Why New Modestly Scaled Developments in Brooklyn Often Don’t Include Garages?

You might assume that if we’re building something new, we’d naturally include a garage but here’s why that’s often not the case, even in 2025:

1. Zoning Exemptions Still Apply ( & Zoning Updates " City of Yes Planning " might remove the requirement).

Even for new construction, NYC zoning doesn’t require parking for small buildings, especially if:

The building has fewer than 6 or 10 units (varies by zoning district) and it's located in a transit zone — areas with strong subway and bus access, where car ownership is discouraged to reduce traffic and pollution.

2. Garages Are a Tradeoff.

Adding a garage requires:

Ramps or mechanical lifts, which eat into the usable square footage.

Costly excavation for below-grade parking, loss of ground-floor space that could otherwise be used for lobbies, community areas, or rentable units.

For a 4-story walk-up, where the economics are already tight, a garage is often not worth the tradeoff  especially if the target market isn't heavily car-dependent.

3. The Market Doesn’t Always Demand It.

In Brooklyn neighbourhoods where walkability and transit are high, buyers and renters are prioritizing smart layouts, storage, and modern amenities over car access.

So, Do These Buildings Need Garages?

Not necessarily. But what they do need is smart, flexible design that meets real urban needs.

Yes, your morning routine just got an upgrade: grab your bike and your bills in one go.