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Port approves interim event parking tariff for Port Orchard Marina, 52025to10 per hour, effective June 1
Summary
The commission voted to add an optional event parking rate of $5to $10 per hour for Port Orchard Marina spaces; the move targets short-term peak demand near the farmers market and other events and affects 32 Port-controlled spaces. Commissioners emphasized signage and an educational enforcement period with the city.
The Port of Bremerton commission voted April 22 to add an optional event parking rate for Port Orchard Marina parking spaces to address constrained capacity during downtown events and seasonal peaks.
The motion, moved and seconded during the meeting, authorized adding an event parking tariff of $5 to $10 per hour to the Port27s tariff schedule with an implementation date of June 1, 2025. Commissioners recorded votes in support from Commissioner Boseman, Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner Strickland; the chair announced the motion carried.
Staff explained the change as an interim, targeted measure that affects a 32-space area adjacent to the Port Orchard farmers market and the marina. Background materials presented at the meeting said the Port owns approximately 136 spaces across the mapped blue and green areas and that the farmers market occupies about 78 spaces on Saturdays. Staff said construction in 2023 by the City of Port Orchard displaced some original marina parking, triggering new access and enforcement arrangements; the city revised its municipal code in April 2024 to add Saturday parking enforcement.
Staff described the proposed event tariff as a tool to manage premium parking near the market and other large events (staff cited the Port27s expectation of an international soccer event in 2026 as an example requiring event planning). The tariff is optional and intended to encourage turnover of premium curb-adjacent spaces during high-demand periods while preserving free parking elsewhere downtown. Staff said the Port27s previous commuter rate (about $1 per hour) would remain in place for weekday long-term commutes.
Commissioners raised concerns about impacts on farmers market customers and small downtown businesses if daily market-goers face a $5to $10 parking charge. Staff and commissioners emphasized the need for clear signage and communication; staff said the city27s enforcement plan included an initial two-month educational period with notices on windshields and no tickets issued, plus outreach and parking maps distributed at the farmers market.
Staff also noted that only 16 of the Port27s previously available 63 spaces directly adjacent to the marina will return after construction; the Port and city have been negotiating access and management of lots. Commissioners discussed longer-term solutions such as a parking garage and continued stakeholder coordination but framed the tariff as an operational, revenue-offsetting tool while longer-term planning continues.
The motion passed; staff said they would return to the commission after the second summer of running the revised parking management approach with a report on outcomes and any recommended adjustments.
