Free parking at Balboa Park will soon be phased out after the City Council voted 6-2 to charge for parking in all of the park’s surface lots.

The ordinance, approved Monday night, will allow for city residents to receive discount parking following verification in early 2026. Until then, parking fees for the Balboa Park lots and on-street metered parking will begin “upon the establishment of a quarterly or annual pass program for park-goers,” a statement from the city read. This is expected later this year.

The measure was significantly revised from the original proposal.

Park employees, volunteers and those with an ADA placard will continue to be able to park for free.

The plan for the parking lots introduces three pricing tiers — Levels 1, 2, and 3 — based on demand and proximity.

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