Community Parking Program
Upper Queen Anne

Updated May 28, 2009

SDOT issues final parking plan for Upper Queen Anne

In May 2008, SDOT began assessing Upper Queen Anne parking with neighborhood businesses, residents, and community groups. This past January, SDOT issued a draft parking plan. After reviewing and considering community comments, SDOT is releasing a final parking plan. Parking changes (new time limit signs) will be implemented this summer, likely in August.

You can see the final plan mailing that went out to project area residents, businesses, and property owners, here . 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 about the final plan, please contact project manager Allison Schwartz at QueenAnneParking@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8186. You can also leave a comment below:

What are the final plan details?

• New 2-hour time limit signs will replace 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 will change 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 4 th Ave W) will change from unrestricted and 1-hour time limit signs to 2-hour time limit signs

These changes will impact parking directly adjacent to commercial uses. SDOT will continue to monitor the recently installed restricted parking zone (RPZ, Zone 26). RPZ spaces, disabled parking permit spaces, and bus zones will not change. Load zones will not change unless requested by a business or property owner.

When will parking change?

• July: SDOT crews will mark new parking sign locations on the sidewalk
• July/Aug: SDOT will install new signs

Why change parking in Upper Queen Anne?

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!

Last fall’s 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!)

With these parking changes, SDOT aims to:

• Provide reliable customer access,
• Promote dependable parking turnover, and
• Enhance neighborhood livability.

Other ways that SDOT is improving access in Upper Queen Anne

Pedestrian Improvements

SDOT is currently working on pedestrian improvements along Queen Anne Ave N at W. McGraw St and W. Galer St. Improvements include new curb bulbs, street trees, and stamped concrete crosswalks. Some parking will be impacted during and after construction. More information can be found here.

Adding Transit Service

Last September, Routes 3 and 4 began running with increased mid-day and evening service. This year, Route 2 will have increased peak hour service and Route 13 will have additional peak and late evening service.