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Seattle mayor signs off on new music venue parking permits to ease burden on artists

Venues can soon apply for designated parking spaces outside their doors to make parking, loading and unloading easier for performers.

SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed new legislation on Thursday allowing music venues to designate parking spaces for artists to load and unload their equipment before and after events.

The Seattle City Council approved the Music Venue Zone Permit legislation in late September. 

So far, 33 venues that regularly host live music and charge for admission at least twice per week are eligible to apply for permits that would allow parking and loading all day, every day.

At Thursday's bill signing, the city unveiled new street signs that will be posted in approved areas, warning other motorists their vehicles are subject to being towed.

"Supporting our arts and culture sectors is key to creating a vibrant Seattle, home to the next generation of thriving musicians, artists, and entertainers," Harrell said. 

For several years, venues have either been unable to provide adequate space for performers or they've spent tens of thousands of dollars on temporary permits to reserve space. 

"It is a financial burden. The cost of permitting parking is very expensive. For us, it's a lot of money, sometimes hundreds of dollars per show," said Shaina Foley, general manager of The Crocodile. "It's going to have a significant impact on the business."

As artists filed into the popular Belltown venue Thursday night, they welcomed the new legislation.

"Some of the most stressful parts of being on tour and being on the road is going to different venues. When you arrive, you have to figure out parking," said Cassidy King, a Los Angeles-based singer. "There are times I play gigs and we park like a half mile away from the venue, just lugging our rack, guitars, pedal board, merch, everything."

"It can be a bear, I think it's amazing what the city is doing. It helps a lot. Seriously, it helps a lot," she added.

According to a news release by Harrell's office, the program is expected to be up and running in 2025.

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