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Lawrence Council raises fine for illegal parking during snow emergencies to $100 after heated debate
Summary
The Lawrence City Council voted to increase the fine for illegally parked vehicles during declared snow emergencies to $100, after debate over enforcement, equity and parking shortages. The measure passed on a 6-1 roll call.
The Lawrence City Council voted Tuesday to raise the civil fine for illegally parked vehicles during declared snow emergencies to $100, approving an amended ordinance after more than an hour of debate on enforcement and fairness.
Supporters of the increase said the higher penalty is intended to change behavior so that Department of Public Works crews and emergency vehicles can clear streets after storms. Opponents argued the city should first improve communication and provide parking solutions for residents who lack driveways.
The measure, introduced as an amendment to Section 10.08.0.03 of the municipal code, was the subject of extensive public and council discussion. A resident’s letter read into the record by a councilor asked for a two-tier system and consideration of medical exemptions; the council discussed, debated and ultimately adopted a single $100 fine for vehicles illegally parked during a snow emergency. The vote on the final ordinance was 6 in favor, 1 opposed.
Councilors who spoke in favor said repeated violations during the recent winter hampered DPW’s ability to clear streets and created safety hazards. “The idea behind the fine is not to enrich the city — the idea behind the fine is deter behavior, is to change behaviors,” Councilor LaPlante said during deliberations. Councilor Marmol and others said enforcement had been inconsistent during prior storms and that a meaningful penalty can prompt compliance.
Councilor Luzon and other opponents urged a focus on improved notice and operational alternatives before raising penalties, saying many residents lack off-street parking. Councilor Luzon said she wanted the city to provide clearer advance notice and more practical solutions before increasing fines. Several councilors pressed for better communication from DPW, including street-by-street notices, community parking options, and clearer signage.
The council considered — and voted down through an amendment process — a separate motion to create a multi-tier structure tying fines to whether a vehicle was towed. That narrower proposal was discussed but the body ultimately adopted the single amended amount of $100 for illegal parking during a declared snow emergency. The council recorded the final roll call as 6–1 in favor; one councilor was absent.
The ordinance also specifies the $100 fine will be subject to review by the council at least once every five years. Councilors said they expected DPW and police to continue coordination on enforcement, and several urged expanded public notification measures in the months before the next winter season.
The ordinance will take effect according to the normal administrative timeline for municipal code changes; the council did not specify an immediate emergency implementation for this item.
