Jun 24, 2025
Parking near some of San Diego’s most popular destinations may soon come at a higher cost. The San Diego City Council recently approved a series of changes to the city’s parking rules, paving the way for potential rate increases and expanded paid parking zones, reports CBS8.
The new measures don’t raise prices immediately, but the update to the municipal code will allow the city to charge for parking in previously free areas, including Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
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The changes also open the door for paid parking on Sundays in neighborhoods where parking is currently free on this day.
“It definitely sucks,” says resident Davis Glass. “The zoo is a hard place to start charging for, it already costs enough to go to the zoo.”
What San Diegans can expect
The newly approved code update follows a February change that already raised parking meter rates in some areas from $1.25 to $2.50 an hour.
Residents in the city already have mixed feelings about the changes.
“I think it’s a total bummer,” says a local La Mesa resident, Mary Alice Chocas. “I hate to see more and more fees come to San Diego. San Diego is pretty expensive already.”
Others, however, support the changes if the revenue helps improve the city. Proponents of the changes say more structured parking rules and rate adjustments could help reduce congestion near busy areas. Some residents also hope the changes will encourage alternatives to driving.
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"I think charging for parking will hopefully encourage people to take more alternate routes like buses or bikes," says Deanna Abrams, a San Diego resident.
City Council member Sean Elo-Rivera proposed only charging non-residents for parking at the zoo, estimating the city could raise $15 to $20 million annually by only charging tourists.
"At a certain point, I don't think it's unfair to ask folks who are coming to this city as visitors to chip in and contribute," he says.
The city is also considering other parking reforms, including updating valet parking permit fees and creating a new policy for managing city-owned lots. Additionally, the city’s existing by-laws ensure that parking meter revenues "must be reinvested to benefit parking and mobility-related needs within the meter zone where they were collected," according to the city’s statement. This may have positive longterm effects for the city, down to the specific neighborhoods where these fees are enacted.
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Navigating the rising costs of parking
The city has no immediate plans to change the parking rates and says any changes to the fees will occur over time, with residents being notified beforehand. Still, San Diegans should be prepared. Here are some ways to stay ahead of the changes:
- Check signs before parking: Areas that were once free may soon require payment, especially around Balboa Park and other high-traffic destinations.
- Use parking apps: Tools like ParkMobile or the city’s own parking app, called Park Smarter, can help residents track rate changes and pay digitally.
- Carpool or take public transit: Reducing your reliance on paid parking is one of the best ways to cut costs, though it isn’t an option for everyone.
- Plan ahead: If you’re planning a trip to the zoo or a park, check online first to confirm parking details and consider alternative transportation options if prices rise.
- Stay informed: To stay informed about upcoming changes, check the San Diego parking website or subscribe to neighborhood newsletters.
While no one enjoys paying more to park, city leaders say the changes are designed to keep streets less congested and ensure parking resources are managed more effectively.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer whose work has appeared in publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love. She’s especially passionate about helping families and kids learn smart money habits early.
