The City is proposing increases to its existing parking fees to fund the upkeep of City-maintained parking lots, public garages and street parking. The City Council will be reviewing these proposed changes at the next City Council Planning Session, which will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 at City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.
The City of Wheaton maintains two public parking garages, numerous parking lots, two train stations, many on-street spaces, and parking payment kiosks. These facilities and associated parking enforcement are funded through leased parking permits, daily parking fees and metered parking. The City has not adjusted most of these rates in more than 15 years. In addition, since 2019, parking revenues have declined, most notably with the decrease in commuters from 2020 to the present. Expenses, however, continue to increase.
The City is proposing changes that include the introduction of premium daily fee parking zones for spaces closest to both train stations, an increase of $0.50 per day for many daily fee parking spaces, and adjustments to leased parking permit fees. Below is a summary of the proposed changes, which would take effect April 1, 2024, if approved. The City Council initially reviewed a comprehensive parking study prepared by staff at the Sept. 25, 2023, Planning Session.
Residents who are interested in learning more or providing feedback can do so during the Jan. 8 Planning Session, either in person or via Zoom. The agenda and link to attend by Zoom are available on the City’s website. If supported by the Council, the first reading of a parking fee update ordinance would take place at the Jan. 16 City Council Meeting, and the second reading would be during the Feb. 5 City Council Meeting. Both meetings include opportunities for public comment.
Proposed Changes for Employee & Residential Permits:
- Wheaton Place Garage:
- Employee permits will increase from $75 to $120 per quarter.
- Residential permits will increase from $150 to $170 per quarter.
- Willow Avenue Garage:
- Employee permits will increase from $75 to $120 per quarter.
- Residential permits will increase from $150 to $170 per quarter.
- Employee Parking Lots #3 and #5:
- Quarterly permits will increase from $60 to $100.
Proposed Changes for Commuters:
Near Front Street Train Station
- Front Street:
- Daily fee spaces along Front Street will become a Premium Daily Fee Parking zone; the fee for these spaces will increase from $1.50 to $3. The eight 2-hour meters will be removed and become Premium Daily Fee spaces.
- Commuter Parking Lot 9:
- Daily fees in the northern part will increase from $1.50 to $2.
- Quarterly permit fees will increase from $60 to $110.
- Carlton Avenue:
- Daily fees will increase from $1.50 to $2.
- Liberty Drive:
- Daily fees for the spaces west of Carlton Avenue will increase from $1.50 to $2.
- Parking spaces east of Carlton Avenue will become Premium Daily Fee parking spaces; their fees will increase from $1.50 to $3.00 per day. The twenty-seven 12-hour meters will be removed and replaced by Premium Daily Fee parking spaces; the thirteen 4-hour parking meters will remain.
Near College Avenue Train Station
- Commuter Parking Lot 10:
- This parking lot will become a Premium Daily Fee Parking zone; the fee for these spaces will increase from $1.50 to $3.
- Crescent Street:
- Daily fees will increase from $1.50 to $2.
- Commuter Parking Lots 6, 7, and 8:
- Quarterly permits for residents will increase from $60 to $110; for non-residents, $75 to $130.