Simplified: Violent crime isn't happening in downtown parking ramps, and even the number of property crimes is in the single digits, according to Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens.

Why it matters

  • This week, the city will begin enforcing extended hours for paid parking downtown. Previously, it's been free to park on downtown streets on weekends, but now the parking meters will be in effect 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday as well.
    • Parking will remain free in all downtown parking ramps on nights and weekends.
  • You don't have to look too far in the comments on any article about downtown parking changes to find folks expressing concern about the safety of parking ramps.
  • When you look at the data, though, it's clear that crime really isn't happening in parking ramps. Clemens looked at data in downtown ramps from Jan. 1, 2024 to this week, and he found no instances of violent crime and only a handful of instances of property crimes like vandalism or larceny.
"It's more of a perception (that ramps are unsafe)," Clemens said. "But perception isn't always based in reality. The numbers clearly show there are no problems."

Tell me more about downtown parking changes

Starting May 1, the city will be implementing paid parking on Saturdays – just for on-street parking spots. Ramps will remain free during the day on Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Additionally, the city's new rules for oversized vehicles will take effect. That means vehicles that extend past the white line on Phillips Avenue will start getting ticketed.

Downtown businesses have been very supportive of the changes, according to DTSF, Inc. President Brandon Hanson.

"If you can get an actively managed parking system in place, your businesses start to thrive," Hanson said.

The idea is that by charging for parking on Saturdays, the parking spots will turn over more frequently, bringing in more foot traffic and, ultimately, more sales.

"Now we’re in this time where you’ll get to choose to pay, or you’ll choose to park for free," Hanson said.

What happens next?

Both the extended vehicle ordinance and the extended paid parking hours will start May 1.