Parking Meter Rate Increase Takes Effect Dec. 10

@SacBee courtesy Randall Benton

Increase will offset escalating technology fees

City of Sacramento reminds residents that the parking meter rate increase from $1.25 an hour to $1.75 an hour will take effect Dec. 10, 2015. The rate increase is part of the City’s parking modernization effort, and will help offset operating costs such as communication fees, and equipment maintenance.

“The City has been in the process of upgrading technologies to make paying for parking much more convenient,” said Matt Eierman, City of Sacramento Parking Manager. “An increase in the parking meter rate will allow the City to continue to provide better service to meet the needs of businesses, residents, and visitors in the downtown core.”

City Council also approved the pilot study, SPOTZone or Special Parking Over Time, which will officially launch the third week in December. The SPOTZone pilot will be conducted on selected metered areas in Old Sacramento, and in the Handle District at 18th and L streets.

With SPOTZone, patrons have the choice of extending their time by paying remotely using the Parkmobile App or by simply paying at the meter. This means customers now have the flexibility of spending more time at meetings, shopping, or dining out with friends.

Pricing for additional time will be determined by a tiered-rate structure.

Tier 1 pricing will be the regular meter rate, up to the posted time limit; and

Tiers 2 and 3 pricing will consist of premium rates, should the driver choose to remain parked at that meter beyond the posted time.

During the holiday season, residents can still take advantage of the City’s annual free metered holiday parking. The City will offer free parking on weekdays after 4:30 p.m. and all-day on weekends starting Nov. 27 through Dec. 25 in midtown and Old Sacramento.

Free meter parking zones will extend from I to L streets, and from Front to 29th streets, and will only apply to metered on-street parking spaces. All other parking violations are still enforceable as posted, such as time limits, access for city recycling and waste removal (street cleaning), and color zones. For more information on the City’s parking improvements visit sacpark.org.