Garages and Lots
What is the definition of a public parking facility?
Parking is defined by use, not by ownership. Garages and lots are open for public parking wherever any motorist can pay a fee to park. Private or restricted parking facilities are only open to permitted employees or customers of a business or institution.
Where can I find the Parking Authority Garages?
The Albany Parking Authority has 3 garages located in Downtown Albany – The Green-Hudson Garage located at the corner of Hudson Ave and Green St, The Riverfront Garage located on Columbia St. between Broadway and Water St. and the Quackenbush Garage located on Orange St. between Broadway and Water St.
Additional Information for each of our garages is available online at www.parkalbany.com/garages
Will downtown businesses validate my parking ticket for free parking?
pdf Over a dozen downtown businesses (7 KB) validate free parking for customers in ParkAlbany garages. You must take the ticket with you to have it validated at the business.
What payment methods can I use for daily Garage parking?
All ParkAlbany Parking Garages are Cashless. Payment for parking at any of our 3 garages locations can be made with credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express & Discover) Apple Pay and Google Wallet at both the exit lanes and pay-on-foot kiosks.
Please Note: Parking at a ParkAlbany Garage when a speciela event parking rate is in effect may require on-entry payment. For information on parking for specific events, please see our Events Calender at: https://www.parkalbany.com/events
How can I sign up for monthly parking?
Monthly Parking Passes for any of the Albany Parking Authority’s 3 garage locations can be purchased online beginning one week prior to the 1st of the month they will be activated. Monthly Parking Passes may also be purchased by contacting the Albany Parking Authority’s Customer Service department, Monday – Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm, at 518-434-8886 x107 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
When are monthly payments payable, and what happens if I don't pay on time?
Monthly Parking Pass Payments are automatically processed on the 25th of each month. If for any reason an automatic payment cannot be processed on the 25th and an alternative payment is not received by the Albany Parking Authority prior to the 1st of the upcoming month, that pass will be deactivated until payment is made.
If you attempt to park at your selected parking location while your parking pass is deactivated, your pass will not grant you access, and you will have to pay the hourly/daily parking rate. The Albany Parking Authority does not refund hourly/daily parking payments if a pass holders parking pass is reactivated.
How do I cancel a Monthly Parking Pass?
Monthly Parking Passes cannot be canceled online at this time and must be done in writing by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To cancel an Individual or Residential Monthly Parking Pass, the pass holder must request their cancelation in writing, and it must be received by the Albany Parking Authority no later than the 23rd of your current billing cycle. Monthly Passes cannot be canceled online at this time
For Corporate or Group Parking Passes that are not under contact or have fulfilled the terms of their contract, requests to cancel one or more parking passes must be sent in writing and received by the Albany Parking Authority no later than 30 days prior to the 1st of the month you wish your cancellation to take effect on.
- If your account is under contract, you will not eligible to cancel until the terms of your active contract have been met.
If you have any questions about whether your account is eligible for cancelation, please contact the Albany Parking Authority’s Customer Service department at 518-434-8886 x107 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please be aware before choosing to cancel your Monthly Parking Pass that:
- All cancelations take effect on the 1st of the following month.
- Parking Passes are sold at a monthly rate and we are unable to do partial month cancelations.
- After canceling, if you choose to purchase a Monthly Parking Pass at a later date, it will be at the then current established rate.
Am I able to transfer my Parking Passes/Permits and/or Access Cards to someone else?
No, Monthly Parking Passes/Permits and Access Cards for the garages and/or the lots are non-transferable and only valid for the vehicle(s) registered to that specific permit. At the time of purchasing a Monthly Parking Pass the purchaser registers a specific vehicle and license plate to their Monthly Pass/Permit and Access Card.
Please note, creating copies of Monthly Parking Passes/Permits and/or Access Cards or allowing use of a Monthly Parking Pass/Permit and/or Access Card by anyone other than permit holder of record is strictly prohibited. If a non-registered vehicle accesses or parks in an Albany Parking Authority garage or lot by using an Access Card that is not assigned to that vehicle, that vehicle may not be able to leave due anti-passback systems that will prevent the exit gate from rising when an Access Card is used out of sequence.
Additionally, any non-registered vehicle that gained access and is parked in an Albany Parking Authority garage or lot using a pass/permit or access card not assigned to that vehicle may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense, additionally that pass/permit or access card may be deactivated, and the corresponding Monthly Parking account closed with no refund issued.
If a Monthly Pass/Permit Holder needs the vehicles information assigned to their Access Card or their Monthly Pass/Permit Account, please contact Albany Parking Authority’s Customer Service department, Monday – Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm, at 518-434-8886 x107 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How do I access my monthly parking location?
At the time of account activation Monthly Pass Holders will be issued their monthly parking credential, either an AVI Tag or Proximity Card depending on account type. These credentials will grant the pass holder access to their chosen parking locations. Additional/replacement AVI Tags & Proximity Cards may be purchased for $10.00
Monthly Pass Holders also have access to the ParkWhiz mobile app which will allow them to enter/exit their monthly parking location through their mobile phone by using the QR scan code or via Bluetooth with the Slide to Open Gate button inside the app.
For additional information on monthly passes and parking credential(s) options, please visist: https://parkalbany.com/monthly-parking
What happens if I damage or misplace my monthly parking credential(s)?
If a monthly parking credential(s) (AVI Tag, Proximity Card) is lost or damaged a replacement may be purcahsed by the pass holder for $10.00.
In the case of a parking credential(s) being lost, please contact the Albany Parking Authority’s Customer Service department immediately at 518-434-8886 x107 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that the lost credential(s) can be deactivated.
For additional information on monthly passes and parking credential(s) options, please visist: https://parkalbany.com/monthly-parking
Can I park my motorcycle in the garage?
Motorcycles are not allowed to access or to park in any Albany Parking Authority garage for safety and liability reasons that may be incurred by not only by the Albany Parking Authority but also by other parkers and the motorcycle owner themselves.
Monthly Pass Holders looking for information regarding alternate downtown parking locations for their motorcycles may contact the Albany Parking Authority’s Customer Service department, Monday – Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm, at 518-434-8886 x107 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Can I leave my car overnight in the APA garages?
Yes, Vehicles may be parked overnight at a ParkAlbany garage. If you are not a monthly parking pass holder and will be parking your vehicle in one of our garages for more than 72 hours, please contact our customer service office at 518-434-8886 x107 as some restrictions may apply.
Please Note: All vehicles parked at a ParkAlbany location must be in drivable condition and have valid license plates and registration. If you are parking your vehicle over night during the winter, we ask that you do not park on the top level of the garages so we may properly plow in the event of snow. If a parked vehicle is impeding snow removal at a garage it may be towed.
Where can I find the garage & lot rates and schedules?
Please visit https://www.parkalbany.com/find-parking for information in regards to parking lot and garage locations, rates, and hours of operation.
end faq
General
What can I do about a parking ticket?
The Albany Parking Authority does not handle or manage payments or appeals for parking tickets. For questions or assistance in regards to a parking ticket or violation, please contact the Parking Violations Bureau located at Albany City Hall at (518) 434-5006 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What if my car is booted?
If your vehicle has been booted, you will need to contact the phone number on your booting notice.
For additional questions in regard to parking tickets or violations, please contact the Parking Violations Bureau at (518) 434-5006 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What if my car is towed?
If your vehicle has been towed, you will need to contact the Albany Police Department Dispatch at 518-438-4000.
For additional questions in regard to parking tickets or violations, please contact the Parking Violations Bureau at (518) 434-5006 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Can I reserve parking spaces or parking meters?
To reserve a parking space for moving, loading and unloading or a special event please call the City of Albany’s Traffic Engineering Division at 518-434-5791.
If you are looking to reserve a metered parking space, additional fee’s may apply based on the meters zone.
What credit cards are accepted at the parking meters?
For parking meters that accept credit cards, you may pay using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.
You may also pay your meter through the ParkAlbany app. The ParkAlbany app is available for both Android and iOS. To learn more please visit Parkalbany.com/app
What days are meters in effect?
Most parking meters are in effect Monday through Friday, except for certain holidays (See Below), additionally parking meters are not enforced on the weekends.
Times may vary by zone; we ask that you please refer to signage in the area in which you are parking.
|
2023 Meter Holidays: |
Date Observed |
Weekday |
|
New Year's Day |
1/2/2023 |
Monday (Observed) |
|
Martin Luther King, Jr. |
1/16/2023 |
Monday |
|
Washington's Birthday |
2/20/2023 |
Monday |
|
Memorial Day |
5/29/2023 |
Monday |
|
Juneteenth |
6/19/2023 | Monday |
|
Independence Day |
7/4/2023 |
Tuesday |
|
Labor Day |
9/4/2023 |
Monday |
|
Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day |
10/9/2023 |
Monday |
|
Election Day |
11/7/2023 |
Tuesday |
|
Veterans Day |
11/10/2023 |
Friday (Observed) |
|
Thanksgiving Day |
11/23/2023 |
Thursday |
|
Christmas Day |
12/25/2023 |
Monday |
|
New Year's Day |
1/1/2024 |
Monday |
Where should I call about a residential parking permits?
For information about on-street residential parking permits, visit the City of Albany's Parking Permit webpage or contact the City Clerk’s office at 518-434-5090.
The Albany Parking Authority does offer residential monthly parking passes for all 3 of our garage locations. For additional information about our Monthly Parking Passes please visit parkalbany.com/programs-and-promotions
Can I leave my car on the street over the weekend?
For details regarding on-street parking regulations, including parking on-street for an extended period of time, please contact the City of Albany’s Traffic Safety Division at 518-462-6593.
Is parking free for Palace Theatre events?
Beginning on Jan 1st 2022, there may be cost associated with parking at one of our garages on the night of a show or event. For information on parking for a particular event, please see our Events Calendar at www.parkalbany.com/events for details.
How can I get a handicapped license plate?
The Albany Parking Authority does not issue license plates. For more information about how to request a Handicapped License Plate please contact the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 1-518-486-9786 or visit their website at www.dmv.ny.gov
How can I get a handicapped hangtag?
The Albany Parking Authority does not issue hang tags for residents with disabilities. Applications for a hangtag can be picked up at Albany City Hall, located at 24 Eagle St or downloaded from the City of Albany's website
For additional questions related to hangtags for residents with disabilities, please contact the City of Albany Parking Parking Violations Bureau at 518-434-5006.
Where can I get information about bus routes and schedules?
For information on bus routes and schedules in the City of Albany please contact CDTA at (518) 482-8822, or visit their website at www.CDTA.org
Where can I get general downtown information?
-
To learn about the many businesses and events in the City of Albany we recommend visiting www.Albany.org, www.downtownalbany.org and www.centralbid.com.
Where can I find SNOW EMERGENCY information?
If you have question about a Snow Emergency in the City of Albany, please call the Snow Emergency Hotline at 518-476-7669 or the Albany Department of General Services (DGS) at 518-434-2489.
For addtional information visit the City Of Albany's Snow Removal webpage or see the City of Albany's Snow Emergency Brochure
end faq
Residential Parking Regulations
The Residential Parking Regulations of the City of Albany (Ordinance 6.22.22, Subsection A of section 359-75 of Article VII of Chapter 359 of Part II of the Code of the City of Albany) was signed into law on 4/08/2022.
Under the City’s Residential Parking Regulations, vehicles that do not have a valid Residential Parking Permit with the City of Albany and are parking in a designated Residential Parking Zone on a non-holiday weekday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. may not do so for more than two (2) consecutive hours in the same zone. Moving a vehicle and re-parking it in a different area of the same zone does not reset the two (2) hour consecutive time period.
Q: Can I move my non-residential vehicle to another parking spot within the same residential permitted zone every two hours but remain in the same zone?
A: No. Non-residential vehicles parked in a residential permitted zone may not park then move and re-park a vehicle in the same zone for more than two consecutive hours per day between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, except holidays, along any street which has been designated a residential parking permit area. Re-parking a vehicle within the same zone will not reset the two consecutive hour time period.
Q: How do I know which zone I am parked in?
A: There are three (3) residential Permit Parking Zones in the City of Albany: Zone A, Zone B and Zone C.
- Zone A:those neighborhoods generally west of the Empire State Plaza and south of State Street and consisting of designated streets within the identified Center Square, Hudson/Park, Park South and Washington Park. The designated color for Zone A is Red.
- Zone B:those neighborhoods generally east of the Empire State Plaza and south of State Street and consisting of designated streets within the neighborhoods identified as Mansion and Pastures. The designated color for Zone B is Blue.
- Zone C:those neighborhoods generally east of the Empire State Plaza and north of State Street and consisting of designated streets within the neighborhoods identified as Ten Broeck Triangle. The designated color for Zone C is Orange.
For a detailed map of these zones, please see the following link: https://www.albanyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3211/Resident-Permit-Parking-Zone-Map-PDF
Q: What is the parking violation fine associated with violating this updated residential parking regulation?
A: A violation will result in a $65.00 fine.
Q: Where do I contest my parking ticket received for violating this updated residential parking regulation?
A: The Albany Parking Authority does not handle or manage payments, contests, or appeals for parking tickets. For questions or assistance regarding a parking ticket or violation, please contact the Parking Violations Bureau located at Albany City Hall at (518) 434-5006 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To contest a parking ticket/violation the ticket holder will either need to bring the ticket(s) into Albany City Hall to issue the contest in person or mail their contest to the Parking Violations Bureau with a copy of their ticket and an explanation attached.
Parking ticket/violation contests cannot be made over the phone.
Parking tickets may be contested in person at:
Albany City Hall
24 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
Q: What do I do if I have general questions regarding the Residential Permit Parking Program?
A: For information about on-street residential parking permits, visit the City of Albany's Parking Permit webpage https://www.albanyny.gov/760/Parking-Permits or contact the City Clerk’s office at 518-434-5090.
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