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Paid Parking Changes

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The public comment period for this project is closed. For information on the implemented changes, please see www.cob.org/parking-changes and if you have any questions, please contact AskPW@cob.org.

close up of two metal coin operated parking meter

Parking management is essential to support businesses and residences in our growing community. Monitoring Bellingham's business districts has shown that the rules for parking on public streets need to be adjusted to address community goals to continue to support a vibrant local economy. Paid parking and time limits help encourage saving on-street parking spaces for customers and visitors by creating more turnover. Meanwhile, parking garages and permit lots are available – at a significantly reduced rate – for employees and others seeking longer-term parking.

The proposed changes will also result in additional financial support for enlivening and beautifying the business districts.

  • Learn more about the proposed changes below
  • Ask us a question

Parking management is essential to support businesses and residences in our growing community. Monitoring Bellingham's business districts has shown that the rules for parking on public streets need to be adjusted to address community goals to continue to support a vibrant local economy. Paid parking and time limits help encourage saving on-street parking spaces for customers and visitors by creating more turnover. Meanwhile, parking garages and permit lots are available – at a significantly reduced rate – for employees and others seeking longer-term parking.

The proposed changes will also result in additional financial support for enlivening and beautifying the business districts.

  • Learn more about the proposed changes below
  • Ask us a question

The public comment period for this project is closed. For information on the implemented changes, please see www.cob.org/parking-changes and if you have any questions, please contact AskPW@cob.org.

Need more information? Ask staff a question!

  • Share Will the coin-operated meters be phased out? They are old-fashioned, but nothing beats the convenience of popping some coins into the slot. Faster and easier than standing in the rain in front of a machine that requires multiple entries and a credit card. on Facebook Share Will the coin-operated meters be phased out? They are old-fashioned, but nothing beats the convenience of popping some coins into the slot. Faster and easier than standing in the rain in front of a machine that requires multiple entries and a credit card. on Twitter Share Will the coin-operated meters be phased out? They are old-fashioned, but nothing beats the convenience of popping some coins into the slot. Faster and easier than standing in the rain in front of a machine that requires multiple entries and a credit card. on Linkedin Email Will the coin-operated meters be phased out? They are old-fashioned, but nothing beats the convenience of popping some coins into the slot. Faster and easier than standing in the rain in front of a machine that requires multiple entries and a credit card. link

    Will the coin-operated meters be phased out? They are old-fashioned, but nothing beats the convenience of popping some coins into the slot. Faster and easier than standing in the rain in front of a machine that requires multiple entries and a credit card.

    Lizzie asked over 2 years ago

    NO! We know how important convenience is so we will be keeping the coin meters and upgrading the machines to take credit cards as well. You will still be able to use your US coins.

  • Share For those of us that live downtown there is virtually no parking close to where we live. We resort to street parking and rely on the low cost and free weekends to make it affordable to live in the downtown core. I run a business downtown and rely on that low price parking for my clients as well. It’s going to make parking a nightmare since the closest parking garage is far enough away that it’s a nuisance to get there in the rain. Why are we even changing this in our small town? It’s discouraging local shopping, eating, and living by making it less equitable. Those that rely on the current structure will be pushed out of living downtown by all these increases. Our small town vibe is obviously being taken away. I understand the city needs the revenue, but taking it out on those that want to support local in other ways is unfair. I’ll need to relocate my business if these fees continue to rise, when I want to have as accessible a business as possible. Is it possible to prevent these changes from happening? Where do we go from here to prevent these inaccessible changes? on Facebook Share For those of us that live downtown there is virtually no parking close to where we live. We resort to street parking and rely on the low cost and free weekends to make it affordable to live in the downtown core. I run a business downtown and rely on that low price parking for my clients as well. It’s going to make parking a nightmare since the closest parking garage is far enough away that it’s a nuisance to get there in the rain. Why are we even changing this in our small town? It’s discouraging local shopping, eating, and living by making it less equitable. Those that rely on the current structure will be pushed out of living downtown by all these increases. Our small town vibe is obviously being taken away. I understand the city needs the revenue, but taking it out on those that want to support local in other ways is unfair. I’ll need to relocate my business if these fees continue to rise, when I want to have as accessible a business as possible. Is it possible to prevent these changes from happening? Where do we go from here to prevent these inaccessible changes? on Twitter Share For those of us that live downtown there is virtually no parking close to where we live. We resort to street parking and rely on the low cost and free weekends to make it affordable to live in the downtown core. I run a business downtown and rely on that low price parking for my clients as well. It’s going to make parking a nightmare since the closest parking garage is far enough away that it’s a nuisance to get there in the rain. Why are we even changing this in our small town? It’s discouraging local shopping, eating, and living by making it less equitable. Those that rely on the current structure will be pushed out of living downtown by all these increases. Our small town vibe is obviously being taken away. I understand the city needs the revenue, but taking it out on those that want to support local in other ways is unfair. I’ll need to relocate my business if these fees continue to rise, when I want to have as accessible a business as possible. Is it possible to prevent these changes from happening? Where do we go from here to prevent these inaccessible changes? on Linkedin Email For those of us that live downtown there is virtually no parking close to where we live. We resort to street parking and rely on the low cost and free weekends to make it affordable to live in the downtown core. I run a business downtown and rely on that low price parking for my clients as well. It’s going to make parking a nightmare since the closest parking garage is far enough away that it’s a nuisance to get there in the rain. Why are we even changing this in our small town? It’s discouraging local shopping, eating, and living by making it less equitable. Those that rely on the current structure will be pushed out of living downtown by all these increases. Our small town vibe is obviously being taken away. I understand the city needs the revenue, but taking it out on those that want to support local in other ways is unfair. I’ll need to relocate my business if these fees continue to rise, when I want to have as accessible a business as possible. Is it possible to prevent these changes from happening? Where do we go from here to prevent these inaccessible changes? link

    For those of us that live downtown there is virtually no parking close to where we live. We resort to street parking and rely on the low cost and free weekends to make it affordable to live in the downtown core. I run a business downtown and rely on that low price parking for my clients as well. It’s going to make parking a nightmare since the closest parking garage is far enough away that it’s a nuisance to get there in the rain. Why are we even changing this in our small town? It’s discouraging local shopping, eating, and living by making it less equitable. Those that rely on the current structure will be pushed out of living downtown by all these increases. Our small town vibe is obviously being taken away. I understand the city needs the revenue, but taking it out on those that want to support local in other ways is unfair. I’ll need to relocate my business if these fees continue to rise, when I want to have as accessible a business as possible. Is it possible to prevent these changes from happening? Where do we go from here to prevent these inaccessible changes?

    Downtowner asked over 2 years ago

    We strongly encourage downtown and Fairhaven residents, business owners and employees to use permit parking as an affordable alternative to using metered parking spaces. The metered spaces are needed for those coming to support local businesses. There are multiple permit lots in the downtown area- visit this page to learn more: https://cob.org/services/transportation/parking/parking-permits  We are growing, and as the demand for parking increases we must take a proactive approach to parking management. Increasing hourly rates is one strategy we will be employing. The revenue that comes from the meters pays for the operations and maintenance of the parking program and allows the city to reinvest funds to Downtown and Fairhaven partnerships to enhance the business areas.

  • Share I would love to know about proposed paid parking on south Cornwall. Currently there are trashy trailers lining both sides of the street. There is garbage in the street and rats. There are tennis shoes strung over power lines that indicate it's a drug zone. I understand that you are trying to beautify Bellingham. Perhaps this is a good place to start and place parking meters. Thank on Facebook Share I would love to know about proposed paid parking on south Cornwall. Currently there are trashy trailers lining both sides of the street. There is garbage in the street and rats. There are tennis shoes strung over power lines that indicate it's a drug zone. I understand that you are trying to beautify Bellingham. Perhaps this is a good place to start and place parking meters. Thank on Twitter Share I would love to know about proposed paid parking on south Cornwall. Currently there are trashy trailers lining both sides of the street. There is garbage in the street and rats. There are tennis shoes strung over power lines that indicate it's a drug zone. I understand that you are trying to beautify Bellingham. Perhaps this is a good place to start and place parking meters. Thank on Linkedin Email I would love to know about proposed paid parking on south Cornwall. Currently there are trashy trailers lining both sides of the street. There is garbage in the street and rats. There are tennis shoes strung over power lines that indicate it's a drug zone. I understand that you are trying to beautify Bellingham. Perhaps this is a good place to start and place parking meters. Thank link

    I would love to know about proposed paid parking on south Cornwall. Currently there are trashy trailers lining both sides of the street. There is garbage in the street and rats. There are tennis shoes strung over power lines that indicate it's a drug zone. I understand that you are trying to beautify Bellingham. Perhaps this is a good place to start and place parking meters. Thank

    Graco asked over 2 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback about our parking proposal and parking on south Cornwall. We are aware of and actively monitoring the circumstances you describe on south Cornwall. These issues have been very challenging to address due to limits on local government actions – the result first of the state’s eviction moratorium and then by recent court rulings – that are intended to protect property/vehicles that are being used as individuals’ primary residences. The City is working with various service agencies to assist people camping on south Cornwall and to address concerns in that area. Thank you again for sharing your concerns.

  • Share Some days it is impossible to find a parking space at boulevard park. Will you be adding meeters to the parks to increase turnover? on Facebook Share Some days it is impossible to find a parking space at boulevard park. Will you be adding meeters to the parks to increase turnover? on Twitter Share Some days it is impossible to find a parking space at boulevard park. Will you be adding meeters to the parks to increase turnover? on Linkedin Email Some days it is impossible to find a parking space at boulevard park. Will you be adding meeters to the parks to increase turnover? link

    Some days it is impossible to find a parking space at boulevard park. Will you be adding meeters to the parks to increase turnover?

    Marina asked over 2 years ago

    There are currently no plans to add paid parking at any of our parks.

  • Share I have recieved feedback from many people who have expressed fear using the Commercial Street parking garage becuase the homless use the place for various activites. Will this problem be remedied as part of this parking fee change? on Facebook Share I have recieved feedback from many people who have expressed fear using the Commercial Street parking garage becuase the homless use the place for various activites. Will this problem be remedied as part of this parking fee change? on Twitter Share I have recieved feedback from many people who have expressed fear using the Commercial Street parking garage becuase the homless use the place for various activites. Will this problem be remedied as part of this parking fee change? on Linkedin Email I have recieved feedback from many people who have expressed fear using the Commercial Street parking garage becuase the homless use the place for various activites. Will this problem be remedied as part of this parking fee change? link

    I have recieved feedback from many people who have expressed fear using the Commercial Street parking garage becuase the homless use the place for various activites. Will this problem be remedied as part of this parking fee change?

    Marina asked over 2 years ago

    We are currently in the process of adding additional staff to the street crew to help support the street division with the downtown issues. We have increased the patrolling of the parking garage and have custodial staff members on-site throughout the day from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. the garage is monitored by a remote service. When loitering or deviant behavior is seen the monitoring service will come over the speaker and let the person know it is illegal to be in the area. If the person does not leave the area the police are called. Bellingham Police Department has also increased their patrols of this structure after 5 p.m.

  • Share During December you had free parking. Did you analyze data on parking volume and length. Did you analyze data on merchants' and residents' satisifaction? on Facebook Share During December you had free parking. Did you analyze data on parking volume and length. Did you analyze data on merchants' and residents' satisifaction? on Twitter Share During December you had free parking. Did you analyze data on parking volume and length. Did you analyze data on merchants' and residents' satisifaction? on Linkedin Email During December you had free parking. Did you analyze data on parking volume and length. Did you analyze data on merchants' and residents' satisifaction? link

    During December you had free parking. Did you analyze data on parking volume and length. Did you analyze data on merchants' and residents' satisifaction?

    Marina asked over 2 years ago

    The "free" December parking was not successful in that there were many complaints from the merchants that the turnover was reduced during this period, making it harder for more customers to visit their businesses. Complaints from citizens were that there was no parking available and they turned away from downtown. Parking was utilized at close to 100% throughout the "free" December parking period. There is significant research that shows that paid parking is essential to ensuring the most parking turnover, which means it is easier to find parking and support the local businesses.

  • Share Why isn't there a parking validation option? Cob needs to support the people visiting the businesses downtown. Without customers you won't have businesses. With paid parking I am not a customer. on Facebook Share Why isn't there a parking validation option? Cob needs to support the people visiting the businesses downtown. Without customers you won't have businesses. With paid parking I am not a customer. on Twitter Share Why isn't there a parking validation option? Cob needs to support the people visiting the businesses downtown. Without customers you won't have businesses. With paid parking I am not a customer. on Linkedin Email Why isn't there a parking validation option? Cob needs to support the people visiting the businesses downtown. Without customers you won't have businesses. With paid parking I am not a customer. link

    Why isn't there a parking validation option? Cob needs to support the people visiting the businesses downtown. Without customers you won't have businesses. With paid parking I am not a customer.

    captbly asked over 2 years ago

    Unfortunately, store validation is typically used when the businesses own or pay for the parking spaces that their customers are using. Since this is not the case in downtown or Fairhaven, it is not a viable option to help with the current parking issues.

  • Share I'm not particularly opposed to the increase in hourly parking, but I have concerns about how progressive rates could affect shopping at downtown businesses. Rather than promoting spending time downtown to shop, progressive rates instead seem to discourage staying downtown for any length of time. Surely this will end up negatively impacting downtown retail and restaurants? on Facebook Share I'm not particularly opposed to the increase in hourly parking, but I have concerns about how progressive rates could affect shopping at downtown businesses. Rather than promoting spending time downtown to shop, progressive rates instead seem to discourage staying downtown for any length of time. Surely this will end up negatively impacting downtown retail and restaurants? on Twitter Share I'm not particularly opposed to the increase in hourly parking, but I have concerns about how progressive rates could affect shopping at downtown businesses. Rather than promoting spending time downtown to shop, progressive rates instead seem to discourage staying downtown for any length of time. Surely this will end up negatively impacting downtown retail and restaurants? on Linkedin Email I'm not particularly opposed to the increase in hourly parking, but I have concerns about how progressive rates could affect shopping at downtown businesses. Rather than promoting spending time downtown to shop, progressive rates instead seem to discourage staying downtown for any length of time. Surely this will end up negatively impacting downtown retail and restaurants? link

    I'm not particularly opposed to the increase in hourly parking, but I have concerns about how progressive rates could affect shopping at downtown businesses. Rather than promoting spending time downtown to shop, progressive rates instead seem to discourage staying downtown for any length of time. Surely this will end up negatively impacting downtown retail and restaurants?

    DowntownCreative asked over 2 years ago

    The progressive rates have been shown to encourage short-term meter use and direct longer-term use to paid parking lots and garages. For those that wish to stay longer, we have the parking garage which is central to downtown. There are also off-street parking options available in public and private lots which are generally cheaper than paying for long-term metered parking.

  • Share What will it cost the city to purchase 47 parking meters for Fairhaven and what is the projected pay off time for that, along with the constant administration and maintenance of this program? When will the Fairhaven District see any money put toward creating public parking lots or facilities? on Facebook Share What will it cost the city to purchase 47 parking meters for Fairhaven and what is the projected pay off time for that, along with the constant administration and maintenance of this program? When will the Fairhaven District see any money put toward creating public parking lots or facilities? on Twitter Share What will it cost the city to purchase 47 parking meters for Fairhaven and what is the projected pay off time for that, along with the constant administration and maintenance of this program? When will the Fairhaven District see any money put toward creating public parking lots or facilities? on Linkedin Email What will it cost the city to purchase 47 parking meters for Fairhaven and what is the projected pay off time for that, along with the constant administration and maintenance of this program? When will the Fairhaven District see any money put toward creating public parking lots or facilities? link

    What will it cost the city to purchase 47 parking meters for Fairhaven and what is the projected pay off time for that, along with the constant administration and maintenance of this program? When will the Fairhaven District see any money put toward creating public parking lots or facilities?

    NWDogMom asked over 2 years ago

    Luckily, the 47 meters are already owned by the city and will be repurposed to the Fairhaven area. These were purchased several years ago when the city was intending to change all meters to pay stations. Since that time technology will allow us to now use the existing meters rather than replace them all. This leaves those stations available for deployment into Fairhaven. We anticipate the Fairhaven District will see funds available from parking-related activities in early 2023.

  • Share What accommodations will the City be making for residents of low-income housing impacted by newly mandated paid parking? For some community members, like those in Fairhaven, this will be a cost burden that they did not necessarily anticipate. In these times of unknowns and instability, how will the City mitigate these impacts to low-income households? on Facebook Share What accommodations will the City be making for residents of low-income housing impacted by newly mandated paid parking? For some community members, like those in Fairhaven, this will be a cost burden that they did not necessarily anticipate. In these times of unknowns and instability, how will the City mitigate these impacts to low-income households? on Twitter Share What accommodations will the City be making for residents of low-income housing impacted by newly mandated paid parking? For some community members, like those in Fairhaven, this will be a cost burden that they did not necessarily anticipate. In these times of unknowns and instability, how will the City mitigate these impacts to low-income households? on Linkedin Email What accommodations will the City be making for residents of low-income housing impacted by newly mandated paid parking? For some community members, like those in Fairhaven, this will be a cost burden that they did not necessarily anticipate. In these times of unknowns and instability, how will the City mitigate these impacts to low-income households? link

    What accommodations will the City be making for residents of low-income housing impacted by newly mandated paid parking? For some community members, like those in Fairhaven, this will be a cost burden that they did not necessarily anticipate. In these times of unknowns and instability, how will the City mitigate these impacts to low-income households?

    Jenny asked over 2 years ago

    Per the draft Fee Resolution: C.  Low-income Discount for Permit Parking

    Persons who are full time residents of subsidized low-income housing located within a parking management zone established under BMC 11.33 may receive a discount of 50% off the permit parking rates established in section 3.  The discount provided herein is limited to one outstanding permit per qualifying household at any given time.  The process for application and verification of residency shall be in accordance set forth by the Finance Director following the usual and customary business practices of the City of Bellingham Finance Department as now exists or as may be promulgated or modified by the Finance Director.