Carli Clesmere 
Montclair drivers, this one’s for you: parking around town is about to cost a little more. The Montclair Township Council approved new parking meter rates, longer paid parking hours, and updated permit pricing this week, marking the first major meter increase since 2018. Under the new rules, on-street metered parking will increase from $1 per hour to $1.50 per hour at both single meters and pay stations. Paid parking hours are changing, too. Many metered areas will now require payment from 9AM to 10PM, instead of the previous 8AM to 7PM window. Read on for what Montclair drivers need to know about the new parking rates, permit changes, and downtown evening pricing.
Higher Evening Rates Downtown
Some downtown areas will see higher rates during busy evening hours. In Montclair’s “special parking zone,” which includes parts of the downtown Third Ward, parking will cost $1.50 per hour during most daytime hours. From 5PM to 10PM Thursday through Saturday, rates will increase to $3 per hour. Township officials said the goal is to improve parking turnover and make curb space more available during peak dinner, shopping, and nightlife hours.
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Why Officials Say the Increase Is Needed
Per Montclair Local, Complete Streets Director Jacob Nieman said the changes are meant to address high parking demand, especially in the evenings.
“Montclair does not suddenly become unattractive after 7 p.m., and that curb space — if anything — becomes more valuable,” Nieman said, according to Montclair Local.
Officials also pointed to issues like double parking, illegal parking, and congestion along busy streets such as Bloomfield Avenue. The township also approved updated monthly permit pricing for lots and decks throughout Montclair.
Surface Lots
- Non-commuter surface lot permits will cost $60 per month.
- Commuter surface lot permits near train stations will cost $70 per month.
- Overnight permits for on-street parking and surface lots will cost $50 per month.
Bay Street Parking Deck
- A 24-hour monthly permit at the Bay Street Parking Deck will increase from $100 to $125.
- A new overnight permit will cost $65 per month.
- The early bird rate, for drivers who enter between 4AM and 10AM and leave before 10PM, will cost $8.
- The standard hourly rate will stay at $2 per hour.
Crescent + Midtown Parking Decks
- A 24-hour monthly permit will now cost $140, up from $130.
- Monthly day permits will cost $75.
- Monthly night permits will cost $65.
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What This Means for Drivers
The biggest takeaway: drivers should expect to pay more for metered parking, pay later into the evening in many areas, and see higher monthly permit costs in several lots and decks. Some residents pushed back on the increases during public comment, but township officials said the updates are needed to keep up with rising costs, support parking infrastructure, and improve access in Montclair’s busiest areas.
The Montclair Girl reached out to the Township of Montclair for a statement, and they shared the following with us: “We anticipate changes to take effect on July 6th.” We will update this piece as more information becomes available.
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