Parking
Smart Parking Meters
Conveniently pay with credit card, cash, or coins at smart parking meters throughout Downtown Chico's core shopping and dining blocks.
1. Insert credit card or coins.
2. Add more time using the blue buttons or insert more coins.
3. Press OK.
Coming Soon! Pay by Smartphone
Coming soon to Downtown Chico's smart parking program is the ability to pay on the go with your smartphone. The new smart meters will let you monitor parking time on your smartphone. If you're having fun shopping or dining with friends, extend your parking time with remote payment using the smart meter app. This way you avoid tickets and the fun doesn't stop.
Smart Parking Lots
Conveniently pay with credit card, cash, or coins using smart kiosks that replace individual parking meters in specific Downtown Chico parking lots.
1. Park in an available space and remember your space number.
2. Go to the multi-space smart kiosk.
3. Insert credit card, cash, or coin.
4. Enter space number.
5. Select time.
6. Press OK.
7. Print receipt if desired.
Metered Parking Lots & Structure
Traditional parking meters that accept coins only will remain at these Salem Street parking locations:
• 1st & Salem Parking Lot
• 5th & Salem Parking Lot
• 3rd & Salem Parking Structure
Metered Street Parking
Traditional parking meters that accept coins only will remain on streets outside of Downtown Chico's core dining and shopping blocks.
Unmetered Parking
There is unmetered parking within approximately 3 blocks of any place in the downtown core.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are smart parking meters and what are the benefits?
Smart parking meters are upgraded with the added feature of accepting credit/debit cards while still accepting coins and, eventually, wireless forms of payment. The new smart parking meters help set the lowest possible price and otherwise manage parking to ensure the customer usually can find one or two open parking spaces per block.
Is there a sensor that detects when I park or leave?
No. No sensors were installed that detect ocupancy, or track when a vehicle arrived or left.
Does the smart meter reset and clear the remaining meter time when a car leaves?
No! Remaining time stays until the paid amount expires. To reset the meter and clear remaining time once a vehicle left would require an occupancy sensor, which the meters do not have.
Is all of downtown getting smart parking meters?
Yes, where there has been a shortage of available parking in the downtown core. Additional meters will be installed in phases.
Where's the money coming from to pay for the new smart parking meters?
The new smart parking meters are being paid for entirely from the Parking Revenues Fund, which comprises of parking meter fees, parking permit fees, and parking lease payments.
When I pay for parking, where will my money go?
Parking fee revenue goes back to the Parking Meter Fund, which requires that the money be spent only on parking and downtown maintenance and improvements.
Is there any free parking downtown?
Yes! Parking is free within approximately three blocks of anyplace in the downtown core. Bicycle parking is always free.
Purchase a Parking Pass
10-hour quarterly parking passes are available for purchase at the City of Chico Finance Office. Each pass is $110 per quarter. A 10-hour parking pass allows you to park in any 10-hour space in Downtown Chico. Go to the City of Chico Finance Office at 411 Main Street to purchase your pass. For more information, please call (530) 879-7300.
Pay a Parking Violation
Payments for parking violations can be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, & Discover) by clicking here to pay at PTicket.com or by phone 1-800-828-3551. A $3.95 processing fee will be assessed to each violation paid by credit card on Pticket.com.Payments can also be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, & Discover), check, or cash at the City of Chico's Finance Department located at 411 Main Street (First Floor). Payments made by credit card at the Finance Department will include an additional 2.75% processing fee. Check payments can also be mailed to: Office of Parking Violations -City of Chico at P.O. Box 11113, San Jose, CA, 95103-1113.
Please note: The Finance Department is open Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
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