---

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is St. Philip’s charging for non-church parking?

During the work week, our parking lot is frequently full, due to long-term parking by people who are not visiting the church. This has made it difficult for parishioners, staff, volunteers, and visitors to find parking for worship, meetings, pastoral care, and ministry activities.

Our goal is to make parking more available for people coming to St. Philip’s while still providing affordable short-term parking for others who need it.

Will I have to pay to park in St. Philip’s lot?

If you’re here for St. Philip’s, you won’t have to pay to park. Parking for activities at St. Philip’s remains free.

People using the parking lot for non-church purposes will pay through the ParkMobile app.

When is parking in St. Philip’s lot free?

Parking is always free for:

• Sunday morning worship
• Wednesday evening worship and activities
• Weddings and funerals
• Holy Week, Easter, Christmas, and other worship services
• Church-sponsored events

If you’re coming to St. Philip’s for another activity at the church outside of these times – such as volunteering, attending a meeting, choir rehearsal, or another ministry – park in a St. Philip’s Visitors & Guests spot, then come into the church office to sign in and validate your parking.

I usually only come to church on Sunday mornings. Do I need to do anything?

No. If you primarily attend Sunday morning worship, Wednesday evening activities, or other church events, nothing about your parking routine should change.

Where should I park on Sunday morning?

Most people attending Sunday worship park in one of three places:

• St. Philip’s parking lot (free for everyone Sunday mornings)
• The Durham County parking deck on Queen Street
• The Durham County parking deck at 500 E. Main Street

We recommend using whichever of these locations is most convenient.

Please note: The Queen Street and 500 E. Main Street parking decks are operated by Durham County, not St. Philip’s. Although these decks currently appear to be available without charge on Sunday mornings, St. Philip’s does not control those facilities, and their parking policies may change without notice.

I come to the church during the week. What do I do?

If you’re here for St. Philip’s, you won’t have to pay to park.

If you’re coming to St. Philip’s for an activity at the church during a time when parking validation is required, park in a St. Philip’s Visitors & Guests spot, then come inside the church office to sign in and validate your parking.

DON’T use the QR code in the parking lot, which will ask for payment.

How do I validate my parking?

Parking is free in our lot on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and for church events. At all other times, you must validate that you’re parking for St. Philip’s to avoid paying for parking. Here’s how to validate:

1. Park in a St. Philip’s Visitors & Guests space if one is available.
2. Make note of your license plate number.
3. Come inside the church office.
4. Sign in at the front desk.
5. Scan the validation QR code (or ask someone to help you).
6. If you need a QR code alternative, a paper validation form can be placed on your dashboard.

The process only takes a minute or two. Validations last for four hours. One hour before your parking validation expires, you’ll receive a text message with the option to extend your time.

Note: DON’T use the QR codes in the parking lot, which will ask for payment.

What if I have trouble validating my parking?

Remember, parking is always free on Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and during church-sponsored events. You won’t need to validate during those times. If you’re visiting St. Philip’s for another activity at the church and need help validating your parking, we’re happy to help.

If you accidentally receive a parking charge while visiting St. Philip’s, please contact the church office (office@spthilipsdurham.org) so we can resolve the issue.

I’m volunteering, singing in the choir, serving on a committee, or attending a weekday meeting. Do I have to pay?

No. If you’re here for St. Philip’s, you won’t have to pay to park.

If you’re visiting during a time when validation is required, come into the church office, sign in, and validate your parking.

I don’t have a smartphone. Can I still validate my parking?

Yes. If you’re here during office hours, stop by the church office and we’ll help you validate your parking. If you’re here outside of office hours, paper validation forms will be available at the sign-in station – just place one on your dashboard.

I’m visiting another nearby business or organization. Can I still park here?

Yes. Visitors who are not coming to St. Philip’s will simply pay the posted parking rates through the ParkMobile app.

We recognize that many people visiting nearby organizations – including the Durham County Department of Social Services – are accessing important services. Our rates are designed to remain affordable for short visits while discouraging all-day parking.

Free parking for Durham County Department of Social Services clients is also available in the Durham County parking deck at 500 E. Main Street, across the street from both St. Philip’s and Social Services.

What will parking cost?

Beginning August 15, the parking rates for non-church parking are:

• First hour: $1
• 2 hours: $3
• 3 hours: $6
• 4 hours: $12
• 5+ hours: $25

These rates are designed to remain affordable for short visits while discouraging all-day parking. We may adjust the rates over time based on parking demand and community needs.

Where do the parking fees go?

The parking fees help cover the costs of operating and maintaining St. Philip’s parking lot. Our lot has seen significantly more use in recent years, leading to increased wear and tear. Revenue from paid parking will help offset the costs of managing the parking system while also supporting the upkeep of the lot itself.

Over time, we hope these funds will help pay for improvements such as maintaining clear parking lines and signage, landscaping, lighting, security, and other projects that make the parking lot safer, more welcoming, and more accessible for everyone who comes to St. Philip’s.

Our primary goal is not to generate revenue – it’s to ensure parking remains available for worship, ministry, volunteers, staff, and visitors while responsibly caring for the property we’ve been entrusted with.

Some parking spaces are marked “St. Philip’s Visitors & Guests.” What does that mean?

Those spaces are reserved for people parking to come to St. Philip’s. 

Parking in a St. Philip’s space does not automatically validate your parking. If validation is required for the time you’re visiting, you’ll still need to complete the validation process.

Likewise, people visiting for non-church purposes may not use these reserved spaces, even if they pay for parking.

What if I receive a parking charge by mistake?

If you receive a parking charge while visiting St. Philip’s for an activity at the church, please contact the church office (office@stphilipsdurham.org) so we can resolve the issue.

I still have questions.

Please contact the church office. We’re happy to help.

Office phone: 919-682-5708

Office email: office@stphilipsdurham.org