Council votes to allow parking rates of up to $12 an hour near Seattle Center during large events

On-street parking fees can be increased up to $ 12 per hour for large events within a mile of the Seattle Center.

Editor’s note: The The above video was originally posted in June 2021 when parking fees were raised in some neighborhoods of Seattle.

Seattle City Council on Monday approved a plan to increase parking fees near the Seattle Center.

On-street parking fees can be increased up to $ 12 per hour for large events within a mile of the Seattle Center. According to Council Bill 120115, a “major Seattle Center event” is a “planned commercial or public event that is expected to attract at least 10,000 people.” This includes sporting events, concerts, festivals or exhibitions.

The legislation aims to prevent traffic collapse in Seattle’s Uptown neighborhood and “ensure access to street parking for businesses, residents and visitors”.

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is currently conducting studies and adjusting parking fees as part of its performance-based parking pricing program, with the goal of having at least one or two available parking spaces on each block throughout the day in downtown Seattle and the surrounding business districts to have.

The Climate Pledge Arena, due to open this fall, is expected to host up to 250 events each year with over 10,000 attendees.

The Transport and Supply Committee passed the amendment to the law on July 7th with 5-0 votes.

The Traffic Director is currently authorized to set parking fees of up to $ 5 per hour. When parking fees apply, the fees are not set below 50 cents per hour.

In June, parking rates rose between 50 cents and $ 1 an hour in some Seattle neighborhoods. The SDOT said the changes were due to increased demand for on-street parking, making it “easier for people visiting stores, cafes, restaurants and other businesses to find parking within walking distance of their destination.”