This increase is the result of performance-based pricing, an annual analysis of Boulder’s changing parking needs based on occupancy thresholds approved by City Council in 2021 and codified by City Manager Rule. Performance-based pricing sets different parking rates for on-street blocks depending on demand for that block. Performance-based pricing does not apply to accessible parking spaces, and the rate for those spots remains $1.50 per hour. Paid parking on streets in the downtown area as well as University Hill and Boulder Junction is in effect Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking in one of the city’s BoulderPark garages remains the most economical and efficient option for longer stays downtown. The first hour of parking costs $1.75, followed by an hourly rate of $1.25 for the second – sixth hours. The daily rate is $15.99 for stays longer than six hours. A $3 flat rate for vehicles entering and exiting between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. on weekdays continues. Additionally, parking is free in all city garages on weekends and city holidays.
As of Oct. 1, 2023, all BoulderPark downtown garages have gone gateless to allow for seamless entry and exit without waiting in line or losing a ticket. To register your vehicle for the Metropolis gateless garage system, please visit app.metropolis.io. After creating an account, simply drive in and drive out of any city garage without stopping to pay. Any payment due is automatically charged to your account.
“This past year has been transformative for parking and multimodal access in Boulder,” said Cris Jones, director of the Community Vitality Department. “We continue to seek innovative solutions to improve access to our key commercial districts that meet the community’s sustainability, equity, and resilience goals. Performance-based pricing is one strategy that helps us balance daily access demands with our community’s long-term priorities.”
For more information, please visit the city’s parking webpage. For specific questions, please contact Parking Services at parkingservices@bouldercolorado.gov.
