Parking Management for Smart Growth by Willson Richard W

Author:Willson, Richard W.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Island Press
Published: 2015-06-15T16:00:00+00:00

Rate-Setting Policy and Protocols

The key goals of parking rate setting include the following:

•Contribute to parking systems that are operated efficiently and cost-effectively

•Maintain sound fiscal management

•Provide parking in a manner that supports the economic vitality of the area served by parking

Understandably, adjusting parking rates is a very controversial topic among stakeholders in downtowns. However, if parking rates are not routinely reviewed and adjusted within the context of a clear, fair, and objective policy framework, then when rates are increased, the increase can be substantial because a long period of time (i.e., years) passes before fiscal challenges or occupancy patterns necessitate increases. Consequently, justifiable increases are seen as reactive rather than strategic and policy based. Similarly, the financial systems that support parking are adversely impacted when normal costs of operation are not addressed. Best practices parking management suggests that parking rates be adjusted periodically to address the following:

•Cover normal annual increases in operating costs of the system for which a fee is assessed (e.g., on-street meter system, off-street lot or garage)

•Reflect space demand patterns (e.g., using an occupancy standard as a decision-making trigger for adjusting rates upward or downward)

•Ensure efficient use of parking supply (e.g., using rate structures to encourage efficient use of all existing supply and therefore minimize surpluses in public off-street supply)

•Provide for future need as part of a comprehensive funding strategy (includes normal capital planning and projected growth in the system)

Cities should establish formal systems within the municipal code that provide a basis for rate setting in both the on- and off-street systems. What is lacking in most jurisdictions is a routine commitment to rate evaluation at all levels (e.g., this could include enforcement fines and fees as well) that objectively calibrates rates against a set standard of performance metrics. In the last five years, however, a number of cities have started instituting this process of regular adjustments. For example, SFpark adjusts on-street parking prices every six weeks in response to average occupancy conditions measured by in-pavement sensors (see chapter 6). Seattle adjusts parking prices annually based on manual parking occupancy studies.

To support a transparent and predictable rate adjustment process, cities should consider establishing the following rate-setting protocols:

1.Rate ranges. Adopt “rate ranges” for parking on- and off-street and establish rate setting as an administrative process under the purview of the city manager (informed by a representative stakeholder committee or advisory group). City Council should approve ranges that establish a minimum rate and an upper rate to which adjustments can be made over time. For instance, Vancouver, Washington, has rates for on-street parking that range from $0.35 to $2.00 an hour and $30 to $150 a month for monthly passes. The decision to adjust rates is based on clearly established criteria that are documented, measured, and reviewed by Vancouver’s Parking Advisory Committee. Criteria include cost to operate, capital planning for growth, and demand. If criteria are met, then the city manager has the authority to adjust rates within the approved ranges without Council approval. Once the top end of a rate range is achieved, City Council must approve new ranges.

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