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Comments Please review our Code of Conduct rules before posting a comment to this site. Report Abuse, please include specific topic and comment for the fastest response/resolution.
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - November 05, 2008 03:47 PM
Here's the word I got from our Parking Control section: Changes in parking configurations (time limits, tlz, disabled, etc) must be made in writing by the property owner (not just the tenant) or the property management company. Once we have something in writing, we will check the specific location and determine if this is a feasible request. (If it is a case in a metered area that currently has 3 hour parking and one property on the block wants to change it to 2 hour, there must be signatures from the entire block of owners or no changes will be made.)
Posted by: Andrea Smith - January 08, 2009 11:00 AM
The parking is free after 7pm and on Sundays, but is the time limit still enforced? Is it still 90 minute limit even though its free?
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - January 08, 2009 11:05 AM
Nope, outside of metered hours the time restrictions are not in effect.
Posted by: Marcus Young - January 19, 2009 08:37 AM
Today (1/19/2009) is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is distinct from his birthday which is on 1/15. In your description of free parking holidays, you list Martin Luther King's Birthday as the free date. Can you please clarify which day it is free to park at city meters? Thanks,
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - January 20, 2009 02:51 PM
It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day that is free. Thank you for your question, I have updated the information above to try to make it more clear.
Posted by: Robert Nunn - February 03, 2009 07:42 PM
I received a $60 ticket this morning for parking in an area that was designated for carpools at that time of day. The only signage announcing tha carpool zone was at least a half block away. May I suggest that my $60 be devoted to providing better signage so that other well-meaning drivers aren't also mislead?
Posted by: Kathi Ketcheson - February 09, 2009 04:47 PM
I, too, received a $60 ticket, allegedly for parking in a carpool spot, although I checked carefully and saw no sign anywhere near where I parked or paid. With parking and traffic as it is downtown, don't you think you could try harder to make sure well-meaning drivers are not deceived, as Mr. Nunn notes in his comment to you? How can I formally contest this ticket, if I find that I have time to do so?
Posted by: Seib Seibl - February 16, 2009 05:25 PM
I have noticed new designated parking spots in downtown Portland for motorcyles. Are they exempt for paying parking fees?
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - February 17, 2009 09:14 AM
Motorcycles do have to pay for parking. Check here for more answers to frequently asked questions: http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=41024& Also, about the carpool parking spots in the two posts above, after corresponding with Mr. Nunn and Ms. Ketchison we've been out to check the locations and they are all marked with signs, including some extra signage on one block. Carpool parking spots in the downtown are typically 3-hour spots, and are reserved for carpools only from 6 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. -Ellen
Posted by: Blaine Dickason - February 19, 2009 10:54 AM
Can you clarify if the parking area in front of the old McCall's restaurant on SW Naito is free and available to the public? I regularly see cars parked here during normal business hours but don't see any meters nor signage regarding parking rules. Is this a permit only area or is it truly "free" parking? (It looks like there are approx 8-9 diagonal spaces here). Thanks in advance.
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - February 19, 2009 05:07 PM
This area is owned and managed by Portland Parks & Recreation. My advice is don't park there unless you have permission! You could try calling the Parks customer center at 503-823-2525.
Posted by: stacy pickerel - March 31, 2009 01:46 PM
We buy a carpool permit every month and would really appreciate if people would read the signs and not park in reserved carpool parking spots. In the mornings, it specifically says that the spots are reserved from 6am to 10 am for carpool only yet every day we can't find a spot because people are parking there and putting change in the meter. We pay for these spots in advance and deserve to use them.
Posted by: James Spencer - July 12, 2009 12:58 PM
I also receieved a $60 ticket in a location that we have parked in for over 4 years (9th and between Davis and Everett NW)...we move our vehicle BEFORE 8AM each morning, yet received a $60 ticket at 7:43AM because they turned the ENTIRE BLOCK to a CARPOOL section (AND ONLY MARKED VIA A SMALL ONE LINE NEWLY ADDED LINE ON AN EXISTING SIGN). It is VERY disceiving and the city should be required to notify a large 15 story building full of residents of such change. I wrote a letter to the City Parking Dept and Court, and GOT NO RESPONSE BACK. Even took pictures of the sign and how so many people have been caught due to it. I support the Mayor but this has got to be addressed.
Posted by: Marty M - July 13, 2009 01:01 PM
Congratulations - you've given us one more reason to NOT go downtown. Many, many of my friends have stopped going downtown for dinners, lunches, and other things. The one day we have is on Sundays - now you've even taken THAT away. It was already too much to park downtown, now it's outrageous.
Posted by: Samuel Ketcham - July 13, 2009 05:26 PM
Thank you for making it easier for me when it comes to choosing where I shop, and I can tell you it won't be downtown. For the persons who make these parking decisions you should come downtown on the weekend and take a tour of the ghost town they call Portland. In order to make more money you should have the parking fee start one half hour before the churches get out. You will make a mint! And that of course is the bottom line.
Posted by: Cody - July 26, 2009 05:34 PM
I find the changing of parking times on Sundays utterly disappointing. Its the one day i do not walk to work because i cannot afford parking and now i get ticketed TWICE for parking in a spot i have parked in for the last few months. Is Portland trying to make profit off of parking tickets? I have seen parking attendants hand tickets through windows of vehicles instead of just walking up and asking them to move. Whats the point of all this? Its not like we all don't pay 1/3rd of our money to the govt already why do you guys need more?
Posted by: Ed - July 27, 2009 10:10 PM
are we allowed to park overnight in garages such as 10th and Yamhill? What is the overnight rate?
Posted by: Shelly - July 30, 2009 01:18 PM
The carpool spots are NOT clearly marked. They all need to be marked in the same manner or I'm afraid it's only clear to the city, not visitors, what is what. It's great that I can look online to see where these meters are, but that did not do me any good at the time I got a ticket.
Posted by: Wilson - August 19, 2009 10:44 AM
Is parking free in downtown on Labour day? I also assume that parking is free in downtown only from 7pm onwards?
Posted by: Bob Lieberman - September 05, 2009 11:49 AM
Under days and hours for meter enforcement above, it states "In all metered districts, parking is free on Sundays and on the following nine (9) holidays...". I assume "all metered districts" includes Downtown, Lloyd, and OSHU. However, we all know Downtown meters are in effect on Sunday. If my assumption is correct, the quoted sentence is wrong. If my assumption is incorrect, does that also mean that free parking on the nine holidays does not apply to Downtown, Lloyd, and OSHU? Please clarify. [P.S. I too do not like the 7 PM ending and Sunday meter times and have reduced our trips to downtown Portland.]
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - September 06, 2009 12:13 PM
Thanks, Bob, for bringing this error to our attention. I've corrected the information on the website. Parking is free in all metered districts on holidays, but on Sundays it is free only in the metered districts OUTSIDE downtown. Hopefully that's stated clearly above now. Regarding downtown, much of the revenue generated from the extended hours and increased rates is going to support improvements and marketing for downtown, so hopefully you'll find it's still worthwhile coming downtown! -Ellen Vanderslice, Keep Portland Moving manager
Posted by: R Tesich - September 15, 2009 12:58 PM
How can someone who is just moving in get a parking permit, since they will not have any bill to prove they live there? Also, I don't understand the logic of making people move their cars every day when they may be able to walk or bicycle to school or work. That seems like a great waste of fuel, and an unnecessary source of pollution. Thanks.
Posted by: Bob Veit - September 28, 2009 05:05 PM
It is difficult to view parking meters at night. The time and money deposited to meters is displayed with a backlight, but the buttons which you have to push are not. Unless you frequently park downtown, and are familiar with the buttons on meters, it is impossible to operate the meters without a flashlight, as viewing which buttons to push is very difficult at night. Are there plans to modify meters for night viewing (now that paying for parking is required until 7:00 PM?
Posted by: Bob Veit - September 28, 2009 05:22 PM
While in San Francisco two years ago, I noticed that large stips of parking were designated for motorcycle and scooter parking. What caught my attention was that motorcycles and scooters were only charged 10% of what cars were charged, $.25 for cycles, and #2.50 for automobiles (I have photos). I ride a scooter or motorcycle to downtown Portland when I can, but I don't understand the mentality for charging what cars are charged for parking when a scooter or motorcycle takes up only a fraction of what parking space that a car takes. I would think that the City of Portland would encourage use of small vehicles in the downtown area by charging less for parking. The City is talking out of both sides of its mouth when they encourage "green transportation", but still want to discourage conservation and lower greenhouse emissions by charging scooters and motorcycles just as much for parking as they do automobiles. Do you care to comment on this? Thanks. Lately, I have been frequenting businesses (diniing and shopping) in non-metered parts of the city more often, instead of the downtown core area. I think you are shooting yourselves in the foot by charging excessively for parking, and are chasing revenue out of the city core area.
Posted by: disapointed - October 15, 2009 01:31 PM
There should be a park and ride in NW or SW near downtown. Maybe even a free parking area somewhere close or in fairless square. Its fairless ..but not really... so ironic you can ride our public transportation for free but your gonna have to pay about 10 bucks a day or more to park anywhere... or cough up 400 bucks a month for a parking permit... ha Im a struggling art student I can barely afford my tuition and meals so why should I have to pay uber dollars to park near my school? I got a ticket today for parking at the lloyd center and then jumping on the number 8 bus to nw I love portland but unaware bicyclists, outrageous parking, and our delightful meter maids need to go. Who can afford 5 bucks for parking then 30 bucks to go eat at a restaurant or shop ridiculous i tell you pure BULL SHIZzzz
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - October 15, 2009 01:40 PM
Thanks for your comments. I'm sorry you got a ticket! But it's a fact of urban life that one of the ways scarce resources are regulated is through pricing. That is why the areas where parking is in high demand have only paid parking. Do you have parking where you live? Couldn't you leave your car there and take transit from there? I know it's not free, but still cheaper than parking downtown (or paying a ticket). And what about bicycling? That's very affordable, if you are able.
Posted by: Portland Visitor - October 17, 2009 12:34 PM
Regarding downtown, much of the revenue generated from the extended hours and increased rates is going to support improvements and marketing for downtown, so hopefully you'll find it's still worthwhile coming downtown! ONLY A BUREAUCRAT THINKS IT MAKES SENSE TO CHARGE PEOPLE MORE TO PAY TO GET MORE PEOPLE TO COME. KEEPING AN EXISTING CUSTOMER IS MUCH CHEAPER THAN FINDING A NEW CUSTOMER.
Posted by: Kate - October 18, 2009 06:56 PM
Fun to hang out in downtown portland sometimes, but completely unnecessary to shop there when there are shopping centers with free parking just outside the city and just outside the downtown area.
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - October 18, 2009 07:17 PM
Downtown Portland has retail opportunities that simply can't be matched elsewhere in the region! It's easy and fun to shop downtown by transit. Thanks for writing.
Posted by: curmudgeon - October 25, 2009 10:34 PM
I reside about two and a half hours from Portland, and decided to visit on Sunday, October 25th, since there would be free parking downtown. Part of the enjoyment in the past, once a parking spot was located was that I could visit the Portland Art Museum, Powell Book and other businesses and restaurants in the downtown area without having to check my watch constantly and worry about getting a parking ticket. When I come from such a distance, I prefer to spend most of the day in various parts of downtown Portland, which now includes a hefty parking charge. Savannah, Georgia, by contrast, provides an option for visitors, where $7 will cover a 24-hour parking permit, $12 covers 48 hours. These permits are good for any metered parking spot (anywhere that one can park for over an hour and also at various parking lots) and covers as many location as one might visit during the time alloted. If Portland adopted such a measure, at least once the flat rate was paid, visitors could enjoy the rest of the day (or two days)without worrying about having to pay a parking fine. Consequently, I will very rarely visit downtown Portland, the Lloyd Center or OHSU areas again, unless there is a very special event or circumstance. I can purchase books from Powells on-line, and many other items in suburban Portland. And for the Pacific Northwest big-city experience, Seattle at least offers free parking at 6:00 P.M., an hour earlier than Portland, and free parking on Sundays. I'm sure this must not be the case (after all, politics is squeaky clean in Portland, right?), however if Portland were a corrupt city, one could speculate that those making the decisions for Portland have business interests in the suburban shopping malls and would directly benefit from a flight of visitors/customers from the downtown area. Or maybe some might be waiting to purchase abandoned buildings (due to business failures) at fire sale prices. If your purpose is to reduce the number of out-of-town visitors to downtown Portland, I think your plan will be exceedingly effective.
Posted by: curmudgeon - October 25, 2009 10:58 PM
I have just taken the time to review the many questions that have been asked here previously, and have found that very few of them have received a response. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest almost three and a half decades ago, I had always considered Portland to be a friendly and inviting city. That perception was obviously in error. Detroit was once a prosperous city, as Portland most likely still is. I do hope that Portland does not head down the same path. If curious, check out some of the recent articles about what life has become in that once fair city. Let's hope that their fate is not predictive of Portland's future.
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - October 25, 2009 11:28 PM
Thanks for writing. The problem with having an all-day pass is that most of downtown has timed parking zones, so even if you were paid up you'd have to move your car after 90 minutes or two hours or whatever the time in the zone was. But I'll forward your suggestion to the Parking Operations manager. SmartPark is a great option for those longer stays in downtown, and every SmartPark garage has a daily maximum. Everyone who has posted a question to the website has received an answer by e-mail. It's another step to post the answers back to the website, and there's no way for me to go back and put them in order if they weren't posted at the time. I guess I should go in and prune out some of the questions where the answer wasn't posted. I'm sorry it looks like people didn't get their questions answered! The decision to start charging for parking on Sunday afternoons was not taken lightly. Additional revenue was needed to cover the expenses of managing and marketing downtown, so the retail community supported the raise and chose Sunday afternoons rather than extending the hours past 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. The Sunday charges have the advantage of causing more turnover in the parking. Previously it could be difficult for someone wanting to park downtown to shop to find a space, because downtown residents and those who work downtown parked for free all day. Downtown Portland has unique attractors and I hope you won't give up on us completely! -Ellen ------------------------- Ellen Vanderslice Keep Portland Moving manager
Posted by: Russ - November 17, 2009 06:46 AM
I have read some comments here about poorly marked carpool blocks. There might be better ways to mark the areas, but I find that the signs are there to raed and adequate. I often park our 15 passenger van, and have stopped people from parking in those slots. My suggestion is to program those fancy meters to not dispense tickets in the timeframe alloted, with some message about the carpool restriction. Thanks.
Posted by: Matthew Berndt - November 25, 2009 04:00 PM
Is there maximum time a motorcycle can park in a motorcycle parking spot? (Also, as a note, your FAQ on motorcycle/scooter parking, states that lane splitting is not explicitly prohibited by Oregon law. It actually is (unfortunately) by ORS 814.240)
Posted by: Chloe E. - December 19, 2009 04:39 PM
I've been a downtown retailer since 1996. I'm surprised to hear that downtown businesses supported the change to Sundays as a) I know numerous downtown retailers and other business owners and none of them are in favor of it and b) none of us were asked. My business is in the west end of downtown on a block celebrated for it's creative and independent retailers. However, it's become more and more challenging to get our clientele to the west side as so many great shopping districts have popped up across the river and none of them pose the same parking challenges. They also tend to be more pedestrian and bike friendly. Personally, if I didn't work downtown I would rarely cross the river myself. The ads are sure pretty, but the plan to get more people downtown is not working. At least not for those of us outside of the core/high-end shopping area. Sundays were already a quiet day and now they are slower than ever. I pay $9 a day (over 10% of my income in a month) during the week just to not have to deal with the stress of closing my shop to move my car every 1.5 to 3 hours and risking a ticket. Biking and public transportation are not an option for everyone -- I'm a single parent, with limited childcare, who has been priced out of the central area of the city. There are simply not enough hours in the day for me to do my job, take care of my kid, and add nearly an hour to my daily commute. Obviously I'm not happy with the change and wonder why our city is taking measures to make downtown even less appealing to the general public. At this point I feel almost apologetic about my business being located downtown. Luckily I have weekends off and am able avoid it entirely. Why give more of my hard earned money to the parking moguls when I can park for free nearly everywhere else in the city?
Posted by: James Wilson - January 01, 2010 10:08 AM
Oh my gosh!!! I thought I was all alone...but now after reading all these comments about parking downtown I feel much better. After they started charging on Sunday I stopped going all together. If I ever do go downtown I would only ride my bike!!
Posted by: Jake - January 06, 2010 07:49 PM
yes i am with everybody, and everybody i know is with everybody. people to go downtown anymore for one reason only: parking. the city shouldnt discourage their own residents from spending time downtown. portland IS NOT chicago or manhattan. its utterly ridiculous and i am appalled at this beaurocracy
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - January 07, 2010 10:58 AM
I checked with our parking operations division and learned that they have no complaints from downtown businesses about the Sunday parking hours. Revenue from Sunday parking is right on track with the estimates made before it was instituted. The Portland Business Alliance and Downtown Retail Council actually supported paid parking on Sunday afternoons. Why? Because when the parking was free time limits didn't apply, so a few people parked all day for free and there was no turnover for those shoppers who did come downtown. With all due respect, people come downtown because downtown has shopping opportunities and amenities that simply are not available anywhere else in this region. They come downtown because there are multiple convenient travel options for getting there. They come downtown because it is a great place to spend time walking around. Thanks, -Ellen Vanderslice Keep Portland Moving Manager
Posted by: Charley Kellermann - January 09, 2010 08:44 PM
I would suggest that the city consider an exemption from the "parking on the sidewalk" rule for mopeds or small scooters. A few years ago I received a heavy fine for parking a tiny 50-cc scooter on the sidewalk rather than in a regular parking space on a busy day. I felt it was not only a waste of space, but also a hazard in that my scooter was so small relative to the SUV's parked on either side that an approaching driver might have thought the space was vacant and would turn in quickly, crushing my bike. I believe that allowing very small motorized bikes to park with the bicycles would free up car or regular motorcycle spaces, and would encourage the use of such economical & low-carbon machines. Thank you for your consideration.
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - January 11, 2010 07:02 AM
I will pass you suggestion on to Parking Operations. Thanks, -Ellen
Posted by: Name witheld - January 18, 2010 04:54 PM
I had no idea that paying for parking was required on a Saturday night 5:36 PM! I was parked on NW 11th between Burnside and Couch. I had NO idea and do NOT believe that parking meter payments should be required on Saturday evenings after 5:00 PM. That is horrible makes me think the City of Portland is down right greedy. I think I'll start a Portland Parking Complaint BLOG, report on utube, write a letter to the editor, and try ot get Wiliamette Weekly to write an article on how greedy Portland has become when it comes to parking. I plan to go to court just to complain and be heard. If enough of us complain about Saturday night parking WE CAN make a difference. The citation # HA09258216. The idea of paying a $40 ticket to park on a public street which I pay dearly in taxes for really makes me mad at the city. I used to support funding for the city, but I won't be voting to support city development anymore~! The City makes too much on parking tickets now that the rate has gone up AND they stick it to you on a Saturday night. I'll find away to make a complaint to Sam Adams too. I'm one angry property tax payer!!! Isn't enough to pay 1,000's i property taxes without having to pay for parking on a Saturday night?
Posted by: On-street Parker - January 27, 2010 01:26 PM
I see many folks complaining about parking fees and the times changing for the meters, however do most people realize that if you have a handicap placard, you do not have to pay a dime for parking? You can park anywhere on the street for free, preferably not in the 30-minute zones, however it is still allowed. I suppose the carpoolers, whose rates doubled this past year, and those who are paying for on-street parking during the newly extended hours must pay for all those parking folks with priveledges such as folks with handicap placards. It is no wonder the number of people using disabled permit placards to park on downtown streets has grown by 35% since 2005. Look around and observe all the handicap placards taking up space around the streets of Portland. Do you notice how many are parked ALL DAY LONG during their work day? Please explain why having a handicap placard keeps you from paying a dime for parking? I can understand rates similar to the ones for carpoolers, but free, come on. Folks are entitled to displaying this placard due to physical challenges, not because they are financially unable.
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - January 27, 2010 02:48 PM
State law regarding parking with a disabled person parking permit changed in 2007. The City formed a task force to determine how Portland would respond. The task force reported to City Council in 2009. Their report is available online here: http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=46462&a=247507 (cut and paste, because these comments don't allow hyperlinks). -Ellen
Posted by: vc - January 27, 2010 10:56 PM
Sunset strip was THE hot spot in LA now no one goes there due to incredible parking fees and enforcement times (can you believe 9pm in LA). It's a ghost town copmpared to what it once was... hope this doesn't happen to Portland...
Posted by: Lori - February 02, 2010 11:55 AM
I live in SW Portland and the city cut our bus service on weekends - No bus 51 to get downtown. There is also no free park and ride parking, no access to the Max (I'd have to drive to Sunset Transit to park - since the zoo gives tickets), and biking up Dosch Rd and on Patton and Vista is extremely hilly, narrow and dangerous. I used to have a carpool pass I used with my Lincoln students but the rate was doubled from $55 to $100 last July. The city has made it impossible to get to downtown from near SW Portland without driving and paying outrageous parking. I feel like my taxes are subsidizing the other parts of the city and I am getting squeezed - I am middle income and a single parent - not a rich westsider.
Posted by: Ellen Vanderslice - February 02, 2010 01:23 PM
Thanks for writing, Lori. I understand your frustration. Of course I'm not sure exactly where you're starting from, but we would love to help you find an alternative to driving, so here are some suggestions: 1. You're right about Dosch and Patton and Vista being tough and dangerous for bicycling - I know, I've tried it. But there are some alternative routes, and we are working to make more bicycle boulevards, even in Southwest. Jeff Smith in our office can help with route planning if you are really interested in bicycling to downtown. 2. You might consider combining a bike with transit that does run on the weekends. Since you can take your bike with you on transit, maybe you can make a downhill ride to transit, then take a different line back and have a downhill ride home. 3. Parking in downtown Portland is actually relatively inexpensive when compared to other cities. Parking in any SmartPark is $5 for all day on weekends -- not that much more than two trips by bus! Plus, if you're going downtown to SHOP there are numerous retailers who validate for SmartPark parking. Find out more here: http://www.portlandonline.com/smartpark/. 4. If you haven't already, consider writing to TriMet to let them know how the lack of weekend transit service affects your travel. http://trimet.org. I hope this is helpful, -Ellen |
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I am writing to request a change in the time limit for on street parking on Columbia between Broadway and 6th. There are no retail businesses that require heavy foot traffic in that corridor. Mummys Restaurant is there but they don't rely on foot traffic during the day. Could the meters be changed to 3 hour limits to accommodate the Oregonian employees that could use an extra hour on the parking time allowance along that stretch of road?
Thank you for your consideration of this request