Downtown Parking Information

***NOTICE***
Santa Rosa to extend parking fee reductions to December 31, 2021.

All on-street meters and public parking lots are operating 9AM-6PM.  Please always check signage and the meters for information.

To make parking easier and more convenient throughout the downtown, the City has created two pricing zones for metered parking.  The rates are designed to free up spaces in the busiest areas of downtown and provide more choices to parkers.

  • PREMIUM PARKING – For those who want the convenience of a space in the highest demand areas of downtown, the Premium spaces have a 3-hour time limit and are $1.50/hour.
  • VALUE PARKING – Offers lower hourly rates of $1.00 and longer time limits in the periphery of the core downtown.
  1. Premium Meters
  2. Value Meters
  3. Premium Lots
  4. Value Lots
  5. Garages
Meter Premium Sign
Hours of Enforcement9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Rate$1.50/hr
Time Limit3 hours
On street meters in the premium zone are in the highest demand parking areas of downtown and Railroad Square.  Park close to the main shopping/dining areas with a 3 hour time limit


Free Parking
Looking for free places to park when you come downtown?  Here’s a list of free places to park to save you some money:

  • After 6PM: park at any meter or in any public lot.
  • Sundays: every meter is free.
  • Free parking is available at all garages on Saturdays and Sundays, and between 5pm and 6am Monday - Friday.
  • Don’t forget, meter start times begin at 9AM.
  • All five City garages offer the first hour free.

85% Occupancy
The Parking Division’s goal is to set the lowest possible price to achieve 85% occupancy in the Premium and Value Zones.  An occupancy rate of 85% means each block has a couple of open spaces at any given time, giving parkers the choice to park close and pay a bit more, or park a few blocks away and save some money.  Occupancy data is collected and twice per year is evaluated to determine if price adjustments are needed to achieve 85% occupancy rate at peak times.

Artwork
Artstart "has made a significant impact in our community by creating over 150 benches, 34 murals and many installations. We work in a partnership with governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, large corporations and small businesses. We provide inspiration to young artists and create a sense of ownership and pride in our community." The Parking Division is proud to display artwork throughout our facilities.


ArtStart collage of wall art in parking garages