City of Charleston Launches Pilot Parking Program for Hospitality Workers – Last day to apply May 30, 2025

Today, the City of Charleston announced the launch of a Hospitality Worker Parking Pilot Program, a new initiative designed to provide limited free parking access for hospitality employees who work on the Peninsula. This pilot effort aims to test a model that could be scaled up in the future to support more workers in Charleston’s vital hospitality industry. 

Beginning Monday, May 12, applications will open for Peninsula hospitality businesses (restaurants, bars, hotels/lodging) to request parking permits for their employees. Only business owners or general managers may apply, with each business eligible to request up to five permits. The application period runs through May 30, and parking access for approved permit holders will begin on June 1, 2025. 

“This pilot program is a first step toward addressing a challenge hospitality workers have faced for years—reliable, affordable access to parking near their jobs,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “We’re starting small to ensure the system works, but our goal is to build on this and expand it to reach more workers in the near future.” 

The program provides access to 70 designated spaces located at Union Pier Lot B (196 Concord Street). These spaces are available 24/7 for permitted users and will be clearly marked. While the permit cost is $15, parking in the lot is free for all approved permit holders. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to City parking rules and regulations. 

Applications may be submitted in two ways: 

• By email to: servicelotb@charleston-sc.gov 
• In person at: 180 Lockwood Boulevard, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
  (Note: In-person submissions are for drop-off only. Staff will not review applications at the time of drop-off.) 

Additionally, permits are not vehicle-specific and may be shared among employees at a business, provided they are properly managed. Once issued, permits should be kept on-site at the business and made available to staff as needed. The business is responsible for distributing and collecting permits to ensure proper use. 

To further support the program, CARTA has reinstated its HOP (Hospitality on Peninsula) route, which will operate pickups from Union Pier Lot B to transport workers throughout the Peninsula. This service makes it easier and more convenient for hospitality workers to access jobs across downtown from the parking lot. 

City officials emphasize that this is a pilot program—a temporary initiative intended to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted parking support for hospitality workers. Feedback from participating businesses will be used to help shape a future, larger-scale program. 

For more information and to access the application starting May 12, please visit this link. 

Questions can be directed to servicelotb@charleston-sc.gov. 

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