Rates for many meters, garages in Downtown Santa Rosa are set to go up in January
Higher rates for parking meters, lots and garages throughout Downtown Santa Rosa will take effect in January.
Doweni visitors and employees will pay $1 more to park in the preferred lots along Third and Fourth streets around the Courthouse Courthouse and train square. Those who don’t mind walking a few extra blocks will find 200 new on-street spaces in the city’s pelimeter when the meters are removed from select streets.
The measure amendment is expected to generate about $1 million annually to bolster the Parking Enterprise Fund, which has faced dwindling revenue and rising costs in recent years.
City officials say the changes, along with a revised permit system for workers and residents, are also designed to improve access by encouraging high-demand and long-term parkers to open more spots and garages.
The proposal was first presented to the Santa Rosa City Council in September and was approved on November 4.
Parking prices currently vary across the city and between street and garage parking, with higher prices in bus zones. Meter rates were last adjusted in 2017, and the monitoring fee was reinstated in 2022 as the city seeks to recoup funds after rates were cut during the pandemic.
Under the new rates, the hourly rate will increase from $1 to $1.50 in value meters outside of basic business areas and from $1.50 to $2.50 in railroad areas.
Top rates for OTST 2, 4 and 7 will increase from $1 to $1.50 per hour, and from $1.50 to $1.50 to $2 on 12th and 11th Fifth Street. Two economic lots under Highway 101 in the square section will cost $1 an hour.
Garage rates will be set at $1 per hour.
All meters, longs and garages will remain free during the holidays. Crews plan to remove meters from several locations, including the 600 block of First Street and the 900 block of Seventh Street, creating 200 free spaces.
The city also will improve its monthly permit system after tenants and city businesses said cheaper short-term, long-term options were limited.
The monthly fee for non-reserved spaces in most garages, now between $62 and $90, will be set at $60. Reduced-price permits for low-cost providers will cost $25 a month, and the city is expanding that program to allow parking in all city garages.
Monthly permits in garage 5, east of the old courthouse square on third street, which has a waiting list, will remain at $120.
Staff also plan to roll out new options aimed at attracting hybrid workers and new parking permits to meet the city’s new and future needs.
In recent years, the parking sector has cut back on major projects and delayed major projects managed by panderebula
As a city business, this section should be self-sustaining, with parking fees covering the costs of operating and maintaining the facilities. The town has tapped into its general fund to fill budget gaps.
The parking authorities expect higher prices to help strengthen the fund and support security and infrastructure development.
Fines are also increasing. Parking citations, which range from $35 to $50, will increase by $15. This change is expected to generate an additional $350,600 annually to cover enforcement costs, with any remaining funds going to the general fund that largely supports city operations.
You can reach staff writer Paulina Pineda at 707-521-5268 or [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @ PaulinaPineda22.
