OCEAN CITY, Md.- New changes to the parking rate structure in Ocean City will have visitors to the resort town paying more during the peak summer months this year.
Parking in the Inlet Lot will now cost $3.50 per hour between May 22 and Sept. 30. Parking in other municipal lots or on the street will cost $3 per hour during the same time period.
However, the town is offering free weekday parking during the shoulder months as part of the new structure.
Town leaders estimate the new parking rate structure will generate an additional $900,000 in revenue for the town each year.
However, not all visitors are on board with the changes.
"They're pricing families from being able to come here and afford to use this as a vacation resort," said James Aleshire.
Ocean City's paid parking season runs from April 1 to Oct. 31.
INLET LOT PARKING RATES:
April 1 - May 21, 2020
- Monday - Thursday: FREE Parking
- Friday - Sunday: $3/hour
May 22 - September 30, 2020
- Daily Rate: $3.50/hour
Oct. 1 - Oct. 31, 2020
- Monday - Thursday: FREE Parking
- Friday - Sunday: $3/hour
There is a 30-minute grace period for all vehicles, including handicapped.
STREET PARKING AND OTHER MUNICIPAL LOTS PARKING RATES:
April 1 - May 21, 2020
- Monday - Thursday: FREE Parking
- Friday - Sunday: $2/hour
May 22 - Sept. 30, 2020
- Daily Rate of $3/hour
Oct. 1-31, 2020
- Monday - Thursday: FREE Parking
- Friday - Sunday: $2/hour
Handicapped Parking: No charge if stay is less than 1 hour, otherwise full rate. Handicapped vehicles must have handicapped plates or a visible placard. This does not apply to Inlet Lot parking.
- A violation of Street Parking & other Municipal Lot parking will result in a physical parking ticket ($50 fine) which can be voided if payment is made for actual time up to 1 hour and within 1 hour.