CS-2009 SSc4.4: Alternative Transportation—Parking Capacity

  • CS_SS4-4_Type1_Parking Final Diagram

  • Plenty of options

    This credit offers a variety of strategies for residential, non-residential and mixed use projects. These strategies help to reduce the number of cars on the road, cut down on the sprawl of parking facilities, and decrease the negative environmental impacts of parking infrastructure, including stormwater runoff and the urban heat islandA densely populated area in which pavement and buildings absorb, store, and release solar energy, making the vicinity warmer than it would be if the pavement and buildings were not present. effect. 

    Getting mileage out of your efforts

    Assess the location and context of your project to make sure that carpooling, public transportation (see SSc4.1), walking and bicycle commuting (see SSc4.2) are viable strategies for reducing single-occupancy vehicle use.

    If all you do is limit parking capacity in an area where options other than driving aren’t viable, your efforts could prove frustrating to drivers rather than truly beneficial. You may also want to consider implementing a program to incentivize public transit and carpooling. 

    Consider no new parking

    This credit is fairly straightforward for most projects. Projects that either have no parking or are not providing additional parking automatically qualify. To make this work from a practical perspective, it’s a good idea to locate in an area with good public transit, pedestrian, and bicycle access.

    You can also provide parking, with some caveats

    Non-residential projects that will be providing new parking will need to reduce parking capacity to not exceed minimum zoning requirements and provide preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. for carpools.

    Sign for reserved parking for carpoolResidential projects that will be providing new parking will need to reduce parking capacity to not exceed minimum zoning requirements and facilitate programs to encourage carpooling among residents. 

    Mixed-use projects have to meet both requirements, on a proportional basis.

    Follow these basic steps when approaching this credit

    • Identify the appropriate strategy based on your project type and the context of the individual project. If providing no new parking, go ahead and document the credit. If providing parking, follow the remaining steps.
    • Confirm the FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. for the project.
    • Confirm local minimum zoning requirements for parking capacity.
    • Determine the number of preferred parking spaces required or develop a ride-sharing program for your project.
    • Include parking locations in the construction documents to ensure that signage and additional markings are included in the construction budget.
    • Consider earning an exemplary performanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. point for a comprehensive transportation management plan.
    • Document the credit and upload the documentation to LEED Online.

  • Don't double-count parking spaces

    If your project is pursuing both SSc4.3 and SSc4.4, be careful not to double-count preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. spaces allotted for those credits. The total number of preferred parking spaces must be equal to those required for SSc4.3, plus those required for SSc4.4. The same parking space cannot count for both credits (although they do not have to be distinguished through signage).

  • FAQs for SSc4.4

    How does one account for off-site parking. Should the LEED boundary encompass this parking? Or alternatively may the project pursue the "no new parking" option?

    The Minimum Program Requirements supplemental guidance document covers these situations in some detail. The boundary needs to include "contiguous land that is associated with and supports normal building operations."

    The intent of the credit is to reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use. New parking provided off-site does not meet the credit intent. Although its applicability to LEED 2009 has not been considered (it wsa issued for NC-v2.2, LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. #2120 issued 5/23/08 states, “if there will be additional parking built as a result of the construction of the [project], even if this parking is off site, then the No New Parking option cannot be used.”

    If a project does not provide parking onsite but provides a shuttle service to new parking offsite, is that considered “no new parking” since the new parking is not onsite?

    See the previous question.

    Does rebuilding an existing parking area with fewer spaces mean “no new parking”?

    Yes. Rebuilding a current parking lot with fewer spaces will meet the credit intent.

    If a non-residential project wants to use Option 4, which references the  ITE Parking Generation Study, where does one upload and submit required documentation? There is no Option 4 choice in the credit form.

    Since the LEED Online form doesn't have an Option 4 choice, you'll need to indicate with the checkbox under "Additional Details" that you're using an alternative compliance path. For more information, see LEEDuser's analysis of the ITE study.

    How do you designate preferred parking if the parking facility is not under the owner's control?

    You would need to work with the parking authority or management to designate the preferred parking.

    How does one apply minimum zoning requirements to a project when it is part of a larger complex or campus?

    The LEED MPRs require you to allocate parking between multiple buildings. Allocation may be determined by an "appropriate percentage" of use.

    Are there standards regarding how to document the spaces that will be dedicated as reserved?

    There aren't specific standards, but projects are expected to adequately communicate to occupants about the location and purpose of preferred parking spaces, typically by use of pole, wall-mounted, and/or pavement markings.

    How does a carpool/vanpool relate to a shared car service/company when it comes to the preferred parking requirements of this credit?

    If a proper contract agreement of two years and designated space are provided through an alternative compliance method, then a shared car service may be accepted as a “carpool or vanpool” substitute. See LEED Interpretation ID#3138, 1/26/2005, in which Reviewers define car share services, and LEED Interpretation ID#3137, 5/24/2004, in which Zipcar is discussed as a carpool substitute for residential projects.

Legend

  • Best Practices
  • Gotcha
  • Action Steps
  • Cost Tip

Pre-Design

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  • Determine if your project will be providing new or additional parking. 

  • Providing no new parking is the easiest compliance option. This is a great option for projects that already have adequate parking spaces or that are in close proximity to public transit (also earning SSc4.1: Alternative Transportation—Public Transportation Access). However, this is not possible for all projects. 

  • If your project is an existing site with parking, you can revamp the parking spaces (and even rearrange the layout) and still earn this credit as long as the number of new parking spaces does not exceed the number of previously existing parking spaces. Consider reducing the parking area, however, if it’s more than the project needs. This will help you comply with credits such as SSc6.1: Stormwater Management.

  • Research local and state tax incentives for carpooling programs. In order to qualify for state or local programs the carpooling program must typically be verifiable and meet specific requirements. 

  • Reserved for carpool signThis is generally a low-cost credit. Reducing built parking capacity can even reduce construction and maintenance costs. The only added cost might be signage for preferred parking spaces, if applicable. 

Schematic Design

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  • Identify whether your project is non-residential, residential or mixed-use. Depending on your building type, assess each of the compliance paths separately to see which best suits your project’s scope.

  • Some projects find it helpful to assess the demand for parking. You may find that many occupants will walk or bike to the building. If the demand is actually less than called for by minimum zoning requirements, consider seeking permission from local authorities to provide less than the minimum number of parking spaces. A traffic study performed by transportation planners or engineers can be helpful here. 

  • Case 1: Non-Residential Projects 

  • Consider the four options for non-residential projects to earn this credit:

    • Option 1: Do not exceed minimum zoning requirements for parking capacity.
    • Option 2: Projects that provide parking for less than 3% of the building FTE occupancy need to provide preferred parking spaces for carpools and vanpools for  3% of total parking spaces or provide discounted parking rates for carpools and vanpools. 
    • Option 3: Provide no new parking.
    • Option 4: For projects that have no minimum local zoning requirements, provide 25% fewer parking spaces than the applicable standard listed in the 2003 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) “Parking Generation” study. (This option was not included in the original edition of the LEED 2009 Reference Guide, but was added through the April 2010 addenda.)

  • Use the default occupancy numbers in the appendix of the LEED Reference Guide to determine project FTE.

  • “Preferred parking” refers to designated spaces located nearest the building entrance, covered, or at a discount price, but not providing preference over handicapped parking. Preferred parking spaces must be clearly designated, for example, with a sign that states “Carpool and vanpool parking only.”

  • There are no “LEED Police.” Use of preferred parking spaces required for non-residential buildings are largely based on the honor system and the integrity of building management and occupants. Consider incorporating an enforcement mechanism that will ensure carpool parking spaces are not abused. To ensure that preferred parking polices are respected, consider the following strategies:

    • Use signage in conjunction with parking permits.
    • A sticker program can be implemented to identify the carpool vehicles, which have access to preferred parking spaces. 
    • Clearly communicate to building occupants the steps required to acquire a parking permit or sticker from building management.

     

  • Minor costs may also be associated with enforcing preferred parking spaces.

  • If you’re not careful, limiting parking capacity could be frustrating for occupants, and not behavior-changing. Consider strategies that go above and beyond the credit requirements such as carpooling incentives and providing information on public transit options. This could also help projects earn an Exemplary Performance point for a Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan. 

  • Case 2: Residential

  • Determine which of the two options for residential projects is most appropriate:

    • Option 1: Do not exceed minimum zoning requirements for parking capacity, and provide infrastructure and programs to encourage carpooling and vanpooling.
    • Option 2: Provide no new parking.

  • Case 3: Mixed-Use

  • Mixed-use projects such as apartments over street-level retail, have two options to earn this credit, determine which option is best appropriate for your project:

    • Option 1: If the project is less than 10% commercial, follow the options for residential projects. If the project has more than 10% commercial space, the commercial space should follow the options for non-residential compliance and the residential portion should follow the options for residential compliance. 
    • Option 2: Provide no new parking.

Design Development

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  • Case 1: Non-Residential projects 

  • Depending on your compliance path option:

    • Option 1: Check local codes and make sure your planned parking capacity meets but does not exceed minimum parking requirements. 
    • Option 2: Calculate the total number of parking spaces and the project FTE. Make sure the FTE number is consistent across all LEED credits. If your project provides parking for less than 3% of FTE occupants, identify the preferred parking for carpool and vanpools for 3% of the total parking spaces.
    • Option 3: Verify that the project is not providing any new parking spaces

  • If providing new parking for the project, begin developing literature or flyers that communicate to building occupants the programs and infrastructure to support the reduced use of single-occupancy vehicles.  

  • If new parking is provided within the LEED boundary, the owner must sign off on the LEED Online credit form stating that preferred spaces will be indicated with signage and will be communicated to building occupants (via flyers, bulletin boards, or handbooks, for example) or that discounted parking will be provided with at least a 20% discount rate to all customers and available for at least two years, and  communicated to building occupants. 

  • All parking spaces in the LEED boundary are affected, so 5% of the total parking spaces within the LEED boundary must be marked as “preferred,” even if only a portion of the parking area is for the project building’s use.

  • In the event that occupancy numbers are not known, the LEED Reference Guide includes default FTE numbers based on square footage. (See Appendix 1: Default Occupancy Counts.) 

  • You may want to assess the likelihood that building occupants will carpool to work and use the reserved carpooling parking spaces; you may find that it is best to provide carpooling incentives to motivate people to minimize single-occupancy vehicles. 

  • Case 2: Residential Projects

  • Ride boardProceed based on your chosen compliance path:

    • Option 1: Check local zoning laws and make sure your project’s parking capacity meets but does not exceed minimum zoning requirements, and develop the infrastructure and support programs for minimizing single-occupancy vehicles. Consider incorporating programs for car-share, ride boards (or website), carpool drop off locations, designated parking for carpools, and shuttle services to mass transit. 
    • Option 2: Verify that the project is not providing any new parking spaces.

  • If providing new parking, determine infrastructure and programs that will be most effective at reducing single-occupancy vehicles at your project. This can include developing a carpooling policy, defining procedures and eligibility requirements for participating in a carpooling incentive program, creating and distributing tags for vehicle identification, creating communication materials about the carpool program, providing a rideshare board, and designated preferred parking and drop off areas for carpool. Begin developing materials to communicate these programs to occupants—this will be required for your LEED Online submittal.

  • Residential projects can include preferred parking spaces for carpools as part of their program to reduce single-occupancy vehicles. “Preferred parking” refers to designated spaces located nearest the building entrance, covered, or at a discount price, but not providing preference over disabled parking. 

  • Assess whether programs to minimize single-occupancy vehicles might be successful given the nature and location of the project. Consider surveying future building occupants about their interest in a commercial vehicle-sharing program or shuttle buses. Providing access to a vehicle-share program or to promote carpooling may help to attract occupants to a multi-tenant building.

  • Consider whether there are existing vehicle-share programs in the area that you can utilize. If not, research vendors that can help develop a program.

  • When choosing among options to reduce single-occupancy vehicles, consider the time that will be spent by building personnel in administering a car-sharing plan, keeping a ride-board updated, or organizing shuttle services. Also consider the type of infrastructure that may be needed for specific programs, like a carpool drop-off area with signage, or preferred parking spaces for carpools, car-share preferred parking space, website for ride-board, etc. Procedures and policies may need to be developed and maintained over time. 

  • Case 3: Mixed-Use Projects

  • Proceed depending on your chosen compliance path:

    • Option 1: Verify the proportions of residential and commercial areas in your project. If less than 10% of the development is commercial in nature, follow the requirements for Case 2 for residential spaces—see details above. If more than 10% of the development is commercial space, follow the requirements of Case 2 for the residential spaces, and Case 1 for the commercial portions—see details above.
    • Option 2: Verify that the project is not providing any new parking spaces.

  • If more than 10% of the total project area is non-residential space, you will need to follow two paths for the different portions (residential vs. non-residential) of the project. This may seem complicated but is really quite simple. Typically mixed-use buildings have separate parking for the commercial and residential portions of the building. In this case you would designate 5% of the commercial parking spaces as preferred parking. The portion for residents, is exempt from the preferred parking spaces but you will need to implement programs and infrastructure to reduce single-occupancy vehicles. If your parking area is shared between the commercial and residential portions of your building, you will determine the preferred parking spaces based on commercial FTE occupants, and provide 5% preferred parking for that portion of spaces. 

Construction Documents

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  • If pursuing an option that makes provisions for carpools, design your facility to include transportation amenities for a carpooling program such as appropriate drop-off areas, preferred parking for carpools and vanpools, and space to post ride-share program and other relevant information. 

  • Ensure that preferred parking spaces are included in your total parking count and on construction documents. 

  • Mark your parking areas, and any carpool drop-off areas, in the parking layout drawings. Preferred parking spaces must be clearly designated, for example with a sign that states, “Carpool and vanpool parking only.”

  • Finalize the carpooling program details and infrastructure, including any literature, employee brochures, newsletters and other materials that inform building occupants about the carpooling program and its benefits (either access to preferred parking or discounted parking rates). 

Construction

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  • When preferred parking is provided for carpooling or vanpooling, provide appropriate signage for the parking spaces. 

  • Complete the LEED Online credit form according to the following instructions, based on the approach taken.

  • Case 1: Non-Residential Projects

  • Confirm whether the project will be providing new parking within the LEED project boundary. 

  • Option 1: Provide minimum parking spaces required by local zoning code and total onsite vehicle parking capacity. Confirm if preferred parking will be in the form of designated parking spaces or discount parking rate. 

  • If designated parking spaces are being implemented provide the total onsite vehicle parking capacity, the number of preferred parking spaces for carpools or vanpools, and the owner must sign the LEED Online credit form stating that spaces will be reserved and indicated with signage and occupants will be made aware of these designated spaces. Projects will also need to upload a site plan showing parking areas with the preferred parking spaces highlighted. 

  • If discounted parking is being implemented the owner must sign the LEED Online credit form stating that the parking rate will be discounted at least 20%, it will be available to all customers and publicly posted at the parking entrance, that it will be available for at least two years, and that the discount will be communicated to building occupants. Projects will need to upload a document showing that building occupants have been made aware of the discounted rates (for example, with an excerpt from the employee handbook, or a brochure).

  • Option 2: Provide the non-residential FTE occupancy and total onsite parking capacity. Confirm if preferred parking will be in the form of designated parking spaces or discount parking rate. 

  • If designated parking spaces are being implemented, provide the total on-site vehicle parking capacity, the number of preferred parking spaces for carpools or vanpools, and the owner must sign the LEED Online credit form stating that spaces will be reserved and indicated with signage and occupants will made aware of these designated spaces. Projects will also need to upload a site plan showing parking areas with the preferred parking spaces highlighted. 

  • If discounted parking is being implemented the owner must sign the LEED Online credit form stating that the parking rate will be discounted at least 20%, it will be available to all customers and publicly posted at the parking entrance, that it will be available for at least two years, and that the discount will be communicated to building occupants. Upload a document showing that building occupants have been made aware of the discounted rates.

  • Option 3: The owner must sign the LEED Online credit form verifying that no new parking was incorporated within the LEED boundary. 

  • Option 4: Since this option was added in April 2010, after the LEED Online credit form was finalized, it is not currently mentioned on the form. Document this option using the alternative compliance path instead of one of the standard paths.

  • Case 2: Residential Projects

  • Confirm whether the project will be providing new parking within the LEED boundary. 

  • Option 1: Provide minimum parking required by local zoning and total onsite parking capacity. Upload literature showing the communications between building owner and residents as to the infrastructure and support programs that have been implemented to minimize single-occupancy vehicles usage. Upload a site plan showing any infrastructure related to this credit such as preferred parking spots or carpool drop-off areas.

  • Option 2: The owner must sign the LEED Online credit form verifying that no new parking was incorporated within the LEED boundary. 

  • Case 3: Mixed-Use Projects

  • Confirm whether the project will be providing new parking within the LEED boundary. 

  • Confirm whether the project is primarily residential (10% or less of the building is commercial) or mixed use.

  • If primarily residential, follow the Case 2 residential requirements above.

  • If mixed use, follow a combination of the Case 2 residential and Case 1 non-residential requirements above. 

Operations & Maintenance

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  • Communicate with building occupants about the infrastructure or programs in place to minimize single-occupancy vehicles. Take this opportunity to develop an educational program for occupants. Develop literature and post signs in public areas and on the company’s intranet. Make it as easy as possible for people to find out about and use the program. 

  • Using clear signage to designate areas for carpooling and sharing information about rides is a first step in facilitating communication about such programs. These areas should be easily accessible to all building occupants. 

  • Building personnel are responsible for establishing procedures relating to carpooling or vanpooling and for administering any programs, as applicable. 

  • Building staff must administer the parking plan: preferred or discounted parking, or vehicle sharing. Procedures and policies must be developed. Consider implementing enforcement mechanisms as well. 

  • USGBC

    Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Core and Shell Development

    COPYRIGHT © 2009 BY THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

    SS Credit 4.4: Alternative transportation - parking capacity

    2 Points

    Intent

    To reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.

    Requirements

    Case 1 - Non-residential projects

    Option 1

    Size parking capacity to meet, but not exceed, minimum local zoning requirements.

    OR

    Option 2

    For projects that provide parking for less than 3% of full-time equivalentFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per week divided by 40. Multiple shifts are included or excluded depending on the intent and requirements of the credit. (FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories.) building occupants:

    Provide preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.1 for carpools or vanpools, marked as such, for 3% of total parking spaces. Providing a discounted parking rate is an acceptable substitute for preferred parking for carpool or vanpool vehicles. To establish a meaningful incentive in all potential markets, the parking rate must be discounted at least 20%. The discounted rate must be available to all customers (i.e. not limited to the number of customers equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity), publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area, and available for a minimum of 2 years.

    OR

    Option 3

    Provide no new parking.

    OR

    Option 4

    For projects that have no minimum local zoning requirements, provide 25% fewer parking spaces than the applicable standard listed in the 2003 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) “Parking Generation” study at http://www.ite.org.

    Case 2 - Residential Projects

    Option 1

    Size parking capacity to meet, but not exceed, minimum local zoning requirements

    Provide infrastructure and support programs to facilitate shared vehicle use such as carpool drop-off areas, designated parking for vanpools, car-share services, ride boards and shuttle services to mass transit.

    OR

    Option 2

    Provide no new parking.

    Case 3 - Mixed use (residential with commercial/residential) projects

    Option 1 - Commercial and non-commercial requirements

    Mixed-use buildings with less than 10% commercial area must be considered residential and adhere to the residential requirements in Case 2. For mixed-use buildings with more than 10% commercial area, the commercial space must adhere to non-residential requirements in Case 1 and the residential component must adhere to residential requirements in Case 2.

    OR

    Option 2

    Provide no new parking.

    OR

    Option 3

    For projects that have no minimum local zoning requirements, provide 25% fewer parking spaces than the applicable standard listed in the 2003 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) "Parking Generation" study at http://www.ite.org.

    All cases

    See Appendix 1 — Default Occupancy Counts for occupancy count requirements and guidance.

    1For the purposes of this credit “preferred parking” refers to the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the project (exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped persons) or parking passes provided at a discounted price. To establish a meaningful incentive in all potential markets, the parking rate must be discounted at least 20%. The discounted rate must be available to all eligible customers (i.e. not limited to the number of customers equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity), publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area, and available for a minimum of 2 years.

    Potential Technologies & Strategies

    Minimize parking lot/garage size. Consider sharing parking facilities with adjacent buildings. Consider alternatives that will limit the use of single-occupancy vehicles.

    FOOTNOTES

    1. For the purposes of this credit “preferred parking” refers to the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the project (exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped persons) or parking passes provided at a discounted price. To establish a meaningful incentive in all potential markets, the parking rate must be discounted at least 20%. The discounted rate must be available to all customers (i.e. not limited to the number of customers equal to 5% of the vehicle parking capacity), publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area, and available for a minimum of 2 years.

Web Tools

Ride sharing site

This website helps to organize carpooling trips and rewards members for reduced single-occupancy vehicles. 

Tips for Vanpooling

Provides general tips for setting up a vanpool program, and provides a template for writing a program for vanpooling. 

eRideshare.com

Website set up to organize carpooling.

Articles

Benefits of Carpooling

Article on the benefits and tips for carpooling. 

Software Tools

Carpooling network

For Short and Long Distance Carpooling: Through the Carpooling Network’s integrated software, you can find carpool mates for your single or long distance trips, whether in Canada or the United States.

Publications

Commuting Guide for Employers

This website outlines strategies employers can use to encourage employees to commute by bicycle. 

U.S. EPA and Department of Transportation, Best Workplaces for Commuters

This program publicly recognizes employers who have exemplary commuter benefits programs. It provides tools, guidance, and promotions to help employers give commuter benefits, reap the financial gains, and achieve national recognition.

U.S. EPA, Transportation and Air Quality

This site provides information on the types and effects of air pollution associated with automobile use  and links to resources for organizations interested in promoting commuter choice programs.

Organizations

Smart Commute

Smart Commute is a program of Research Triangle Park that has valuable information about telecommuting and carpool programs useful for any organization. 

No New Parking

Pursuing the option to provide no new parking is straightforward to document, as with this sample narrative.

Site Plan – Parking Meeting Local Zoning Requirements

Option 1

Document Option 1 with a site plan like this one, showing parking meeting but not exceeding local zoning requirements.

LEED Online Forms: CS-2009 SS

The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each CS-2009 SS credit. You'll need to fill out the live versions of these forms on LEED Online for each credit you hope to earn.

Version 4 forms (newest):

Version 3 forms:

These links are posted by LEEDuser with USGBC's permission. USGBC has certain usage restrictions on these forms; for more information, visit LEED Online and click "Sample Forms Download."

Design Submittal

PencilDocumentation for this credit can be part of a Design Phase submittal.

20 Comments

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Daniel Brum Sustainability Coordinator Engineering - A Hill Intl. Company
Apr 22 2013
LEEDuser Member
20 Thumbs Up

ITE Parking Generation - Which data should be considered?

Our project is a mall, situated in a place with no local zoning requirements for parking.
We chose to go with option 4 to attend this credit's requirements, but while checkting ITE Parking Generation data for malls, we have come to two different situations.
There is data for December, and Non-december months.
Obviously, the december data would result in a higher parking capacity for our project, which is the owner's will, but we just don't know what to consider while attending this credit.
Any ideas on this matter?

Post a Reply
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Maria Porter Environmental Certification Engineer Skanska Sweden
Jan 15 2013
LEEDuser Member
896 Thumbs Up

What if there are no zoning requirements for parking capacity?

In a city, where most of my projects are located, there are requirements for parking regarding residential buildings. But for offices there is only an “oral understanding” that 5-15 spaces per 1000 m2 is an appropriate number from the city planning office. There are no exact requirements. In most of my projects we have gone with the lower number just to be on the safe side. But now I have a project that wants a few more spaces, 15 per 1000 m2 office space. How do I motivate this? Is it ok? Are there any default values that can be applied if there are no zoning requirements?

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Maria Porter Environmental Certification Engineer, Skanska Sweden Jan 15 2013 LEEDuser Member 896 Thumbs Up

I found some clarification…

I can now see that there is an option 4 above. However, my project is a CI project (I just thought I’d get more responses here), and this option does not exist for CI that I can see. http://www.leeduser.com/topic/money-guesswork-ite-parking-generation-stu... Is it true then, that for the number of spaces for offices, I’m allowed 75 % of 3.44 (or 3.45) per 1000 sf? That’s almost twice as many as I’m trying to argue above. Recommendations on what to do anyone?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Mar 22 2013 LEEDuser Moderator

Maria, can you post this to the CI forum? Thanks.

Post a Reply
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Robert Barrett
Jun 23 2012
LEEDuser Member
38 Thumbs Up

Case 1, Option 2. I must be

Case 1, Option 2. I must be reading/interpreting this wrong. Provide parking for less than 3% of the FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories. occupants?

So, if I have 100 FTE, I can only have 3 parking spaces?

And then 3% of those 3 spaces (or one space) would have to be reserved for carpools?

That makes such little sense that I am almost embarrassed to post this. I must be missing something.

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Emily Catacchio Sustainability Specialist, Wight and Company Jul 05 2012 LEEDuser Moderator

Robert,

Yes, you're reading correctly. If a project cannot accomodate those requirements,  I would suggest going with Option 1.

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Ioannis Rizos Environmental Consultant, ChapmanBDSP May 09 2013 Guest

Robert and Emily,

I understand the 3% for car/van pool vehicles applies to the total parking capacity - i.e. all available parking spaces onsite.

For example, should a shopping centre have 100 employes (i.e. FTEFull-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant who spends 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per day divided by 8 (or hours per week divided by 40). Transient Occupants can be reported as either daily totals or as part of the FTE. Residential occupancy should be estimated based on the number and size of units. Core and Shell projects should refer to the default occupancy table in the Reference Guide appendix. All occupant assumptions must be consistent across all credits in all categories.=100) and has a 500 parking space capacity, one has to provide maximum 3 parking spaces for the employes and 15 parking spaces dedicated to car/van pool vehicles to qualify for this credit under Case 1 - option 2 scenario.

Is that right?

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Daniel Brum Sustainability Coordinator Engineering - A Hill Intl. Company
May 23 2012
LEEDuser Member
20 Thumbs Up

SSc.4.4 - Option 4 - 2003 ITE Parking Generation Study

When using Option 4 (2003 ITE study), we should provide 25% fewer parking spaces than which rate indicated in ITE study: minimum, maximum or average? We are working on a shopping center new project that is being built in a city in Brazil that has no minimum local zoning requirements. We understand that the most reasonable approach is to consider the maximum rate for weekdays, which are the highest one (6.17 per 1000 sqft).

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David Posada Sustainability Manager, GBD Architects Sep 05 2012 LEEDuser Expert 11404 Thumbs Up

I believe you use 25% fewer spaces than the “Average Peak Period Parking Demand. ” See Emily's great summary over at
http://www.leeduser.com/topic/money-guesswork-ite-parking-generation-stu...

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Curt Pascoe P.E., LEED AP BD+C Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Jan 24 2012
LEEDuser Member
734 Thumbs Up

Rideshare Program

I have a mixed-use building that is over 90% office, with only 4 residential units. I am considering adding carpool stalls and a single-page handout with some of the websites and tools listed in this credit. I am having trouble thinking of additional ways to encourage ride sharing between 4 condos. What else could be done to "provide infrastructure for a ride share program"? What do the reviewers expect?

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Curt Pascoe P.E., LEED AP BD+C, Ryan Companies US, Inc. May 10 2012 LEEDuser Member 734 Thumbs Up

Update: The above submittal worked in my case - an informative packet for residents about carpool rules & availability, plus local public transportation options.

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Mathilda Jonsson Environmental Certification Engineer
Apr 12 2011
LEEDuser Member
425 Thumbs Up

Previosly multi-storey car park

My project is a office/hotell project. In the project scope there will be no new parking provided but for some time ago there was a multi-storey car park buildt nearby which will provide our project with parking spaces. What is the best way to achive this point, can the project just say that no new parking will be provided (that´s true though)? That doesn't seams right because the project will have a bunch of parking spaces in the multi-storey car park, that is already buildt.
Thanks!

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Apr 22 2011 LEEDuser Moderator

I think you can ear this credit since no new parking is technically being provided. If you feel guilty about that you could choose not to pursue the credit, or you could implement other measures to reduce transportation impacts.

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Francis Porter
Nov 04 2010
LEEDuser Member
167 Thumbs Up

Credit Template for SS4.4

I am pursuing this credit through Case 1 Option 1 for a Core and Shell project.

There seems to be a problem with the credit template, as the template is directing my project to select the option of preferred parkingPreferred parking, available to particular users, includes designated spaces close to the building (aside from designated handicapped spots), designated covered spaces, discounted parking passes, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system. or discounted parking.

Anyone managed that issue before?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Nov 12 2010 LEEDuser Moderator

I would send a feedback note to GBCI via LEED Online. They are typically responsive to issues with forms not working properly.

Also check that you don't have  BETA form (this is noted at the bottom) and if  you do, ask GBCI to update it.

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V Miller WSP
Jul 25 2010
Guest
408 Thumbs Up

Optn 4: 25% less Pkng. than App. Std. in '03 ITE Pkg. Gen. study

Where can the pertinent information (recommended #of spaces) from the ITE study be found? A copy of the 2004 study is available for purchase on the ITE website for $118.75 for non-members. I would hope there is a another way to obtian this information for LEED purposes?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Jul 25 2010 LEEDuser Moderator

Hi, there is a post that reviews the ITE study and what it contains here on LEEDuser.

For better or for worse, the information in the study is fairly unique and probably impossible to summarize in a brief form for LEED.

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Luis Lagomarsino Director, Ing.L.Lagomarsino & Asoc Oct 26 2010 LEEDuser Member 34 Thumbs Up

I am pursuing this credit through case 1, option 4 but on leedonline form option 4 does not appear as an option.
Must I go through an alternative compliance approach?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Oct 29 2010 LEEDuser Moderator

Yes, Option 4 was added relatively recently so may not be included in LEED Online. You should document as an altternative compliance path, as you suggest.

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Daniel Brum Sustainability Coordinator, Engineering - A Hill Intl. Company May 23 2012 LEEDuser Member 20 Thumbs Up

When using Option 4 (2003 ITE study) for SSc4.4, we should provide 25% fewer parking spaces than which rate indicated in ITE study: minimum, maximum or average? We are working on a shopping center new project that is being built in a city in Brazil that has no minimum local zoning requirements. We understand that the most reasonable approach is to consider the maximum rate for weekdays, which are the highest one (6.17 per 1000 sqft).

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