Roswell council adopts paid parking enforcement for limited downtown spaces, sets fines

The Roswell City Council approved a second‑reading ordinance and three related resolutions to enable paid parking enforcement in select downtown locations and to set fees and fines.

Senior Vice President Jeff Leatherman told the council the ordinance targets about 71 spaces on Canton Street, Elizabeth Way and East Alley; Old Mill Park was added as a site to consider once the city identifies an appropriate technology solution for that location. Leatherman said the changes do not affect other city lots, the planned Green Street parking garage or parking elsewhere in the city.

Council members approved the ordinance on second reading and adopted a resolution designating the paid/restricted areas. The council also repealed an older 2019 resolution and adopted a new fee resolution establishing a maximum parking charge (discussion noted a $5 maximum per hour with a 4% inflator referenced for future adjustments). The council approved a $20 fine schedule by resolution; Leatherman said the $20 amount is intended to be charged per hour for repeat or egregious violations.

Leatherman said the technology to collect payment and enforce parking is already in use for on‑street spaces; Old Mill Park requires a different approach and staff will meet with community members later in May before proposing a final technology plan. City staff said any addition of further areas or fee changes would require a council resolution.

The ordinance and resolutions passed unanimously on recorded votes. Council members and staff said the goal is to improve turnover for downtown businesses and better manage scarce curb spaces; some resident questions at the meeting focused on how payments would be collected and how night‑time safety and lighting would be handled at park lots.