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Ferndale to switch downtown parking from pay-by-space to pay-by-zone; week of transition will be free
Summary
City staff described a transition to a zone-based parking payment system, replacing older kiosks, integrating license-plate enforcement and keeping the Park Ferndale app; the city will advertise changes and offer one week of free parking during the transition.
City staff and Downtown Development Authority partners updated council June 10 on the citywide transition from pay-by-space to a pay-by-zone parking system.
The new system assigns a zone code to each block face; drivers will enter the zone code and their license plate to begin a parking session. Staff said the Park Ferndale app will not change and current users will be asked once to add their plate to the app. "All current users will be able to continue to use the app," a staff member said.
The transition will include replacement of aging kiosks (most purchased in 2014–2015) on the east side of Woodward this year, with additional kiosk purchases planned in July. Staff said the new enforcement workflow will integrate license-plate-reader (LPR) enforcement that does not work in a pay-by-space environment. During the initial changeover the city plans a one-week free-parking period while signage, social media and app notifications roll out.
Staff displayed sample sidewalk signage, wind-master signs for lots and a communications plan that includes the city website, app messages and DDA social media. Ferndale staff said the accessibility and inclusion advisory commission reviewed and provided input on signage design and commended staff for accommodating visual and neurodiverse needs.
Council members asked operational questions about mistakes and maximum durations. Staff said enforcement officers will see plate-to-zone mismatches and will not issue tickets when a driver accidentally pays for the wrong zone. Street parking retains current time limits; lots currently do not have maximum limits but staff said a future program could introduce an escalating hourly fee to allow longer stays at higher rates.
City staff said they will post explanatory signage beginning the day after the meeting and that more communications will follow.
