Charleston piloting parking program to help downtown hospitality workers

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — The City of Charleston is working on a new initiative that could offer downtown hospitality workers access to free parking.

The pilot program will allow owners and general managers of bars, restaurants, and hotels on the peninsula to apply for a limited number of parking permits for their employees, according to a May 8 announcement from the city.

Permit holders will have free 24/7 access to 70 designated parking spaces at Union Pier Lot B on Concord Street on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits will not be vehicle-specific, meaning they can be shared by multiple employees of the same business.

“This pilot program is a first step toward addressing a challenge hospitality workers have faced for years—reliable, affordable access to parking near their jobs,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “We’re starting small to ensure the system works, but our goal is to build on this and expand it to reach more workers in the near future.” 

The application period is set to open on May 12 and close on May 30. Each business can request up to five permits, which will cost $15 each.

Applications can be submitted by email or in person at 180 Lockwood Boulevard during regular business hours.

Parking access for approved holders will begin on June 1, with CARTA operating a route that will pick up at the lot and make stops throughout the peninsula.

Leaders noted that while the initiative is temporary, they hope to expand it into a larger-scale program in the near future.