Tiny parking spaces give metro-area drivers fits
By Val Moses, Special to the Rocky
Published January 2, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.
Updated January 2, 2008 at 3:04 p.m.
We may be driving in a Hummer world, but chances are good that we are parking in Mini Cooper spaces.
Many parking lots and garages built since the energy crisis of the 1970s have small spaces and tough turning arcs. That's because zoning laws, which govern the size of parking spaces, assumed people had learned a tough lesson by waiting in long lines to fill up and would buy small cars to conserve fuel.
But American automotive tastes followed a different path, especially with the rise of SUVs, and motorists are paying the price, in dings to their cars and frustration to themselves.
Physical therapist Kim O'Hare, of Denver, a mother of two who drives a Mazda, complains that narrow spaces require drivers to park perfectly between lines. When someone doesn't, it throws everybody else off. "The hardest thing is trying to finagle kids in and out of the car" in the cramped spaces between vehicles, she says.
Eliot Hoyt, who works downtown and drives a Subaru, says he gets rattled when he has to park next to a large, high-centered vehicle. "They could clear out your window just by opening their door," not to mention that a smaller car is screened from oncoming traffic when pulling out of a space.
As an associate at a planning and design firm, Hoyt has seen plans for garages that try to squeeze in as many spaces as possible. "Then you drive in a garage like that and you think maybe it's not such a good idea."
According to Mary Smith, senior vice president of Indianapolis-based Walker Parking Consultants, the problem began with the gas shortages of 1973-74. Planners and zoning departments believed that a big chunk of the American public would soon be driving compact cars.
The Dimensions of Parking, a 2002 publication by the Urban Land Institute and the National Parking Association, noted that officials estimated in 1980 that 45 percent of all cars on the road were compacts.
But automakers had actually started producing mid-size cars instead, said Smith, who co-authored the 2002 study. Currently, only 20 percent of cars on the road are compacts, while 40 percent of all parking spaces nationally are compact-size, she said.
One result, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: About 14 percent of all claims for auto damage involve parking-facility collisions. The actual number may be higher, since many accidents go unreported.
In recognition of the problem, some cities have changed their parking ordinances to enlarge stalls or reduce the number of compact spaces. But a parking garage is forever: Most have a life span of 50 years. If they were originally designed for compact cars, they can't be changed.
Denver's current parking ordinance, which was changed in 2003, ordains a standard size for the required number of spaces in high turnover lots and garages, like those at shopping centers, though extra spaces can be compact. But in apartment and office buildings, which have more control over who parks where, up to 40 percent of spaces can be compact. Private lots can make all their spaces small.
The ongoing overhaul of the city's zoning code is expected eventually to tackle parking issues, according to Assistant City Attorney Kerry Buckey, though probably not parking-space size. "But the citizens of Denver are very interested in their zoning code," says Buckey, and they could force a change if they feel strongly about it.
Tina Axelrad, head of the city's Zoning Code Task Force, says she expects the task force will get to parking issues by next summer and she welcomes feedback.
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January 2, 2008
12:25 a.m.
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rj1967 writes:
Leave spaces small - more parking for those who are sensible. No one needs those disgusting monsters anyway. They're only good for the owners ego.
January 2, 2008
2:58 a.m.
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SL10 writes:
How about Hummers not parking in handicap spots as well???
January 2, 2008
7:22 a.m.
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forwhatitis writes:
rj197, it will be my life, not my ego that's better than yours when you pull out in front of me and get crushed. I worked in insurance claims for 20 years handling the worst accidents that the company had to deal with. For that reason, my wife and I both drive large vehicles, and I wouldn't put her or my kids in anything else. As for Hummer parking in handicap spaces, if they have a handicap, why not?
January 2, 2008
8:09 a.m.
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spunkymj writes:
rj1967 - For the some the big vehicle isn't an option, it's a necessity. Those of us w/5 children don't have the option of driving a compact. I don't think that has a single thing to do with my ego, it's just a truth
January 2, 2008
8:16 a.m.
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Equus256 writes:
I resent the implication that I drive a full size pick up truck for my ego. I drive a full size pick up truck because I own and train horses as a part time business which requires being able to haul grain, hay and horse trailer on a regular basis. My pick up truck as nothing to do with my ego. Nor does my daughter's large SUV. She drives a large vehicle because she has five children which all require either a child safety seat or booster seat and five will not fit in a Mini Cooper. So before you judge or condemn drivers of larger vehicles, you better think about WHY they drive a larger vehicle. By the way I solve the parking issue by parking further away and walking to my destination because I am perfectly capable of walking across a mall parking lot or a couple blocks downtown. It is good exercise and I avoid having my blood pressure go up trying to fighht a Mini Cooper for a space.
January 2, 2008
8:22 a.m.
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Francesca writes:
Amazing how some think everyone should live and think just like they do. Speaking of egos. Really.
If the driver has a handicap, then what does it matter what they are driving? How do you know they don't need additional space to carry a wheelchair or special equipment?
January 2, 2008
8:27 a.m.
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Francesca writes:
Equus, we also reserve the F350 for our horses also. We only put about 3,000 miles a year on it, but can't pull a gooseneck with my Accord. Some people, eh?
January 2, 2008
8:44 a.m.
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dinopello writes:
I drive a dump truck (because I like to) and I think every private property owner should be forced by law to accomodate my choice by providing storage space large enough for a dump truck free of charge for me and my rig.
I'm kidding, but this problem could easily be solved by the market. Just charge more for bigger spaces. Every other type of storage you rent by the square foot, why is vehicle storage any different ?
January 2, 2008
8:54 a.m.
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dinopello writes:
I guess I'm saying there isn't a problem. Why is the governemnt mandating how much car storage a private land owner must provide, much less how big each increment must be?
January 2, 2008
9:13 a.m.
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Geek1 writes:
Sorry. Don't mean to insult those who need large vehicles. Some most certainly do and should have them. However, don't try to tell me that many SUV owners and drivers don't have them because of their egos, or perceived status, and that many do not really need the space. That's horse pucky. I see too many being driven by a driver alone, that is, nobody else in there to require all that space. I guess we'll see how many of you really need the size and space when it costs you $250 to fill it up.
January 2, 2008
9:43 a.m.
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Raemid writes:
I drive a 12 year old compact POS car. If a shiny new SUV is parked next to me, I don't feel very bad about any marks I make on their SUV as I open my car door. It's just a car - a few dings and scratches won't affect performance. If their ego isn't tied to the car, they won't mind much. If it is, then they probably deserve a ding anyway. Or at least they should park somewhere far away from other cars.
January 2, 2008
9:44 a.m.
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rj1967 writes:
One more note for those who drive quad cabs and duallys, I ride a bicycle almost as many miles per year as I drive. The side mirrors on those trucks stick out quite a waysand they are at abiut the same heighth as my head. Its more than a bit nerve wracking when the driver doesn't give me enough space as he/she passes. I realize they can't always give me enough space, but semi trucks always seem to find ways to give space. If they can, so can large pick ups.
January 2, 2008
10:08 a.m.
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Chadley25 writes:
So what's the point of this article? Should we tear down these parking garages and rebuild them to suit the people who drive Ford Excursions? There are definitely people who need large vehicles and I would wager that most of them understand the pitfalls that go along with driving them. It's likely those who don't need that 19-foot monster SUV who are complaining about small parking places. Just a guess, though.
January 2, 2008
11 a.m.
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stella writes:
The worst parking garage is the Clayton Lane one in Cherry Creek North. The one right next to Sears. Even in my husband's tiny Scion xA, it is horribly tight.
January 2, 2008
11:16 a.m.
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snowbelly writes:
everyone who drives a car is a shallow egoist with no regard for anybody or the planet
January 2, 2008
11:41 a.m.
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aeb1barfo writes:
Follow the money. Parking garages WANT small spaces. Smaller spaces = more revenue. They DON'T CARE about damage; garages just want to pack 'em in. Capitalism at work.
We need more regulation because the only respect some people have is for MONEY, not YOU.
January 2, 2008
12:18 p.m.
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MGD writes:
Raemid, it's really not right for you to damage other people's proprty just because you can. Maybe their vehicles performance wont change but their re-sale value could. By the same logic, I could spray paint something really offensive on your car, right? That wouldn't change the performance and in your case, might not change the value of your car.
January 2, 2008
12:20 p.m.
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MGD writes:
As for needing more regulation, that's just wrong. Aeb1barfo, don't pay someone to park in a small space. That is voting with your dollar and the only way to make a difference in a capitalistic economy.
Ride a bike, ride the bus, park uptown and walk downtown. Then write a letter to the company that owns the place where you used to park and tell them why you changed. If enough people want something changed and vote with their money, then things will change.
BTW, I ride my bike or the bus from Lakewood every day and parking is never an issue...
January 2, 2008
1:21 p.m.
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davies writes:
Hey everybody, here are the facts; I'll talk and you listen.
(1) For most large SUVs and trucks, EGO IS MOST DEFINITELY a prime factor as to why people drive them. Don't give me that 'safety' crap; greater safety in a collision is negated by the greater danger of rollovers. Some people may need large vehicles, but nowhere near as many as drive them. Safety my ass!
(2) With the outlook on the cost of gas and the new federal fuel efficiency standards, these obese vehicles are going to become fewer and farther between anyway. Such a pity.
(3) 'Raemid', no one but a complete jerk would intentionally ding someone else's vehicle. One day this will probably be brought to your attention.
January 2, 2008
1:22 p.m.
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Keno33 writes:
This is still America right? I have the right to drive anything I want. You don't have the right to stop me.
January 2, 2008
1:28 p.m.
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glowrock writes:
Keno33,
Yes, you have the right to drive anything you want (within the confines of your driver's license), but you most certainly DON'T have the right to take up 1.5 spaces in a parking lot or garage, forcing everyone else to cross over the lines to park their vehicles, or simply taking up more room than allowed.
If you drive a large vehicle, park in a larger space. Don't park in spaces designed for compact cars.
January 2, 2008
1:50 p.m.
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jamesdenver writes:
RJ1967 I agree 100%. I live downtown and bike for most of my errands, and drive a sensible sized Saturn. If you want to drive an Escalade around downtown it's your problem.
p.s. for those claiming SUVs are as safe as riding shotgun with Jesus - they conveniently leave out how many times they overturn when drivers over-correct as freeway speeds.
james http://www.futuregringo.com
January 2, 2008
1:57 p.m.
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genuinearticle writes:
The point of the article is that, near or far, no large spaces exist. Families, disabled, whatever, large vehicles need to dock too, otherwise they are just driving around the block and using up more gas.
You want these vehicles to use less gas, give them room to park.
January 2, 2008
2:10 p.m.
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davies writes:
Huh. I guess I missed the 'point'. I thought the article seemed to be saying that about 40% of spaces were compact-sized, not that "no large spaces exist".
January 2, 2008
2:13 p.m.
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genuinearticle writes:
Where?
January 2, 2008
2:14 p.m.
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Steph writes:
I like the idea about charging more for larger parking spaces. Those who drive SUVs deserve to pay more. The only good thing about rising gas prices is that the SUV owners are going to be paying outrageous amounts to fill up those gas tanks (as they already are-it's just going to get worse). Yes, a great number of people NEED larger vehicles but you're not going to tell me that the single Stepford wives I see always driving them, have it for no other reason than ego. Everytime I see a guy driving a Hummer, I realize they must be small in the genitalia area and have to compensate with a rediculously large car. You guys are a joke.
January 2, 2008
2:17 p.m.
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Steph writes:
and spunkymj has no right to bitch about her 5 children. Someone who contributes to an already overpopulated world deserves nothing but contempt. I guess no one in the history of the world ever had 5 children and was not able to get around without an oversized vehicle.
January 2, 2008
2:21 p.m.
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wow writes:
SUVs are an ego thing? Knowing that will make it easier for me to smile while I dig a path down the street for my pos Ford Escort--thanks. Up till now I was jealous of people with reliable 4x4 vehichles that are capable of towing my light weight 4 cylinder car out of a snow bank, or up a mountain when I'm putting along in first gear, frustrating every one behind me including produce trucks. Maybe a bit of this SUV bashing is out of repressed envy? I refer to every one but snowbelly, who walks uphill in the snow every day like a modern day apostle, and would never even bum a ride from me in my evil clunker. Look where we live for pete's sake. Can you really not understand the appeal of a vehicle built for our terrain and climate? Honestly...
January 2, 2008
2:21 p.m.
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genuinearticle writes:
I actually think drivers of large vehicles should be encouraged to park and therefore should pay slightly less than smaller cars. Like I said, if they are circling the block several times looking for just the right spot, they are using up gas.
Or just be allowed to take up two compact spaces if the width warrants two compacts...that way you don't have to redraw the lines.
They already pay a price in gas costs driving it around. Do you honestly think a parking fee is going to break the bank?
You want to get rid of excess SUVs, go to the manufacturers. Once they're made and sold, they're burning gas and will keep doing that until they park.
January 2, 2008
2:35 p.m.
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davies writes:
'genuinearticle': Read the article!
"...40 percent of all parking spaces nationally are compact-sized."
You can't base decisions on anecdotes!
January 2, 2008
3:04 p.m.
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genuinearticle writes:
What decision? Large vehicles = need for larger spaces. The decision was already made when these vehicles were manufactured.
It's just an unchangeable fact that any vehicle while not parked is burning fuel (unless it's being towed). Anyway, most people get by with no changes made at all - however as the article states, with more dings and frustrations.
January 2, 2008
4:17 p.m.
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forwhatitis writes:
Davies, you are dead wrong. Show me the data where larger vehicles are not more safe in collisions. And glowrock, don't plan on a career in law, I most certainly have the right to take up 3 parking spaces if I so desire. It's clear that more than half the SUV bashers on this thread have SUV Envy. Finally to Raemid. I'd love to catch you putting a dent or scratch in someone elses vehicle.
January 2, 2008
4:23 p.m.
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davies writes:
RE: "What decision? Large vehicles = need for larger spaces."
Come on, surely you can think better than that. By that same logic: "Small spaces = need for smaller vehicles."
So the decision to be made is whether to accomodate more larger vehicles for personal transportation, and if so, who pays? Obviously it costs more money to build parking garages with larger spaces, or to acquire additional land to make bigger parking lots.
And those decisions need to be based on facts and reason, not anecdotal complaints.
January 2, 2008
4:40 p.m.
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glowrock writes:
And if you think you have the right to take up three parking spaces, then I'd say the parking lot owner has the right to tow your piece of crap the hell out of the lot for violating the rules set forth by them.
Law's a b*tch, ain't it? :)
SUV envy? Hell no, you nitwit. It's a hatred of the MAJORITY of SUV-owners that DON'T haul around big loads of lumber all day, head out on the dirt roads in 2 feet of snow with their seven kids to soccer practice, etc... etc... MOST people driving SUV's are parents and their one or two kids, little REAL NEED for that SUV. Not to mention, SUV's waste so much gas that demand stays inflated, meaning YOU are making MY gas more expensive...
January 2, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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forwhatitis writes:
Glowrock, get real. When have you ever seen a sign, or known of any parking lot owner saying that your vehicle will be towed if you use more than one space to park it. Glad I could help with your gas prices. Living in a country where people have choices and don't have to have the same ones as you is a b*itch, isn't it!? By the way, I'm not going to resort to calling you names, because I don't know you. I do know that your need to call people names certainly detracts from any intelligent arguments you might be trying to make.
January 2, 2008
5:57 p.m.
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RMREADER writes:
Actually I DO question the "why" of SUV purchases. My brother sells cars in the metro area and he cannot understand the sense of purchasing these vehicles. While the SUVS are very profitable for the car maker and the dealer, it is the lowly mini-van which is the right choice. According to him, the mini-vans can carry the same passenger count, have a tighter turning radius, have a lower center of gravity, handle far safer, get at least 25% better fuel economy, cost less to insure, cost less to maintain, and on average are cheaper to purchase. Despite all those reasons, people still opt for the SUV. He reasons that it has to be image, since the SUV will fall short of the mini-van in nearly every category, save for 2: towing over 1000 lbs and going off road. His dealer numbers show that only 10% of SUVS are equipped to tow, and that roughly 15% of all SUVS are outfitted for off-roading...(i.e. equipped with multi-terrain tires, proper differential and suspension.
In other words, the majority of SUVS will never tow and will never venture off-road.
January 2, 2008
6 p.m.
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Archer writes:
whine, whine, whine...
Get your butt on a bicycle and quit your complaining about your ego not having a parking space. I shop, commute and get around for fun mainly by bicycle. Maybe if the Jowly, gelatinous populace rode more this wouldn't be such an issue. Something like 90% of all trips are within 5 miles of home. Y'all are just plain lazy. After seeing you people at lights smoking, reading, smacking/yelling at your kids, whoofing down fast food like its air, I have little sympathy for you. Granted I choose to ride most of the year no matter the weather, but looking into cars as they pass or wait at lights is my inspiration for riding.
And I have front row parking EVERYWHERE. I don't need to circle or worry about door dings or anything like that...
Just so you know, I also drive my Lincoln occasionally. Very occasionally. It's big. And very nice and new but I'm not about to complain about parking spaces or trivial things like that when I drive.
Why?
Driving is a privilege, NOT! a right...
January 2, 2008
6:08 p.m.
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FormalistAesthete writes:
The fault lies with zoning laws??? Yeah, right. The problem is with mall owners who are trying to cram more parking spaces. Just check out the Park Meadows area. The main Park Meadows Mall has sane parking spaces but go over to the little mall that the Barnes and Noble is in and the parking spaces are too small even for my Honda Civic.
January 2, 2008
6:34 p.m.
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aeb1barfo writes:
People on BICYCLES who are SMARMY about that fact need to join the fruits, nuts & flakes on the LEFT COAST...You will have plenty of AGGRESSIVE company on those bike lanes...
There are lots of reasons to regulate the size of spaces; providing the HANDICAPPED parking spaces is just one example.
We live in the mountains; want to try commuting up Mount Vernon Canyon in a 4 banger mini-van? I have popped several van drivetrains that way..
The JAG XJ12 I own doesn't have that problem. The V-6 Taurii I own don't have that problem either.
The Taurus SW is billed as a mid size. The MAJORITY of the NEW spaces will not even allow you to easily exit the vehicle.
Oh, are you ready to do field service work from your BIKE??
So get off the high horse and face FACTS..
Or are you ready to start fixing the stuff you own YOURSELF?
Some people drive their choice of vehicle for a reason.
January 2, 2008
6:39 p.m.
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forwhatitis writes:
Gee Archer, if everyone could just be as perfect as you...... Your post is the most self-serving bunch of dung rhetoric I think I've ever read on this site.
January 2, 2008
9:27 p.m.
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Consonance writes:
It's funny how so many people blame the size of the vehicle, but few people consider the size of the commute. If you are commuting more than 10 miles from your home every day to a job that is no better than the jobs that are closer to your home, don't blame those who drive large vehicles for polluting your air and consuming gasoline. City head taxes should be adjusted to taxing those who work in those cities but do not live in them. If you cannot find a job in your own community, get an education so that you can. Otherwise, don't complain about the vehicles that other people drive. This message is not about those who drive to do their business. This message is for people who drive to a building that is more than 10 miles from their home and spend the entire day there as if that is the only job they could ever have.
January 2, 2008
10:17 p.m.
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nowhearthis writes:
Can everyone relax about telling each other who should be driving what and when? This is not an issue about car size. I recently moved here from Chicago, a city with actual space issues, and have found the spaces in lots all over this city to be WAY too small for any car. You should not have to put your gearbox through any real work just to pull out of a space. On top of that, people in CO are easily the worst drivers I've ever seen, which often results in their inability to complete the mindnumbing task of piloting their cars between two yellow lines.
January 3, 2008
5:36 a.m.
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dinopello writes:
The real problem, let's admit - is that American drivers are among the least skilled drivers in the world. From the hyper traffic regulation to the wide turning radii, etc its all because they will give a license to just about anybody in this country. At least half the people in America really have no skill at maneuvering their vehicles. You could make the spaces bigger which would be like lowering the basketball hoop to 5 feet because your kid lacks the ability to shoot at a 10 foot hoop.