Columbia City council moves parking restriction at Market to second reading after visibility concerns

The Columbia City Common Council on July 8 moved Ordinance 2025-9, which would limit certain parking stalls at the Market to cars only, to second reading at the next meeting.

The ordinance, read by title as "Ordinance 2025-9. Ordinance modifying chapter 71 title 7 of the City of Columbia City, Indiana Municipal Code," would change parking rules for seven stalls on the southeast corner of the Market to address visibility when larger vehicles are parked there.

During discussion, a city staff speaker said the proposal covers seven parking stalls on the southeast corner and that larger vehicles can block sightlines when exiting the space. "It's the 7 parking spots that are up here, at market in line. It would be on the Southeast Corner with 7 parking stalls. So it's it's a visibility issue," the staff speaker said. The same speaker described the proposed change as "cars only," excluding SUVs, Jeeps, trucks and trailers to reduce collisions.

Council members also noted the ordinance deletes the municipal employee parking section in that code provision, which will affect city employee parking in the area. The staff speaker said the new signage will be installed in front of each stall reading "Cars only." The council did not provide a detailed timetable for sign installation beyond that statement.

A motion to read the ordinance by title only was made and seconded; later, a motion by Dan, seconded by Jennifer, to approve the ordinance on first reading carried "unanimous of those present." The measure will return for second reading at the council's next meeting.

No public comment appears in the transcript on the item. The council did not record a detailed roll-call tally in the minutes beyond noting the action was unanimous of those present.