Council creates new music venue parking permit to support musicians and live music venues - Seattle City Council Blog

Council President Sara Nelson applauded the unanimous passage of a new legislation aimed at supporting musicians in Seattle by easing parking challenges at live music venues. The Music Venue Zone Permit program, which was proposed by the Executive and sponsored by Nelson, will allow the Seattle Department of Transportation to establish designated parking zones for musicians and their crews. Each qualifying venue will have access to up to three dedicated parking spaces available 24/7 with a valid permit, which is expected to significantly reduce the stress of finding parking before performances. Nelson remarked on the importance of musicians to the city's cultural and economic vitality, noting that the legislation addresses the concerns of hundreds of artists and dozens of venues. Shaina Foley, the general manager of The Crocodile, expressed gratitude for the council's decision, highlighting the positive daily impact it will have on the music community.

As of June 2024, 33 venues are eligible for the program, which includes an amendment requiring SDOT to conduct outreach to local businesses and nonprofits. The initiative is a response to a survey conducted by the Seattle Music Commission, which revealed the detrimental effects of parking issues on musicians and venues. This legislation marks a significant step forward in enriching Seattle's music scene and supporting its economic development.