Cape May Moves to Extend Paid Parking Through December
Cape May City Council is pushing forward an ordinance to extend its paid parking season by three months, now set to run through December 31 in nearly all city parking zones. The proposed changes, introduced May 5, are aimed at addressing increased visitor demand and boosting city revenue this summer and fall.
If approved following a public hearing on May 19 at 5 p.m. in City Hall, the amended parking rules will begin this summer with fees rising to $2 per hour uniformly in the green, orange, and blue zones, which currently cover most public parking areas. Metered parking hours will be extended to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for the blue zone, where paid parking remains from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and maintains the current seasonal limit ending October 31.
High-Demand Zones See Bigger Changes and Fees
The yellow zone, which borders the busy Washington Street Mall, will see its parking fee increase to $3 per hour, with paid parking hours extended from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The council has also proposed removing the previous three-hour parking limit in this zone to allow longer stays, improving convenience for visitors and shoppers. Council members will evaluate the effect of dropping this limit after the summer season to decide if it should be reinstated.
In the red zone, parking fees will also be set at $2 per hour, but paid parking hours will extend to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the season lengthened through December 31. This is a significant change as the red zone currently follows the April 1 to October 31 paid parking schedule.
Consistent Rules for Other Areas; Digital Payments Required
The city’s parking lots will maintain existing rules and will not be affected by these changes. Visitors are reminded that payment is accepted only via coin-operated meters or the ParkMobile app, emphasizing the importance of mobile payment options. Drivers should identify their parking zone using the city’s color-coded parking map available on Cape May’s official website to avoid fines.
Why This Matters Now
Cape May is a popular shore destination drawing thousands of visitors, especially in spring and summer. Extending paid parking through December aims to equip the city better to manage demand during the holiday season and shoulder months, potentially easing congestion and increasing revenue for local services and infrastructure.
With rising metered fees and extended hours, residents and visitors alike will need to adjust quickly to avoid unexpected charges this coming season. The changes reflect a broader trend among U.S. coastal towns enhancing parking management amid growing tourism challenges.
Next Steps
The council’s public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for May 19 at 5 p.m. and will include an opportunity for residents and business owners to voice their concerns or support. Following the hearing, the council can enact the new rules bringing the extended parking season and fee increases into effect for summer 2026.
For updates and details, go to Cape May’s official website or reach out to the city’s parking department. Questions related to the story can be directed to reporter Vince Conti at [email protected].
