My name is Parker, I make parking easier and more convenient!

Ampco System Parking, in conjunction with the City of Des Moines and the Downtown Community Alliance, has added many exciting customer service programs to the downtown city parking ramps. Customers receive a new level of service, promoted as premium services.

These services are now available at the Fourth and Grand and Ninth and Locust parking facilities.

Everything you ever wanted to know about parking.

What do I do if I get a parking ticket?

Pay it. The easiest way to pay your ticket is online. Click here to pay your ticket online. The fine for parking tickets is $15. If you believe the parking ticket you received is unwarranted, click here for an online appeal form.

The parking meter ATE my coins, what do I do?
Note the number of the parking meter and report that number to the Traffic and Transportation Department at (515) 283-4973. You may remain parked at the meter. Should you receive a parking ticket upon your return, you will need to make sure that you: 1) have reported the meter as faulty; and 2) call the Parking Violations Payment Office at (515) 283-4125 to alert them that you have reported the meter as faulty.

Are there places to park downtown?
Yes! There are approximately 30,000 public parking spaces in downtown including approximately 4,000 parking meters for long and short term parking needs.

What is a SmartCard?
SmartCards are similar to debit cards. A person can insert the SmartCard into a parking meter and buy time on the meter, up to the maximum limit of the meter (2, 3, 4, or 10 hours). If there is time left on the meter when the person returns, they can reinsert the same SmartCard and have the remaining value on the meter refunded back to their SmartCard.

Where can I purchase a SmartCard?
The City of Des Moines has provided three automated SmartCard vending machines where cards can be purchased for $5.00 and value placed on the card using, cash ($20, $10 & $5 bills only - coins, $1 &$2 are not accepted), MasterCard and VISA (credit or debit). SmartCard vending machines are located at:
→ 3rd and Court Parking Garage office
→ 9th and Locust Parking Garage office
→ City Hall lobby, located at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive

What happens if I lose my SmartCard?
Because the SmartCard has value, it should be safeguarded. There are no refunds for lost, stolen or mutilated cards.

How can I buy a parking meter?
The City of Des Moines has replaced all mechanical parking meters that had been used for years in the downtown area with new electronic versions. As a result of this changeover the City of Des Moines is selling the old meters for $20.00 each! The meters are available on a first come, first served basis at City Hall, 400 E. First Street. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Action Center at 283-4500.

How much does it cost to park on the weekends?
Parking downtown is FREE on the weekends. Beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, parking in all City ramps are free of charge. Parking at meters is free all weekend, as well as after 6 p.m. during the week.

What do the green placards on the parking meters mean?

These are special meters that allow for a short duration of free parking. Instead of inserting coins into the meter, there is a button you push which gives you 15 minutes of parking. There is, however, a 30 minute limit on parking at these meters. These meters are located conveniently throughout downtown in places where you may need to make just a quick stop.

Are the City parking ramps connected to the skywalk system?
All but one City ramp is connected to the skywalk system. The Center Street Park and Ride is the only City parking ramp NOT connected to the skywalk system.
Pay it. The easiest way to pay your ticket is online. Click here to pay your ticket online. The fine for parking tickets is $15. If you believe the parking ticket received by you is unwarranted, click here for an appeal form.