San Diego weighs 5/5/5 plan to cut event parking rates near Petco Park – NBC 7 San Diego

What to Know about the 5/5/5 Plan:Reduce the hourly special event rate to $5.It will shorten the enforcement window to five hours.Limit the special event parking zone to five blocks instead of 17 blocks around Petco Park.

City council is considering a proposal that could significantly change special event parking around Petco Park, lowering costs for drivers while reducing city revenue.

The plan — dubbed the “5/5/5 plan” — would reduce the hourly special event parking rate to $5, limit enforcement to five hours and shrink the special event parking zone to five blocks around the stadium.

Currently, drivers pay $10 per hour during special events. Enforcement begins two hours before a Padres game or major event and lasts until four hours after the start time. The existing parking zone spans roughly 17 blocks, extending well beyond the immediate East Village and Gaslamp areas.

A map of the Petco Park special event zone highlighted in blue. (City of San Diego)

Supporters of the proposal say the current system has made it difficult for downtown workers and small businesses, as the large zone and higher rates deter visitors.

Councilmember Raul Campillo, who represents District 7 and introduced the proposal, questioned the city’s reliance on parking fees.

“Why are we balancing our budget on the backs of San Diegans who are trying to come downtown to places they’ve come all their life and enjoy family time and go to the Padres game. That’s the thing about that analysis, too; it also doesn’t consider consumer behavior. Whether you’re in the mayor’s office or an independent budget analyst, they never thought to consider whether people are going to spend less money downtown. It’s common sense. ” Campillo said.

The city originally projected the special event parking program would generate $6 million, but it is currently bringing in less than $2 million, Campillo said.

An independent budget analyst report estimates the proposed changes would reduce meter revenue by about $1.3 million.

If the proposal passes in committee, it will move to the full City Council for a final vote.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.