Reykjavík City updates parking and bicycle space requirements
Reykjavík City has approved updated rules governing the required number of parking and bicycle spaces for new construction and redevelopment on existing lots. The benchmarks have been raised from the previous rules, making the requirements more permissive. According to the report, the rules aim in part to "promote cost-effective parking development and ensure that the number of spaces reflects actual need." Under the new framework, the number of parking spaces at new developments may increase, as the benchmark for residential buildings will be relaxed by up to 0.5 spaces per home.
The update follows a City Council approval on March 4, 2025, building on the initial introduction of these rules in 2019 and their latest revision in 2024th The City Council approved the updated regulations at its April 21 meeting.
Zone divisions and underlying criteria
The rules continue to divide the city into two zones:
- Zone I covers the city center, densification areas, university districts, and neighborhoods along transit and development corridors. This zone aims to shift travel habits and reduce the demand for parking.
- Zone II encompasses other neighborhoods within the urban boundary where greater parking demand is expected.
Bicycle space benchmarks remain unchanged and function as minimum requirements. The regulations continue to emphasize secure, long-term storage and convenient access to short-term spaces near building entrances.
Key changes
These changes apply solely to the benchmarks and maximum parking limits for residential buildings. These benchmarks are higher than under the prior rules, introducing more permissive requirements—particularly in Zone II. The impact varies by home size and can add up to 0.5 spaces above the current benchmark.
A comparison included with the proposal shows that total parking spaces in a sample 100-home development could increase by:
- 8-27% in Zone I compared with the previous benchmarks,
- 44-47% in Zone II compared with the previous benchmarks.
When assessing parking needs for a development, the required number of spaces is based on these benchmark figures; however, a documented transportation assessment may justify fewer or more spaces, provided the total never exceeds the defined maximum.
Transportation assessment and flexibility
Under the rules, the number of parking and bicycle spaces is always determined based on benchmark values. If a development meets certain criteria—such as size, mixed land use, or proximity to reliable public transit—a transportation assessment must be conducted to reevaluate the required number of spaces.
The document notes that opportunities to reduce parking are most likely found on larger development sites or blocks, locations with mixed land use, and areas near reliable public transit.
The rules apply to new construction and redevelopment and must serve as the basis for neighborhood plans, detailed planning, and building permit applications.