Caldwell enacts temporary three-hour on-street parking limit in city center; loading zones and enforcement clarified

The Caldwell City Council adopted Bill 43 (Ordinance 36 95) on June 2, 2025 to amend city code provisions governing downtown parking. The ordinance reinstates a three‑hour on‑street parking time limit in the city center, effective seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while off‑street parking lots downtown remain free, and updates language on ticketing and management.

Why it matters: city staff said downtown businesses reported low turnover and employees parking on public streets, reducing customer access. The measure is intended as an interim regulation until a Downtown Parking Advisory Board is formed and conducts broader outreach and recommendations.

Key provisions: the ordinance (as presented) restores a three‑hour limit for on‑street spaces in the city center, Monday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Parking lots and evening event parking are not affected. The ordinance adds authority for the public‑works director to establish short‑term loading/unloading zones (limited to 10 minutes) and requires the director to locate such zones to serve multiple businesses on a block rather than a single enterprise. The ordinance also removes references to an external parking‑management company and clarifies ticketing procedures.

Enforcement and staffing: Robin Collins, community development director, told council that planning and zoning currently employs one full‑time parking officer and a part‑time (18‑hour) parking officer; the proposed FY2026 budget will request an additional full‑time parking officer dedicated to downtown. The police chief said community‑service-officer positions (non‑sworn) are being filled to supplement enforcement and that the police department is coordinating closely with planning and public‑works staff.

Council debate: some councilors urged a four‑hour limit based on prior community feedback and concerns that three hours could discourage longer downtown visits (lunch, splash pad, a movie). Others called the three‑hour limit a reasonable interim step until the advisory commission completes outreach and offers a recommendation. Councilor Register said feedback from earlier public surveys preferred a longer time; Councilor Doty and others supported the ordinance as a starting point.

Vote and outcome: Councilor Doty moved to sponsor Bill 43/Ordinance 36 95; Councilor Williams seconded. The motion passed 5–1; Councilor Register voted no. Staff indicated the parking advisory board, once convened, may recommend changes including tiered time limits or different durations farther from the core.

Next steps: The public‑works director and planning staff will implement on‑street signage, designate any 10‑minute loading zones per the ordinance’s guidance and coordinate enforcement as staffing permits. The pending downtown parking advisory board will review the ordinance’s effects and may recommend adjustments.