Council committee hears resident complaints about contractor parking, asks for clearer enforcement

On Sept. 18, the Boston City Council Committee on Planning, Development, and Transportation held a hearing on contractor parking rules, permitting and enforcement in Boston after residents from dense neighborhoods raised repeated complaints that contractors were occupying more curb space than authorized.

The hearing, convened by District 8 City Councilor Sharon Durkin, focused on how street-occupancy permits are issued and monitored, whether permit fees cover enforcement costs, and what additional steps the city can take to protect residents’ access to curb space.

"Our public streets are shared resources and residents, workers, and small businesses deserve a fair system that works for them," said Councilor Sharon Durkin, chair of the committee, opening the hearing. She described neighborhoods such as Back Bay and Beacon Hill as especially affected because of narrow streets and limited resident parking.

City staff described how the permits work and the limits of current enforcement. Nick Gove, deputy chief for transportation and serving as Boston Transportation Department commissioner, said Public Works issues the most common public-way permits — primarily street occupancy and excavation permits — under the Boston Municipal Code, chapter 11, section 6. He said contractors must post signs and distribute flyers in…