Council debates enforceability of downtown two-hour parking rule, signage and outreach

Anniston City Council members discussed downtown parking enforcement, whether the existing two-hour parking ordinance is enforceable as written, and alternatives that would rely more on outreach than on police enforcement.

Council members reviewed the ordinance language that prohibits parking on South Right of Way/Montefi Street for more than two consecutive hours and asked city staff for interpretation. Staff said the ordinance language reads confusingly in places, prompting requests for clearer, enforceable language. One council member suggested specifying two-hour limits only during peak hours, proposing a 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. window for enforcement.

Business owners and council members discussed practical approaches that do not rely solely on police enforcement. Suggestions included a targeted education campaign (door-to-door reminders and newsletters) encouraging business owners and tenants to reserve on-street parking for customers, periodic signage updates, and regular outreach twice a year. Several council members noted that police have limited capacity for consistent parking enforcement and favored soft approaches as a start.

Council members also raised equity and access concerns: some downtown tenants lack off-street parking and rely on on-street spaces adjacent to their residences. Council members said any enforcement plan should consider those residents and possible exemptions.

No ordinance change was adopted during the discussion; council members asked staff to bring clearer language and options for timed enforcement, signage, and outreach.