Paid Parking will be required as of 4/6/2026
On-street parking spaces provide quick access to businesses, dining, and entertainment options.
On-Street Parking
Whether you're meeting friends, picking up supplies, or buying tickets to an upcoming show, on-street parking is available for quick trips. For extended stays, consider parking in one of the many nearby garages or surface lots to park and walk to and between destinations.
The City of Pasadena will soon install and operate parking meter kiosks (also known as multi-space meters) on select blocks in the Playhouse Village area.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Convenient Payment Options:
- Passport App: Download the app (iPhone / Android) or use the online portal to pay for parking at any metered space in Pasadena (accepts card payments).
- Pay by Plate: Enter your license plate information at a multi-space meter (accepts coins or credit card payments). If you don't have a license plate number, you can use the last 8 digits of your VIN.
Please contact us to report any malfunctioning multi-space meters.
How On-Street Parking Rates Work
Paid on-street parking helps keep spaces available for more people by encouraging drivers not to stay longer than they need. This means parking spots turn over more often, making it easier for new customers to find a place to park near their favorite shops, restaurants, and services.
More turnover = more access = more business for our local community!
Where Paid Parking is Coming
The new escalated rate structure features two distinct parking rate zones, designed to optimize parking based on demand:
- Zone A – High Demand Area: This zone covers areas with high parking demand, ensuring turnover and availability for short-term visitors.
- Zone B – Lower Demand Area: This zone includes areas with lower parking demand, offering more affordable rates for longer stays.
By tailoring rates to demand, we aim to improve parking availability and convenience for everyone.
The highlighted areas on the map below show the blocks that will be part of the new paid parking program, which will help ensure that more drivers can find a space when they need one—supporting local businesses and making visits more convenient for everyone.
Paid Parking Zones
Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Benefits of the New Model
Escalating Rate Model Strategy
The escalating rate model is a strategy to increase on-street parking availability by allowing a driver to decide what is the best parking session length of stay. In a two-hour-plus zone, the escalating rate model would have a base cost for the initial two hours, and if the driver chooses to stay for an additional hour, there would be an increased cost per hour. An escalated rate gives the customer flexibility by giving them the option to pay to stay.
The image below shows an example of an escalating rate option. This rate structure also allows someone who is running beyond their initially anticipated time while shopping or visiting businesses within the meter zone to purchase additional time at an escalated rate, without the fear of citation for an expired parking meter.
- Increased Flexibility: Drivers can extend their parking time without needing to move their vehicle.
- Reduced Congestion: Encourages turnover, making more on-street parking available for short-term visitors.
- Enhanced Revenue: Additional funds generated can be reinvested into improving the Playhouse Village area.
- Better Parking Management: Long-term parking needs are met by directing drivers to off-street garages and surface lots, which offer both hourly and maximum rates.
For those needing longer-term parking, whether they are employees, residents, or visitors, there are ample options available in off-street garages and surface lots.
Pasadena Playhouse Parking Meter Zone Advisory Commission
The Pasadena Playhouse Parking Meter Zone Advisory Commission plays a crucial role in setting parking rates. This commission, composed of property owners, renters, and other stakeholders within the parking meter zone, provides valuable input based on local needs and occupancy levels.
Process:
- Assessment: The commission assesses parking demand and occupancy rates in different areas.
- Recommendations: Based on this assessment, they recommend appropriate rate structures to the Department of Transportation Director.
- Implementation: The Director of Transportation then reviews these recommendations and sets the parking rates accordingly, ensuring they align with the overall goals of reducing congestion and enhancing the visitor experience.
This collaborative approach ensures that parking rates are fair, effective, and responsive to the needs of the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paid street parking has been used effectively for decades to help manage competing demands for curb space in commercial areas. With recent changes in demand from restaurant pickups, customer visits, and employees, the need for paid parking in Playhouse Village has never been greater. Working with the Playhouse Village Association over the past several years, the Playhouse Village paid parking program has recently been approved by the City Council for full implementation.
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS
The goal of the program is to improve parking availability and turnover, making it easier for customers to find parking near your business. With more consistent access to curbside spaces, businesses can expect improved visibility and convenience for patrons. The City is currently negotiating with private garage owners to locate affordable off-street parking to ensure that curb spaces remain available for customers. More information will be coming soon!
The process will begin with installing pay stations on sidewalks in October and November 2025. During this period, City crews will test equipment but pay stations and meters will NOT be operational. Starting 4/6/2026, pay stations will become operational and begin accepting payment. While there isn't a formal pilot phase, we're committed to a smooth transition. To support the community, ambassadors will be on-site to assist residents, visitors, and businesses. They'll help answer questions, demonstrate how to use the pay stations, and ensure everyone feels confident navigating the new system.
City staff will be actively monitoring potential impacts and will provide updates and options such as neighborhood permit zones as any impacts are understood.
COSTS & PAYMENTS
Parking rates will be organized in two zones, with a higher rate on the most in-demand blocks. Parking will start at $1.25 per hour for non-core blocks and will be set at $2.00 per hour for the core area, with escalating rates for parking more than two hours.
We've made paying for parking as convenient as possible! In addition to being able to pay via the City's Passport Parking Mobile App, pay stations will accept a variety of payment methods, including:
- Credit and debit cards
- Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Coins
- Opportunity for merchant validations (Details will be made available soon!)
To ensure easy access, at least one pay station will be installed on many block faces within the Playhouse Parking Meter Zone. This layout is designed to make payment quick and convenient no matter where you park.
Consistent with other parts of Pasadena, a parking commission comprising Playhouse Village businesses, property owners, and others will work with City staff to make and change recommendations, including how to allocate parking meter revenues for reinvestment into the community.
ENFORCEMENT & PENALTIES
To ensure fair and consistent access to parking, City parking enforcement officers will monitor compliance using a combination of license plate recognition technology and regular patrols. This helps maintain availability and encourages turnover in high-demand areas.
If you do not pay for parking or exceed the paid time limit, you may receive a parking citation. The current fine for a meter violation is $61.
To resolve a citation quickly and easily, please visit the City's online payment portal: www.cityofpasadena.net/transportation/parking-info