Council approves $12→$20 annual beach parking permit after months of talks

After discussion and public testimony on equity and access, the City Council approved an ordinance increasing the annual beach parking permit from $12 to $20, a change the city says is the first fee increase in roughly 22 years. Jonathan Atwood, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, said the three jurisdictions that share the beaches—Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Nueces County—worked toward a joint, reasonable fee and that the General Land Office had recommended raising the city’s longstanding low rate: "The number settled on was $20 based on looking at our own books, Port Aransas looking at theirs, and the county looking at theirs, and coming to an agreement," Atwood said.

Council members probed whether resident discounts are permitted under state rules and how permit revenue and state hotel tax contributions would be tracked; staff said the GLO recommended a single annual flat permit and that permit revenues will be placed in a special revenue fund dedicated to beach operations and possible renourishment projects. Public speakers offered sharply divided views: some said the rise would hurt low‑income families and people with accessibility needs; others said it was overdue to maintain lifeguards and preserve the shoreline. The council carried the ordinance but directed staff to continue outreach with partner jurisdictions.