City Council Approves Plan To Increase Parking Meter Rates

The rates could be adjusted annually based on an 85 percent occupancy formula. If use of the metered spaces falls below 85 percent, rates can be decreased to encourage demand and if use rises above 85 percent then they can be increased to discourage demand.

The rates could be raised a maximum of 50 cents at a time up to a maximum of $5 per hour. 

The time limit on meters will remain at two hours. However, Sundays will be added to the days the meters are enforced, meaning meters are in effect all seven days of the week.

City staff said the change was necessary because Sunday is now one of the busiest shopping days of the week. They determined there are more cars downtown on Sundays than there are on Saturdays.

The hours of operation for the meters will be altered. Instead of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., meters will be enforced from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the core and non-core areas.

City staff said the changes are needed because they have found that there isn't much demand for meters at 9 a.m., but the meter spaces are near capacity until 8 p.m.

The three city-owned downtown parking garages will remain 24-hour operations. Rates will rise to $1 per hour at the South Locust Street garage, although the first hour will now be free at all three facilities.

Council members said the changes will improve the parking situation in the downtown area.

"I think this is an excellent approach," said Councilman Bob Simmons.

"I think we are definitely moving in the right direction," added Mayor Cindy Silva.

Councilman Justin Wedel voted for the changes, even though he said he "wasn't a big fan of Sunday enforcement."

He added he would like to see a "dynamic pricing" model used in other cities.

"I think we're leaving a lot of revenue on the table," he said.

During the public hearing, Gary Skrel, representing Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association, said his organization supports the changes. He commended the work done on the plan.

Jay Hoyer, president of the Walnut Creek Chamber of the Commerce, said the chamber supports many of the changes but not all of them. In particular, he said he was "disconcerted" by the Sunday parking enforcement.

He also encouraged the city to publicize the "good things" they are doing to increase available parking and to make parking easier.

"The headlines tomorrow are going to be that Walnut Creek has doubled its parking meter rates," he said.

Matt Huffaker, assistant to the city manager, said city staff will make a concerted effort to get the word out to the public about the changes.

The parking management plan has six main strategies and 25 short-range to long-range goals in an effort to make parking easier for downtown motorists.

The six strategies are: