Pacific Grove council approves staff exploring paid parking options
PACIFIC GROVE – Pacific Grove staff will start exploring ways to implement paid parking in the city, as a way of generating revenue in the face of potential budget cuts.
The Pacific Grove City Council unanimously voted for staff to move forward with brainstorming and consultations, exploring potential areas where paid parking could be possible and contacting the California Coastal Commission for feasibility.
The presentation highlighted Ocean View Boulevard as a popular destination for visitors and locals alike because of its access to the recreation trail, coastline, seals, Lovers Point and attractions outside the city, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
According city staff, while Monterey charges parking near the aquarium - most parking in Pacific Grove remains free, including areas without time limits between First Street and Fountain Avenue.
City staff say many visitors park in Pacific Grove and walk to nearby destinations, creating additional demands on city infrastructure and services, including increased public safety and traffic enforcement and maintenance of Lovers Point and its restrooms. They added that visitors have limited opportunities to contribute financially to those services through sales taxes or other means.
Overall the council supported looking into new ideas on how to generate more revenue through parking.
Councilwoman Tina Rau said she supports more paid parking, but wants to ensure it doesn’t cause drastic changes for residents.
“I support us looking at the feasibility with a very watchful eye on how it’s going to affect residents to make sure we’re mitigating any consequences that might happen,” Rau said. “But I do think it’s worth the study.”
Council members added that with budget talks and potential budget cuts on the way, paid parking could be a way to generate more revenue to help fill those gaps.
“I think this is a great idea and will be best for Pacific Grove,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Joe Amelio. “My mother lives in Monterey and when we go to have dinner it’s paid parking on Cannery Row, and if you go into the residential area you have to have a permit so you have to pay. I think this study is a great thing to do.”
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 2:40 PM.