Why are you making this change, and why now?
Parking on a dense street has many competing demands from residents, businesses, deliveries services, and others creating an endless cycle of circling the block looking for parking. The curbs are more dynamic than ever. As the River Market area continues to develop and grow, changes to the on-street system are necessary to ensure that as many needs are met.
Parking management is a vital strategy to encourage spaces turning over so there is parking for customers and guests. On-street spaces are not meant for long-term parking; the City’s objective is to find a balance that promotes turnover while also giving customers options.
Smart management techniques implemented in other areas of the community have shown success in opening on-street parking where there would have once been a vehicle parked in the space all day. The effect of smart management creates more parking availability without taking up valuable neighborhood space with parking lots.
I need to stay for more than two hours. What are some good options for me?
Currently, parking is strictly limited to 2 hours. Our new system will offer 2-hour parking at a low cost of $1/hr. but allow for extended stays at an elevated price, encouraging long-term storage elsewhere cheaper and allowing the customer the option through supply/demand principles.
Can I still park overnight for free?
Yes! Check out the on-street parking map for hours per zone. Outside of those hours, with the exception of event parking rates and times, parking is free overnight.
Where can my employees park?
Employee parking is important in any area. There are privately owned parking lots that offer reasonable parking for employees. For more information on these lots please contact us at ParkKC@kcmo.org.
I'm a resident who has parked on the street. What are my options now?
Residential parking is best done in a lot or a garage so the on-street system can exist for the turnover of customers and guests. We encourage you to talk to your building management about purchasing available garage parking that may be available on location, or contact us at ParkKC@kcmo.org for suggested alternatives.
Example – If you get home from work at 5 p.m. and the block you park on is paid until 7 p.m., you would need to pay for 2 hours of parking and then it’s free thereafter until the next day begins. Note – the River Market is becoming paid parking every day of the week due to dynamic demand of the area heavily increasing on the weekends, and to alleviate frustration of residents and businesses from unregulated parking.
I'm a resident who has guests. Where can I tell them to park?
They can park on the street; payment may be required. They may also want to park in a garage or lot for longer-term stays.
What are you doing with the money from paid parking?
Currently, the funds are reinvested into the sustainability of the parking system to reach the long-term vision of establishing a Parking Benefit District, with revenues reinvested directly into the community to improve infrastructure like sidewalks, street trees, and amenities.
What are my payment options?
Some areas on the street will have meters and kiosks, or some may be mobile pay only. The River Market has many narrow sidewalks; some are even on a rather steep grade. Mobile Pay Only zones are set up to keep the sidewalks less cluttered. All zones allow for using the ParkKC App and our ParkKC Text-2-Park service. Some zones with meters allow for credit cards or coins. We continuously add new partners to our on-street system, such as Way and IAccess; if you already have those apps, you can pay at any location.
I live here and park on the street. Can I buy a residential parking permit to exempt me from paid parking?
Off-street lots and garages are the best solution to accommodate long-term residential parking. The River Market is not suitable for a residential permit program due to the balance of residential and commercial demands for high turnover to accommodate customers and guests, but we will continue to evaluate the system for viability.
