Downtown Parking Permits

• How do I use a permit?
  • You will receive a small RFID card that you will scan as you enter and exit the lot.
  • How to Use Your Permit
• Can my employer pay for the permit?
  • Employers can create an admin account and subscribe for their employees parking permits under this account. All billing will go directly through the employer account.
• What happens to my permit if I change jobs or no longer work downtown?
  • If you no longer meet the eligibility requirements by holding a job in the downtown core, your permit will need to be relinquished to the City.
• Can I transfer my permit to another employee at my work?
  • If you are no longer using your permit or no longer meet the eligibility requirements, the permit must be relinquished to the City. Permits cannot be reassigned, each employee will be required to have their own subscription for their parking permit.
• I drive multiple vehicles, can I use the permit in each vehicle?

  • Absolutely! In your parking portal, you can add up to 3 vehicle license plates. Please note, License Plate Recognition (LPR) only works if you have a front plate. Front license plates are required for all permit holders. 

     

Apply for a Membership

• RATES - $10 per month or $90 a year with an annual membership ($30 savings!)
• USE FOR:
  • Access to both Bike Spot Facilities - secure bicycle parking facilities for those commuting downtown for work by bicycle.
  • 7-days per week, 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • Upgrade to the annual membership for restroom and shower access at the Granada Garage location.
• LOCATIONS:
  • Granada Garage Location: 1219 Anacapa Street
    • 78 Bike Racks
    • Work bench and tools
    • Outlets for E-Bike charging during open hours
    • Air compressor and pumps
    • Day-use lockers
    • CCTV cameras for security
    • Restroom and Shower (Annual Membership only)
  • Lot 3 Transit Center Location: 9 W Figueroa
    • Convenient location near the MTD Transit Center
    • Bike racks
    • Bike pump (coming soon)
    • CCTV cameras for security

For resources about biking in the City, visit Biking. 

Apply for the Locals Weekender  Permit

• RATE - $80

• USE FOR:
  • Weekend parking for locals. Proof of residency is required when applying for permit.
  • Valid for six months of weekend parking every Friday-Sunday in Downtown Parking Gated Lots.

Monthly Commuter Permit - $165              

Monthly Permit Paseo Nuevo Employee - $95    

Available to employees of businesses located in Paseo Nuevo mall. Business must have a Paseo Nuevo address to qualify for the reduced rate. Businesses with a State Street address to not qualify for this rate.

To verify if you qualify and get added to a whitelist to sign up, call the Downtown Parking Permit counter at (805) 564-5656, option 3.

Monthly 24/7 Permit - $250             

Monthly Commuter Permit - $165

24/7 Permit - $250  

Monthly Commuter Permit - $165

This permit is currently waitlist only. Please email our staff at ParkingPermits@SantaBarbaraCA.gov for availability. Lot 9 roof parking permit for commuters. 

Monthly Basement Assigned Permit - $180

This permit is currently waitlist only. Please email our staff at ParkingPermits@SantaBarbaraCA.gov for availability. Lot 9 basement parking permit with an assigned parking spot for commuters. 

Monthly Commuter Permit - $70 (Effective July 1, 2025)

24/7 Permit - $125 (Effective July 1, 2025)

Monthly Commuter Permit - $165   

This permit is for the long-term parking of oversized vehicles. 

For the temporary parking of storage containers, moving vans, construction vehicles, or special events at a specific location, complete the online application for a Parking Restriction Waiver or contact the Public Works Permit Counter at (805) 564-5388, option 1, or at 630 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA.

BUSINESSES – Temporary or Annual Options:

Apply for Temporary Commercial Permit

• USE FOR:
  • A business can get temporary permits to park an oversized vehicle adjacent to an address where they are doing business, with the consent of that address. The sponsoring address may be commercial or residential. A specific commercial vehicle cannot get permits to park at the same address for more than 10 days in any 90-day period. If you need to park at one address for longer than 10 days, you will need to get a Parking Restriction Waiver from the Public Works counter.

Apply for Annual Oversized Vehicle Permit

• RATE - $100 per year for first vehicle registered, $50 per year for each additional vehicle associated with the business license. Fees are pro-rated quarterly.
• ELIGIBILITY:
  • To qualify, vehicles must be registered as a commercial vehicle and the business has a current City of Santa Barbara business license. Contact the DMV if the vehicle is not registered as a commercial vehicle. .
• USE FOR:
  • Permitted vehicles may park in the public right-of-way between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. This permit is valid for up to one year and expire on June 30th of each year. 

DISABILITY:

Apply for Annual Oversized Vehicle Permit

• RATE - Free.
• ELIGIBILITY:
  • Individuals must have a valid disabled placard or license plate and requires an oversized vehicle to accommodate their mobility-related disability.
• USE FOR:
  • This permit may be used to park adjacent to the permit holder’s home, workplace, or facilities where they receive services (doctor offices, grocery stores, churches, work, etc.).
  • This permit is valid for up to one year and may be renewed.

VISITOR OR RESIDENT:

Apply for Temporary Oversized Vehicle Permit

• RATE - First permit is free and then $5 per day after
• ELIGIBILITY:
  • Visitors and Residents of the City may apply to park an oversized vehicle adjacent to their permanent residence.
  • Businesses in the City may apply for temporary permits to park an oversized vehicle adjacent to the residential or commercial address at which they are working.
• USE FOR:
  • Permits are valid for no longer than five (5) consecutive days and are renewable for up to an additional five (5) days. A temporary permit may not be issued at any specific address or to any specific vehicle for more than ten (10) total days in any 90-day period.

More information coming soon!