Santa Cruz Main Beach Parking Meter Rates To Increase Before Tourist Season Begins

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

April 27, 2021

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Today the Santa Cruz City Council approved ordinance changes that increase parking meter rates by 25 percent in the Main Beach area. These changes will go into effect on May 1 before summer activities bring an estimated 4 million annual tourists to the City.

This increase will raise the base rate at meters from $1.80 per hour to $2.25 per hour. At meters without a variable rate, the 12-hour maximum daily rate will be $27. The variable rates will increase per the schedule as identified in the ordinance as amended with a base hourly rate of $2.25 and doubling every two hours for a portion of the 12-hour maximum.

The increased rates stem from options to address the City’s budget deficit that were first supported by the City Council upon approval of the 2020 budget. As the City continues to face a structural budget deficit, with added challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the beach area continues to be a high demand attraction and these increases will bring additional revenue to the City’s General Fund.

These changes amend Municipal Code Sections 10.52.310 and 10.52.315.

This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.