Tag: Parking

SANTA MONICA—On Monday, December 8, the city of Santa Monica announced on its website that it is implementing new public parking rates effective January 12, 2026, that are easier to understand and encourage Downtown visitors to stay longer and pay less.

Downtown parking structures will go from a nine-tier pricing model to a simplified three-tier model. Pricing will vary slightly based on the structure, parking for the first 30 minutes – previously the first 90 minutes – is free and the cost increases at the three- and five-hour marks.

Visitors who park for three hours or more will pay less than they do currently for the same time frame.

The maximum daily rate to park longer than 5 hours will decrease or remain flat, while the cost of a monthly parking permit is being reduced by 20 percent. Additionally, Santa Monica is offering discounted rebates for interested business owners to purchase 90-minute validations (including the 30 minutes free) for $1.50 each.

Hourly parking in beach lots and parking meters will increase by an average cost of $0.25 to $2. Discounted rates remain in place for seniors and those with disabilities. Flat rate beach lots will increase by an average of $2-5, but remain among the least expensive waterfront parking in Southern California.

Also effective January 12, 2026, parking transactions where a credit card is used will include a fee to cover the transactional costs incurred by the city for credit card processing. Transactions by cash or check will not incur these fees.

“This new rate structure responds to the needs of visitors, residents, business owners and the city by making the pricing structure simpler and more straightforward, while reducing costs for many who park for 3 hours or more in our Downtown structures,” said Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta. “Our new rates encourage visitors to downtown to stay a while to catch a movie, enjoy a meal, go shopping and enjoy all Santa Monica has to offer.”

The new rate structure was approved by the Santa Monica City Council in August and adopted on October 28 as part of the city’s Realignment Plan. The measure is expected to generate up to $9 million per year in critical revenue to fund programs and services for the community.

For a detailed chart of the updated parking rates, visit www.santamonica.gov.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On May 2, the city of West Hollywood announced the introduction of Pay for Parking with a Text for parking meters — making parking faster, easier, and touch-free.

Here’s how it works:

-Text PAY to 77447
-Enter your meter number
-Get a secure payment link
-Complete your payment

The Text to Pay system will automatically send a text message when a parking session is 10 minutes from expiration and will offer a link for users to add paid parking time.

Individuals should look for the orange Text-to-Pay sticker on teal meters marked “West Hollywood.”

There are parking scams that everyone should be aware of when using new technologies. West Hollywood’s Text to Pay option does not use QR codes. All Text to Pay parking operates via Text/SMS platforms by initiating a text message to the short code 77447 and payments are fulfilled using the URL: ips-text2pay.com.

For additional information about parking in West Hollywood visit www.weho.org/parking.

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on its website that along with the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce (WHCC) they’re introducing in April 2025, WeHappy Wednesdays free parking initiative. It’s designed to help local venues and businesses thrive and foster community by making it easier and affordable for residents and visitors to shop, dine, and explore the region.

The city will offer free parking at all parking meters, city-owned surface lots, and city parking structures every Wednesday evening in April 2025 from 4 p.m. to midnight.

WeHappy Wednesdays is an effort to raise visibility and drive individuals to support West Hollywood venues and establishments. By eliminating parking fees for one evening each week in April, the initiative makes springtime outings more convenient and promote the city’s ongoing success.

For more details about WeHappy Wednesdays and the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce visit www.wehochamber.com, call (323) 650-2688.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood disclosed on its website on Tuesday, August 20 that in observance of Labor Day, West Hollywood City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 2.

The following parking regulations will not be enforced on Monday, September 2:

-Parking Meters and associated time limits
-Peak Hour Towing Restrictions
-Street Sweeping

Permit Parking and all other parking regulations will be enforced. The enforcement of all parking regulations will resume on Tuesday, September 3. Visitor parking permits may be obtained at the Kings Road Parking garage.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—The city of West Hollywood announced on Tuesday, January 30 that in observance of Presidents’ Day, City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024.

The following parking regulations will not be enforced on Monday, February 19:

-Parking Meters and associated time limits
-Peak Hour Towing Restrictions
-Street Sweeping

Permit Parking and all other parking regulations will be enforced. The enforcement of all parking regulations will resume on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

Visitor parking permits may be obtained at the Kings Road Parking Garage.

By Trevor