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Committee backs ordinance giving Parking Authority power to enforce parking rules, opening path to residential permit program
Summary
The committee reviewed a draft ordinance authorizing the Parking Authority to enforce local parking regulations (previously limited by state statute). Members discussed contractor operations, funding, and how a residential parking program might be implemented; they voted to send the draft to public hearing in April.
The Norwalk City Ordinance Committee on March 18 reviewed a draft ordinance that would give the Parking Authority explicit authority to enforce the city’s parking regulations and pursue residential parking programs. Committee members agreed to refer the draft to a public hearing on April 15.
Tom (staff) explained the change began after a state-law amendment by state Senator Duff that now permits municipalities to authorize parking authorities to enforce local traffic and parking regulations. The draft ordinance adds a clause granting the Parking Authority “the power to enforce the parking regulations of the city” and clarifies employment and administrative language.
Why it matters: the change allows the city to shift some parking enforcement work away from police and onto the Parking Authority or its contractor, which committee members said could be a more efficient use of city resources and could fund enforcement through fee collections. The ordinance also would enable the Parking Authority to implement a residential parking permit program if it chooses.
Key discussion points and operational details: committee members asked who would operate enforcement in practice. Brian and staff said enforcement would be performed by the Parking Authority’s contractor (currently LAZ Parking) or any future contracted operator; enforcement staff would be reflected on the Parking Authority budget. Committee members asked whether policy design for a residential-parking program would be made by the authority and confirmed the authority board would approve program rules. The ordinance includes a housekeeping change to reflect the current city organization by adding the Director of Transportation, Parking, and Mobility and removing Public Works from certain authority membership language.
Committee action: Committee members moved the draft to public hearing for the April 15 meeting; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
What’s next: Public hearing in April; staff described additional operational steps (policy development, potential RFPs for enforcement contractors, and public outreach) that would follow council approval of an ordinance.
Ending: Committee members said the change is primarily procedural and intended to enable enforcement and future program design rather than set operational details in the ordinance itself.
