The rates and time limits for metered parking vary by location, and are posted on the meter or kiosk.

Meter bagging requests: For information about reserving metered parking areas for construction, special events, filming, or other purposes, see requirements from Public Works Permit Operations.

Overnight Parking

The Overnight Parking Program was developed in response to requests from area businesses and residents who have asked for this option for years.

Street sweeping operations and old meter technology prevented this type of a program from being implemented in the past. New Smart Meter technology and a new street sweeping schedule now allow for the Overnight Program to be implemented downtown.

Overnight Parking Rates and Times

• Parking from 10:00 P.M. – 2:00 A.M. will be $1.00 per hour.
• Parking from 2:00 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. will be $0.50 per hour.
• Parking between 6:00 A.M. – 8:00 A.M. will be free.
• Vehicles must be moved 100’ after two hours if they park between the hours of 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. (It is has always been a requirement that vehicles move 100’ after the posted time limit has expired)
• The two‐hour parking limit rule will end at 10:00 P.M., allowing vehicles to park from 10:00 P.M. ‐ 8:00 A.M. in one space without moving their vehicle (total of $6 with the 2‐hour free period between 6:00 – 8:00 A.M.).
• Metered parking from 12:00 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. on Sundays and posted holidays will continue to be free. However, drivers will need to pay for parking beginning at 12:00 A.M. the day after the free day

More Details

For a map of current and planned overnight metered parking, as well as program details, see our Overnight Parking Information Sheet (1.4 mb pdf).

Parking at a meter space or multi-space section is free Sundays and the following City holidays: 

• New Years Day -January 1 
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January) 
• Presidents Birthday (third Monday in February) 
• Cesar Chavez Day (last Monday in March) 
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day - July 4 
• Labor Day (first Monday in September) 
• Veteran's Day - November 11 
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) 
• Christmas Day - December 25

Meter operation hours are posted on all meters and kiosks.

Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards

1. Insert card
2. If a mistake is made, press the cancel button
3. A receipt will not be printed, but the meter will beep when the transaction is complete
   
   There are no transaction fees to the customer, however a minimum of $1 must be charged.

Smart Cards

1. Insert the card with the chip facing up
2. Meter will first display remaining card value
3. Time will be added in 25 cent increments Remove card immediately when desired time is reached

Coins

1. Insert the amount of coins desired for the visit.
2. The meter will display the amount of time purchased.

REMEMBER - Money can be added to extend the time on the meter unless the maximum amount of time has been purchased, then it is necessary to move your vehicle to another space!

Smart Cards are an easy way to pay for parking at Denver’s new Smart Meters! The Smart Card is a pre-loaded plastic card (credit card sized) that is available in the amounts of $5, $15, $25, $50 and $100. There is no additional charge or deposit when purchasing a ParkSmart Denver card – simply pay the face value of the card! ParkSmart Denver cards are not re-loadable and should be recycled when they are empty.

ParkSmart Denver Cards can be purchased with cash, check or Visa/Mastercard credit or debit cards at the following locations:

• Webb Building, 201 West Colfax Avenue, 1st floor, Cashier Counter (map)
• Wastewater Management, 2000 West 3rd Street, Permit Counter (map)
• Downtown Denver Partnership, 1515 Arapahoe Street, Tower 2 Suite 400 (map)
• Both Tattered Cover locations:
  • 2526 East Colfax Avenue at Elizabeth Street (map)
  • 1628 16th Street at Wynkoop (map)

1. Insert the card with the chip facing up
2. Meter will first display remaining card value
3. Time will be added in 25 cent increments
4. Remove card immediately when desired time is reached