Several Varner Avenue residents and councilmembers raised an inconsistency July 16: parking signs that restrict parking to residents had been placed decades ago but the city does not have an enforceable code provision tying those signs to a permit or citation process.

Public Safety committee members reported that the signs appear to date from the 1990s, when residents raised concerns and the council authorized the signs; however, staff could not find codified authority that would let police cite or tow vehicles lawfully parked on public right of way. That gap means signage has served only as a deterrent; vehicles parked without a permit cannot be removed without a clear legal basis.

Options discussed included: removing the signs; drafting an ordinance to authorize resident‑only parking with a permit program (seasonal or year‑round); or creating a targeted permit during school sessions. Councilmembers and staff also discussed coordination with the school district to manage high‑school parking impacts and the risk that permit zones could push parking pressure into adjacent neighborhoods.

Council direction: send the matter back to public safety for development of policy options, including permit mechanics, signage and coordination with the school district; staff will present recommendations at a future meeting.

Why this matters: Uncodified parking restrictions create enforcement confusion; the council wants a policy that balances residents’ needs, school parking demand and equitable treatment of public right of way.

Next steps: Public safety committee to draft code or permit options and consult with the school district before bringing recommendations back to council.