Parking
The Parking Division manages parking for the Downtown Business Area, Railroad Square, and eight restricted residential parking zones.
Downtown Parking: More Choice (Less Stress)
All on-street meters and public parking lots are operating 9AM-6PM. Please always check signage and the meters for information.
To make parking easier and more convenient throughout the downtown, the City has created two pricing zones for metered parking. The rates are designed to free up spaces in the busiest areas of downtown and provide more choices to parkers.
- PREMIUM PARKING – For those who want the convenience of a space in the highest demand areas of downtown, the Premium spaces have a 3-hour time limit and are $1.50/hour.
- VALUE PARKING – Offers lower hourly rates of $1.00 and longer time limits in the periphery of the core downtown.
| Hours of Enforcement | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Rate | $1.50/hr |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
On street meters in the premium zone are in the highest demand parking areas of downtown and Railroad Square. Park close to the main shopping/dining areas with a 3 hour time limit
| Hours of Enforcement | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Rate | $1.00/hr |
| Time Limit | 4 - 9 hours |
If you are willing to walk a few blocks, the on street meters in the value zone provide cheaper hourly rates. Enjoy longer time limits and pay less at the meter.
5th and D Street Lot, 5th and B Street Lot, & Depot Lot | |
| Hours of Enforcement | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Rate | $1.50/hr |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
Off-street lots use Pay by Plate machines. You will need to use your licence plate to purchase your parking time at the kiosk, the license plate is used to look up payment by the enforcement team. Passport mobile app is also available in the lots.
Ross and B Street Lot, 7th and Mendocino Lot, 2nd and E Street Lot, 3rd and Morgan Street Lot & 5th and Morgan Street Lot | |
| Hours of Enforcement | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Rate | $1.00/hr |
| Time Limit | 4 - 9 hours |
Off-street lots use Pay by Plate machines. You will need to use your licence plate to purchase your parking time at the kiosk, the license plate is used to look up payment by the enforcement team. Passport mobile app is also available in the lots. These lots offer longer time limits and cheaper rates compared to the Premium Zone lots.
| 7th Street Garage & 1st Street Garage | 5th Street Garage & D Street Garage | 3rd Street Garage | |
| Price | First Hour Free. Then $0.50/hr Free 1a-6a M-F | First Hour Free. Then $0.75/hr Free 1a-6a M-F Free Sun | First Hour Free. Then $1.00/hr Free 1a-6a M-F |
| Maximum Day Rate | $6.00 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| Monthly Permit | $62.00 | $70.00 -5th Street Garage $95.00 - D Street Garage | $160.00 Reserved |
| Discount Low Wage Employee Permit | $31.00 | n/a | n/a |
| Discount Commuter Permit | $31.00 (1st Street Garage only) | n/a | n/a |
| Evening Employee Garage Permit | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Downtown Parking Map
Free Parking
Looking for free places to park when you come downtown? Here’s a list of free places to park to save you some money:
- After 6PM: park at any meter or in any public lot.
- Sundays: Free parking at all meters, parking lots, the Fifth Street Garage and the D Street Garage.
- Don’t forget, meter start times begin at 9AM.
- All five City garages offer the first hour free.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Locations: Electric vehicle charging stations are now available in the 1st Street Garage, Courthouse Square and the 5th and Morgan Street Lot under Highway 101.
Operations: The charging stations are operated by a private company called ChargePoint. Information is available at the charging stations. In order to use the charging stations you will need to call the toll free number to unlock the station, and can use contactless credit cards. Or, you may log in to their web site and set up an account. You can also download an app to your smartphone to track your vehicle’s charge status. If you have any questions regarding the use of the new charging stations please call ChargePoint at 888-758-4389.
Motorcycle Parking
Motorcycles follow the same parking regulations as passenger cars and may park in any legal space, including metered, pay station, time-limited, and unrestricted spaces (subject to the citywide 72-hour limit).
Multiple Motorcycles: More than one motorcycle may share a parking space if there is enough room and all regulations are followed.
Motorcycle-Only Parking: The City provides free motorcycle-only parking in public lots and garages. Designated on-street motorcycle parking will be added downtown where feasible without reducing other parking.
Motorcycles must follow all parking laws and may not park:
- In striped maneuvering areas around parking spaces
- Along curb bulbs or indentations
- In alleys
- On sidewalks
Paid Parking (Meters & Pay Stations): Motorcycles must pay for metered and pay station-controlled spaces. If multiple motorcycles share a space, at least one must pay, and the meter or session must remain active to avoid citations. Pay stations require entering a license plate number to validate payment.
85% Occupancy
The Parking Division’s goal is to set the lowest possible price to achieve 85% occupancy in the Premium and Value Zones. An occupancy rate of 85% means each block has a couple of open spaces at any given time, giving parkers the choice to park close and pay a bit more, or park a few blocks away and save some money. Occupancy data is collected and twice per year is evaluated to determine if price adjustments are needed to achieve 85% occupancy rate at peak times.
Park Smart Safety Tips
- Lock your vehicles doors and windows
- Remove valuables from your car
- Remove all electronic adapters and cords
- Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas
- If you have an alarm system, activate it
- Report any suspicious activity to the police or parking attendant