Ottawa Street Parking Deck

The City of Joliet has completed a comprehensive replacement of the Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) in the Ottawa Street Parking Deck in downtown Joliet. These upgrades included the installation of new gates and payment equipment, as well as License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras at entry and exit lanes. The new system will go live on Monday, January 12, 2026. 

The new system will enhance the user experience as well as provide operational efficiencies by streamlining parking procedures for downtown employees and visitors.  

Key changes and benefits you can expect: 

Installation of License Plate Recognition cameras:

LPR cameras will be installed at the entry and exit lanes to read license plates.  

Quarterly Permit Holder Convenience:

Quarterly permit holders will no longer need placards in their windows. A garage access card will be provided to enter and exit the parking garage. Also, the LPR camera will read license plates and grant access to those with valid, registered permits. The access cards will be a secondary option. Quarterly passes are available for purchase at the City of Joliet Customer Service Department. The cost is $180 per quarter. 

Payment Options for Visitors:

Pay at the Exit: Scan your ticket or receipt.

Payment Options:

  • “Tap-to-Pay”:  Tap contactless card or device to the reader to pay. Machine accepts credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay on a mobile device. 

  • Scan To Pay: Scan a QR code on a sign with your phone, scan the ticket you pulled at the entrance gate and pay with your phone. 

  • Pay at kiosk:  A kiosk is located on the first floor, near the elevator in the parking garage.  The kiosk accepts cash or credit card payments.

Please note: Cash is NOT accepted at the exit gates.  

Reserve a space before you go.

24/7 Operations:

Parking garage operations and support will transition to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with payment or permit required. 

Having staff available 24/7 increases our availability to assist customers and provides continuous monitoring and maintenance of the facilities. 

Rates:

The daily and quarterly rates will remain the same. 

Hourly Rate  $1.00/hour
Quarterly Rate  $180/quarter
Lost Ticket Fee   $25
 

Quarterly passes are available for purchase at the City of Joliet Customer Service windows, 150 W Jefferson St.

If you have questions while trying to enter or exit the garage, press the help button on the screen and we will be happy to assist. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding while we work to improve your parking experience in the Ottawa Street Parking Garage. 

If you have any questions about this implementation project, email tschwerha@joliet.gov. 

 

When does the new parking system go live?

The new system will go live on Monday, January 12, 2026.

 

What is the purpose of the new Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS)?

The new system is designed to enhance the user experience and provide operational efficiencies by streamlining parking procedures for downtown employees and visitors.

 

How does the new License Plate Recognition (LPR) system work?

LPR cameras installed at the entry and exit lanes will read your license plate to streamline access and payment verification.

 

I am a quarterly permit holder. Do I still need to display my placard?

No. Quarterly permit holders will no longer need placards in their windows. The LPR cameras will read your license plate to grant access if you have a valid, registered permit.

 

Will quarterly permit holders receive access cards?

Yes. Quarterly permit holders will receive access cards to access the garage, which serves as a secondary option in addition to the primary LPR access.

 

Where can I purchase a quarterly pass and what is the cost?

Quarterly passes are available for purchase at the City of Joliet Customer Service Department

150 W Jefferson St
Joliet, IL 64032
815-724-3820

The cost is $180 per quarter.

What are my payment options if I am a visitor?

You have three main options:

  1. Pay at the Exit: Scan your ticket/receipt and use "Tap-to-Pay" (credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
  2. Scan to Pay: Scan a QR code on a sign with your phone, scan the ticket you pulled at the entrance gate and pay with your phone. 
  3. Pay at Kiosk: Use the kiosk on the first floor (accepts cash or credit card).

Once I pay my ticket, how much time do I have to exit the deck?

There is a 30-minute grace period to exit the deck after payment.

 

Have the parking rates changed?

No. The daily and quarterly rates will remain the same: $1.00/hour and $180/quarter.

 

Is the parking garage now open 24/7?

Yes. Parking garage operations and support will transition to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with payment or a permit required for entry/exit.

 

What should I do if I have issues entering or exiting the garage?

If you have questions or problems, press the help button on the screen at the entry/exit lane for 24/7 assistance.

 

Can I still pay with cash?

Cash is NOT accepted at the exit gates. You can pay with cash only at the kiosk located on the first floor near the elevator.

 

 

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