Columbia City Council Approves New Parking Rates Effective March 2025

Columbia’s New Parking Rates: What You Need to Know!

Hey there, Columbia residents! Exciting changes are on the horizon when it comes to parking in our beautiful city. If you’ve been keeping an ear to the ground, you might have heard that the City Council recently approved new parking rates, and we’re here to give you the scoop.

When Will These Changes Take Effect?

Starting March 1, 2025 (or possibly even sooner, depending on the council’s decision), you’ll notice some changes in how much you pay to park on the streets as well as in parking decks across the city. So, grab your calendars, because these updates are important if you use city parking!

What Are the New Rates?

First off, the rate for on-street parking is set to climb to $1.50 per hour. So if you’re planning to run quick errands downtown, make sure you budget accordingly! Additionally, if you ever happen to get a parking ticket, prepare to fork over a little more—tickets will now jump from $8.00 to $25.00. Ouch!

Pocket-Friendly Options for Residents

But don’t worry; it’s not all doom and gloom! The city is introducing some new parking permits that are designed specifically for our hard-working hospitality staff and local residents. You’ll be able to snag a permit for just $35 a month. This is a great way to ease the burden of those pesky parking fees when you’re working long hours or living in the heart of the city!

Investing in Our City

Councilman Will Brennan explained that these increases aren’t just about raising funds; they’re aimed at improving the infrastructure, maintenance, and repair of our aging parking decks. It’s a good step toward enhancing the overall experience for everyone who navigates these spaces.

New Parking Ordinance Highlights

Here’s a quick rundown of the key points from the new parking ordinance:

• No enforcement for on-street parking on Saturdays (except in the bustling Five Points District)
• City-wide on-street parking enforcement will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
• First hour FREE in all City of Columbia parking decks—this is a great perk for short visits!
• Hospitality rooftop-only parking will be available for $35/month
• Increasing on-street parking rates to $1.50/hour
• Various fine increases for those pesky parking citations
• Owner occupant residential permits are set at $30 per vehicle for a 24-month period
• Owner occupant visitor permits will be available for just $24 per vehicle for a 24-month period

Final Thoughts

These changes might require a little adjustment, but they’re ultimately aimed at making our city a better place to live and visit. So, whether you’re heading downtown for dining or just popping in for quick errands, make sure to keep these new rates in mind!

Happy parking, Columbia! And remember to plan ahead as we head toward these changes in March!