Guests at the San Diego Zoo could soon be paying for parking in the lot commonly referred to as the “zoo lot” following a proposed lease amendment with the city of San Diego.
Balboa Park Parking Fees Expand to Zoo Lot
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance seeks to charge for parking,aligning with city’s paid parking plans for Balboa Park.
- San Diego Zoo lot may introduce parking fees.
- Proposal aligns with city’s paid parking for Balboa Park.
- Specific rates are not yet finalized.
- city Council to consider the lease amendment soon.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, formerly known as the Zoological Society of San Diego, approached the city with the request to amend the parking section of its lease. This change would permit the alliance to implement varying parking rates for the lot at the east end of the gardens, often called the “Zoo Parking Lot.” This move comes as the city prepares to roll out paid parking throughout Balboa Park.
“Due to the current plans to implement paid parking in Balboa Park, the Society approached the City adn has requested to amend the parking section (Section 7) of the zoo lease to charge different rates for visitors who park in what is commonly referred to as the ‘Zoo Parking Lot’ and referenced in the lease as, ‘the parking lot at the east end of the gardens’,” states a city staff report.
City officials announced the proposed agreement on Wednesday, effectively ending speculation that the zoo lot would remain a free parking option. The amendment is designed to allow for the concurrent implementation and coordination of parking fees.
Balboa Park parking Tiers Detailed
The city’s draft plan for Balboa Park parking outlines three pricing tiers based on demand and proximity to key areas.
- Level 1: These lots, situated in the Central Mesa, will have the highest daily rate of $12, with a $6 rate for residents. This includes parking at Alcazar, organ Pavilion, Pan American Plaza (Palisades), Casa de Balboa, Fleet Science Center North (Pepper Grove North), the Natural History Museum, and South Carousel lots.
- Level 2: Lots in this tier will be priced at 50% of the Level 1 rate. These include Fleet Science Center South (Pepper Grove South),Starlight bowl (Federal),Marston Point,and Veterans Museum lots.
- Level 3: Also priced at 50% of the Level 1 rate, these lots will offer the first two hours of parking for free to accommodate short-term visitors. Inspiration Point is included in this tier.
Additionally, streets within Balboa Park are slated for hourly parking fees of $2.50. This includes President’s Way, Village Place, Balboa Drive, El Prado, Quince street, juniper street, Park Boulevard, and Sixth Avenue.
Balboa Park employees and volunteers may continue to receive free parking at Tier 2 and 3 lots under a preliminary plan. this recommendation is part of the proposal being presented to the city council.
A city spokeswoman confirmed that employee parking is being considered in the proposal presented to the city council. The San Diego City Council is expected to review the zoo parking proposal and the amended lease on Monday.
