Royal Oak Approves Changes To Parking System

ROYAL OAK, MI — Changes are coming to Royal Oak's parking system after city commissioners unanimously approved a measure of amendments in Monday's city commission meeting.

The changes include extending free on-street parking to 15 minutes, which was previously five minutes, and extending the time limit for on-street parking to three hours, an hour longer than previous. Officials also added free parking for Juneteenth, as part of free parking on all Civic Holidays.

The vote comes after lengthy discussions with the city's parking vendor, Municipal Park Services. The changes are expected to go into effect later this month.

"We have heard feedback from residents, business owners and visitors to Royal Oak that making modifications to the grace period and extended time limits for on-street parking will make a positive impact on those parking and visiting our vibrant community," City Manager Paul Brake said. "We understand that there have been some frustrations and challenges around the MPS parking meters, and ultimately, our goal is to make parking as user-friendly as it can be, and we believe that these two things will improve the user experience."

Officials did not vote on any proposed changes related to reverse-angle parking on Washington Avenue, but said they will continue to have conversations related to the matter.

Parking in Downtown Royal Oak is free on Sundays and all Civic Holidays. Additionally, parking is free for the first two hours in all Downtown parking structures, and is then $0.75 per hour, with no time limits.

Parking structures include: North Lafayette Parking, South Lafayette Parking, Center Street Garage and the 11 Mile Road Parking Garage.