Downtown Parking Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, there has always been a combination of paid and free parking. Until the 1980’s, parking meters were utilized on streets and some lots. Ordinances later changed and incorporated parking monitoring systems and services.

2-hour free parking began at the request of the downtown business owners’ association over two decades ago. It allowed customers convenient access to dine and/or shop in an effort to support year-round operation of downtown businesses. Providing 2-hour on-street parking encourages turnover of parking spaces for short-term visits, which provided for a higher volume of customers.

There are kiosks (pay stations) in City-owned lots. Instructions are posted on signage at each lot. You can also download the PARKMOBILE.IO app on your smart phone for a convenient way to pay for parking in any Diamond-managed lot.

Different lots have different guidelines. Monthly parking passes are available to the general public for the McEuen parking lot and the Coeur d’Alene Avenue Garage. Monthly parking passes can be purchased at www.diamondparking.com or call (208) 667-0965.

Those with a blue placard handicap identified vehicle can park at any time in any legal parking space in any city lot or on-street, for any length of time, and in any Diamond Parking-owned handicap space at no charge.

There are 2,268 Downtown Public Parking Spaces. 1,034 spaces offer free parking, 700 are 2-hour on-street free parking, and 218 all-day free parking spots are in the East McEuen lot. Additionally, 116 2-hour free spaces exist for library patrons.

Go to https://gis.cdaid.org/parks . Click the Legend icon in the top right corner to see the color coding for parking.

This rule prevents abuse of free parking by requiring vehicles to move significantly after time expires. See Municipal Code 10.24.030.

You have 10 days to appeal and 15 days to pay. After 30 days, it goes to collections.

Submit an appeal at Appeal a Parking Ticket.

The lot serves many out-of-city visitors. Charging helps fund maintenance. The app also enables easier payment.

It is cost-prohibitive and shifts unfair burden to city residents.

Yes. Here is the Parking Study (PDF 1.93 MB) 
  • Need for more parking
  • Improve signage
  • Possible paid system expansion

Mission: ensure adequate parking while supporting business climate.

Required bidding process; Diamond was the only qualified bidder.

All net proceeds go toward parking and parks; ~25% goes to Diamond for operations.

City taxes, grants, and parking fees fund parks and facilities.