Salt Lake City’s parking prices raise to $3.50 starting July 1

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Salt Lake City is making multiple changes to paid parking, beginning July 1, including raising the hourly rate by 55%, extending payment hours through 10 p.m., and requiring payment on Saturdays.

The Salt Lake City Council has recently approved parking pay rates and longer hours for paid meter parking. These changes are being implemented Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Here’s what’s changing:

• Hourly Rate: The hourly rate will now be $3.50 at City parking meters (previously $2.25).
• Saturday Metered Parking: Payment will be required at meters on Saturdays (previously free).
• Hours of Metered Parking: Metered parking spots will need to be paid for until 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday (previously only until 8 p.m.).

Here’s what’s not changing:

• Payment Method: You can still pay for parking using the ParkSLC app or a nearby pay station.
• Sundays Free: Sunday parking is free at City meters.
• Holidays Free: City holidays are not enforced at meters.
• Two-hour Limit: You can’t park in the same spot for more than two hours.
• Parking Permits: Residential parking permits are not changing.

Starting July 1, parking meters will be updated with the new rate information and updated signage will be posted across Salt Lake City to show the additional hours of enforcement.

Why are these changes occurring?

According to the City, the changes are meant to “improve parking, support local businesses, and help keep the City running smoothly” amid City growth.

The City said that paid parking encourages shorter stays, so spots open more frequently. They also said that a study showed the new rate is in line with similar cities, though some are urging them to release the study publicly. The City also said that money from meters goes toward services like street and sidewalk repairs, bike lanes, and other improvements.

According to the City, a study was done in 2022 that looked at how metered parking is used and suggested improvements. The Mayor’s Administration then proposed the parking changes to the City Council in the Recommended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

The City held public hearings on May 20, 2025 and June 3, 2025 regarding the matter. After the meetings were held, the Council voted to make the ordinance and rate changes for the FY26 budget.

This is reportedly the first parking rate change since 2019, though many are upset about the changes.

Why do some disapprove of the changes?

One petition cites the following reasons for disapproval of the changes:

• Massive Price Hike: Raising the rate at City meters from $2.25 to $3.50 is a 55% price hike.
• Saturday Payment: Free parking on Saturdays is being eliminated.
• Hours of Metered Parking: Meter enforcement is being extended to 10 p.m., when it was previously 8 p.m.

Residents complain that, while the City claimed these changes are based on a study, no data or citations have been publicly provided. Salt Lake City locals criticize the City for a lack of transparency.

Residents also claimed that Salt Lake City’s parking will be more expensive and more restrictive than many comparable U.S. cities — not cities like Los Angeles or New York City. They said there is worry that the new policies will discourage people from visiting downtown, especially local residents.

“Increased rates, longer enforcement hours, and the removal of free weekend parking make downtown economically inaccessible or unattractive for many—and especially for city locals who live nearby but not within walking distance,” the petition states. “And public transit is not a sufficient replacement. It is overpriced, infrequent, inconvenient, and often feels unsafe—especially at night. For many in our community, it’s not a viable alternative.”

The petition calls on Salt Lake City leadership to do the following:

• Restore free two-hour Saturday parking.
• End metered enforcement after 8 p.m.
• Reduce the rate increase to something more reasonable.
• Consider a parking discount for local Salt Lake City residents.
• Publicly release data or studies used to justify the changes.

“Downtown Salt Lake City should be accessible, affordable, and welcoming to everyone—not just those who can afford to pay to enter or those who occasionally stop in for big events,” the petition states. “Policies for the city should consider the actual residents and business owners of the city. We don’t want to be just an ‘event city.'”

You may reach Salt Lake City’s Public Services division by phone at 801-535-7116 or by email at publicservicesinfo@slc.gov. The Administrative Services division helps the department by managing budgets, financial planning, staff training, safety, and customer service. It also supports communication, emergency response, contracts, and information systems.