Pay-by-Mobile Parking Proposal Update & Updated FAQ

Update Thursday, July 17, 2025

The Falcon Heights City Council has implemented a pay-by-mobile parking program on select city streets during the Minnesota State Fair. The measure assigns approximately 1,000 Falcon Heights parking spots in close proximity to the fairground as parking zones. The program will charge a flat fee of $25 per day for vehicles to park between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair. View a map of the parking zones here.

Residents who live on streets designated as a parking zone will receive one free hang tag parking permit. Approximately 600 properties are eligible for these hang tag permits which will be delivered by mail starting in July 2025, along with information on how to receive a second hang tag permit by mail. Residents can also visit City Hall to request a hardship waiver for up-to two additional passes, which require registering a vehicle as a digital pass. Passes cannot be sold or transferred to another property.

The City has partnered with ParkMobile on a one-year agreement for pay-by-mobile parking. The agreement is set to automatically renew for two additional years unless altered or canceled, allowing the City to make adjustments if needed based on the first year of the program. Under the contract, Falcon Heights will receive approximately 80% of parking fees while ParkMobile will receive the remaining 20% to provide signage and administer the program.

Ways to Pay 

The City’s new system offers multiple ways to pay using ParkMobile, giving you a stress-free experience whether you're on the go or planning ahead.

You can pay for parking by:

  • Using the ParkMobile App – Download the app on your iPhone or Android device to pay, track your time, and receive alerts before your session expires.

  • Visiting the ParkMobile Website – Go to parkmobile.io to pay from any browser without downloading an app.

  • Calling ParkMobile at 877-727-5976 or Text "Park" to 77223 – If you prefer not to use a smartphone or computer, you can pay by phone using ParkMobile’s automated system. The phone number is listed on all ParkMobile signage. 

Each parking area will have a zone number clearly displayed on nearby signs. Simply enter the zone number when you pay, enter vehicle information, pay the $25.00 flat fee, all set! 

Background

In 2023 and again for a period of 2024 through 2025, the City Council established a State Fair Task Force made up of 10 residents who provided recommendations on how to improve the quality of life for residents during the Minnesota State Fair. One area the State Fair Task Force explored starting in late 2024 into 2025 was working with a third-party vendor to implement paid parking during the State Fair. On March 26, the council approved a new ordinance to modify city code to allow for paid parking and to authorize staff to negotiate a contract with ParkMobile to provide contracted parking meter services.

Input from residents helped influence the final program. The council held a public hearing, where more than 80 residents shared feedback about Minnesota State Fair parking. Additional input ahead of the council’s final vote about fair parking on May 14 also contributed to the final decision.

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