The FY25 fee schedule was presented at the Asheville City Council meeting on March 26, 2024. The parking rate adjustments aim to address infrastructure needs while maintaining accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors alike. Parking fee adjustments will go into effect on July 1, 2024.
Here’s a breakdown of the parking fee adjustments and why changes are deemed necessary.
Changes to daily and event parking in garages:
- Garage Daily Max Reduction: The daily maximum rate for parking in garages will decrease from $20 to $15, offering a more affordable long-term parking option.
- First hour free: The first hour fee will only apply to vehicles parked in garages for 60 minutes or less. Vehicles parking longer than 60 minutes will be charged the hourly rate for the full duration of their stay (up to the new $15 daily maximum).
- Special Event Parking: Special event parking fees will be standardized to $9 per day for all events to ensure equitable and affordable parking during events.
Adjustments to metered parking:
- Meter Rates: Meter rates will increase by $1.00 per hour, raising them to $2.50 per hour. This adjustment aims to better reflect the value of parking spaces in high-demand areas and encourage turnover of parking spaces.
What remains unchanged?
- Meter Hours: Meter hours will remain 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
- Monthly Parking Rates: Current monthly parking rates starting at $40/month, including sunset permits tailored to downtown workers, will remain unaffected.
- Garage Hourly Rate: The hourly rate for parking in garages will stay at $2 per hour, providing consistency for regular users.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Security enhancements implemented during FY24 will continue in FY25, ensuring the safety and well-being of parking facility users.
- First hour free: The first hour free in City garages for vehicles parked 60 minutes or less will remain unchanged.
Why are these adjustments needed?
There are several reasons these changes are being proposed, including to provide additional funding toward the $11.3 million needed for parking garage repairs and $1 million needed for ongoing maintenance. Additional revenues will also improve enforcement and parking management of on-street meters and loading zones, and to fund additional technology, safety, and security improvements for garages and parking lots.
Parking Services aims to provide a higher quality of service, maintain facilities more effectively, and expand parking services.
When will the parking fee adjustments go into effect?
Parking fee adjustments will go into effect on July 1, 2024.
Will there be a parking assessment for the City?
Yes, the Transportation Department is currently undertaking a parking operation assessment. A project page for this assessment will be available on the City’s website in April. Additionally, the parking operation assessment will involve stakeholder and community engagement this summer. The assessment is expected to yield additional recommendations for management of City-owned parking facilities.
More information on the FY25 fee schedule can be found at this link.