Parking rates in Seattle set to change mid-October. City officials aim to make parking easier for residents and visitors.

Seattle, Washington – Beginning Tuesday, October 15, Seattle will implement new street parking charges in line with the city’s usual seasonal fee changes meant to increase parking availability and control traffic around business districts. This change, in line with past years, seeks to match the demand for parking places with the supply, therefore simplifying the finding of parking when needed by residents and visitors.

According to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the modifications point to targeted increases and declines even though most street parking charges would remain constant. About 25% of the parking spaces will see a fee rise of $0.50 per hour, mostly in places where locating a parking spot is sometimes difficult. In places where parking is usually more accessible and spots are usually open, charges will drop by $0.50 per hour.

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Aiming to minimize the time drivers spend looking for parking, these changes are part of a larger plan to use dynamic pricing to ensure that approximately 1 to 2 parking places are available each block, therefore helping to lower traffic congestion and pollution. Since 2011, this approach of parking charge setting based on real-time occupancy data has been in use and keeps improving with the most recent parking utilization statistics.

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The method of SDOT emphasizes mostly on data to guide where pricing changes are required. Monitoring parking trends and changing expenses will help the city better manage its street space, therefore benefiting local businesses by enabling easier customer visits and promoting turnover—which is essential during business hours.

Effective from October 15, the revised tariffs will stay in place until the next planned modification in spring 2025. Due to their particular parking needs and patterns, some areas—like the Ballard Locks—have variable rates of adjustment schedule. The Ballard Locks neighborhood boasts free overnight parking adjusted twice a year and a flat fee of $1 per hour throughout the day as of the most recent update.

Cars parked along the street in a paid parking area, with large trees and buildings in the background. Photo: SDOT

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Apart from these developments, SDOT provides advice on safe parking in the fall and winter when conditions can be icy and visibility could be limited. Advice includes making sure wheels are turned either towards the curb or away from the hill depending on the direction of the slope and utilizing the correct tire pressure and suitable tires for wet and icy weather.

SDOT also invites nearby companies in paid parking areas to take part in transit initiatives. Employers can provide their staff with sponsored transit passes via the ORCA Business Programs through alliances with King County Metro and Commute Seattle. This program not only eases work trips but also lessens parking demand and traffic congestion.

The SDOT’s dedicated paid parking rate page will show all updates on the new parking fees together with any extra information. Scheduled to be updated on October 15, this page offers complete details on parking prices across all paid parking neighborhoods together with an interactive map for simple access to this data.

Cars parked along the street in Belltown next to the protected bike lane on 4th Ave. Photo credit: SDOT.

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Effective transportation and parking regulations help to support Seattle’s continuous attempts to change and adapt parking rates, thereby ensuring that the city’s growth and economic growth remain maintained. This helps to promote urban mobility and access.

New parking rates in Seattle as of October 15, 2024 (hourly rates)