Like many coastal communities, the City of Cannon Beach, Oregon (population approximately 1,500), experiences intense seasonal parking demand driven by visitors during the warmer months, with especially high demand on summer weekends. Seasonal demand poses a unique challenge for parking planning, as peak conditions occur only part of the year and rarely justify construction of new parking facilities. As a result, effective management depends on making the best possible use of existing parking resources.
Studio Davis worked with the City of Cannon Beach to analyze parking supply and demand during the city’s busiest periods, focusing on how parking was used by different visitor groups. The study evaluated opportunities to better direct longer-duration parking, such as beach-goers, to nearby free public parking lots, while preserving curbside parking along Hemlock Street for customers patronizing local businesses. The resulting recommendations emphasized targeted management strategies to improve turnover, reduce congestion, and support the economic vitality of Cannon Beach’s commercial core.