Parking in downtown Nevada City is simplest in the three city lots. The Commercial Street lot is paid and has restrooms and EV chargers. The Nevada Street and Spring Street lots are free. Each one has a limit of three or four hours. Street spots downtown use meters, so bring coins.
Each fact here comes from the city's own pages, read this fall. Rates and rules can change, so check before you go. And always read the sign or meter right in front of you.
Where is the parking in downtown Nevada City?
The city runs three public lots downtown. Here is how they compare, from the city's parking page.
| Lot | Address | Cost | Time limit | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Street lot | 412 Commercial Street | Paid | 4 hours | EV chargers and restrooms |
| Nevada Street lot | 101 Nevada Street | Free | 4 hours | Watch the clock |
| Spring Street lot | 205 Spring Street, behind the National Exchange Hotel | Free | 3 to 4 hours | Read the posted limit |
The city's own rules page admits that parking downtown can be hard at times. If the lots are full, try a meter on the street. Or use the long stay streets below.
How do you pay to park?
Bring coins. That is the short answer. Meters sit on many downtown streets. The city's rules page says they take quarters, dimes and nickels. The city is also moving from coin only meters to ones that take cards and phone pay.
- Street meters: Coins work. Newer meters may take cards too. Look before you dig for change. The rate is on the meter.
- Commercial Street lot: A pay station takes cash, coins, cards and tap to pay. You can also use the ParkMobile app.
- App fee: ParkMobile adds its own fee on top. The city's page lists it.
- Need change? The city says the Chamber of Commerce visitor center at 132 Main Street always has change.
How long can you park downtown?
Plan for a short stay. The lots allow three or four hours. A meter allows what it says. The city's rules say you may not stay past that. Look for the bright green sticker on the meter.
Staying longer than that? The city suggests these streets for longer stays:
- Coyote Street, past Washington Street
- Upper Spring Street
- Bennett Street
- High Street
Wear good shoes for the walk back. This town has hills.
One more limit. A car left on a public street for 72 hours straight may be towed. That is in both state law and city code.
Work downtown? The city sells permits to people who own or work at a downtown shop or office. They cover 7 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday. They work in set parts of the three lots. You apply in person at City Hall, 317 Broad Street. The city's permit page has the rest.
What do the curb colors mean?
Curb paint tells you what you can do. Here is the list from the city's parking rules page. It cites state law.
- Red: No stopping, standing or parking.
- Yellow: Loading only. Up to 3 minutes for people and 20 for goods. The limit is off on Sundays and holidays.
- White: Drop off or pick up people only, for up to 3 minutes.
- Green: No more than 20 minutes, except on Sundays and holidays.
- Blue: Only for disabled persons and disabled veterans.
Two more rules to know. On a hill, turn your wheels against the curb. And park within 18 inches of the curb.
What about event days and busy weekends?
On event days and busy weekends, plan for more cars. Come a bit early. We can't give you a rule for each one. Here is what the city's pages do say.
In a snow emergency, an event or repair work, cars may need to move off the streets. The city's permit page says that in most cases, short term signs go up a day ahead. So read each sign, even on a street you know well.
A simple plan for a night downtown
- Think about how long you will stay. Under four hours? Use a lot.
- Want restrooms close by? Try the Commercial Street lot first.
- Want to park for free? Try the Nevada Street or Spring Street lot.
- Staying more than four hours? Head for Coyote, upper Spring, Bennett or High Street.
- Read the meter sticker and the curb color before you walk away.
- Keep coins in the car, or set up the app for the paid lot.
- If you plan to drink, plan your ride home first. Or order a mocktail.
Is downtown easy to walk?
Yes. Park once and walk. That is the easy way to see the old town. Our walking guide to downtown and our self guided history walk both start once the car is put away.
Coming to Sherwood? We are at Pine and Commercial. Our visit page notes street parking on Pine Street and the blocks near it. You can walk from the city lot on Commercial Street. The page also lists ADA parking.
Questions people ask
Is parking free in downtown Nevada City?
Some of it is. The Nevada Street and Spring Street lots are free. They have three or four hour limits. Meters and the Commercial Street lot cost money.
Is there a parking garage in Nevada City?
The city's parking page lists three public lots and street meters. It does not list a garage. For long visits, use the streets the city suggests for longer stays.
Can you pay for parking with your phone?
Yes, at the Commercial Street lot, with the ParkMobile app. The app adds its own fee. Many street meters still take coins. The city is moving to cards and phone pay.
Where can you park all day?
Staying past three or four hours? The city suggests Coyote Street past Washington Street, upper Spring Street, Bennett Street or High Street. Read the signs on the block you pick.
What if you get a parking ticket?
Pay online on the city's ticket site, in person at the police front desk, or by mail. Questions? Call the city police at 530-265-4700. The citations page has each option.
Park once, walk a lot, look up at the old brick. That is how this town is best seen. Bring a few quarters and good shoes. The rest is easy.
