Is downtown Petaluma’s parking situation really as bad as some residents think? A new study suggests parking is actually relatively abundant, rarely exceeding 85% capacity.
During a recent City Council workshop, leaders discussed the study’s findings, noting that the real issue may be downtown commerce, not parking availability. While some residents complained about parking difficulties and garage safety, the study found that on-street parking averages 64% use, with the downtown core at 79%, and garages at just 50%.
The council is exploring ways to better utilize existing parking, such as improved signage and use of private lots, rather than focusing on adding more spaces or paid meters.
A final downtown parking plan will be presented to the council in the coming months.
