Newport may raise parking meter rates

As the busy summer season approaches, parking on Newport Beach streets may get more expensive under an ordinance being considered by the City Council on Tuesday.

The city estimates that raising meter rates by as much as 50 cents an hour would bring in $ 924,000 each year, which would help offset public safety costs, particularly for additional police on the Balboa Peninsula.

The city charges from 50 cents to $ 2.50 an hour for onstreet and off- street parking. It estimates that the majority of meters — 98% — would go up by 25 cents or less.

The biggest cost increase would be for the third hour in 65 city parking spaces. Instead of $ 2.50, it would be $ 3.

If approved, higher rates for off- street parking would begin Wednesday; on- street rates would go up Aug. 13.

City officials said this would be the f irst parking meter increase since 2010, except in Balboa Village, which has on- and off- peak season rates.

The ordinance would not affect the cost of parking permits. It would also not apply to rates in the Corona del Mar State Beach parking lot.

Tuesday’s meeting starts with a study session at 4: 30 p. m., followed by the regular session at 7 p. m.