Idaho Falls Downtown Development proposes phased app-based metered parking; council asked to update ordinance and fee schedule

The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC) on July 8 asked the City Council to support a phased pilot that would convert much downtown curbside two-hour parking to paid, app-based metering managed by ParkSmarter and integrated with the city’s existing IPS parking system.

IFDDC Director Carrie Hammond said the plan is a phased rollout so staff can fine-tune operations and public education. "Our goal is to ensure customers effortlessly arrive, immediately locate, and conveniently access parking right at the doorstep or near their desired destination downtown," Hammond said. She asked council for help updating the downtown parking ordinance, the city fee schedule and access to city communications and public-works resources for signage installation.

Hammond described a two-phase pilot. Phase 1 would convert on-street two-hour zones in the area north of Broadway (Bridal north, not including D Street) into metered curbside parking via the ParkSmarter app and keep existing pay stations in lots. Phase 2 would expand metering south of Broadway and invest in lot improvements, integrated permit management, enhanced wayfinding and IPS integration. Constitution Way (a center-row street currently unsigned and free) would be converted to metered parking along the…