The Huntington Beach, California city council gave final approval to an ordinance May 16 that will raise the city’s parking meter rates and add meters on Main Street between Orange Ave and Pecan Ave in the downtown area.
Currently the city is making $6.4 million in revenue for its general fund between parking meter zones and unattended paid parking lots. The new ordinance will address cost increases due to inflation and boost revenue by $2.85 million yearly, according to a city staff report.
During the peak season which falls between Labor Day and Memorial Day, rates will increase between $1 to $1.25, with typical peak season parking prices currently ranging between $2.50 to $3.00.
Off season rates which average $2.25 will jump to $3.00, according to the staff report.
Councilman Casey McKeon said the move will help “optimize” the cities tourism industry, “which I feel we need to harness even more moving forward,” he said.
Councilman Dan Kalmick suggested a gate charge should be considered for certain events at some of the city’s beaches like Bolsa Chica State Beach.
“Right now, if there’s a concert at one of the state beaches, we have all of the spillover we have to deal with, with our services,” he said.
City staff agreed to discuss the idea in a later council meeting. Currently the city charges $2 more per hour for the fourth of July and annual Pacific Air Show events.
On Main Street, an estimated 42 new parking meters will generate around $150,000 annually, city officials said.
For those with campers who pay for what’s known as “site lock,” it will double from $5 to $10, which is used for reserving a spot on the campground.
On-street parking meters will be adjusted June 15 per the ordinance, and unattended lots and RV Campground fees will increase May 27 to coincide with the start of the peak season, officials said.
