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Downtown Parking Management Program

Downtown Parking Management Program

Project Description

About

The City of Millbrae is launching a Parking Management Program (Program) that aims to modernize the parking system and implement paid parking in select areas of downtown where it is beneficial.

The plan proposes updating local parking rules to allow for more flexible rates and hours. It also suggests making payment easier through on-site pay stations and a mobile app. The management of permits for residents, employees, and seniors would be improved and streamlined. Enforcement would become more efficient with the use of license plate recognition technology. Clear signs and parking maps for each block would help guide users, and a community education campaign would be offered to help everyone get familiar with the new system.

Contact

Feedback Form:

Business Owner Form: On-Street Parking Changes (LINK)
Resident Form: On-Street Parking Changes (LINK)

Email:

parking@ci.millbrae.ca.us

Phone:

650-259-2464

Study Area

The map below shows where parking may be changing – if you think you will be impacted, we encourage you to connect with us! Click on the Engage with Us tab to learn more.

Project History

This parking management program builds off previous work conducted by the City, including the following plans:

Parking Management Plan, adopted July 2024 (PDF)
Certified Housing Element, adopted March 2024 (PDF)
Downtown and El Camino Real Specific Plan, adopted December 2022 (PDF)
Millbrae 2040 General Plan (PDF)

Through thoughtful review and integration, the City will ensure that outcomes associated with this Program align with Millbrae’s overall short-, medium-, and long-term goals.

Project Timeline

Engage with us!

Your voice matters – we want your feedback on all things parking downtown! Please use the following links to provide us with your contact information to stay up to date on public meetings for businesses, employees, and residents in the downtown area.

Business Owners

Please fill out this intake form with your contact information:

City of Millbrae: On-Street Parking Changes (LINK)

Residents/Employees/Seniors

Please fill out this intake form with your contact information:

City of Millbrae: On-Street Parking Changes - Resident Information (LINK)

FAQs

FAQs

Why introduce paid parking?

Paid parking improves parking turnover, allowing greater shopping access, and funds continued parking improvements.

Will there be permits?

Yes. The City will expand both the residential permit parking areas and the existing employee permits alongside the rollout of paid parking. The program will also consider special permits for seniors. More details regarding these permits will be evaluated during public outreach and updated on the website as recommendations are finalized.

How much will it cost to park?

Rates have yet to be determined. Permits rates will be discounted from the hourly rates and accommodation will be provided based on income and other eligibility criteria.

Will there be any free parking options downtown?

Private, off-street parking for patrons and employees of businesses of those properties will be able to park as they do today. However, all parking overseen by the city in the paid parking area will require payment, including off street parking managed by the city.

What if I only need to park for a few minutes, will I need to pay for parking?

This will be considered as part of the current parking study. The City is sensitive to short term parking needs, therefore, the system will be set up to pay for smaller increments of time.

Does this impact the parking lots downtown?

The new parking program will impact city-owned parking facilities only.

I work downtown. Will I need to pay to park?

If you normally park at a private, off-street lot, those arrangements will not be impacted by the new parking program. However, if you park on the street, you will need to pay for the time you are parked and honor any posted time limits. The existing employee parking program will continue but may be modified, more details will be provided soon.

I have an ADA placard; will I need to pay for parking?

If you have an ADA placard or license plate, you will not need to pay for parking or be subject to any time limitations when you park on street.

Why not enforce time limits vs making everyone pay to park?

The costs to enforce time limits can be high and labor intensive. Requiring payment for parking will provide resources for enforcement and facilitate turnover of on street spaces to allow more customers access to businesses.

How will I pay to park? Do I need to carry coins with me to pay for parking?

Hourly parking payments will be made via mobile application using a smart phone or using the pay stations that will be installed in the paid parking area. The mobile application and pay stations will accept credit/debit cards using tap to pay as well as Apple and Google Pay using a smart phone or watch. The pay stations will also accept US coins for payment.

I live near downtown, and I don’t want my street to fill up with people parking to go downtown. What is the plan to help with that concern?

The residential parking permit program (RPP) that currently restricts non-permitted parking in residential areas adjacent to downtown will continue. The current RPP may be subject to modifications as the overall parking program is developed and implemented.The details for the RPP will be developed soon and more information will be available in spring 2026. Community feedback about the RPP will be needed. If you are interested in providing your feedback, CLICK HERE.

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