus on understanding the impacts of new residential development on the transport system. 

Dr Liam Davies, Lecturer, Sustainability and Urban Planning 

"This approach to determining car parking requirements is simple to apply. However, to remain relevant it needs to be regularly updated to reflect changes in the transport landscape. 

"Previously, many developments that were close to quality public transport needed to apply for permits to provide less parking than the planning scheme required. The new approach is likely to remove many of these planning permit requirements, making developments more streamlined. 

"The categorisation of land based on public transport service levels can be used for more than just parking. It can also be used to identify public transport ‘black spots’ in Melbourne or to alter parking requirements ahead of major infrastructure, such as the Suburban Rail Loop."

Dr Liam Davies is an urban policy Lecturer in Sustainability and Urban Planning at RMIT University. His research investigates transport, housing, taxation, and land use planning with a focus on equity and policy reform. 

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

24 February 2026

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