Parking Wars: Navigating NJ's RSIS Standards

Parking is often the biggest constraint on density. In New Jersey, residential parking requirements are governed by the Residential Site Improvement Standards (RSIS), a statewide code that supersedes local zoning ordinances.

The Standard Ratios

RSIS sets the baseline parking requirement based on the unit type and bedroom count:

Exceptions and Reductions

The code recognizes that not all sites are the same. There are several ways to reduce these requirements:

1. Urban Locations

While RSIS doesn't automatically reduce requirements for urban areas, it allows the Planning Board to grant a de minimis exception if the site is near mass transit or if the developer can prove lower demand.

2. Shared Parking

In mixed-use developments, you can argue for shared parking. For example, office users park during the day, and residents park at night. A shared parking analysis can justify a reduction in the total count.

3. Redevelopment Plans

This is the most powerful tool. A municipal Redevelopment Plan can explicitly set its own parking standards that override RSIS. If the plan says "0.5 spaces per unit," that is the law for that site.