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Parker says, “Stay Safe!”
Parking in downtown Des Moines can be safe, easy and convenient. Using some personal safety tips, a little common sense, and your instinct, you should have a safe and enjoyable downtown visit.

Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to Operation Downtown at (515) 282-0378 or Des Moines Police at (515) 283-4811. And always (ALWAYS) call 9-1-1 for police assistance or to report an emergency.


Everything you ever wanted to know about parking.


How do I use the new multi-space parking meters?
The City of Des Moines is currently testing multi-space parking meters in the Downtown area. Click here for more info on the new meters.

Where do I go to fill out the multi-space parking meter survey?
Motorists can voice their opinion on the City of Des Moines multi-space parking meters by completing this online survey.

What do I do if I get a parking ticket?
Pay it. The easiest way to pay your ticket is online. Click here to pay your ticket online. The fine for parking tickets is $15. If you believe the parking ticket received by you is unwarranted, click here for an appeal form.


The parking meter ATE my coins, what do I do?
Note the number of the parking meter and report that number to the Traffic and Transportation Department at (515) 283-4973. You may remain parked at the meter. Should you receive a parking ticket upon your return, you will need to make sure that you: 1) have reported the meter as faulty; and 2) call the Parking Violations Payment Office at (515) 283-4125 to alert them that you have reported the meter as faulty.


Are there places to park downtown?
Yes! There are approximately 30,000 public parking spaces in downtown including approximately 4,000 parking meters for long and short term parking needs.


How can I buy a parking meter?
The City of Des Moines has replaced all mechanical parking meters that had been used for years in the downtown area with new electronic versions. As a result of this changeover the City of Des Moines is selling the old meters for $20.00 each! The meters are available on a first come, first served basis at City Hall, 400 E. First Street. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Action Center at 283-4500.


How much does it cost to park on the weekends?
Parking downtown is FREE on the weekends. Beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, parking in all City ramps are free of charge. Parking at meters is free all weekend, as well as after 6 p.m. during the week.


What do the green placards on the parking meters mean?
These are special meters that allow for a short duration of free parking. Instead of inserting coins into the meter, there is a button you push which gives you 15 minutes of parking. There is, however, a 30 minute limit on parking at these meters. These meters are located conveniently throughout downtown in places where you may need to make just a quick stop.

 

Green, free downtown parking meter.


Are the City parking ramps connected to the skywalk system?
All but one City ramp is connected to the skywalk system. The Center Street Park and Ride is the only City parking ramp NOT connected to the skywalk system.

   
Downtown Community Alliance, 700 Locust ST, Downtown Des Moines, IA 50309 ©2007-2008 Downtown Community Alliance