Ocean Ridge proposes parking fee amendments including veterans discount and increased rates

The City of Boynton Beach held a virtual agenda review workshop on May 29, 2025, focusing on proposed amendments to the parking fee schedule. The meeting addressed several key changes aimed at updating the city's parking policies and improving revenue management.

The first significant proposal discussed was the introduction of a military veterans' parking discount, aligning their annual parking pass fee with that of senior residents at $50. This initiative aims to support veterans while maintaining affordability for seniors.

Another major change proposed was an increase in citation fees from $25 to $40 per month. City officials explained that the current fee structure incentivized some individuals to ignore parking regulations, as the cost of a citation was comparable to a full day's parking fee. The increase is intended to encourage compliance with parking rules.

Additionally, a new user error processing fee of $10 was suggested for instances where users input incorrect license plate numbers in the ParkMobile app. This fee would cover the administrative costs associated with correcting such errors.

The workshop also proposed implementing a two-hour minimum parking requirement at Oceanfront Park and Harvey Oyer Park, with an increase in the hourly parking rate to $3.50. City officials noted that this adjustment would still keep Boynton Beach's rates lower than those of neighboring municipalities, based on comparative studies.

A key feature of the proposed changes includes the installation of parking counters, similar to those used in other municipalities, which would display real-time parking availability. This technology aims to alleviate congestion during peak beach season by allowing visitors to check parking availability before arriving.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the timing of these increases, particularly in light of the current economic climate. Some commissioners expressed apprehension about the financial burden on residents, especially seniors and low-income families. They emphasized the need to consider the community's economic struggles before implementing fee increases.

The city plans to present a detailed overview of these proposals in an upcoming meeting, including comparative data on parking fees from other municipalities. The discussions highlighted a balance between modernizing parking management and addressing the financial realities faced by residents.