Commission hears parking‑management study: staff recommends phased actions and asks for prioritization
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Summary
Staff summarized a parking and transportation demand management study showing downtown and beach lots reach summer peaks, reported roughly $1.1 million net parking revenue in 2024, and proposed a phased approach (quick wins, intermediate, long term) including meter upgrades, enforcement, lease of private lots and potential parking‑in‑lieu fees; the item was continued to Feb. 4, 2026.
Planning staff presented a technical update on the city’s Parking and Transportation Demand Management study and asked the commission for direction on priorities and remaining questions. Principal planner Zach Reem summarized data collection (January and July), outreach events and a pro forma analysis of possible strategies.
Key findings: downtown and beach parking lots reach or exceed capacity during summer weekend peaks, while other areas have available capacity if users walk a block or two. Turnover is high for many users (0–2 hours), but a significant share of parkers stay longer than two hours. Staff presented FY2024 financials: roughly $1.8 million in total parking revenue, about $300,000 in operating expenses, and about $287,000 credited to the Clean Ocean Fund for street‑sweeping fines and fees, leaving roughly $1.1 million that flows to the general fund.
Potential actions under study include replacing aging meters with modern pay boxes or smart meters (to support peak and seasonal pricing), strengthening on‑street enforcement (hire 1–2 park rangers or contract with an enforcement firm), marketing and adjusting the resident beach‑pass program (about 4,000 $50 passes sold last year), leasing more privately owned lots to expand supply, and creating a parking‑in‑lieu fee to streamline small projects that lack required spaces. Staff noted that a downtown parking structure is possible but expensive, would take more than five years to plan and build, and would require a multi‑year funding strategy.
Commissioners asked for additional analysis on peer cities’ strategies and outcomes, elasticity of demand if meter rates are increased, realistic construction costs and financing scenarios for structures, and estimates of revenue by adding meters on Del Mar. Commissioners recommended the consultant present prioritized "quick wins" (low‑cost, near‑term actions), intermediate and long‑term options so City Council can adopt an implementable plan. Staff and the consultant will revise recommendations and return on Feb. 4, 2026.
What's next: The commission continued the report to Feb. 4, 2026, and asked staff to return with prioritized, costed options, estimates for meter installations on Del Mar, more peer comparison detail, and clarifications on private‑lot lease availability and revenue scenarios.