Summary:

Seattle's street parking rates have been updated as of August 4, with 70% of rates remaining unchanged, 21% increasing by $0.50 per hour, and 9% decreasing by $0.50 per hour. The changes are based on recent parking data and are designed to balance parking demand and availability, ensuring drivers can typically find one to two open spaces per block. The updated rates will remain in place until the next scheduled adjustment this fall.

Parking Rate Snapshot (Effective Aug. 4):

  • 70% unchanged
  • 21% increased by $0.50/hr
  • 9% decreased by $0.50/hr
  • Next adjustment: Fall 2025

As part of Seattle’s regular seasonal adjustments aimed at improving parking availability near businesses and popular destinations, new street parking rates took effect across the city on Monday, August 4. The updated rates, based on recent parking data, will remain in place until the next scheduled adjustment this fall.

City officials said the changes are designed to balance parking demand and availability, ensuring drivers can typically find one to two open spaces per block.

“We use the latest parking data to adjust parking rates, with a focus on providing enough open spots near businesses and other destinations,” the Seattle Department of Transportation said.

More than two-thirds of the city’s parking rates remain unchanged, while about 21% increased and 9% decreased. Rates rose by $0.50 per hour in areas where parking is harder to find and dropped by the same amount where more spaces are available. Overall, nearly 80% of all rates either stayed the same or decreased.

Seattle adjusts parking rates three times per year—spring, summer, and fall—under guidelines established by the Seattle Municipal Code in 2011. The Ballard Locks area is the lone exception, with updates occurring only twice annually, in May and October.

The city determines rates by analyzing parking occupancy data in each paid area to maintain space availability.

“Rates generally increase where and when it is hard to find an open parking space and decrease where parking spots are easier to find,” transportation officials explained.

Hourly rates vary by neighborhood and time of day. For example, Fremont’s afternoon rate increased to $4.50, while Green Lake’s morning rate remained $1.00. Westlake Ave N – South continues to offer free evening parking, while 15th Avenue E now costs $4.50 in the afternoon and $4.00 in the evening. The full list of updated rates is available online and posted at all paid parking locations.