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A new public parking lot just opened in downtown SLO. Here’s what to know

The new public parking lot at 1166 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo features 45 parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spots.
The new public parking lot at 1166 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo features 45 parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spots. kleslie@thetribunenews.com

A new public parking lot has just opened in downtown San Luis Obispo.

The lot — located at 1166 Higuera St. — features 45 parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spots, according to a city news release.

”This public parking lot will serve downtown businesses, visitors and residents in an area that currently needs more parking options,” city parking manager Donna King said in the release. “The investment in this parking lot is a prime example of how the city continues to support the economic vitality of our downtown. While we know not everyone drives downtown, we must continue to support all modes of transportation.”

The city purchased the lot for $4.8 million in November.

Years ago, it was the location of a car dealership and then was slated to be home to a unique food court made out of shipping containers, before that proposal fell through. At the time, the city said it was necessary to provide more options in the Monterey Street corridor.

In the latest release, the city said the lot will help to “revitalize and enhance this area,” as well as provide public parking for employees of nearby businesses.

The new public parking lot at 1166 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo features 45 parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spots.
The new public parking lot at 1166 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo features 45 parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spots. Kaytlyn Leslie kleslie@thetribunenews.com

How much does it cost to park at new downtown lot?

People parking in the lot will still need to pay the hourly on-street metered rate or use a downtown parking permit, the release said.

Metered rates are now $3 per hour through July 7 before they drop to $2.25 an hour on July 8 as part of recently approved decrease in downtown parking rates. People using the lot can pay at a payment kiosk or via the city’s available mobile parking apps.

Additionally, monthly permits for the lot can be purchased for $60 a month at the city’s Mobility Services Office at 1260 Chorro St., Suite B.

Enforcement hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.

The new public parking lot at 1166 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo features 45 parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spots.
The new public parking lot at 1166 Higuera St. in downtown San Luis Obispo features 45 parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spots. Kaytlyn Leslie kleslie@thetribunenews.com
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Kaytlyn Leslie
The Tribune
Kaytlyn Leslie writes about business and development for The San Luis Obispo Tribune. Hailing from Nipomo, she also covers city governments and happenings in San Luis Obispo. She joined The Tribune in 2013 after graduating from Cal Poly with her journalism degree.
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