Valet Parking

Valet parking typically allows patrons to drop off their vehicles near the entrance of their destination, where an employee parks the car in a designated area reserved for valet use and retrieves it upon request when the patron departs. Valet parking is a common management strategy that can be used to deal with a constrained supply of parking spaces in North Texas urban areas.

Key Benefits

Optimizes Parking Spaces – Maximizes the use of available space and increases overall parking capacity through organized parking by trained attendants.

Reduces Congestion – Simplifies both the parking process, reducing the time customers spend looking for parking and helping to ease congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Implementation Considerations

Valet parking can be beneficial by providing convenience and access to parking in high demand areas but also presents operational and regulatory challenges. On-street valet parking may disrupt traffic flow, impact the right-of-way of other curb users and raise public safety and enforcement concerns. Off-street valet zones, while less disruptive to traffic, still require regulation on legality of the service. Implementing valet parking can require public and private actions such as those described below:

Shared action (either public, private or third-party authority) 
  • Coordinate on-street or curb use for valet zones, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and existing parking availability.
  • Install clear signage and wayfinding to provide visible, branded signage to guide drivers to valet zones and avoid congestion or confusion.
  • Engage with local stakeholders to address community concerns, adjust operations, and remain compliant with changing regulations.

Responsible Party

Action


P_PublicSectorPublic Sector

  • Permit valet parking operations whether occurring in public curb space or private off-street lots, to ensure consistency with local regulations. 
  • Oversee the enforcement valet code of ordinance. 
  • Identify and designate locations where valet parking services are permitted or prohibited.
  • Formalize the review process for requests to use valet service. 
  • Regulate valet parking service stands using the public right-of-way. 
  • Adjust fee structure to reflect enforcement and opportunity costs in the case of on-street curb spaces used.


P_PrivateSectorPrivate Sector

  • Comply with local regulations, fees, and permits for operating valet service.
  • Coordinate with nearby businesses to align hours, access, and loading needs to prevent conflicts.
  • Ensures that there is no obstruction of the public right-of-way for pedestrians when used on street.

Location

Valet parking is often most effective in downtown and mixed-use areas where parking demand is high and spaces are limited.

Cost

The costs associated with implementing valet parking typically include labor expenses, technology investments such as digital payment systems, and the purchase and installation of signage and stands.

Timing

The strategy can be applied to existing development.

The strategy can be applied to new development, especially in large, mixed-use developments.

Technology

Automated valet systems have been piloted and utilized to explore more efficient ways of arranging and managing vehicle placement within parking facilities. For more information, refer to the Parking Technology Guide.

Case Studies

Palo Alto, CA

To address parking and traffic challenges near Downtown Palo Alto, the City implemented a Valet Assist Program at the Alma/High Street Parking Garage to enhance utilization and maximize existing capacity. The program accommodates up to 75 additional vehicles without requiring new capital investment, helping the city optimize permit sales and improve overall garage efficiency. Operated by a third-party contractor, the program also focuses on maintaining circulation with efficient valet operations. 
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Fort Worth, TX

Sundance Square uses a paid valet service on area streets to serve a large area of Downtown Fort Worth. It allows customers to drop off and pick up their vehicles at any valet stand locations in the district. Their valet parking payment is cashless through a mobile application. Post-2021 changes to Sundance Square’s valet service aim to improve traffic flow and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. 
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