Woodstock City Council moves to implement paid parking zones starting April 15

The City Council of Woodstock, Georgia, convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the city’s parking management system. The meeting focused on the introduction of a new parking ordinance, which aims to implement paid parking zones and enhance enforcement measures.

The discussion began with a historical overview of parking studies conducted since 2016, highlighting updates made in 2019 and 2023. The council had previously explored various parking management strategies, including a joint presentation in Greenville that recommended moving directly to a paid on-street parking system. The council expressed a preference for immediate implementation without offering free parking time, aside from a grace period.

Key decisions made during the meeting included the approval of a contract with Pivot Parking for parking management services, which was awarded in December 2024. Representatives from Pivot Parking presented an overview of the proposed program, including budgets and enforcement options.

The council reviewed the first reading of the new parking ordinance, which will undergo a second reading on March 24, 2025. This ordinance aims to streamline the existing regulations by repealing the old ordinance and replacing it with updated definitions and standards for paid parking zones, residential permit programs, and enforcement procedures. Notably, the ordinance establishes a framework for future residential permit parking and outlines the powers of parking control officers, who will be authorized to issue citations for violations.

The proposed paid parking zones will include four initial areas: Chambers and East Main Street, Main Street from Mill Road to Fowler Street, Market Street from Mill to Oak Street, and the Mill Street lot. The council discussed the enforcement hours, which will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, affecting approximately 287 public parking spaces in the downtown area.

Next steps include public outreach scheduled for April 1, followed by an update to the fee schedule on April 14, with the paid parking program set to commence on April 15. The council also plans to address proposed fines for parking violations in future meetings.

Overall, the meeting marked a pivotal step towards modernizing Woodstock's parking management, aiming to improve accessibility and efficiency in the downtown area.