Downtown Parking Study

With the revitalization of downtown Harrisonburg, the demand for more parking is growing. Read the Downtown Parking Study Final Report and appendices.

[1.9 MB] Final Report

[79k] Appendix Part 1

[462k] Appendix Part 2 

[1.5 MB] Appendix Part 3 

Proposed Parking Changes for Water Street and Elizabeth Street Parking Decks

Your input is needed as Downtown Parking Services considers changes to the Water Street and Elizabeth Street Parking Decks.  Please click here to learn more and give your feedback.

FREE Downtown Parking

As of April 1, 2006 all city owned metered parking was removed and replaced by time-limited parking. Look for signs that show time limits on various parking spots.

Download a printable map  [584 K].

Types of Parking
Public parking downtown is free, with time limits.  In general, the closer you are to your destination, the shorter your time limit will be.  On-street parking is 2 hour, surface lots are 2 and 10 hour, and downtown’s two parking decks are 3 and 10 hour.  There are also a few 30 minute spaces found at the ends of parking rows for your quick, in-and-out errands.  In addition, the Harrisonburg Parking Authority provides free parking in the Municipal Parking Lot up to 48 hours.  All parking spaces have designated signs that state the time limit.

One exception to free parking is the upper levels of both parking decks, which are available to lease for downtown employees and residents.  For rates and other information on leased parking, please contact Jessica Chase at Downtown Parking Services (540-432-8928 or 8922).   

Enforcement Times
City owned parking and street parking downtown is regulated Monday through Saturday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.  Fines for overtime parking are $10 for tickets 1-5, $25 for tickets 6-10, and $50 for tickets 11+. 

Residential Parking Zones
The City of Harrisonburg has a permit parking system in place for many residential areas within the city limits and is designated by various colored zones. These permits and passes may be purchased from the City Treasurer in the Municipal Building (540-432-7705). Neighborhood permit parking zones are enforced by the Harrisonburg Police Department (540-434-2545). 

Have You Received A Parking Ticket?
Ticket fine payment may be made by mail or in person to the Treasurer’s Office in the Municipal Building at 345 S. Main Street (540-432-7705). 

If you would like to appeal a ticket, please make your request by mail within 14 days of receiving your ticket.  Appeal forms may be picked up at the Treasurer’s Office in the Municipal Building or may be downloaded here [50 KB].  For questions about appeals, contact Jessica Chase at Downtown Parking Services (540-432-8928 or 8922). 

Has Your Car Been Towed?
If you currently have three or more unpaid parking tickets, your vehicle may be towed or booted.  If your car has been towed, you will need to visit the Treasurer’s Office in the Municipal Building (540-432-7705).  All your outstanding parking tickets must be paid in full before you can retrieve your vehicle.  You will also be responsible for any tow charges.  After you have paid your parking tickets, call the Police Department (540-434-2545) for information on where to retrieve your vehicle.

Do You Have A Parking Lot/Deck Maintenance Concern?
Public Works assists with the maintenance, regular cleaning of and trash removal from the two parking decks, as well as nine parking lots. Maintenance also includes daily cleaning, lighting, snow removal, landscaping and signs, etc.  You can report missing or graffiti tagged parking signs by  e-mail or by calling 540-434-5928.

Quick Contacts