Council asks staff to refine residential parking-permit tools after residents raise stored-vehicle concerns

City staff briefed the council on the residential parking permit program and municipal code (MC 10.13) on May 6, and councilmembers asked staff to return with additional enforcement options aimed at long-term vehicle storage on public streets.

Interim Public Works Director Danilo summarized the existing program and its mechanics: residents can petition to establish a parking-permit district (two-thirds petition required); once a district is established eligible households receive two free permits, and a third or fourth resident permit may be issued for a fee; guest permits are single-day; permits must be renewed every two years. The city currently maintains one residential parking district on Lorraine Avenue.

Several councilmembers expressed concerns about long-term vehicle storage on city streets, which residents have complained about in multiple neighborhoods. Councilmember Manny Acosta asked staff to examine whether the city can limit the number of permits issued per address when cars appear to be stored on the public right-of-way for extended periods, and to evaluate tools used in neighboring cities (overnight permits, preferential curb rules, stricter enforcement for nonmoving vehicles).

Public-works staff said the existing process evaluates on-street demand relative to available on-property parking; in one prior petition case a rental property with multiple vehicles was limited in the number of street permits it received. The council asked staff to research additional measures (for example, overnight-permit fees, stricter rules for stored or inoperable vehicles) and to bring recommendations back to a future meeting.

There was no vote on an ordinance change. Staff will return with possible program refinements and enforcement options for council consideration.