Columbia, September 9, 2025
News Summary
The City of Columbia is set to begin a significant modernization of its downtown parking decks, focusing on safety and functionality. Renovations will commence with the Lady Street Parking Deck, with additional upgrades planned for Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill, and Sumter Street. Alongside these renovations, new parking rates will be introduced, effective March 2025, to address growing congestion and demand for parking spaces. The project aims to enhance the user experience while generating revenue for further infrastructure improvements.
Columbia is undertaking a significant modernization initiative for its downtown parking decks, focusing on renovations and a new parking rate structure aimed at improving the area’s parking infrastructure. This multi-phase project is set to commence with Phase 1, which targets renovations of four main parking decks: Lady Street, Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill, and Sumter Street.
The Lady Street Parking Deck, located at 1100 Lady Street, has been prioritized for renovations. Planned improvements include various essential upgrades to enhance safety and functionality. These upgrades will involve repairing concrete damage, sealing cracks, installing new expansion joints, applying waterproof coatings, updating lighting and security cameras, and conducting deep cleaning and painting. This comprehensive approach aims to prolong the life of the infrastructure and provide a modern parking experience for users.
City officials have announced that the renovation project is currently open for bids and is expected to be submitted for City Council approval in October. If approved, renovations will commence in November 2025, with an expected timeline of approximately two to three months for each deck, allowing parking availability during the construction process. Signage indicating open parking spaces will be provided to assist motorists.
In conjunction with the renovations, Columbia will also implement a new parking ordinance that will see an adjustment to parking rates effective March 3, 2025. This overhaul includes raising the previous hourly and daily parking fees. Under the new structure, the maximum daily rate will increase by $5, while hourly fees will also see a rise of $1 per hour. On-street parking rates will double from 75 cents to $1.50 per hour starting March 10, 2025.
Additionally, parking fines will experience significant increases. Standard fines will rise from $8 to $25, while penalties for parking in fire lanes will see a dramatic jump from $100 to $500. These changes come as a response to a recent study indicating that Columbia’s growth requires adjustments in parking strategies and rates to cater to the growing congestion and demand for parking spaces.
To facilitate a smoother transition to the new rates, city officials have introduced a grace period prior to enforcing the increased parking fees. Furthermore, to enhance the user experience, fourteen T2 Cosmo Pay Stations will be installed on Main Street, replacing the existing parking meters. These new pay stations are designed to reduce sidewalk clutter and enhance the overall aesthetics of the streetscape in the downtown area.
Revenue generated from the increased parking rates will be directed towards ongoing infrastructure improvements, necessary maintenance, and overall parking operations to ensure that Columbia’s parking facilities remain modern and efficient.
Background Context
The City of Columbia has recognized a pressing need to update its parking infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population. With ongoing urban development and increasing traffic flow, these upgrades are essential for maintaining safety and improving the user experience. The planned renovations and new parking fees represent a strategic move to ensure that Columbia’s parking facilities can accommodate current and future demands effectively.
FAQ
What parking decks are being renovated?
The City of Columbia will focus renovations on four parking decks: Lady Street, Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill, and Sumter Street.
When will the renovations start?
The renovations are expected to begin in November 2025 if approved by the City Council.
What are the new parking rates?
The new parking rates will increase the maximum daily rate by $5, raise hourly rates by $1, and double on-street parking fees from 75 cents to $1.50 per hour.
When will the new parking fines take effect?
The new parking fines will take effect alongside the new parking rates, with standard fines increasing from $8 to $25 and fire lane fines increasing from $100 to $500.
Key Features of the Parking Deck Renovation and Rate Increase Plan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking Decks Involved | Lady Street, Taylor Street, Arsenal Hill, Sumter Street |
| Renovation Start Date | November 2025 (pending approval) |
| Duration of Renovations | Approximately 2-3 months per deck |
| New Maximum Daily Rate | $15 |
| Hourly Rate Increase | From $2 to $3 |
| On-Street Parking Rate | Increased from $0.75 to $1.50 |
| Standard Parking Fine Increase | From $8 to $25 |
| Fire Lane Fine Increase | From $100 to $500 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Apartment Complex Approved in Columbia
West Columbia Faces Continued Delays on Capitol Square Redevelopment
Lexington Begins Construction of New Wingard Park
Lexington Moves Forward with Major Traffic Improvement Project
Bojangles in Columbia Closes for Remodeling Amid Legal Issues
Governor McMaster Deploys National Guard Troops to D.C.
South Carolina Lawmakers Resign, Special Elections Ahead
TEDxCongaree Vista Opens Applications for Inaugural Event
Fatal Collision on Sunset Boulevard Claims Life
New Melrose Market to Open in Columbia’s Melrose Heights
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Columbia Downtown Parking Decks Upgrade
- WIS TV: Columbia’s Parking Ordinance Changes
- Cola Daily: New Parking Rates in Columbia
- Post and Courier: Columbia Parking Citations Overhaul
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
