Paid Parking Starts June 1 In the Village: What You Need To Know

LARCHMONT, NY — Free parking is about to be a thing of the past, both for municipal lots and street side parking in the Village of Larchmont.

Starting June 1, parking in Larchmont retail districts will be a little more complicated. The new pay stations that have been installed over the past two weeks will be ready to start collecting recently instituted parking fees beginning on June 1.

Downtown visitors can also download the Passport parking app to pay the new parking fees directly from their mobile devices.

Starting in June, big changes to the rules will take effect. Here's what you need to know:

• The new parking rules will be enforced every day, except Sundays and holidays.
• Metered parking rules will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• In most cases, street parking will be limited to two hours.
• Parking in municipal lots will be limited to four hours.
• Parking on streets and in lots will cost $0.25 for 15 minutes.
• Fees can be paid using coin, cash or credit at pay stations or using the Passport parking app.
• There is a one-hour minimum on the app.
• After paying, time may be added in 15-minute increments on the app.
• The app will charge an additional fee of $0.30 for each transaction.

After more than two years of study and a comprehensive report completed last year on parking needs in the village's retail districts by BFJ Planning, the village board voted to begin implementing plans for paid parking. Village Administrator Justin Datino reported to the elected officials that the move would not only provide a source of revenue that could be reinvested in the downtown area, but would also benefit businesses by making parking more readily available.

The BFJ study cited economic analysis and conclusions from the book "The High Cost Of Free Parking" by Donald C. Shoup in its 2020 report to the village board.

The move away from free parking has earned the endorsement of business leaders.

“We commend the Village Board of Trustees for tackling the complicated issue of meter parking,” the Larchmont Chamber of Commerce said in a statement lauding the parking reforms. “We look forward to easier customer access for businesses and a better shopping experience for residents.”

Parking downtown will remain confusing in the coming weeks with pay stations installed, but not yet ready for use, apps to download to mobile phones and brand new overtime limits. The village says that in addition to releasing plenty of updates on the changes as they come into effect, staff will be made available to answer any questions at 914-834-6230.