Columbia adjusts to new parking ordinance

The city’s new parking ordinance has faced little opposition since it went into effect earlier this year. 

The ordinance changed parking enforcement times, updated parking meters and increased fines. On-street parking increased from $0.75 an hour to $1.50. Electronic kiosks on northern Main Street replaced the older meters. The new kiosks, which take debit and credit cards, are an additional option instead of paying through the Passport app. The city of Columbia announced the parking changes in November 2024. The changes went into effect March 1, but residents were given a grace period, until March 10. 

The increase in revenue from the changes is to go directly into improvements to parking safety and infrastructure, said Columbia Parking Services Director Elle Matney. 

“It’s been a smooth process of implementation,” Matney said. “But the changes are also on the additional revenue that’s generated stays right here in parking. That allows us the ability to reinvest in infrastructure maintenance technology.”

There hasn’t been significant pushback from citizens despite the dramatic changes, Matney said. 

“We have gotten some questions, which was expected, and staff are quick to respond, and we like questions that indicate that the public is aware, they’re interested,” Matney said. “If anyone does have questions, please contact parking services.”

The ordinance was the “first substantial changes in the City’s parking ordinance in over 20 years,” the city of Columbia said on its website.

“I couldn’t speak on behalf of City Council, but it has been many, many years, and I think we are interested to re-evaluate in 12-24 months,” Matney said. “That does not indicate any further changes by any means. But it’ll give us a checkpoint, a status with council and city leadership.”

The new changes haven’t been strongly opposed by local college students, who often use city meters around the school’s sprawling urban campus. The biggest challenge for several students has been finding either city or school parking rather than paying. 

“It’s incredibly difficult to find parking,” student Arshia Vadhani said. “I went to Discovery USC today, and it took me a good bit to find parking. There’s just not enough spaces for everyone.”

Student Julia Grove agrees, as she sometimes avoids driving to certain places in the city since it’s hard to find parking. 

“I’m lucky that I live close enough that I can walk most of the time,” Groves said. “But yeah, I prefer to walk and not have to park around here.”