Seattle parking prices, hours are going up – and down

SEATTLE — Seattle parking is about to get more expensive in a few popular neighborhoods, while paid hours are increasing in others.

The city released its annual parking study in September. It details 50 changes to parking rates and times in town, expected to be implemented this fall.

20 areas will see parking rates decrease by 50 cents
15 will experience rate hikes of 50 cents
Five areas will have paid parking times extended by a couple of hours (to either 8 p.m. or 10 p.m.)

Afternoon rates will hit the city’s maximum fee of $5 an hour in areas of First Hill and Pioneer Square. There are nine neighborhoods where Seattle is on “high watch” to see if price hikes are necessary in the future. Capitol Hill and the Pike / Pine corridor will see paid hours extended to 10 p.m. Ballard will have a couple stretches extended to 8 p.m.

Seattle uses a performance pricing strategy to manage parking. Essentially, the city tries to keep enough free parking spaces by varying prices on certain stretches of road. The more expensive it is to park, the more likely drivers will move their cars and free up a spot.

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