The City of Jamestown features two main parking areas: the Congested District, primarily comprising the central downtown area, and the Alternate Parking Zone, which, with a few exceptions, encompasses all areas outside or surrounding the Congested District.
Congested District:
Public parking in the Congested District consists of both Off-street and On-street spaces, catering to both long-term and short-term needs. Additionally, in response to public demand, an On-street Free Zone was established at the heart of the Congested District, marked by the removal of parking meters.
Off-street spaces are located in surface lots and parking garages, with parking management enforced through methods such as parking meters, pay stations, manned ticket booths, or permits. Parking permits can be arranged through Allpro Parking at (716) 484-7561.
On-street spaces are regulated by parking meters and free parking signs with varying time limits. Generally, on-street parking in the Congested District is prohibited from 2 A.M. to 7 A.M., with exceptions.
Free Zone spaces are situated at the center of the Congested District, offering a two-hour cumulative time limit for free parking. This limit aims to increase short-term parking accessibility while encouraging those parked for longer durations to utilize long-term options. Similar to on-street parking, parking in Free Zone spaces is typically prohibited from 2 A.M. to 7 A.M., with exceptions.
More information about the Congested District and the Free Zone can be found in the respective sections of the City Code.
Congested District Code
Downtown Parking Map
Free Zone Parking Code
Alternate Parking Zone:
When entering or leaving the City’s Congested District, signs inform drivers about our alternate parking law. It’s important to note that there are a few locations within the zone where the alternate parking law is modified. Additional signs are posted at these locations, providing instructions on how to park. Please note that the reference to “even” and “odd” pertains to the property address number. The side of the street with building numbers that are even is considered the even side of the street.
More information about this law can be found in the City Code section dedicated to Alternate Parking.
Parking Meters:
The Department of Public Works Traffic Division oversees the maintenance and installation of parking meters in the City of Jamestown, NY. Currently, we have approximately 700 parking meters operating on our streets and in our off-street parking lots. Collection of parking meter revenue and initial accounting is outsourced.
Parking meter technology has evolved significantly in recent years. In 2009, the City began replacing obsolete mechanical parking meters with digital ones. The City opted to use strictly coin-operated parking meters, balancing cost and functionality.
Rates: The current parking meter rate is 25 cents for 30 minutes of time. Payment is required only from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on weekdays. No payment is necessary on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Metered spaces are not available for parking between 2 A.M. and 7 A.M. unless otherwise signed.
Common Concerns Regarding the City’s Parking Meters:
- You cannot purchase more time than the time limit displayed on the meter. If the meter displays a 30-minute time limit and already shows 30 minutes, additional payment will not extend the time.
- The City parking meters only accept U.S. coins.
- Pennies are not accepted; only nickels, dimes, and quarters are valid.
- Meters do not register any time until at least 25 cents is deposited. An additional 25 cents is required for each additional 30 minutes of time, up to the meter’s time limit.
