Downtown Parking

There is limited parking in the downtown area.  A permit is needed on non-metered streets downtown from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from September 1 through May 31.  There is a Parking Garage available in the center with a maximum parking limit of four (4) hours. Click here for a map of downtown parking.  (PDF -  488KB)

Winter Parking

There is no overnight parking allowed on the streets in the Town of Amherst during December 1st through April 1st of each year.

During this period, overnight parking is allowed in the lower level of the parking garage. Motorists should be aware that the garage is enforced from 8:00am to 8:00pm, seven days a week, and that a paid receipt is required during that time.

Overnight parking is also allowed in the metered side of the Pray Street Lot, which is located behind the Carriage Shops. These meters are enforced from 9:00am through 6:00pm, Monday through Saturday only.

Booting Policies and Procedures

Parking violators who have accumulated five (5) or more violations that are over twenty-one (21) days overdue are subject to having their vehicles booted. Once a vehicle has been booted, the owner of the vehicle has twenty-four (24) hours to pay their overdue fines in addition to the boot removal fee in order to have the boot removed. If the overdue fines and removal fee are not paid within the twenty-four (24) hours, the vehicle is then towed at the owner’s expense. The initial boot removal fee is $25.00; however, each time the same vehicle is booted, the boot removal fee increases by $25.00.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I pay parking violations?

There are three ways in which an individual can pay a parking violation:

Fines can be paid at the Central Services Counter located on the first floor of Town Hall (4 Boltwood Ave).

Fines can be paid by use of the Collection drop off box, which is located on the Main Street side of Town Hall.

Fines can be paid via the mail using the orange copy of the violation as an envelope.

How do I get information on old outstanding violations?

Information on old outstanding parking violations can be obtained by calling the Parking Clerk at (413) 256-4020.

Can I appeal a parking violation?

Yes, everyone has twenty one (21) days to either pay or appeal the parking violation. Appeals can be made via mail or at the Central Services Counter at Town Hall.

What happens if I don’t pay or appeal within the twenty one (21) days?

Per Massachusetts Law Chapter 90, section 20A-20E, all tickets must be paid within 21 days. A $15.00 late fee is added on the 22nd day. If your ticket remains unpaid, your license and/or registration may be marked for nonrenewal with the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

My vehicle was towed last night; who do I contact in order to find out where my car is?

Contact the Amherst Police Department at (413) 259-3000.

Is long-term parking available in the Town Center?

Long-term parking is available in the north side of the CVS lot, which is located off of North Pleasant Street. This lot is enforced from 8:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

In addition to the CVS lot, extended parking is available on:

Sellen Street - The time limit for these meters is nine (9) hours. Sellen Street is located south of the Peter Pan Bus Terminal on South Pleasant Street.

Main Street - The time limit for meters east of Churchill Street is five (5) hours.

Boltwood Ave - The time limit for meters adjacent to the College Street intersection is five (5) hours.

Hallock Street - The time limit for these meters is five (5) hours.

What is the Permit Parking System and how can I obtain a permit?

The Permit Parking System was adopted in 1999 to alleviate parking congestion in the Town Center and designated residential areas. The permit system runs from September 1st through May 31st. Applications can be obtained at the Central Services Counter at Town Hall.