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Council approves downtown parking code changes, sets paid parking on blocks adjacent to Kansas Avenue
Summary
An ordinance updating downtown parking code language passed June 29. Staff said changes remove outdated references, ban "leapfrogging," replace 15-minute cones with designated pickup zones, increase 10-hour meter pricing, and establish paid parking on specific blocks effective Jan. 1, 2026.
On June 29 the Topeka governing body approved an ordinance to update downtown parking rules, including new paid-parking zones, signage changes and a ban on short-term "leapfrogging." The governing body approved the ordinance after a presentation from public works staff and supportive remarks from council members.
Deputy Director of Public Works Jason Trion told the council the revisions update code language to match current practice and to make operational changes. "The third would be to strengthen the language to prevent, leapfrogging, which is parking in 1 time zone and moving to another time zone," Trion said. He listed the package of changes: remove references to College Hill, eliminate outdated references to coin and physical meters, replace 15-minute cones with designated sign spaces for pickup and delivery, increase the price of 10-hour meters (both hourly and monthly rates), codify that Kansas Avenue will not have paid parking, and institute paid parking on the 100 blocks east and west of Kansas Avenue between Sixth and Tenth. The effective date was set as Jan. 1, 2026.
Council members signaled support for the downtown strategy while acknowledging it would be a significant change for merchants. Councilwoman Hiller thanked staff and merchants for the work and said the council would need to support marketing and messaging to aid transition. The ordinance was approved on the floor; the clerk recorded a 9-yes tally (the mayor did not vote), and the motion carried.
Ending: Council members underscored the need for coordinated outreach with downtown businesses as the city moves toward implementation next year. Staff will follow up on implementation details and timing ahead of the Jan. 1, 2026 effective date.
