Parking Lots & Permits

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Parking Lots
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E. John Gare Parking Garage

Open 24 hours a day the garage is located conveniently close to the downtown business district and can be accessed via Pleasant Street or Hampton Avenue. The garage has a capacity of more than 430 vehicles on four levels with a covered walkway on the second level that leads to Thornes Marketplace and Main St. The first hour is always free, and parking is $0.75 per hour after that. You have the option to pay in cash or with a credit card. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted.

*It is important to keep track of the entry ticket that is issued when you enter the garage. You will need this to pay and exit the garage. A non-refundable lost ticket fee of $20 is charged for a lost ticket.

Gothic Street Parking Garage

Located directly across from the Hampshire County Courthouse on Gothic St.  The garage is open for public parking from 5:00 pm to 6:00 am, Monday-Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Important - Vehicles parked in the garage outside of authorized public parking hours are subject to ticketing and towing. Public Parking begins after 5:00 pm on weekdays.

Municipal Parking Locations

There are over 1,550 parking spaces available to the public in and surrounding downtown. This includes on-street parking, off-street municipal parking lots, and two municipal parking garages. City parking lots are equipped with pay-by-plate kiosks. When you park in one of the city lots, look for the nearest green pay kiosks. Coins and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover) are accepted at pay kiosks. Please follow the directions displayed on the screen. The ParkMobile payment app is accepted for payment in municipal parking lots.

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Downtown Parking

Downtown Northampton has on-street pay-by-plate kiosks, and traditional meters, the ParkMobile payment app is also accepted. Metered parking in city lots and on city streets is enforced Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm - Sundays and holidays are free.

• Downtown Parking Lots Map (PDF)

Free Commuter Parking

There is a free commuter parking lot at Sheldon Field, off of Bridge Street, available and convenient for people carpooling or commuting via the PVTA over the Coolidge Bridge. There is also a small parking lot owned by the Commonwealth by the entrance to the Norwottuck Rail Trail on Damon Road for use of the Rail Trail.Empty h
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Parking Permits

Monthly Permits

The cost for a monthly permit is $45 per month. This permit allows parking in designated lots and at red-top parking meters. Purchase a Monthly Permit online. The majority of the designated lots are located conveniently close to Main Street.  Monthly permits are authorized in the following locations.

• Round House Lot
• Old South Street Lot
• Hampton Ave Lot
• James House Lot
• West Street Lot
• Red-Top Parking Meters

Lease Holder Permit

This permit allows parking in the E.J. Gare Parking Garage at a cost of $110 per month. *Note to existing permit holders - online renewal is not available at this time. Payments can be mailed to this office at 212 Main St., Northampton. In-person payments and secure drop box payments are also accepted. The drop slot is located to the right of the building's front door.

Neighborhood Permit

Currently restricted to residents of Kensington Avenue. To qualify for a resident parking permit you must be a homeowner or resident of Kensington Ave. Permits may be obtained at this office during business hours. You must bring proof of residency such as your driver’s license, utility bill, rental lease, etc. There is a limit of two permits per household at a cost of $25 per permit, per year. Only resident permits issued by the City of Northampton are valid on this street.  The Monthly Permit used in designated lots and at red-top meters is not authorized for parking on this street. 

*Permit holders are responsible for keeping informed about special events, holidays, and winter parking bans which may impact parking lots. We recommend signing up to receive alerts through CodeRed. This allows you to receive a phone call, email, or text message when a Winter Parking Ban is called, and again when it is lifted. This system also keeps you informed of other critical news and events. You can also follow updates on the city’s Facebook and Twitter pages.pty heading