How much does a parking space cost?

That question has been on a lot of people’s minds recently.  The City Council is trying to figure out how much its metered street and garage parking is worth and now State Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield wants to discover the cash value of employee parking.  A.B. 1186 would require that non-residential landlords itemize parking spaces on lease contracts so that employers can better compensate those that don’t drive to work.

Unbeknownst to many Californians, there is a state law requiring organizations located in non-attainment zones which employ more than 50 people and provide car parking also provide an equal benefit to employees who walk, bike, take transit, or carpool.  However, the law is rarely enforced, partly because many employers have no idea how much their employee parking is costing them per space.  Blumenfield’s legislation would address that.

A.B. 1186 is heading to a hearing from the Assembly Transportation Committee on May 11, and has garnered the support of many large environmental groups.  If you want to add your voice of support, Blumenfield’s office would be happy to hear from you.  You can email them at Assemblymember.Blumenfield@assembly.ca.gov. 

I wrote a draft letter in support of the bill to help you get started which can be found after the jump.

April 30, 2009

The Honorable Bob
Blumenfield
California Assembly
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 9581

Re: AB 1186—Parking Space
Cost Transparency—Support

Dear Assemblymember Blumenfield:

I am writing to express my support for AB 1186 which would force non-residential building owners to quantify the value of parking spaces provided for employers.

State law requires that employers of 50 or more people who provide parking for car commuters in many parts of the state also provide a cash benefit to those that leave their car at home (or don’t own one in the first place) and commute to work by walking, biking, taking transit or joining a carpool.  However, because many landlords don’t quantify the value of a parking space, figuring out the value of the parking spaces becomes difficult at best.

Your legislation would require that non-residential renters itemize the cost of parking in lease agreements to clarify the cost of the space so that non-drivers can receive equal benefits.  When passed, this legislation will make it more cost effective for more and more people to seek alternative ways to get to work.

Sincerely,

xxx