COLUMBIA, SC: City Council Approves New Parking Rates
Well, folks, it’s time to grab your pockets because Columbia is shaking things up with some new parking rates! This week, the City Council made some changes to the parking ordinance, and the new rules are set to take effect on March 1, 2025. So, let’s dive into what this means for you!
What Are the Changes?
First and foremost, get ready to dig a little deeper for that on-street parking. Starting March 2025, the rate will jump to $1.50 per hour. That’s right—once you park, you’ll be paying a bit more than before. But that’s not all! If you’re caught without the proper parking permit, you might be looking at a fine that goes from $8.00 to a whopping $25.00!
Now, for all you hospitality workers and residential owners, there’s some good news! You’ll be able to grab a parking permit for just $35 per month. This is meant to make your lives a bit easier and more affordable as you navigate your work and home routines in downtown Columbia.
A Glimpse into the New Ordinances
Councilman Will Brennan mentioned that the extra funds from these rate increases will go towards vital infrastructure, maintenance, and repairs—especially for those aging and creaky parking decks we all love to complain about. And here’s a list of some key highlights you’ll want to keep in mind:
- No enforcement for on-street parking on Saturdays (with the exception of the Five Points District—so watch out, party-goers!)
- City-wide on-street parking enforcement from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
- The first hour is free in all City of Columbia parking decks—who doesn’t love that?
- Hospitality rooftop-only parking will also be available for $35/month
- Mark your calendars for the new $1.50 hourly rate for on-street parking
- Expect various increases in fines for parking citations (you’ve been warned!)
- Owner-occupant residential permits will cost $30 per vehicle for a 24-month period.
- And, you’ll also see a $24 per vehicle fee for owner-occupant visitor permits (also for 24 months).
Why the Changes?
You might be wondering why the city decided to make these changes. Well, it’s all about keeping our city’s infrastructure running smoothly and looking good. Councilman Brennan believes these adjustments will help alleviate some of the challenges faced in managing the city’s parking facilities. So, while it may pinch our wallets a bit, it’s also an investment in our town’s future, ensuring that we have reliable spots to park our cars while we enjoy everything Columbia has to offer!
What’s Next?
With these updates on the table, it’s time to adapt and consider your parking plans for the future. Whether you’re a resident, a commuter, or just someone visiting for the day, these changes could affect how you navigate the city. So, be sure to stay informed and plan accordingly so you can avoid those pesky fines!
So, Columbia, get ready for these changes! They may make parking a little more of a challenge, but they are aimed at making our streets and facilities safer and well-maintained in the long run. Happy parking!
