Looking for a reliable place to park near Canton Street on a busy evening? If you live, work, or plan to buy near Historic Downtown Roswell, parking and access are part of everyday life. You want simple answers about where to park now, what is changing soon, and how events affect your routine. This guide brings you the essentials so you can plan confidently. Let’s dive in.
The parking picture in downtown Roswell
Downtown has more parking than you might think, but most of it is restricted. The 2021 Downtown Parking Assessment counted about 2,919 total spaces in the core. Only about 25 percent are publicly available full or part time, while roughly 70 percent are restricted to private or limited users. You can review the full inventory in the city’s technical study for context and specifics in the area around Canton Street and Green Street. See the Stantec assessment.
Where to park today
Free public lots
You have several dependable free options. The Roswell City Hall lot at 38 Hill Street is one of the largest free public lots, commonly used for event overflow. The Green Street lot behind Fire Station No. 1 is listed as free 24/7 and is roughly 70 spaces. The City maintains an interactive Downtown Parking Map with the current list of free and paid locations, plus wayfinding. Check the City’s parking page and map.
Paid parking and how to pay
Selected on-street spaces and city-managed lots use kiosks or ParkMobile for payment. The City encourages you to use ParkMobile as a simple way to start or extend a session. Rate structures vary by location and time of day, and they may change. For current rates and kiosk locations, use the City’s parking page.
Time limits and enforcement
Time limits and rules vary by block and lot, so always check posted signs. Private lots have their own rules that are enforced by the owner or vendor. For abandoned or inoperable vehicles, or to report recurring issues on residential streets, the City’s Code Enforcement is your official contact. Find Code Enforcement guidance and contacts.
What is changing in 2025–2026
New Green Street parking deck
A new city parking deck is under construction at Green Street and Alpharetta Street (Hwy 9). The deck is planned for approximately 395 spaces, with construction activity beginning in 2025 and completion targeted for 2026. City releases state the deck will include free parking for Roswell residents, with the exact verification and operating rules to be announced closer to opening. Read the city project announcement and Roswell Inc’s groundbreaking update.
Construction and circulation impacts
During construction, expect temporary adjustments such as wayfinding changes and potential transit stop relocations near the site. The City and project team have planned signage and may use shuttles during constrained periods, especially around events. For the latest construction details and any temporary routing, follow city project updates.
Events and street closures
Busy nights and festivals
Signature events like Alive in Roswell, the seasonal arts festivals, and holiday programs can temporarily close streets or remove curbside spaces. The City often designates City Hall as an overflow lot and sometimes runs shuttles for major festivals. Check event pages for dates, routes, and parking guidance before you go. See Alive in Roswell event info and the City’s Special Events page.
How to plan ahead
- Check the event calendar and parking map before visiting.
- Aim for City Hall first on high-demand nights and weekends.
- Share the City map with guests and encourage ParkMobile for quicker payment.
- Add a few extra minutes to walk from free lots when the core is busiest.
Access, walkability, and alternatives
Getting across SR 9
Many free spaces sit across Alpharetta Street (SR 9) from the Canton Street core, which can make the walk feel longer at peak times. The City’s plans emphasize better wayfinding, lighting, and streetscape improvements to make these walks easier and safer. The parking assessment explains how these upgrades support a more user-friendly downtown. Review the assessment’s context and recommendations.
Rideshare and transit
Rideshare is a popular option for evenings and events. MARTA bus service touches downtown, and stops may be temporarily adjusted during construction. Check city updates if you depend on transit or plan to be dropped off near the Green Street site. See project notices.
ADA and EV considerations
Public lots include ADA-designated spaces. For specific counts and locations, use the City’s parking map and posted signs. The new deck is planned with modern mobility features, and the city’s materials note EV-readiness is part of the typical technology package for new facilities. For current ADA locations and any new features as projects come online, use the City’s parking page.
Tips for residents and homebuyers
- Expect peak pressure on weekends and during dinner hours, plus major events.
- Set guest expectations early. Share the City map and suggest City Hall or Green Street as first choices.
- Use ParkMobile to extend time without returning to a kiosk.
- For neighborhood issues like long-term street parking or inoperable vehicles, use Code Enforcement channels.
- Watch the Green Street deck timeline. The City positions it as an investment to support downtown access and foot traffic, which many buyers and sellers view as a quality-of-life factor. At the same time, paid parking in select areas remains a local discussion point. Project context and community discussion and coverage of Canton Street debates.
If you are weighing a move within walking distance of Canton Street or considering a sale, nuanced access and parking details can matter. From pointing guests to the right lot to understanding how the new deck could shift patterns, a clear plan will help your day-to-day. For neighborhood-level guidance tailored to your goals, reach out to Brandon Patterson.
FAQs
Where can I park for free near Canton Street tonight?
- Start with the Roswell City Hall lot and the Green Street lot, then confirm options on the City’s Downtown Parking Map before you go.
How do I pay for on-street or city-lot parking?
- Use the posted kiosk or the ParkMobile app, which the City recommends for starting and extending sessions.
What should residents know about the new Green Street parking deck?
- It is planned for about 395 spaces with completion targeted for 2026, and the City has announced free parking for residents with details on verification to come.
How do festivals and events affect parking access?
- Events can close streets and remove curb spaces; City Hall often serves as overflow with occasional shuttles, so check event pages for routing and parking guidance.
Who handles parking complaints on residential streets?
- Use Roswell Code Enforcement for issues like abandoned vehicles, time limits, or recurring problems, since rules vary by location.
