A pay station in downtown Bellingham, where the city has expanded paid parking in phases since 2022. (Photo: City of Bellingham)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — New metered parking spaces will arrive downtown beginning next week. Installation should continue through mid-September.
The city will add the meters mainly where parking currently has time limits. Drivers should watch for freshly marked stalls and new meters as crews make changes over the next few weeks.
The city says paid parking will encourage turnover. That should keep spaces available throughout the day and improve access to nearby businesses and services.
A significant share of parking revenue returns to downtown. It supports improvements and programs through organizations such as the Downtown Bellingham Partnership.
Drivers should watch for new signs and meters. They should also follow all posted parking requirements.
Bellingham has made several changes to its paid parking system in recent years.
In 2022, the City Council approved higher parking rates, expanded paid parking to the Fairhaven business district and changed enforcement hours. The city said at the time that parking fees help support downtown cleaning, landscaping, graffiti removal, maintenance and programs through the Downtown Bellingham Partnership.
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