Spare Change? Free Downtown Sioux Falls Parking Days Are Numbered

It appears officials in Sioux Falls are closer to ending free parking on weeknights and weekends.

Right now, vehicles in Downtown Sioux Falls that park between 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday are required to pay a meter or risk a ticket. But soon the City of Sioux Falls could enforce residents to pay for parking as late as 8 PM.

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A recent article from The Dakota Scout say the City Council met with the Sioux Falls Finance Department earlier this week to discuss the downtown parking plan. As early as next year, drivers can expect to pay to park during the evening hours and on Saturdays.

Shawn Pritchett with Sioux Falls Finance explain some drivers take advantage of primetime parking spots in front of restaurants and businesses in Downtown Sioux Falls for hours. Extending hours for paid parking will help control this issue.

“That’s been asked for by Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. and some of those retailers for several years — to avoid people parking there when we already have free parking available overnight."

As of right now, parking ramps in Downtown Sioux Falls will remain free after 5 PM during the week and weekends. It's also unclear if all Downtown Sioux Falls parking meters will require drivers to pay to park during the proposed extended hours.

No formal decision or recommendation has been made. You can read this latest Downtown Sioux Falls parking story from The Dakota Scout by clicking here.

How do you feel about paying to park in Downtown Sioux Falls? Do you think parking in Sioux Falls should remain free?