Downtown Parking Program

A map showing parking in downtown St. Joseph.

Downtown St. Joseph offers a variety of parking options, including both free and paid spaces. Click here to view a map of downtown parking options or click one of the buttons below for more details.

Downtown Parking Program Overview

  • Over 1,000 downtown parking spaces are available for free on both sides of Main Street, including additional free 30-minute on-street spaces.
  • About 175 spaces along State, Pleasant, Broad and Ship streets are paid parking.
    • Paid parking is in effect June 12–Labor Day, from 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
    • Parking is $2 per hour and time can be purchased up to 3 hours
  • All ADA-designated spaces are free, but please note posted time limits still apply.
  • City residents receive free parking by completing the Parking Waiver Application.
  • Vision: Foster a vibrant, year-round downtown district by improving access to local businesses, especially during peak season.
Click one of the buttons below for more details on parking options
City residents & property owners
Visitors
Downtown employees & business owners

Frequently Asked Questions

The goal of the Downtown Parking Program is to foster a vibrant, year-round downtown district by improving access to local businesses, especially during peak season. Market-rate pricing is intended to encourage long-term parkers to use alternative parking options, increasing turnover and making more spaces available for shoppers and visitors near businesses.

Category: Downtown Parking Program

After the 2025 program was paused, City staff spoke with over 50 businesses downtown about the program and changes they wanted to see. After the Parking Subgroup made adjustments, the City held Open Houses where businesses and residents were invited to provide feedback on the proposed plan. Over 100 people attended those sessions, and their input was used to make additional changes to the final plan for 2026.

Category: Downtown Parking Program

Major changes were made to the Downtown Parking Program for 2026.

Table comparing the differences between the 2025 and 2026 parking program
2025 2026
807 total paid spaces About 175 total paid spaces
Parking west of Main Street was paid; east of Main Street was free Over 1,000 free parking spaces on both sides of Main Street, including new free 30-minute spaces added on-street
ADA-designated spaces were paid All ADA-designated spaces are free

 

Category: Downtown Parking Program

After recouping equipment costs, 80% of revenue will be reinvested in maintaining and improving the downtown. The other 20% of revenue will go into the City's General Fund. Potential uses for the 80% include:

Infrastructure improvements

  • Road maintenance
  • Parking lot repairs
  • Utilities (e.g. Wifi)
  • Alleyway maintenance
  • Streetscaping

Business improvement grants

  • Facade improvement grants
  • Other investments to downtown businesses

Downtown programs

  • Return of annual public art
  • Additional events
  • Other downtown programs

 

Category: Downtown Parking Program

The initial investment for pay stations, concrete, signage, software and parking ambassadors was $364,678. The City estimates it will cost approximately $20,000 to make updates for the 2026 program, including concrete work to be completed by our Public Works team as well as signage and software upgrades.

Category: Downtown Parking Program

Supporting Documents

PDF icon 2026 Downtown Parking Map (411 KB)
  • Printer-friendly version