Parking hikes proposed for downtown Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz city officials are proposing a hike to parking rates downtown – though they say that even with the increases, the cost to park in downtown Santa Cruz will still be cheaper than in neighboring cities.

The following changes are being recommended:

Convert all meters on Pacific Avenue and side streets for one block to a rate of $1 per hour for the first two hours and $2 for each additional hour.
Convert all other two-hour variable rate meters to a rate of 75 cents per hour for the first two hours and $1.50 per hour for each additional hour.
Convert all twelve-hour meters from 25 cents per hour to 50 cents per hour
Install paid parking at Lots 8 (Pearl Alley) and Lot 9 (Elm/Cedar)
Standardize all parking permit rates downtown and increase monthly rates from the existing $20, $25 and $31 to $35
Increase construction permits from $2 per day and $40 per month to $5 per day and $75 per month.
Increase annual service vehicle permits by $50 each year for three years.

Public Works says the increases are needed to help pay for repairs, maintenance and other costs that have been hampered by an eight-year budget deficit.

The Downtown Parking District, managed by the city’s Public Works Department, operates four parking garages, 16 parking lots and 823 parking meters.

It also maintains and operates the 100 bike lockers downtown, the public garage restrooms, evening garbage and recycling services and sidewalk scrubbing services, among others.

The proposed changes will be presented at the Downtown Commission meeting on Thursday, July 24 at 8:30 a.m. at Santa Cruz City Council chambers, 809 Center St. If approved, the proposal would then go to the City Council in September for consideration.