You've got parking spaces sitting there. Cars are using them. Why shouldn't you be making money from that? The idea makes sense, but figuring out where to actually start can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that getting a paid parking operation up and running is more straightforward than most property owners expect. Here's a general roadmap.
Before anything else, take an honest look at what you're working with. How many spaces do you have? What's the current usage pattern? Who's parking there now, and are any of those people entitled to free parking through existing agreements?
Understanding your baseline helps you figure out what's realistic and where the revenue opportunity actually is.
Every municipality has different rules around paid parking operations. Some require permits or business licenses. Others have specific signage requirements. Zoning may or may not allow commercial parking use on your property.
A quick check with your local planning or licensing department can save you headaches down the road.
There are multiple ways to charge for parking. Do you want drivers to pay via mobile app? Scan a QR code? Get billed automatically through license plate recognition? Each approach has tradeoffs in terms of cost, customer experience, and operational complexity.
You'll also need to think about pricing. Hourly rates? Daily maximums? Event-based pricing? The answer depends on your location, your customer base, and what the market will bear.
The technology landscape for parking has changed dramatically. Traditional meters and gate systems are giving way to app-based payments, license plate recognition, and fully automated enforcement.
The right technology depends on your budget, your property layout, and how hands-on you want to be. Some systems require significant upfront investment. Others operate on a revenue-share model with little or no money down.
Clear, visible signs that communicate your rates, hours, and payment methods are essential for customer experience and often legally required for enforcement. The general rule is: if a driver could reasonably claim they didn't know parking was paid, your signage needs work.
For more details, see our guide on parking signage that actually works.
How will you handle people who don't pay? Options range from warning notices to citations to towing. Many property owners find that a firm but fair approach, combined with technology that makes paying easy, results in high compliance without constant confrontation.
Once everything is in place, go live. But pay attention to how things work in the first few weeks. Are people figuring out the payment system? Is compliance where you expected? Most successful parking operations make adjustments after launch based on real-world performance.
This guide gives you a general sense of what's involved, but the specifics vary widely based on your property type, location, and goals. What works for a downtown restaurant won't be the same as what works for an apartment complex.
We walk property owners through this process every day. If you're thinking about charging for parking but aren't sure where to start, we can help you assess your situation and figure out the right approach.