Spalding DeDecker partnered with the City of Sterling Heights to modernize outdated parking regulations through a comprehensive, city-wide parking study. The project analyzed existing parking conditions, reviewed peer-community standards, and evaluated real-world utilization across 35 privately owned parking lots.
Using targeted data collection, the team developed a flexible, appropriately-sized set of parking standards aligned with contemporary land-use needs and development patterns. Recommendations included updating minimum and maximum parking ratios, sharing parking provisions, and incentivizing bicycle parking credits and transit-oriented reductions.
The study addressed long-standing challenges caused by rigid, outdated requirements, which led to underutilized lots and redevelopment barriers. The resulting ordinance framework provides Sterling Heights with modern, business-friendly tools that promote economic growth, encourage reinvestment, and support a walkable, sustainable community design.
