> VS letting the market solve the problem? The market can't solve this because the housing developer wants to maximize profit. Building less parking allows the

> VS letting the market solve the problem? The market can't solve this because the housing developer wants to maximize profit. Building less parking allows them to squeeze in more units, thus more profit. So that's what they will do. In an idealized world people would be entirely rational and not go live there if they need a car and can't park. But us people tend to push off problems, so it is common to think we'll move in and just park on the street somewhere, we'll figure it out. Except everyone in that development was thinking the same thing and when everyone moves in after the units get built, there's a big problem. Having lived in such an area, it is obvious how unpleasant it becomes for everyone. Fistfights over parking, keyed cars, etc. But the builder took their profit so it was a win for them. Parking minimums are a reaction to this problem.