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Commission raises residential-parking permit to $65 and approves new commuter-permit option
Summary
The Missoula Parking Commission voted April 8 to raise the annual residential parking permit from $45 to $65 and to introduce a commuter permit for daytime workers in residential zones.
The commission approved on April 8 a $20 increase to the annual residential parking permit (RPP), raising the permit from $45 to $65. The fee change is intended to move the RPP program toward cost recovery: staff previously reported the program covered roughly 27% of its administrative cost at the prior price.
Parking Services Director Jody Pilgrim told neighborhood councils the commission would pilot a commuter-permit option for workers who need daytime access in residential permit zones — examples include nannies, hospice workers, dog walkers, house cleaners and business employees on residential streets. "This will be a new potential revenue source in the residential parking area," Pilgrim said, adding the commission will limit commuter permits to the block where the permit is used and will not sell them to university students or staff.
The board approved the $20 increase after staff noted the parking plan recommended incremental increases until the RPP program covers its administrative costs. Pilgrim said last year the board approved the first $20 increase in a multi-year approach; this second $20 step is intended to continue toward cost recovery. Pilgrim said she will return next year with results from the initial commuter-permit offering so the board can assess uptake and program impacts.
Public comment included concerns from residents about game-day impacts and requests that the commission explore charging visiting-event attendees (for example, University of Montana football attendees) for parking in RPP zones during games. The commission recorded a written comment from a resident asking the commission to pursue a fee on event tickets to cover RPP impacts; staff did not commit to a specific follow-up, but said they will continue engagement with neighborhood councils.
The motion to increase the residential permit fee passed in roll-call vote; staff will implement the change and begin offering commuter permits in the current fiscal year, with implementation details to be communicated to residents and businesses.
