Manhattan Beach, a Southern California coastal city, is set to increase its parking fees and citation fines across various city lots and street parking zones. The changes, approved by the city council, will take effect on August 1.
Officials estimate that the new fee structure could generate an additional $1 million in revenue by fiscal year 2027, according to Manhattan Beach News. The revenue is intended to address increased demand for parking and fund critical infrastructure projects, including the replacement of aging parking facilities.
Under the revised plan, hourly curbside parking rates in the downtown area will rise from $2.50 to $4.00 during peak beach season, which runs from May through August. For the remainder of the year, the rate will be $3.50 per hour. Parking closer to the beach, in lots such as El Porto, Bruce’s Beach, and the Upper and Lower Pier lots, will also see an increase. These locations will charge $4.00 per hour during the summer months, compared to $3.50 for the rest of the year. Other parking spots throughout the city will be priced at $3.00 per hour during peak times, up from $2.50.
In addition to hourly rates, the cost of parking citations will also increase by $6. The average cost for violations such as expired meters or parking in red zones will go from $59 to $65, with similar increases applied to other parking violations.
The city council considered options for gradual, automatic annual rate increases but opted instead to review rates periodically. The city's plan also includes a modernization of the parking system, transitioning from traditional meters to mobile payment options. Drivers will be able to pay using parking apps like ParkMobile, as well as through pay-by-plate stations, allowing payment via app, text, or phone call.
These adjustments position Manhattan Beach's parking fees as being significantly lower than those in neighboring beach communities like Hermosa Beach and Newport Beach. However, the changes have drawn criticism from some residents. Concerns have been raised about the impact of higher costs on casual visits for errands or take-out food, with some residents expressing that the increased fees might deter them from stopping in the city.
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