Car Parking Demand Assessments

Our Car Parking Demand Assessments are specialised documents which evaluate the appropriate number of car parking spaces for a proposed development. In Victoria, the assessment of car parking adequacy generally follows a two-step process. This process is outlined below: 

1. Demand Assessment: This step involves estimating the car parking demand for the proposed development or land use. It includes:

  • Data Collection: Gathering data on existing parking conditions, including occupancy rates and usage patterns.

  • Demand Forecasting: Using this data along with information about the proposed development (e.g., size, type, number of occupants) to estimate the parking needs. This may include reference to empirical assessment or case study of another development in a similar contextual setting.

2. Supply Assessment: This step undertakes an assessment of the proposed parking supply giving consideration to a number of factors. It includes:

  • Comparative Analysis: Comparing the estimated parking demand with the number of parking spaces available or proposed in the development.

  • Assessment of Local Planning Policy: Reviewing the car parking provisions against local planning policies or incorporated plans to ensure the proposed supply is consistent with overarching planning policies.

  • Assessment of Alternative Parking Availability: Evaluating the availability of alternative car parking options in the locality of the land.

  • Assessment of Alternative Transport Modes: Analysing the availability and accessibility of alternative transport modes (such as public transit, cycling, and walking) to determine if these options can reduce the future reliance on private car parking.

Local Councils often require a Car Parking Demand Assessment as part of the planning application process to ensure that new developments provide adequate car parking and do not negatively impact the surrounding area, particularly if a reduction from the statutory car parking requirements is being sought.

We provide robust Car Parking Demand Assessments, particularly for those developments that propose car parking at a lower rate than the statutory requirements. Our assessments leverage our intricate understanding of the planning framework and policies, site specific car parking surveys and empirical data of comparable developments to justify lower car parking rates for urban development projects.