The San Anselmo Town Council just rolled out some big changes to downtown parking. They’re hoping to make it easier for merchants, employees, and residents to find spots.
After scrapping the paid parking program last fall—yeah, that one everyone complained about—the Council wants these new rules to help both businesses and the community. Time limits along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard have shifted, and they’ve cut back on enforcement hours too.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
The whole idea? Get more shoppers downtown, make life simpler for workers, and maybe ease up some of the parking headaches in the commercial core.
More Parking Flexibility in Downtown San Anselmo
The Council’s main move was to expand four-hour parking zones on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and in the Creek Park lot. Now, twenty-nine spaces let people park longer—so if you want to hit a few shops or grab a coffee, you don’t have to rush back to feed the meter.
Merchants in the merchant parking program get a nice perk here. They can use these spots all day, instead of hunting for scattered employee spaces.
Reduced Enforcement Hours for Greater Access
There’s also a new parking enforcement schedule. Instead of the old 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. routine, officers will check meters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This gives early morning shoppers and employees a break, and you’re less likely to get a ticket if you linger in the evening. The Council hopes this makes downtown trips less stressful, especially for folks from nearby places like Mill Valley and Ross.
From Paid Parking Backlash to Community-Focused Policy
All these changes came after the paid parking program got axed last September. Merchants and residents pushed back hard, saying the fees kept people away and hurt business.
Shop owners from Greenfield Avenue to Tunstead Avenue said it just made things tougher. When the Council rolled it back, most folks saw it as a win for downtown’s economy.
Resident Concerns About Side Street Congestion
Still, not everyone’s thrilled. Since paid parking disappeared, some residents have noticed more cars clogging up side streets, especially near downtown and around Red Hill Avenue.
This spillover has sparked some debate about how to keep neighborhoods livable while keeping downtown convenient. Towns like Corte Madera and Novato have wrestled with this too.
Ideas for Future Parking Solutions
The Council knows parking is a tricky puzzle—part logistics, part economics. They’re already tossing around a few ideas:
- A parking sticker program for downtown residents, so they don’t have to keep moving their cars.
- More merchant parking privileges in the Creek Park lot.
- Using tech to track turnover and help people follow the rules.
Vice Mayor Steve Burdo says police need to enforce these new rules fairly but firmly. He thinks that’s the only way to make sure the changes actually stick.
The Broader Marin County Context
Other Marin towns—San Rafael, Sausalito—have had similar parking battles. They’re all trying to balance tourism, business, and what residents want.
For shoppers from Belvedere or Tiburon, these new policies could make it easier to swing by San Anselmo’s downtown. Honestly, it’s one of the most charming spots in Marin, if you ask around.
Looking Ahead
The Council’s unanimous vote really shows how committed they are to tackling parking issues. They want to keep the town appealing for shopping and dining, which makes sense.
Right now, staff are working on a possible resident sticker program. They’re also checking out how merchants use their parking lots.
San Anselmo’s trying to find that sweet spot—supporting local business growth without making life harder for residents. It’s a tricky balance, honestly.
It’s interesting to see Marin County towns taking these kinds of practical, community-focused steps. There’s always this push to stay grounded in local values while making real changes.
Maybe you’re a Fairfax local popping in for lunch. Or you might be a Mill Valley business owner visiting a client, or a San Rafael family searching for something to do on the weekend.
Either way, more parking in San Anselmo should make downtown visits easier. And, let’s be real, probably a lot more fun too.
—
If you’d like, I can also create a **meta description** and **SEO keyword list** for this blog post so it maximizes search visibility. Would you like me to include that?
Here is the source article for this story: San Anselmo fine-tunes downtown parking regulations
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
