From the City of Grand Junction:
As part of the 2026 budget presented and approved by City Council in 2025, the City of Grand Junction will implement downtown parking rate and operational updates beginning in 2026.
The downtown parking system is structured to support downtown businesses, residents, and visitors by keeping short-term parking available near storefronts, encouraging turnover in the highest-demand areas, and providing long-term options for employees. Parking rates and fees are used for cost recovery only and support the day-to-day expenses of operating and maintaining the system.
These changes take effect Feb. 2, 2026.
What’s Changing in 2026
Updated Parking Meter Rates
- Short-Term Meters (2-hour): $1.30 per hour
- Short-Term Meters (4-hour) and main floor of the parking garage: $1.20 per hour
- Downtown Parking Permits: $50 per month
- Parking Garage Short-Term Lease (Month-to-Month):
- Surface Spaces: $55 per month, Covered Spaces: $80 per month
Operational Change to Increase Turnover: To improve near-term availability in the highest-demand areas based on feedback from business owners, the City will transition to two-hour parking on 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Streets between Rood Avenue and Colorado Avenue. This change is intended to increase turnover and improve access for customers near downtown storefronts.
Enforcement and When Parking Is Free: Metered parking is enforced Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free outside of enforcement hours, on weekends, and on federal holidays. In addition, those with an official Handicap placard or license plate may park for free at City parking meters or parking lots.
Payment Options and How to Pay for Short Visits: Drivers have multiple ways to pay, including options that work well for quick stops.
- Coins (no extra fee): Pay only for the time you need. You do not have to pay for a full hour. Coins allow payment in small increments, including nickels, dimes, and quarters for short visits.
- Credit/debit card: Insert or tap to pay for your time. A $.10 processing fee applies.
- Passport App: Pay and extend time without returning to the meter. A $.35 app fee applies.
Parking Locations, Time Limits, and Permits: Time limits and permit-eligible locations vary by block and lot. For the most up-to-date information, including a detailed downtown parking map, visit www.gjcity.org/parking.
The City’s goal is to keep downtown parking accessible and convenient for residents, visitors, and businesses by balancing time limits and parking options across the downtown area, while maintaining a sustainable, cost-recovery parking system.