Community Parking Program
Upper Queen Anne

SDOT implements Upper Queen Anne parking changes

In the fall of 2009, SDOT installed new 2-hour time limit signs on parts of Queen Anne Ave N and W Galer St, as part of the Upper Queen Anne Community Parking Project. Short-term time limits aim to provide better customer access and turnover for neighborhood businesses.

You can see the  final plan mailing that went out to project area residents, businesses, and property owners. SDOT developed the final plan using findings from a parking study, as well as comments and suggestions from neighborhood businesses and residents. Participation from the Queen Anne Community Council, Chamber, and Merchants Association was critical to plan development.

The slideshow below includes background information, details on the final plan, before and after parking maps, and more – take a look! (Note: the slideshow is best viewed at your own pace)

If you have questions or comments about the new signs, please contact Ruth Harper, (206) 684-4103, or ruth.harper@seattle.gov.

What are the final plan details?

• New 2-hour time limit signs replaced unrestricted and 1-hour time limit parking on Queen Anne Avenue N (between Galer St and McGraw St)
• Some spaces on McGraw, Boston, Crockett, Howe, and Garfield changed from unrestricted and 1-hour time limit signs to 2-hour time limit signs (in the half block east and west of Queen Anne Ave N)
• Some spaces on W Galer St (between Queen Anne Ave N and 4th Ave W) changed from unrestricted and 1-hour time limit signs to 2-hour time limit signs

These changes have impacted parking directly adjacent to commercial uses, with the goal of providing better customer access.

Project Background

The business district along Queen Anne Ave N, and the emerging district along W Galer St, attracts visitors from the neighborhood and throughout the City. New mixed-use buildings are being planned and constructed, which means more density and more competition for that last parking spot!

The 2008 parking study  made several things very clear:

• Parking is very full throughout the day, and nearly 100% full at lunch time
• There is a large supply of unrestricted parking spaces
• The highest demand is for short-term parking spaces closest to the business district
• Most people are staying for 2-hours or less (and following the posted time limits!)

Other ways that SDOT has improved access in Upper Queen Anne

Pedestrian Improvements

At the time of this parking project, SDOT also worked on pedestrian improvements along Queen Anne Ave N at W. McGraw St and W. Galer St. Improvements included new curb bulbs, street trees, and stamped concrete crosswalks. More information can be found   here .

Adding Transit Service

InSeptember 2008, Routes 3 and 4 began running with increased mid-day and evening service. In 2009, Route 2 peak hour service increased, and Route 13 peak and late evening service increased.