On-street parking is parking along the curb of a public street, as opposed to off-street parking in lots and garages.
It is usually the most convenient and most visible parking in a district, and it is managed by the city through meters or pay-by-app zones, time limits, residential permits and enforcement. Because the curb also serves loading, transit, bike lanes, rideshare pick-up and outdoor dining, on-street parking is increasingly treated as one use among several. See curb management.
How it is managed
- Pricing. Meters, pay stations and mobile payment, with rates that may vary by time or demand. See dynamic pricing.
- Time limits. Keep spaces turning over for short visits. See parking turnover.
- Permits. Residential permit zones reserve curb space for residents in busy neighborhoods.
- Accessibility. Accessible on-street spaces follow federal guidance on location, slope and access aisles. See accessible parking.
Why it matters to off-street facilities
- Underpriced curb parking pulls drivers away from garages and creates cruising for an open space. When the curb is priced to keep one or two spaces open per block, garages fill with longer stays and visitors find a space without circling.
The Parkonomics view
The curb is the most valuable parking in any downtown and often the cheapest. Price it so a space is usually available, use the revenue on the street it comes from, and the garages behind it start to make sense.
Related terms: Curb Management, Parking Turnover, Dynamic Pricing, Off-Site Parking, PUDO Zone, Parking Meter, Residential Permit Parking, Parking Benefit District, Stroad