Changes to Downtown San Mateo Parking Begin July 1

Press release and image by City of San Mateo

With nearly 3,000 public parking spaces available in Downtown San Mateo, the City of San Mateo provides parking that allows downtown customers with the ability to run errands, relax over a leisurely lunch, work a full day, and enjoy their time in San Mateo. Changes to the parking program, beginning on July 1st, will provide a smarter, easier, simpler way to accommodate the variety of parking needs and help downtown customers find a spot.

Those visiting or working in the downtown can expect new pricing and time-limits that offer greater flexibility in determining the best place to park. Two new color-coded parking areas, orange in the downtown core and green along the perimeter, will help you find the right parking space based on the amount of time you need, your reason for visiting downtown, and the amount you want to pay.

Park in the Orange Area if you are running an errand, need less time, or don’t mind paying a little more. The higher price, $1.00/hour for street level parking, encourages parking turnover making it easier for customers to find a spot. The new three-hour time limit provides plenty of time to do all you need to do.

Park in the Green Area if you are a downtown employee, need more time, or don’t mind a little walk. This area is a few steps from the downtown core, is less expensive, and provides more options for all-day parking. At $.50/hour, you can park in the upper levels of most downtown garages and won’t have to worry about parking tickets or feeding the meter. This area offers affordability and convenience for all-day parking.

Not everything about downtown parking has changed. Parking remains free after 6:00 p.m. and all day Sunday, with no time limit. And, through September, free parking is also available at the Main Library and 101 Ellsworth Garage from 6:00 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

The changes to downtown parking are part of the Downtown Parking Management Plan adopted in 2014 and are the first phase of its implementation. The Plan outlines a strategic approach to meeting parking demand and planning for future improvements. Visit www.cityofsanmateo.org/DowntownParking for more information about the initial changes as well as the Downtown Parking Management Plan.

“These changes are intended to make it easier and more convenient for everyone using parking in Downtown San Mateo,” says Larry Patterson, San Mateo City Manager. “If you need more time, go to the green area and if your visit warrants less time, park in the orange core. The color coded areas are meant to simplify parking and will help visitors and workers make informed parking decisions.”