Virginia Beach residents could get $50 of free parking at the Oceanfront starting next year.
The City Council is expected to weigh a proposal that would introduce a digital voucher that could be renewed annually with proof of residency. During the year, residents could also “reload” their voucher once for another $50 worth of parking by paying $25.
“So this is not parking everywhere, but it is parking between the areas of say Pacific Avenue and Atlantic Avenue,” Public Works Director L.J. Hansen said. “That would be at the on-street parking. It would also be in the lots and the parking garages that are in that same area.”
It would apply at the 25th Street garage west of Pacific Avenue, Hansen said, and at metered street spaces on Atlantic Avenue and side streets between Atlantic and Pacific avenues that also are between Rudee Loop and 38th Street.
During a presentation last week, Hansen stressed that it wouldn’t apply outside this area.
“This would be specifically for the Oceanfront service zones,” he said.
Officials developed the plan after City Council directed staff to look at free or discounted parking at the resort for locals.
“Council asked us to think of an idea to see if we can incentivize residents to come to the Oceanfront and enjoy the restaurants and the different activities at the Oceanfront,” City Manager Patrick Duhaney said.
Duhaney said the city may also consider overall parking cost increases should the council move forward with the residential parking effort.
The proposal recommends ending a $3 resident parking discount after 5 p.m. and the current time maximum for street parking. It would introduce a progressive pricing structure meant to incentivize turnover of spaces on the street.
For example, on-street parking would cost $1 per hour for the first hour, $2 for the second, $3 for the third and then jump to $6 or more after that. The current rate is flat at $2 per hour.
Progressive pricing would also apply at surface lots and garages, but the prices would not rise above $3 per hour after the third hour. Daily maximums would be capped at $24.
The plan discussed with the council also includes increases to monthly parking rates and seasonal lot permits.
If approved, vouchers would go into effect April 1 with registrations beginning early next year.