Starting Monday, April 3, parking close to high-demand areas of downtown Boulder will cost 50 cents more per hour. This change is the result of an extensive and ongoing study of Boulder's growing parking needs, and a move toward performance-based pricing.

Performance-based pricing sets different parking rates for on-street blocks depending on demand for that block and offers uniformly lower off-street parking pricing. Performance-based pricing does not apply to accessible parking spaces, and the rate for those spots remains $1.50 per hour. Pay parking on streets in the downtown area is in effect Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Parking in one of the City of Boulder's garages continues to be an economical and time-saving option with the hourly parking rate remaining at $1.25 per hour, with a daily flat rate of $15 for stays longer than six hours. The $3 flat rate for vehicles entering and exiting between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. on weekdays continues. This evening rate provides downtown swing shift workers with a more affordable parking option. Additionally, free parking on weekends and city holidays continues in the city’s parking garages.  

“Boulder is a recognized national leader in providing a variety of options for access, parking, and transportation, said Cris Jones, interim director of the city’s Community Vitality Department. “Performance-based pricing of on-street parking is just one of many strategies the city is working to implement to support the community’s social, economic, and environmental goals.” 

For more information, please visit the city’s parking webpage. For specific questions, please contact Parking Services at: parkingservices@bouldercolorado.gov.