Changes to public parking in the City of San Luis Obispo take effect this weekend, starting with the addition of new gateless technology at the Historic Chinatown Structure at 842 Palm Street.
How to Park and Pay in the Gateless Parking Structure
The City is installing new gateless technology at public structures downtown, starting with the Historic Chinatown Structure at 842 Palm Street. Follow this 3-step process:
- Park. Park in an available parking spot in the structure. You will need your license plate number as part of the payment process, so be sure to have that handy before you walk away from your vehicle.
- Pay. Either pay at one of the in-structure pay stations or via one of the 4 parking mobile apps (HONK, ParkMobile, PaybyPhone, or ParkSmarter). To skip lines at the pay stations, paying via the mobile app is recommended. If you need more time than previously paid for, you can add more time to your trip using the app or by returning to a pay station and entering your license plate information. Note: Anyone with a Park Local Program Permit will automatically get 1 hour of free parking during their trip and does not need to start a parking station at pay stations or via the mobile app. Those who plan on staying for longer than 1 hour should use the pay station or app to begin a parking session, but will still get their first hour free.
- Play. Enjoy downtown San Luis Obispo! Once your trip has ended, enjoy a quick exit from the parking structure. All you have to do is drive away.
Parking rates will also increase in downtown San Luis Obispo starting tomorrow, and anyone looking to save costs is encouraged to park in one of the three public parking structures. The City’s new public parking rates are increasing to support the community’s long-term vision for a vibrant downtown and fund upcoming public parking operations, maintenance, and infrastructure needs. To help support locals, there are several cost-saving programs available for local community members – including the new Park Local Program.
“This is the first major parking rate change in more than 10 years. No one wants to see parking rates increase, but this increase is necessary to ensure that the public parking program and infrastructure continues to benefit downtown businesses and culture,” City Parking Services Manager Gaven Hussey said. “When you pay for parking, you help fund parking improvements, such as gateless parking technology and new parking facilities. SLO County residents who want to get an hour of free parking can register for a Park Local Parking permit.”
The new rates effective tomorrow are as follows:
- Parking structures: $3 per hour, $12 maximum daily rate
- Two-hour parking in main downtown core: $4 per hour
- 10-hour parking in outer downtown area: $3 per hour
The City will install gateless technology at all downtown structures in phases with an expected completion date by the end of the year, which will allow anyone with a Park Local Program permit to get an hour of free parking at the Marsh Street and other 919 Palm Street public parking structures.
“The introduction of gateless technology in our public parking structures over the next year or so will make parking downtown easier and faster, and will provide more parking options for those with a Park Local Program permit.”