Helena Parking

When did the parking changes go into effect?

Parking enforcement with the new kiosk program began on Sept. 3, 2019. 

View Parking Map:  Click here for parking map(JPG, 550KB)

How can I pay for parking when I go downtown?

All kiosks accept debit/credit cards, and U.S. $1 coins, quarters, dimes and nickels. The Mobile Passport Parking App is also available for your parking convenience.

Is it safe to use my credit/debit card with the kiosks?

Tier 1 security is used in all kiosks transactions, ensuring your information is safe and confidential.

I work downtown- What are my options for parking during the week?

We sell a variety of downtown parking permits. Please contact the Helena Parking Office and a representative will be happy to guide you in the right direction: 406-447-8368.

Do I need to put anything on my dashboard/windshield indicating that I paid to park for the day?

No.  Parking Enforcement Officers use license plate recognition software to identify the vehicles that have paid so paper vouchers on the dashboard are not necessary or valid.

If I pay to park in one area of downtown can I use leftover time in a different part of downtown?

Yes.  Once you pay at a kiosk in a Pay to Park area on a street, surface lot, or select Parking structures (6th Avenue and Getchell Street Garages) your time is valid until it expires. Please be advised any remaining time purchased does not roll over and cannot be utilized on another day.

What is a kiosk?

Kiosks manage multiple-space parking and a vehicle is free to move about the streets, lots and parking structures where kiosks are located.

Advisory Notes:

Jackson Street Garage is a 24/7 Permit Only parking structure. Therefore, you must have a permit to park a vehicle in this structure. 

Time limits must be observed in all timed parking areas (15-min, 30-min 1-Hr, 2-Hr, etc...) 

ADA Parking spaces located on streets, in parking structures, and lots where kiosks are located must must pay for parking parking sessions. 

CINEMARK MOVIE THEATRE GUESTS: in order to receive your four hours of free parking in the Getchell Street parking structure, your vehicle plate information must be entered at the kiosk located inside the movie theatre lobby by entering your plate and courtesy code.  

If you park all day downtown more than two days a week, it is often more convenient and less expensive to buy a parking permit. Permits allow you to park all day in designated areas—lots, parking structures, or on-street. The City of Helena Parking Division does not reserve parking spaces, but we do try to manage parking so that spaces are always available.

Your permit is only valid for the location it is authorized to use. 

Please refer to Permits & Rates Sheet for permit types, locations, and pricing.

Download Parking Permit Billing Statement and Invoicing Policy(PDF, 55KB)

Monthly Parking Permits - Single and Group Accounts:  

• Permit Payments shall be paid in advance of the month the permit is to be issued.  Payment for each new month thereafter is due no later than the last day of each month prior. For example, renewing a monthly permit to be valid in April, it must be paid by March 31^st.
• A reminder email is sent out advising all account holders their monthly permit needs to be renewed before the end of the month.
• No monthly invoices or statements are generated for Single or Monthly Group account holders. If you would like to receive an invoice the following requirements must be met:
  1. Provide a copy of your business or agency policy requiring an invoice or statement for payment processing.
  2. The account must be converted to Annual Permit.
• To avoid missing a monthly payment and assure that the account remains active, it is recommended to set monthly permit accounts up on reoccurring payment cycle.
• Payments must be received and posted to the permit account on or before the last day of the month.

Annual Parking Permits - Single and Commercial Accounts: 

• Annual permits are issued on a fiscal year cycle (July 1^st – June 30^th)
• Permit Payments for the new fiscal year permits shall be paid no later than June 30^th of each year.
• A reminder email and invoice (if previously requested) are sent out advising all Annual account holders their permit needs to be renewed before June 30^th of the current fiscal year.

Permit Payment Methods:

• Credit or Debit Card Payments:

  Debit/credit card payments can be made online at https://helenamt.cmrpay.com  or in the Parking Office at 316 N Park Ave, Room 151, using a visa, master card and / or discover card.

• Check Payments:

  To ensure that the account is credited properly, please write the account number and new permit month in the check “memo” field.

• Make checks payable to:

  City of Helena Parking Division
  316 North Park Avenue, Room 151
  Helena, MT 59623

Late/Non-Payment:

• If a monthly or annual payment is late, the permit will expire and will no longer be active.  All previous allocated permits will automatically be placed back into the general permit pool. Due to high demand of permits in some areas, those permits may not be available due to automatic waitlist notifications being sent to others who may wish to purchase a permit in a desired location.
• Citations issued due to a lapse in monthly or annual payment will not be voided.

Outstanding/Prior Citations:

• If a permit holders’ vehicle(s) license plate(s) have previous citations associated with it, or receives one due to late/nonpayment, the parking permit does not become valid for use until all outstanding citations have been paid and may result in additional citations until past citations are resolved.   

Additional Parking Information:

• All parking permits remain the sole property of the City of Helena Parking Division.
• Permits are only valid for the location it is designated for use.
• As a parking permit holder in good standing, you are responsible for timely payment of permit fees when due.
• As a parking permit holder in good standing, you are responsible for maintaining accurate license plate information, including temporary tags.
• All parking permits issued allow up to four (4) vehicle license plates to be linked to a permit. However, only one (1) of those vehicles can use the permit for parking in the designated permit location at a time.
• The City of Helena expressly neither assumes liability nor implies in any form or manner that the vehicle is protected from any damage or loss while parked in any of the City’s parking facilities.
• The vehicle owner solely assumes all liability and is responsible for all damage or loss to the vehicle or contents of the vehicle while vehicle is parked in any of the City’s parking facilities.

Always lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables in plain view!

Click on the following links for more information on the City of Helena's Parklet Program. 

Parklet Application(PDF, 159KB)

Parklet Specifications(PDF, 400KB)

Non-exclusive Right-of-Way Permit Conditions - Parklets(PDF, 161KB)

Rates are $1.50/hour with a maximum charge of $13.00 daily. The FIRST TWENTY MINUTES is FREE between 8am and 5pm, Monday - Friday. Free parking is available evenings, weekends and state/federal holidays. The two locations participating are the Getchell Street parking garage and the Sixth Avenue parking garage.

Cinemark Movie Goers: Vehicle parking must be validated by inputting your license plate at the Kiosk located inside the Cinemark Theatre building. Don't forget to have your license plate number with you! 

To address safety and security issues as well as system inefficiencies, City of Helena Parking has installed a security video system.

If you live in a signed residential parking district, you must get a parking permit from the City of Helena Parking.

Bring ID, vehicle registration, and a bill or rental agreement in your name, with the address in the residential parking district to the City of Helena Parking office at 316 N Park Avenue, room 151, 406-447-8368

Each permit costs $30 and you may purchase up to two per household. Also available are up to two guest passes for each household, at a cost of $10 each. Guest permits cannot be issued separately from the primary residential permit. 

All Residential Parking Permits and associated guest permits expire annually on June 30th.

Any Vehicles parked in residential parking zones without permits may be ticketed.

View Parking Permits and Rates

Recent changes to residential parking districts:

In early 2013, the city manager, the parking director, and city staff agreed to try to resolve issues regarding current resident-only parking areas. Discussed among staff and residents were a variety of concerns including the cost to patrol residential areas vs. the income generated by permit purchases and citations. Staff also needed to resolve questions regarding the establishment of new resident-only parking areas. Staff identified the need to clarify the role of the City Commission in the establishment and withdrawal of restricted parking districts and the role of City of Helena Parking in the administration of those districts established by the City Commission.

To view resolution 20071, passed by the city commission in March 2014, which consolidated all residential parking district resolutions, click here(PDF, 148KB) .

On September 15, 2014, the city commission will consider a resolution of intention(PDF, 130KB) to remove certain districts from the consolidated list in Resolution 20071. The resolution of intention lists districts with little to no activity in the purchase of permits, indicating disinterest in continuing the district, and/or districts that would not qualify under the criteria set in the resolution.

To view the letter distributed to residents in August 2014, in areas proposed for removal of residential districts, click here(JPG, 395KB).

To remove a residential parking district, download this form(PDF, 225KB) and follow instructions in completing the petition.

To request the creation of a new residential parking district, download this form(PDF, 396KB) and follow instructions in completing the petition.

There are four ways you can pay your citation:

1. Online - Use the link at the top of this website to pay your parking ticket online.

2. By mail - to 316 North Park Avenue, Room 151, Helena, MT 59623, using the envelope your citation is in. While cash is acceptable, we encourage you to mail a check.  When paying by check, please ensure your current address and phone number is on your check. Always include your citation and/or plate number with your payment.  

3. In person - We are located in the City/County Building, 316 N Park Avenue, Room 151, on the first floor in the main hallway.  Customer Service hours are Mon-Fri, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, closed daily for lunch from 1-1:30 pm.  We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, and debit cards.

4. By phone - at (406) 447-8368. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards. 

Where can I park with my disability parking permit / plate?

The following information is intended to help you park with your disabled parking pass / placard / plate in the Helena Parking District. If at any time you have questions about disabled parking in the City of Helena Parking District, please contact our office at (406) 447-8368 and a member of our administrative team will assist you.

Timed Parking (2-hour, 1-hour, 30-minute, 15-minute) locations:

The signed on-street disabled spaces in the Helena Parking District are available for parking with a valid disabled placard or license plate displayed. You can park in these spaces for the time limit specified on the designated signage of the location. In addition, if the disabled spaces are occupied you can park in a regular space for the time limit specified on the designated signage of the location.

Pay to Park Locations:

The signed, on-street disabled spaces in the Helena Parking District are available for a maximum of 9 hours of parking per day with a valid payment and a disabled placard or license plate displayed. In addition, if the disabled spaces are occupied you can park in a regular space for a maximum of 9 hours of parking per day. The City of Helena also offers an initial 20 minutes of free parking in any 5960 zoned kiosk space. Hourly payment is required after the initial 20 minute free parking window has expired in a kiosk location. Payments for kiosks can be made using zone 5960 in the Passport Parking App or at any on-street parking kiosk.

Lots (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 15):

The signed disabled spaces in pay lots are available for any vehicle with a valid payment or parking permit with a disabled placard or license plate displayed. In addition, if the disabled spaces are occupied you can park in a regular space with a valid hourly payment for the specified parking lot. Payment can be made using zone 5960 in the Passport Parking App or at a parking kiosk located in the parking lot prior to leaving the lot after exiting your vehicle. If more time is needed for your intended trip, additional time can be purchased using zone 5960 in the Passport parking app or at any parking kiosk location in the Helena Parking District.

Parking Structures (6th Avenue and Getchell Street):

Signed disability parking spaces are available for any vehicle with a valid payment or parking permit and a disabled placard or license plate displayed throughout our public parking garages. In addition, if the disabled spaces are occupied you can park in a regular space with valid hourly payment for the specified parking structure. Payment can be made using zone 5960 in the Passport parking app or at a parking kiosk located in the parking structure prior to exiting the structure. If more time is needed for your intended trip, additional time can be purchased using zone 5960 in the Passport parking app or at any parking kiosk location in the Helena Parking District.

Passport Permit Parking (Vehicle License Plate Registered with City of Helena Parking Division):

A parking permit is available for parking in any space within a parking structure or parking lot or in designated street permit parking locations. Parking in the signed disabled spaces requires both a parking permit and a valid disabled placard or license plate. ** Please be advised the Jackson Street Parking Garage is a Permit Only Facility.

Why do you enforce parking in downtown Helena? 

To encourage turnover in parking areas so that customers and visitors to our downtown area have access to parking.

When is parking enforced? 

Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, unless it is an observed State or Federal holiday. 

Why can't you just void my citation? 

Per city policy, documentation is required to justify voiding issued citations, which includes citations issued in error.  

How do I appeal my ticket if I believe there is an error? 

Click on the "Pay or Appeal Ticket' link at the top of our web page. Once you type in your citation number, click "Search" and your citation information will appear.  On the bottom right, click on the "Appeal" button and answer all questions.  Be sure to include screen shots of any receipts, pay app history, or confirmed credit card payments to show proof of payment to appeal citations when you paid for parking. You should receive an answer regarding your appeal within 7 business days. 

I have an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Placard, Disabled Plate, or Disabled Veterans Plate, and got a ticket for parking in a designated ADA parking space or regular space. Why?

In February 2025, the City of Helena started to enforce ADA Parking due to complaints that vehicles with ADA placards would park in a designated space on the street, or in lots and structures, and not move all day which denied other disabled visitors the ability to park in the designated ADA spaces in the downtown area. 

While your displayed ADA placard or Disability Plate grants you the privilege to park in designated ADA parking spaces and prevents you from receiving a $100 citation for not having an ADA placard or disabled plate, it does not provide you with the ability to park for free in the Pay to Park areas, which are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (free if an observed State and/or Federal Holiday).

Therefore, if you park in a designated ADA parking spot in a timed location (15-minutes, 30-Minutes, 1-Hour, or 2-Hour), you must observe the required time limits of the location. If you are in a Pay to Park location on the street, or in a surface lot or parking structure, you must pay for parking either at a kiosk, using the Passport App, or have a surface lot or parking structure parking permit to park in either of these facilities. 

In addition, if you park in a regular space due to no available designated ADA spaces in a timed location, you must observe the time limits of that particular timed area.  If you are in a Pay to Park location on the street, or in a surface lot or parking structure and don't have a permit, you must  pay for parking at a kiosk or use the Passport App. 

I went to the movies and got a ticket for parking in the Getchell Parking Structure.  I thought I got four free hours when going to the movie. 

CINEMARK MOVIE THEATRE GUESTS:  In order to receive your four hours of free parking in the Getchell Street parking structure, your vehicle plate information must be entered at the kiosk located inside the movie theatre lobby by entering your plate and courtesy code.

The gate arms were up when I entered the parking structure, so I thought it was free to park in the garage. When I came back to my vehicle I had a ticket. Why?

The gate arms were removed from all of the parking structures in 2023 and replaced with Pay to Park kiosks located at the pedestrian exits of the structures. In addition, signage was installed at the vehicle entrances directing parking customers to pay for their parking prior to leaving their vehicles and exiting the parking structure.  Parking can be paid by using the kiosks or the Passport App. 

I was only in the establishment for a few minutes.  You say I have 20 minutes free parking.  When I came out to my vehicle, I had a citation.  Why?

Unless you are in timed zone (ie.,15 min, 30 min, etc), you must enter your plate information in the kiosk, or use your Passport App, to activate the free session.  Failure to do so will result in a citation being issued for no payment/kiosk violation.

I got a citation but the car(s) next to me did not.  Why is that the case?

The Parking Control Officer may have scanned the plates of the vehicles adjacent to you (or in the vicinity) and found that those vehicles had either a valid permit, paid parking session, or were still within the time limits of a timed parking area.

The kiosk I was at was malfunctioning or would not take my money, so I left.  Why did I get a citation?

Due to staff size and duties, we cannot continually monitor system issues. Therefore, we ask customers to notify us at 406-447-8368 of a kiosk issue-including vandalism. Failure to pay by using a different kiosk in the same vicinity or using the Passport App, or make contact with parking staff (406) 447-8368 to advise of a kiosk malfunction, could result in a citation being issued.  In most cases, issued citations often get overturned after we review system activity logs and find that a system failure occurred during your parking session. However, if no failure is noted in the system then the citation may be considered valid.

When I tried to start or extend my time on the Passport App, it kept giving me an error, so I gave up.  

The reasons for transactions declining vary – things like new cardholders who hadn't set up their cards yet, insufficient funds on a stored card, and restricted/blocked cards to name a few.  Additionally, if you are in a bad mobile service area, this may interfere with your transaction being able to process.  

When I found the Parking Control Officer, he/she did nothing to address my request to void the citation when it was obvious I paid for parking or have a permit.  All they told me was to make an appeal online or in person at the parking office. Why?

Our Parking Control Officers (PCO’s) can only scan vehicle plates using a license plate reader, which only determines if a vehicle has parking rights such as a valid payment or permit for the location. PCO’s do not have lookup ability for payments or permits. Therefore, the PCO’s must direct individuals with concerns to the Parking Office or advise the customer they can appeal the citation online or in person.

I entered my plate information using the Kiosk or Passport App.  Why did I receive a citation?

If you entered your plate number using the kiosk, 90% of citations are written due to the transposition of numbers or characters entered incorrectly. For Montana plates, it is possible that you may have entered an alpha character such as the letter "O" instead of the numeral "0".

If you paid using the Passport App, your plate information may be out of date. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator/owner to ensure vehicle plate information is up to date.

You may have parked in a permit-only area or a timed location (i.e., 15-min, 30-min, 1-Hr, 2-Hr). Payment of parking in these locations does not exempt you from the restrictions of the location.

I have a stand-alone permit for my vehicle(s), or I am part of a commercial Group Permit Account provided by my employer for my vehicle(s).  Why did I receive a citation?

Most often the plate information is not up to date on the permit. 

As a permit holder, or if your permit is part of an employer group account, it is your responsibility and/or the employers permit account administrator, to ensure accurate plate information is linked to your permit including any changes needed for your vehicles such as temporary plates or using a vehicle not listed on the permit. Up to four vehicles can be linked to your permit.  If the vehicle you drive is not listed as one of the four vehicles on the permit, a citation will be issued. Failure to maintain, or provide accurate information to your employer account administrator, will result in a citation being issued. 

You may have prior unpaid citations that do not allow for use of the current permit. All prior citations must be paid in order for the permit to be valid for use.

You may have an expired monthly or annual parking permit(s). Monthly permits must be renewed before the 1st of the month. Annual permits must be renewed before July 1st of each year.

My parking session says it was pending on my bank/Credit Card activity report and I received a citation.  Why?

Pending transactions are not completed payments.  It is your responsibility to confirm and complete the purchase of parking.  Failure to do so will result in a citation being issued for No payment (Kiosk Violation).

I have a permit for Lot X, but there was no parking available, so I parked on Street Y or in Lot Z or Garage A.  Why did I receive a citation?

 Your permit is only valid for the location it was authorized for use.  Parking in areas other than where your permit is valid will result in a citation.

I was parked in a 1-Hr timed area and have a permit (or I paid for parking on the app or at a street kiosk) and received a citation.  Why?

Permits and paid sessions are not valid at any timed parking sessions (i.e. 15 min, 30 min, etc). Vehicles exceeding time limits in a designated timed area will receive a citation.