A new, much needed public parking lot with 45 new parking spaces (including two new ADA parking spaces) opened on Monday, June 10, 2024, in downtown San Luis Obispo at 1166 Higuera Street, the corner of Higuera and Toro Streets.
Customers will have to pay hourly or by permit to park in this new lot Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The parking rates for this lot will be consistent with on-street metered parking around the downtown perimeter – $3 per hour through July 7 and $2.25 per hour starting on July 8 when all parking rates downtown will be lowered. Payments will be accepted at a payment kiosk in the lot or via mobile parking apps. Additionally, monthly permits for this lot can be purchased for $60 a month at the City’s Mobility Services Office located at 1260 Chorro Street, Suite B, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
“This public parking lot will serve downtown businesses, visitors, and residents in an area that currently needs more parking options,” said Donna King, Parking Program Manager for the City of San Luis Obispo. “The investment in this parking lot is a prime example of how the City continues to support the economic vitality of our downtown. While we know not everyone drives downtown, we must continue to support all modes of transportation.”
The City Council approved the purchase of this property for $4.8 million in November 2023 to allow for future development based on the City’s General Plan and will in the near term increase public parking options. The space was previously an underutilized private parking lot with an uninhabitable structure.
The long-term plan for the new parking lot is to serve the upper Monterey Street area of downtown San Luis Obispo, which will revitalize and enhance this area. The short-term plan is to provide additional public parking that employees of nearby businesses can use.
The City occasionally acquires property to address the evolving needs of the community, enhance public infrastructure, protect natural resources, and ensure the longevity of our community, in alignment with our long-term vision and General Plan, which allows for responsible urban planning and orderly development.
For more details about parking downtown, visit slocity.org/Parking.