To allow for more efficient and flexible long term parking in the city, paid parking options will be available in both the Downtown district and the College Hill area effective October 1, 2020. Free parking will remain in both areas as well.
The update follows a parking survey that was conducted in 2019. It included public workshops and a community online survey to help identify the areas for improvement. Following the studies, recommendations were made from the parking consultants, WGI, which the Cedar Falls city council approved for Downtown on February 18, 2019, and for College Hill on August 5, 2019.
The new paid parking system will be available in five public parking lots in the Downtown district and two public lots in the College Hill area. Rates are .50 cents per hour during parking enforcement times. College Hill enforcement times are 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, and Downtown enforcement times are 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday.
In addition to the paid lots, free parking will continue to be available in both areas. This includes free 15 minute, 2 hour, 3 hour, and 24 hour options in the Downtown district. The public may also use the Viking Pump lot for parking after business hours at no charge. The College Hill area offers free 15 minute, 1 hour, and 2 hour parking.
To view parking maps for both areas, visit bit.ly/parkingCF. Signage in the areas has also been updated to reflect current parking options.
The new paid parking system for the lots will feature smart parking payment options. Users can pay for parking time at the pay station or download the free mobile app. The mobile app also allows users to pay to extend their parking hours from their phone. View informational videos on using the pay stations and learn additional information about the system at https://smartcity.ipsgroup.com/cedarfalls/ (a direct link to this website is also available at bit.ly/parkingCF).
The City continues to work with the College Hill Partnership and Community Main Street as well as the University of Northern Iowa during the transition to keep parkers informed and educated. To receive text/email notifications on parking, please visit www.cedarfalls.com and select ‘Notify Me’ or call City Hall at (319) 273-8600 with any questions.