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Parking FAQs

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As of July 1, 2024, parking rates and parking violation fines will increase in Iowa City for the first time since 2013. Learn more about the changes and why they’re necessary.

Check out our Iowa City Parking Explorer for a map of all parking spots, their prices, and parking tips for visitors, Downtown employees, employers, and residents, commercial deliveries, and students. 

Why are rates increasing?

This is the first time the City has increased parking rates in 11 years. Current revenue from parking fees covers only 22% of the Parking Division’s budget. Several maintenance projects, totaling over $10 million in costs, will need to be completed in the City’s parking ramps over the coming years. The increase will help cover those costs. 

What are the changes? 

Rates will increase throughout the Downtown area. 

  • Ramp parking will be $2 an hour, up from $1
  • Starting Sept. 23, 2024, metered street parking in the Central Business District will be $2.25 an hour, up from $1.50, and will be $1.50 up from $.75 or $1.00 in outlying areas

Parking fines have also increased and are listed below:

Expired meter:

  1. First offense: warning

  2. Second: $10, up from $7

  3. Third: $15, up from $12

  4. Fourth: $20, up from $15

  5. Fifth: $30, up from $20

  6. Sixth or more: $40, up from $25

Parking in commercial loading zone

  1. First offense: $25, stays the same

  2. Each additional offense per year: $40.

The fine scale for new tickets related to expired meters or commercial loading zones resets each July 1st. 

Unauthorized parking in accessible parking spaces: $200, matching State law.

What about parking permits for City ramps?

The rates for parking permits will not change. 

What about First Hour Free parking in ramps? 

First Hour Free in parking ramps will continue. It will also be added to Chauncey Swan and Harrison Street parking ramps. 

Who can I talk to if I have questions? 

Feel free to visit our Parking and Transportation Office at 335 Iowa Avenue and talk to our staff, or call 319-356-5151. Email: parkingonline@iowa-city.org.