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Rochester Hills council accepts Innovation Hills parking-fee ordinance for first reading
Summary
City council accepted for first reading an ordinance to add hourly parking fees for Innovation Hills and related code changes, paving the way for a ParkMobile hourly fee, a $35 annual pass and a planned education period before enforcement.
Rochester Hills City Council on April 7 accepted for first reading an ordinance that would add parking fees at Innovation Hills, establish a $35 annual park pass and amend resident and nonresident permit language in the city code.
The measure, introduced by city staff and discussed at length by council, directs use of a contactless payment platform (ParkMobile) for an hourly $1.50 parking fee, allows an annual pass valid at Innovation Hills, Spencer Park and Bloomer Park for $35, and funds ongoing park maintenance. City staff estimated the new fee framework could generate roughly $250,000 in net annual revenue to help cover maintenance costs tied to the park’s heavy use.
Why it matters: Innovation Hills has become a regional destination since construction began in 2018, and staff told council the park receives far more visits than originally anticipated. Officials said the park is experiencing accelerated wear and tear, and the new fees are intended to recover costs from nonresidents who visit the park as well as fund upkeep for all city parks.
Staff and council discussion
Parks staff summarized the park’s multi-year development and the operational proposal, including a short transition-enforcement period with warnings and a marketing push. From operations: “The goal would be to properly educate, the public,” said Dennis Andrews, describing plans for on-site education tents, signage and a temporary warning period.
Mayor Brian K. Barnett told council that the park has become a regional destination and said the fee would help preserve the facility. “We’ve created, and I think Council Member Neubauer just said, we’ve created something that is literally the envy of every community within a hundred miles,” Barnett said.
Council asked about seasonality, equity and alternatives. Staff said the intent is to collect year-round to avoid confusion and that there will remain free options for residents — including a lot across Hamlin Road, walking and biking access and a discounted annual pass for residents. Council members also asked about options for residents without smartphones; staff said ParkMobile supports text and phone payments and that on-site staff and tent sales would help non-digital users in the transition.
What passed and next steps
A motion to accept the ordinance for first reading passed unanimously. The motion as read into the record accepted the ordinance amending sections 54-4-66 and 54-4-67 and adding section 54-4-72 of chapter 54 (fees) to add Innovation Hills fees, clarify resident/nonresident permits, repeal conflicting ordinances and prescribe penalties. The acceptance was for first reading only; further proceedings will be needed before final adoption and implementation.
Council members said staff will run the initial education campaign, monitor impacts over the summer and report back with operational updates. Staff also told council about plans for a restroom installation and new park features that are expected to increase first-year usage of the rope-bridge area.
Ending
The council’s first-reading acceptance clears the way for subsequent public hearings and a final vote. Staff said they would return with implementation details and timing after additional outreach and preparation.
