Downtown Parking Lots

The Public Works Downtown Team is excited to announce the “Locals’ Weekender Parking Permit,” making shopping and dining in downtown Santa Barbara easier and more affordable for residents of Santa Barbara County.

This exclusive permit costs $100 and is valid for six months of weekend parking. Locals can use the permit to park in any of the City of Santa Barbara’s Downtown Parking lots every Saturday and Sunday without paying parking fees.

Proof of residency is required when applying for permit.  Please review Terms and Conditions of permit use prior to submitting application.  

Rates are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
•    First 75 Minutes FREE!
•    Each hour or part of an hour after the initial 75 minutes:  $3.00
•    Each car is allowed one 75-minute free period per 24 hours
•    $33.00/maximum per 24-hour period.

Rates are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
•    First 2 ½ Hours FREE!
•    Each hour or part of an hour after the initial 2 ½ hours:  $3.00
•    Each car is allowed one free period per 24 hours
•    Daily Maximum is $12.00
•    Valid placard or plate required

More information may be found on the Accessible Parking Guide

Rates are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Amtrak / Greyhound Passenger (Lot 13/Depot Lot Only)
•    $10.00 per day
•    Must present train/bus ticket or validation stamp to receive this rate. 
•    Only valid in City Lot 13.

•    Lots are open 24 hours. The maximum stay is 72 hours.
•    Vehicles left over 72 hours are subject to tow-away (except in the Railroad Depot lot).
•    No vehicles over 22 feet are allowed in City lots.
•    Soliciting or distribution of flyers is prohibited.
•    Park in marked stalls

Downtown Parking Lots
The City offers convenient and affordable monthly parking permits in select Downtown Parking Lots.

Fee Collection Envelopes are issued in Downtown Parking lots for fees not collected at exit.  

Pre-Paid Parking Cards may be purchased in the following denominations: $30.00, $60.00, $90.00, $120.00, or $250.00. You may purchase a card online or by visiting the Downtown Parking office. 

Pre-Paid cards can be refilled up to the original denomination online or by contacting the Permit Counter at (805) 564-5656 Option 3. The card cannot be refilled at the parking kiosks. The Downtown Parking Office is available via telephone or online, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30, and closed every other Friday. Please visit the City Calendar for the full schedule.

License Plate Recognition: 
License plate recognition, sometimes shortened to LPR, is a feature on some software that can detect, read, and store video of a car's license plate. Used primarily in traffic monitoring in parking lots and gated security entrances, this allows the camera to capture a license plate number which is then compared to a database. The image will be processed through Skidata analytics software to determine fees accrued in the downtown parking facilities.  License Plate Recognition Policy

Mobile Pay:
A convenient, fast and touchfree payment of parking: Scan – Pay – Go. With the SWEB Mobile Pay, paying is easier than ever, no app, no registration, no cash. Customers simply scan a QR Code on their entrance ticket to complete the process online via their smartphones. For more information on paying your parking fees with your phone, visit the Mobile Payments for Downtown Parking Lots page.

The City of Santa Barbara is a full-service city offering a wide array of engaging career opportunities for those with an interest in service to community.  Many of these positions are promotional, and therefore only open to current hourly and regular staff.  When you join the Downtown Team, not only will you be eligible to apply for these promotional only positions, but you will receive opportunities for mentorship and training to help you advance in your career.  Come Join our team and help us show the public just how great it is to work in such a wonderful city.