Downtown Windsor Parking 

Windsor_ParkingGuide_Map Only

In 2023, the Town of Windsor began implementing time-limited parking regulations in designated areas of the Downtown core. Guided by the Downtown Parking Management Study and community feedback, these changes are designed to improve parking availability and better support local businesses.

The parking program includes:

  • 3-hour and 15-minute time-limited free parking in key areas to promote turnover and improve access for customers.
  • All-day free parking in other downtown areas to accommodate employees, longer visits, and  SMART Train riders.

The Downtown Parking Guide will help you find the most convenient parking options for your visit—whether you're shopping, dining, commuting, or attending an event.

SMART Train Service and Parking Changes

The start of SMART train service to Windsor in June 2025 has added new demands on downtown parking, particularly for long-term parking. To help accommodate this, a new SMART parking lot was opened just south of the Windsor River Road roundabout, providing 125 additional free public parking spaces. Signage has been updated to clarify that this lot is open to all users—not just SMART riders—and it is intended to serve commuters, shoppers, diners, and visitors.

Emily Rose Circle Lot

The Emily Rose Circle parking lot, located across the tracks from the station, was developed in partnership with Sonoma County Transit and SMART using federal funding. Under the terms of that agreement, the lot is currently designated for transit ridership and cannot be time-restricted in the same way as other Town-owned lots.

Ongoing Monitoring and Updates

Town staff are actively monitoring parking usage and continuing to engage with SMART, Sonoma County Transit, and the business community to ensure downtown Windsor remains accessible and vibrant. Adjustments will be considered as conditions evolve.

If you have questions or feedback about downtown parking, please contact:

Tim Ricard
 Economic Development Manager
 Email: tricard@townofwindsor.ca.gov
 Phone: (707) 838-5339


Background

On January 15, 2020, the Town Council approved the Downtown Parking Management Study to assess existing and future parking conditions within the downtown area and establish strategies for meeting future parking demands.

The approved Final Parking Study, Town Council Staff Report, and the associated appendices are available for review by clicking on the following links:

In 2018, the Town was awarded a Planned Development Area Staffing Assistance Planning Grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). The Staffing Assistance grant, supplemented by funding from the Town, was used to fund the preparation of a Downtown Parking Management Plan. The Parking Management Plan was prepared by the consulting firm of Nelson Nygaard of San Francisco under contract with MTC. Nelson Nygaard is a recognized leader in planning for all areas of transportation and has extensive experience in conducting parking studies.

Community Workshops were held on April 8, 2019 and October 17, 2019 to receive input from the community on parking in the downtown area. In April, the Workshop consisted of an open house where community members commented on long-term parking and the impact of Town Green events, the SMART train and future development (such as hotels) on parking in downtown Windsor. In October, a presentation was provided on the proposed parking management strategies.

Parking Study