The San Diego City Council gave the green light Monday for the city’s first paid parking in a portion of Balboa Park, but with a twist: the start date has been pushed back several months.

Officials said the metered parking fees, originally slated to begin Oct. 6, will now roll out in early 2026.

The delay, along with concessions such as free parking for San Diego High School students and passes for frequent users who play bridge or other activities, will cost the city several million dollars it had counted on to balance its budget and avoid emergency cuts, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The ordinance, approved after a four-hour public hearing, sets higher fees for nonresidents: $16 a day in central lots and $10 in outer lots, up from Mayor Todd Gloria’s original $12 and $6 pr

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