Do You Qualify for Boise’s $10 Downtown Parking Pass?

A $10 Per Year Downtown Boise Parking Permit Exists

One of the first things I had to get used to when moving from Twin Falls to Boise was the idea of having to pay to park. It's not that I don't get it; I'm just used to living in a world where I roll up, park, and forget about it. That said, I'm always on the lookout for a way to save a buck, so when I heard Boise offered a $10 annual downtown parking pass, I had to look into it. I went through the qualification steps, and the process is pretty straightforward.

What is Boise's ZEV Parking Permit and How Does it Work?

Boise’s permit is for Zero Emission Vehicles, or ZEVs. Once you are approved and you buy the permit, you can park in short-term metered zones without feeding the meter. You still have to follow the maximum time allowed at that meter. It’s not an all-day pass.

Where Can You Park in Downtown Boise and How Long Can You Stay?

The permit works in Boise metered spaces in zones 1, 2, and 3 in Boise. The time limit varies by zone. The maximum stay is two hours in Zones 1 and 2. The maximum stay is four hours in Zone 3. When you hit that cap, your vehicle needs to be moved out of the space. And remember, time limits and zones can change as the area grows. It’s up to you to keep up with the times. 

Do You Need a Placard or a Physical Permit?

No. After purchase, your license plate is your parking pass. There is nothing to print. Nothing to display. At first, I was confused as to whether I had to check in at a parking meter using an app like ParkMobile, but that's not the case here. It's up to you watch the clock and make sure you don't overstay.

Which Vehicles Qualify for Boise's ZEV Parking Pass and Which Do Not

This permit is strictly for zero-emission vehicles. Boise specifically says hybrids do not qualify. That includes plug-in hybrids or any vehicle that has been modified from a hybrid to an EV.  You can easily verify your vehicle when you apply on the Boise City Website. 

Is The ZEV Parking Pass Transferrable?

The permit is valid only for the approved vehicle. If you buy a new zero-emission vehicle, Boise says you need to contact Parking Services so they can confirm the fuel type. If it qualifies, the permit can be transferred. And if you own more than one vehicle that qualifies, each one needs its own permit.