Proposed parking changes FAQs and timeline of recent changes

Published on March 13, 2024

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A list of frequently asked questions about proposed parking changes in Downtown Gainesville and a timeline of recent changes are provided in advance of the Gainesville City Commission meeting March 21.

1. Why is the Gainesville City Commission considering proposed changes to parking in Downtown Gainesville?

The city commission is considering proposed parking changes to increase the availability of downtown parking, and to balance the desire for free curbside parking at all hours with the need to increase available parking during business hours.

At its March 21, 2024 meeting, the city commission is expected to hear recommendations to the parking rates and structure based on the results of a recent parking study from SP+ (a consulting firm that specializes in parking management) and on stakeholder input. The recommendations align with best practices in parking management.

2. What are the findings of the SP+ parking study?

  • Unlimited, free parking in Downtown Gainesville does not create turnover of parking spaces for customers. Lack of parking turnover leads to the perception that downtown parking is inadequate because many free spaces are consistently occupied. 
  • Parking in the core of Downtown Gainesville should be paid and time-limited to increase parking turnover. Opening up parking spaces in the core would result in less driving around to hunt for parking – saving time, money and fuel.
  • Parking outside the core of Downtown Gainesville should be free or low-cost to provide incentives to drivers to find long-term parking spaces in the periphery.

3. What would the proposed changes do?

If adopted by the city commission, the proposed changes would standardize and simplify the downtown parking rate structure.

 

4. Which parking rates could increase if the changes are adopted?

  • Free parking spaces in high-demand areas in the downtown core would be converted to $0.50/hour with a 2-hour time limit, weekdays. (Downtown parking on weekends and on City-designated holidays remains free except in the SW Parking Garage at 105 SW 3rd St.) 
  • Parking permits in the SW Parking Garage (105 SW 3rd St.) would increase from $25/mo. to $40/mo. and from $60/quarter to $100/quarter. (Permits for employees of downtown businesses - $20/mo. – would not change.)

5. Which parking rates could decrease?

  • Parking rates in the periphery, or farther away from the city center, would be reduced either to $0.25/hr. or become free of charge with no time limit, weekdays. (Downtown parking on weekends and on City-designated holidays remains free except in the SW Parking Garage at 105 SW 3rd St.).
  • Parking rates in Lot 3 (N. Main St./NW 2nd Ave.) and Lot 4 (SE 3rd St./SE 1st Ave.) would be reduced from $0.50/hr., for 4 hours, to free with no time limit.
  • Parking fees for the SW Parking Garage would be reduced from $1/hour to $0.50/hour. The maximum daytime rate will decrease from $5/day to $4/day. 

6. Which additional parking changes are proposed?

  • Parking enforcement hours would change from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, to 10 a.m.-8 p.m., M-F.
  • Two new pay stations (that accept coins and credit cards) would be installed. (Locations would be determined.)
  • Time limits in Lot 5 (next to City Hall) and Lot 13 (SW 1st St.) would be removed (from 4-hour to no time limit).

7. Which parking fees and/or time limits would not change?

  • Parking in Lot 2 (NW 2nd St./NW 2nd Ave.) would remain free of charge.
  • Current 2-hour time limits in the downtown core would not change.
  • Current unlimited parking in the periphery would not change.

8. Is there a parking map online that shows free and paid parking areas?

Yes, there is an online map of current parking options. If the city commission approves any changes to parking, the online map would be updated accordingly.

9. If adopted, how soon might the parking changes become effective?

The changes could become effective in late summer.

10. How much would it cost to implement the proposed parking changes?

Approximately $50,000 would be required to implement the proposed modifications and conduct outreach. The changes could generate more than $250,000 in annual revenues.

 

Timeline of recent changes:

  • 2020 and 2021 Community Survey finds respondents rank “improve the ease to find public parking” as a #2 Mobility priority.
  • Summer 2021 – Gainesville City Commission adopts parking management changes designed to increase downtown parking availability in high-demand areas. Changes include increasing parking rates in high-demand areas and reducing rates in lower-demand areas.
  • Jan. 2022 – Parking changes adopted by the city commission in 2021 take effect.
  • Feb. 2022 – City commission suspends 2021 parking changes; directs staff to further evaluate parking needs, and to further engage Downtown Gainesville stakeholders. 
  • May 2022 – City offers new monthly parking permit in SW Parking Garage to employees of downtown businesses; extends time limits on parking lot spaces; and adds 30-minute parking spaces adjacent to Alachua County Administration Building.
  • Oct. 2022 – City hires SP+, a consulting firm specializing in parking management to evaluate downtown parking needs and make recommendations to enhance availability of parking spaces.
  • Fall 2022-Fall 2023 – Community engagement sessions include a downtown parking survey, public workshop and stakeholder meetings.
  • March 21, 2024 – City Commission expected to consider proposed parking changes to Downtown Gainesville.

 

 

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