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Study: University Place parking meters generating turnover but low compliance and modest revenue
Summary
One year after launch the city reports market-area parking meters are achieving turnover with average occupancy around 60% and compliance about 33%; revenues have been modest and enforcement has focused on warnings so far.
University Place staff reported to the council on Sept. 2 that the citys parking-meter program in the Town Center has produced the intended turnover but only modest revenue and low voluntary compliance.
Public Works staff presented a study covering March—6, 2025 and said the meters went live Sept. 1, 2024. "We have a rate of a dollar an hour," the report said. Staff reported an average occupancy rate "just over 60%" and an average compliance rate of about "33%." That means roughly one in three vehicles observed during the study paid for parking.
On revenue, staff said about $28,000 has been collected over the meters' lifetime but that net revenue is far smaller because transaction fees (credit card and pay-by-phone fees) reduce the share that reaches the city; net revenue cited in the presentation was "just over $5,000." Staff estimated the program could generate about $12,000 in 2025 and said the initial installation came in at about $50,000 (the original budget had been higher), giving a five-year projected payback under current assumptions.
Payment methods are dominated by an app (about 64%), with credit-card payments about 23% and coin about 13%. Staff noted the app carries the highest transaction fees. The city provides free parking in the garage, which staff said users have increasingly chosen.
Enforcement has been soft to date: staff said they have issued roughly 600 warnings and rely on Pierce County security personnel under contract to do parking patrols. Staff identified 18 vehicles that received more than three warnings and one vehicle that received 14 warnings. The current fine for parking violations is $25; staff told council that increased citation activity is likely if voluntary compliance does not rise.
Staff recommended keeping the $1 hourly rate and continuing the current approach, with increased targeted enforcement expected to improve compliance. Council members asked for periodic follow-ups and more public communication about the program's purpose and costs; staff agreed to revisit numbers after enforcement with citations is in place.
Businesses near the meters reported generally positive experiences to staff, and staff said urgent-care access concerns have been addressed; ADA stalls near urgent care remain unmetered and state law allows ADA placard holders to park without payment.
