Santa Barbara committee directs staff to limit daily courtesy period, approve on‑street timing changes and defer fee schedule

The Downtown Parking Committee for the City of Santa Barbara on a motion Tuesday directed staff to implement a policy limiting the 75‑minute courtesy period to one use per vehicle per lot per day and supported staff’s recommendation to standardize 0‑block on‑street short‑term parking while preserving loading and accessible spaces.

Committee members said the changes are intended to reduce the so‑called “75‑minute shuffle,” the repeated practice of exiting and immediately reentering lots to renew a free courtesy period, and to make enforcement and customer expectations clearer.

Staff described the proposals as an operational “tune up” designed to improve customer service, better match short‑term on‑street parking with longer‑term off‑street supply, and reduce misuse that erodes revenue available to the parking enterprise fund. “Our goal is for our system to work most effectively,” said Mr. Frantz, a staff presenter, explaining the committee’s role in shaping recommendations before a council finance committee hearing next week.

Key changes discussed included a pilot of pay‑by‑plate technology at the Helena lot to allow pay‑on‑foot or pay‑by‑plate operation without returning to the vehicle; pilot discounts for employee and 24/7 resident permits in the Ortega Garage (Lot 10); a proposed increase in some lot hourly and daily maxima; and adjustments to special event and facility‑use fees. Staff said…