Unlimited parking drops to about $4.00 a weekend for special ‘locals’ permit holders in Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Parking fees for special permit holders drops to about $4.00 a weekend in Santa Barbara under a six-month program, now underway.
The City of Santa Barbara Downtown Team from the Public Works department said permits are available for those who have a verified address in the county.
After that, the pass will allow them to go in and out of the downtown parking lots as many times as they want and stay into the pay period with no costs as they leave, as part of the special program for $100. Doing the math, it comes down to about $3.85 a weekend.
It makes access to Downtown Santa Barbara easier and more affordable especially for those going to events, eating out and shopping for longer periods of time.
Those buying a permit now will possibly benefit if they are out for extra hours during the holiday season and during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival coming up in early 2024.
Matt Chapa, a local resident hearing of the program as he came out of the Granada garage said, "you know I am all on board. It takes care of any nuisance issues and I am happy to pay the fees.
Santa Barbara Downtown Parking Supervisor Meghan Salas said, for those who want to " go to a movie, go to a restaurant, go shopping, it makes it much easier and more convenient and affordable for people to come down on weekends and enjoy our downtown here ."
One resident, Marsha Marcoe said she had a favorite restaurant in the area and often stays longer than the 75 minute free parking period.
It will also be a boost for area businesses from lower State street to Victoria Street.
Ben Kreizer said, "especially people walking up and down ." He said they could spend more time in the shops and food places. "Stay a little longer, exactly."
The pass is also a safer way to enjoy the popular late night scene. Salas said, "the local weekenders permit allows them to party downtown, safely, not drink and drive and this get back to their cars without worry about rushing back." She said cars left overnight will not have a fee with this special pass.
Click here for the permit application or go to the downtown parking office at the Granada garage.
