Council directs staff to study resident parking access program after months of debate

Portsmouth City Council on Monday directed staff to develop a detailed implementation plan for a resident parking access program that would let registered Portsmouth residents park in designated neighborhoods while charging nonresidents a fee (proposed $1 per hour). The motion, moved by Councilors Cook, Bagley and Moreau, passed 6–3. Councilors said the directive asks staff to return with a framework, cost estimates, recommendations for pilot neighborhoods and consideration of how the program could support future affordable high‑density housing without on‑site parking requirements. Supporters argued residents pay taxes for city services and should have prioritized access to nearby parking; opponents warned of enforcement costs, technological barriers for elderly residents and the political difficulty of drawing neighborhood boundaries. Council discussion noted prior pilot efforts and the city’s parking‑utilization study; several councilors asked staff to consult the parking study and advise on implementation options — from license‑plate enforcement and app-based payment to kiosks where needed. Staff will examine equity and visitor‑access features (visitor permits, phone/800 payment options and exemptions for placarded disabled drivers) and return with a proposed implementation plan. Councilors said any program would likely be phased and should begin with high‑demand lots or streets rather than an immediate citywide program. The motion directs the Department of Public Works and parking staff to report back with options, estimated costs and suggested pilot areas.