The proposal for the FY25 fee schedule was presented at the Policy, Finance, and HR Committee on March 12, 2024. The proposal, including adjustments to the parking fees that would go into effect July 1, 2024, will be 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.
Here’s a breakdown of the parking fee adjustments proposed, why changes are deemed necessary, and how you can have your say.
Proposed changes to daily and event parking in garages:
- Garage Daily Max Reduction: The daily maximum rate for parking in garages would decrease from $20 to $15, offering a more affordable long-term parking option.
- Special Event Parking: Currently, event parking fees range from $7-$9 depending on the event. This proposal will standardize special event parking to $9 per day for all events to ensure equitable and affordable parking during events.
Proposed changes to metered and garage parking:
- Meter Rates: The proposal would increase rates by $0.50 per hour, raising them to $2 per hour. This adjustment aims to better reflect the value of parking spaces in high-demand areas and encourage turnover of parking spaces.
- Meter Hours Extension: Currently, meter hours end at 6 p.m., but under the proposed changes, they would extend until 9 p.m. This adjustment aims to reflect the value of parking spaces in high-demand areas and encourage turnover.
- First hour free: will now Under this proposal the first hour fee would only apply to vehicles parked 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).
What Remains Unchanged?
- 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: in City garages for vehicles parked 60 minutes or less.
Public comment on fee schedule at the City Council meeting on March 26
Community members who wish to share their input regarding parking fee changes are encouraged to participate in the public comment session at the City Council meeting on March 26, 2024.
Why Are These Changes Needed?
There are several reasons these changes are being proposed, including to provide additional funding toward parking garage repairs and maintenance, to improve enforcement and parking management of on-street meters later into the evenings, and to fund additional technology improvements and safety and security measures for garages and parking lots.
Parking Services aims to provide a higher quality of service, maintain facilities more effectively, and provide increased options for parking.
When would the proposed changes go into effect?
Pending City Council approval, these changes are slated for implementation on July 1, 2024.
What’s Next?
- The proposed fee schedule was presented at the Policy, Finance, and HR Committee meeting, where it passed a motion to move forward on the City Council agenda for March 26, 2024.
- City Council will then deliberate on the proposed fee schedule, with the opportunity to refine them further before approval.
- If approved, City staff will conduct public awareness campaigns ahead of the July 1 implementation date.
- The parking operation assessment is expected to yield additional recommendations, with future changes subject to review and public engagement.
More information on the proposed fee schedule can be found at this link.