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Content current as of 09/14/26

Downtown On-Street Parking Rates

Starting October 13, 2026, the City of Tacoma’s downtown on-street parking rate will increase from $1.00 to $1.50 per hour. 

The change is part of a broader effort to better match parking options with how long people need to stay. This helps keep convenient curbside spaces available for shorter visits while connecting longer stays with garages and lots.

Rates at a Glance

Current Rate  $1/hour 
New Rate  $1.50/hour 
Starts  October 13, 2026 
Where  Downtown paid on-street parking 

Why We’re Making Changes

Demand for convenient on-street parking has grown, while parking remains available in downtown garages and lots. 

The new rate is intended to encourage shorter stays at the curb, making it easier for customers and visitors to find parking near businesses and destinations. For longer visits, garages and lots offer more options and can provide a better value. 

Keeping Curbside Spaces Available Helps:

  • Customers and visitors find convenient parking. 
  • Provide easier access to businesses and destinations. 
  • Support quick errands, appointments and stops. 
  • Keep people and activity moving throughout downtown. 

Find the Right Parking Option for Your Stay

The right parking option depends on how long you plan to be downtown. 

Making a short visit? 

On-street parking is a convenient option when you want to park close to your destination for a quick stop, errand, appointment or visit. 

  • Starting October 13, 2026: $1.50/hour
Staying Longer? 

Spending several hours downtown? A City-owned garage or lot may offer a better value and more parking options. 

Explore Downtown Parking Options
Longer Stay? You Have Options. 

City-owned garages and lots offer several parking options depending on how long and how often you need to park downtown. 

If you need parking for…  Consider
2+ hours ———————- Garage or lot parking: $/hour for the first 4 hours 
All day ————————- Garage or lot parking: up to $12/day 
All day Regularly ———– Monthly, discounted or flexible parking options. 
Find the Option that Works Best for Your Visit

Compare parking locations, rates, monthly options, discounts and other ways to park downtown.  

What Else Should I Know?
  • Posted parking time limits and regulations are not changing. 
  • You can continue paying at pay stations or with available mobile payment options. 
  • Pay by Plate will continue to be used. 
  • Garage and lot rates are not affected by this on-street rate change. 
  • Vehicles displaying a valid ADA parking placard or credential remain exempt from parking payment. This is not changing. 
How Was the Change Developed?

The City regularly reviews downtown parking data to understand where parking is available and where demand is highest. 

City staff and the Parking Technical Advisory Group (PTAG) reviewed parking trends and community needs before recommending changes to better balance on-street and off-street parking. 

The City will continue monitoring parking use and customer feedback after the new rate takes effect. 

Need Help or Have a Question?

Republic Parking Northwest manages Tacoma’s public parking system on behalf of the City of Tacoma and can assist with parking operations, payment questions, and customer support.  

For questions about parking operations, payments, or customer assistance, please contact Republic Parking Northwest: 

Parking Facility Information and Customer Support:

Frequently Asked Questions

The downtown on-street parking rate will increase from $1.00 to $1.50 per hour. 

Demand for convenient on-street parking has grown, while parking remains available in downtown garages and lots. 

The new rate is intended to encourage shorter stays at the curb, helping make on-street spaces available for customers and visitors. If you’re staying longer, garages and lots offer more parking options and may provide a better value. 

No. This change affects the hourly parking rate. Posted parking time limits and other parking regulations will continue to apply. City-owned garages and lots have a separate pricing structure. Participating locations offer parking for $1 per hour for the first four hours and up to $12 per day, along with monthly parking, discounts and flexible parking options for people who park downtown regularly. 

You can continue paying at a parking pay station or with an available mobile payment option. Tacoma’s on-street parking will continue to use Pay by Plate, so your payment is linked to your vehicle’s license plate number. Follow the payment instructions posted near your parking space. 

If you’re spending several hours downtown, a City-owned garage or lot may provide a better value. 

You can compare hourly and daily parking, monthly parking, discounts and participating locations on the City’s Parking Options web page. 

Explore Parking OptionsÂ