Paid downtown parking is now in effect in Eau Claire
Eau Claire’s downtown paid-parking program took effect on August 1, 2026, bringing afternoon and evening charges to designated on-street spaces and making payment rules immediately relevant for residents, workers and visitors.
The City Council originally set June 1 as the effective date, then adopted Ordinance No. 7617 on May 26 to move the start to August 1. A city notice said the change was needed because parking-kiosk delivery times were longer than expected.
When downtown parking is generally paid
Paid parking generally applies from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Parking is generally free from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays, according to city parking information and local reporting.
Drivers should check the signs at the specific space because rules can vary by location. The on-street system also is separate from downtown ramps and lots, which may have different rates and payment procedures.
How drivers can pay
Drivers can pay at downtown kiosks or use the Passport mobile-payment app. WEAU reported that kiosks accept cards, coins and tap-to-pay transactions.
The listed expired-meter citation is $15. That is the amount identified for an expired-meter violation and should not be treated as a guaranteed total for every possible parking violation.
Ramps and lots remain alternatives
Downtown ramps and lots remain alternatives to on-street parking, but their pricing and payment procedures are different from the new curbside system. The city’s parking-rate information lists current rates for downtown facilities.
Anyone parking downtown after 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday should check the posted rules, pay through a kiosk or Passport, and retain payment information. The city says parking citations may be appealed within 10 days of receipt through its citation portal.
Sources
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