Parking Generation Data Submission

Information about the Forms

Definition of Area—One of the variables requested on the data form is the area where the survey is being conducted. There are five choices on the form.

Center City Core—the downtown area for a major metropolitan region at the focal point of a regional light- or heavy-rail transit system. This area type is typified by multi-storied buildings, a wide range of land uses, an extensive pedestrian sidewalk network, and shared and priced parking both on-street and in structured garages or surface lots. The area typically has more jobs than residents and therefore is typically an employment destination. The area also includes the immediate vicinity of the commercial core.

Dense Multi-Use Urban—a fully developed area (or nearly so), with diverse and interacting complementary land uses, good pedestrian connectivity, and convenient and frequent transit. This area type can be a well-developed urban area outside a major metropolitan downtown or a moderate size urban area downtown. The land use mix typically includes office, retail, residential, and often entertainment, hotel, and other commercial uses. The residential uses are typically multifamily or single-family on lots no larger than 1/4th acre. The commercial uses often have little or no setback from the sidewalk. Because the motor vehicle still represents the primary mode of travel to and from the area, there typically is on-street parking and often off-street public parking. The complementary land uses provide the opportunity for short trips within the Dense Multi-Use Urban area, made convenient by walking, biking, or transit. The area is served by significant transit (either rail or bus) that enables a high level of transit usage to and from area development.

General Urban/Suburban—an area associated with almost homogeneous vehicle-centered access. Nearly all person trips that enter or exit a development site are by personal passenger or commercial vehicle. The area can be fully developed (or nearly so) at low-medium density with a mix of residential and commercial uses. The commercial land uses are typically concentrated at intersections or spread along commercial corridors, often surrounded by low-density, almost entirely residential development. Most commercial buildings are located behind the parking area or surrounded by parking. The mixing of land uses is only in terms of their proximity, not in terms of function. A retail land use may focus on serving a regional clientele whereas a service land use may target motorists or pass-by vehicle trips for its customers. Even if the land uses are complementary, a lack of pedestrian, bicycling, and transit facilities or services limit non-vehicle travel.

Rural—agricultural or undeveloped except for scattered parcels and at very low densities.

Parking Cost - This variable is important to document on each parking occupancy survey form even when there is no charge for parking (place a zero in the data forms). Research has indicated that parking charges impact parking demand. Without this information provided in surveys, parking demand can be misrepresented for a site that has charges for parking as compared to those without parking costs. While the site may not charge for parking - it is equally important to note "zero" parking cost on the form so that the free parking sites can be properly grouped.