Park Tucson parking rates rise July 1—what Tucson drivers pay now

Park Tucson’s revised parking rates and fees take effect July 1, 2026. The City says the biggest day-to-day changes will show up at the meter, in downtown garages and surface lots, and when you renew several permit types, including monthly permits, on-street commuter/student permits, and residential permits.

Metered parking and hourly garage/lots: new prices July 1

Metered parking: $1.50 per hour (up from $1)
Garage and surface lot hourly rates: $1.25 per hour (up from $1)

Evening and weekend flat fees (garages/lots covered)

For specific garages/lots listed by the City, the evening/weekend flat fees effective July 1, 2026 are:

$5 Sunday–Wednesday (5PM–6AM)
$7 Thursday–Saturday (5PM–6AM)
$5 Saturday and Sunday (6AM–5PM)

Enforcement hours and Sunday meter policy: unchanged

Park Tucson says there are no changes to the extension of parking meter enforcement hours. Enforcement stays on its regular schedule, and meters remain free on Sundays.

The City’s mayor-and-council communication describes current enforcement as:

Monday–Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fourth Avenue district: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until the Downtown Links Project is complete)

Monthly permit rates for garages and lots

If you park downtown on a monthly Park Tucson permit, the City’s July 1, 2026 rate table lists these monthly prices:

Pennington Street Garage: $90
City-State Garage: $65
Centro Garage: $70
Depot Plaza Garage: $75
Library Garage: $75
La Entrada Garage: $70
City Hall South Lot: $60
City Court Lot: $60
Franklin Lot: $55
Toole Avenue Lot: $50
Paseo Redondo Lot: $60
Warehouse District Lot: $50
Arts District Lot: $60

The City also says City of Tucson payroll deductions for current monthly permit holders will automatically update to the new rate on July 1, 2026.

Residential permits: $8 to $10 more per year

Park Tucson says residential parking permits increase by $8–$10 annually as part of the July 1, 2026 change.

On-street commuter/student permits: varies by zone

The City says annual fees for on-street parking offered to commuters and students (primarily around the University of Arizona, downtown, and 4th Avenue) increase for the next renewal period, with the increase varying by zone and a maximum increase of $75.

Under the updated schedule, Exhibit A lists:

Highest annual permit fee: $650
4th Avenue on-street commuter: $210

Why the City raised the prices

In a mayor-and-council communication tied to the modified proposal, the City describes the Park Tucson Fund’s finances as operating with a negative fund balance and projecting it to grow worse through FY26. The City also projects approximately $636,863 in annual new revenue from the changes, to help address a budget deficit and support security and reinvestment in parking facilities through updated equipment and technology.

What local business owners said

KOLD reported concerns from downtown operators as the changes took effect July 1. Co-owner Sandy Du Plessis of Unicorn Zebra called parking a “barrier to entry,” and 1989 Bakehouse owner Randy Koch said parking on 4th Avenue is already difficult and that the rate increase could further discourage customers—adding that hourly employees may also feel the impact.

Where to check the official rate for your spot

Use the City’s “Revised Parking Rates and Fees” page to confirm the exact amount tied to your situation—metered time windows, weekend/evening flat-fee windows, monthly permit location, or an on-street commuter/student zone.

Sources

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