SDOT releases final parking plan for Ballard

Yesterday, SDOT released the final version of the Ballard Parking Plan that has been in the works since 2013. The new parking changes are set to come into effect in Spring this year.

The changes that are coming include new areas of time limits, paid parking, and angled parking. One of the main changes includes the addition of paid parking (with a two hour limit) on Ballard Ave NW. Check out all of the specifics in the map below (click to enlarge):

This final plan is the combination of information gained from SDOT’s work with the community through their Community Access and Parking Program and also from comments and feedback received after the release of the proposal for parking changes back in September last year.

“SDOT is working to better serve Ballard residents, businesses, and visitors, by balancing the parking needs of all. Parking is a limited resource that is often in high demand,” writes SDOT on their blog.

According to SDOT, despite all of the development and changes to our neighborhood the parking regulations in Ballard have not been changed since 2005.

The changes brought about by this final plan are geared towards making parking more available and predictable in high demand areas. SDOT reports that in these high demand areas, spaces are over 90% full for an excess of three continuous hours of the day which results in drivers often needing to circle in search of parking.

In addition to their on-street parking studies in Ballard, SDOT also documented off-street parking in a May 2014 study. From this study, SDOT and the Ballard Chamber worked together to create the off-street parking spaces map.

As SDOT prepares for the new parking controls, locals will likely see SDOT staff in the neighborhood making measurements. Information about how changes will be implemented will regularly be updated on the SDOT project website.

SDOT has also received a request for a study to determine eligibility for a restricted parking zone (RPZ) on residential blocks in the neighborhood which will also be conducted this year.

Click here to find out more about the upcoming parking changes.