The city of Berkeley is set to propose a new parking fee structure at its Marina in an effort to bolster a struggling waterfront budget, which has been running a structural deficit for over 15 years.
On Tuesday, city officials will present a plan to the City Council that involves charging $1 per hour for parking or a maximum of $6 per day at three of the busiest parking lots at the Marina: South Cove East, South Cove West, and the J/K lots.
These lots are strategically located near popular destinations such as Adventure Playground, Hana Japan Restaurant, and the Cal Sailing Club. Additionally, a $500 annual parking pass will be available, primarily aimed at frequent users like recreational boaters and windsurfers.
Despite these proposed fees, parking will remain free in other areas of the Marina, including at Cesar Chavez Park, Skates on the Bay, and along Seawall Drive, where visitors often gather to enjoy sunset views.
City officials estimate that the introduction of parking fees could generate over $182,000 annually for the Marina Fund, which finances essential services such as docks, restrooms, road maintenance, and public recreation programs.
In light of Berkeley’s parking fee structure, Parks Director Scott Ferris emphasized that these new rates would remain lower than those in city lots and most metered locations.
In addition to parking fees, the city is considering new charges for organized group activities, permits to reserve specific lawn areas, and portions of the Gateway Pier. Together, these changes could yield up to an additional $6,450 each year. For boat owners who already pay slip fees, designated lots will still be accessible through permits included in their berth fees.
City officials have declined to comment on this proposal ahead of the upcoming meeting scheduled for June 17.
The Marina Fund’s ongoing financial issues have been exacerbated following the withdrawal of rent payments by its largest tenant, the DoubleTree hotel. This year, the fund is projected to face a $1.3 million deficit, which has already led the city to cut jobs in waterfront security, postpone essential dock repairs, and defer maintenance costs totaling approximately $600,000.
This financial shortfall is contributing to an overall $27 million deficit affecting the city’s budget.
However, the proposal to implement parking fees has sparked significant pushback from both the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission and long-time marina patrons. Critics have voiced concerns that the parking fees would unduly affect recreational visitors, particularly boaters and windsurfers who need convenient access to the docks.
The Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission addressed the City Council in a letter this week, urging a pause on the implementation of the fees and requesting a comprehensive public process to evaluate the potential impacts. Claudia Kawczynska, the commission’s vice chair, highlighted that many waterfront users have expressed worries that the proposed fees could significantly hinder their ability to access and enjoy the waterfront.
Paul Kamen, a former waterfront commissioner who served for two decades and currently has two boats docked at the marina, is skeptical about the revenue potential of the parking fees given the costs associated with monitoring the lots. He suggested that targeted fee increases on berth rentals could achieve better financial results without the broader negative consequences for users.
‘’The South Cove sailors, windsurfers, and swimmers, as well as other park users that the city aims to charge, will likely find free parking in nearby locations,’’ Kamen remarked. He noted that boat owners who already pay for parking as part of their slip fees might face difficulties finding space when they arrive later in the day, leading to a situation where they end up in the paid lots.
While Kamen doesn’t oppose the principle of parking fees, he emphasized the need for an efficient and equitable system. He proposed a scan-in, scan-out model at the marina’s sole vehicle entrance, which would allow for a grace period of a few free hours before initiating hourly or daily rates.
This is not the first time Berkeley officials have floated the idea of charging for parking at the Marina. Similar proposals were discussed in 2021 as part of larger efforts to tackle the waterfront’s long-term financial challenges.
image source from：https://www.berkeleyside.org/2025/06/13/berkeley-marina-parking-fee-meter
