Overview
- San Diego’s new paid-parking system took effect Jan. 5 with tiered rates, but kiosks lacked clear resident-discount information and could not verify addresses.
- City leaders announced a grace period with enforcement on hold for at least a few weeks, though payment is still required and an end date has not been set.
- The city added stickers directing residents to an online portal, ordered signs for the Lower Inspiration Point lot’s three free hours, and reported some kiosk vandalism.
- Political pushback escalated as Councilmembers Kent Lee and Sean Elo‑Rivera urged suspending fees and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn called for repeal; the mayor’s office noted the council approved the implementation plan and signaled no immediate reversal.
- Residents must register online with a one-time $5 fee for discounted passes, zoo members manage parking separately, employees and volunteers get free designated parking with shuttle support, and state law requires revenues to stay in the park.