LGA welcomes proposed changes to minimum garage sizes

Carparking on residential streets has become a contentious issue in areas where substantial infill development is occurring, with residents and councils crying out for a fix. 

The state government will consult on proposed changes to planning legislation to establish updated minimum off-street carparking requirements for new residential developments in Greater Adelaide. 

The draft bill proposes to establish a Vehicle Parking Scheme, which will specify the minimum number of carparks that must be provided for new dwellings based on the number of bedrooms. 

The changes specify one-bedroom dwellings must have one vehicle park and dwellings with two or more bedrooms must have at least two vehicle parks.

The current dimensions of a single garage are 3 x 5.4 metres with a 2.4 metre garage door. 

Vehicle parks do not necessarily need to be covered garages or carports, but at least one must be capable of being covered in the future. 

The scheme will apply to all residential developments within Greater Adelaide, with the potential for areas or classes of development to be excluded by ministerial notice, such as developments in the CBD and North Adelaide or strategic infill developments on public transport routes with mobility hubs. 

Only in limited and exceptional circumstances where the new minimum car park requirements are not met, it’s proposed that offset fees will be paid by developers into a new Vehicle Parking Fund. 

The draft fee structure proposes the following rates to be made by the developer before development approval is issued:

The Vehicle Parking Fund could then be used to develop new public parking in areas where insufficient vehicle parking exists, maintain existing public carparks or improve bicycle parking facilities to encourage active transport. 

These changes to planning legislation bill have been proposed following an extensive review by an expert panel into the state’s planning system.  

South Australian councils voted in favour of increasing garage sizes in new homes, at LGA's Annual General Meeting last year. 

The State Government will undertake targeted consultation with the building and construction industry as well as local government.

Next steps

LGA will provide a response to the proposed legislation through the state government’s consultation.

We encourage councils to review the draft Planning, Development and Infrastructure (Vehicle Parking) Amendment Bill 2025 (PDF 192.4 KB) and provide your feedback to us.

Provide your comments to James Holyman, Manager Policy.

Quotes attributable to Premier Peter Malinauskas MP:

South Australians are sick of seeing their suburbs being over-run by cars often double parked on otherwise quiet streets.

It is ridiculous that many modern garages are not built big enough to fit the most popular cars sold in our country, from dual-cab utes right down to SUVs.

We’re going to fix it – by bringing our planning laws up to date.

This is a sensible measure to protect our suburbs as our state grows.

Quotes attributable to Planning Minister Nick Champion MP:

This Government made a commitment at the election that future developments will provide adequate parking spaces to reduce congestion on quiet, suburban streets.

Establishing new minimum carparking requirements will improve streetscapes and communities going forward.

While we need bigger garages, it is the responsibility of local councils to manage on-street parking and they must use their extensive powers to reduce existing congestion.

Quotes attributable to LGA South Australia President, Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross:

Increasing garage sizes will complement other measures councils are already using to manage street congestion, such as time limits, residential zones and no parking areas.

Building homes that are fit-for-purpose to accommodate modern vehicles will get more cars and SUVs into garages and off our streets, which is a win for everyone.

These changes show the strength of state and local government working together to reach a sensible solution.

We asked for these changes on behalf of SA councils and communities and thank Minister Champion and the Malinauskas Government for working with us to improve the liveability of Adelaide’s neighbourhoods.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Jill Whittaker, Campbelltown City Council:

The need for housing, the increase in population and the love of cars means that parking has become a challenge as our streets were built for less traffic and less street parking.

Current minimum parking sizes do not cater for the many larger vehicles being purchased by many people.

We are pleased to work with the State Government on this initiative to help create better solutions for residents in our city.