Block Face Parking

The City of Eau Claire Police Department uses the License Plate Recognition (LPR) system to enforce parking regulations, and Block Face Parking enforcement was enacted to more efficiently use this system.

Block Face Parking enforcement means that after you have parked for two hours or less once per calendar day, your vehicle must be moved to another block as shown in the graphic on the supplemental signage.

You may park on any downtown block once per calendar day for two hours or less between the hours of 6am and 6pm.

6:00am to 6:00pm: Two-Hour Parking

Two-hour on-street parking restrictions are enforced in the downtown area between the hours of 6am and 6pm allowing for quick stops at stores, restaurants, or businesses.

6:00pm to 2:00am: Free Parking

On-street parking in the downtown area is free between the hours of 6pm and 2am. 

No Parking: 2:00am to 6:00am

Parking Status Change

A request for change in parking status must be accompanied by a petition form signed by the property owners affected by the change.

After the petition is received, it is then considered by the Public Works Traffic Committee who will review the request and upon consideration may refer it to the City Council for action.

Paid parking is available in several downtown parking lots with several lots remaining free until the transit center is open.

Enforcement & Rate

Paid & two-hour parking are enforced between the hours of 6am and 6pm with the exception of holidays. Parking fees must be paid via the Passport App. 

The City does not enforce paid or two-hour parking on the following holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve Day

A parking waiver may be requested for a temporary exception to the parking rules for maintenance vehicles, delivery trucks, and similar situations. (Parking waivers are not allowed for personal vehicles to circumvent the posted parking regulations.)

What factors are considered in granting a parking waiver?

Traffic flow, parking availability, pedestrian traffic, and other pertinent factors are taken into consideration when considering a parking waiver request. Reasons a parking waiver may be granted could include: 

• Repair, remodeling, or construction of buildings where parking immediately adjacent to the job site is required.
• Parking lot construction or repair.
• Loading or unloading moving vans or trucks.
• Any other reason which in the judgment of the Parking Administrator would require such waiver.

What is the fee and how long is it good for?

The fee for a parking waiver is $20 per week, and they are offered in increments of one week, two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, and twelve weeks. No parking waiver shall last longer than three months.

How can I request a parking waiver?

Visit the Engineering Permitting Portal to learn more about the process for obtaining a parking waiver or any other permit granted through the Engineering Department.