Portland council raises snow‑ban citation fee to $130 after debate on equity and enforcement

Portland City Council amended and approved changes to the city’s snow‑ban enforcement penalties and parking options, adopting a reduced citation fee and additional approved parking locations aimed at improving winter street clearance.

Tony Warkas, park education director, told the council the proposed change would increase the citation fee from $40 to $175 and added six additional locations where snow‑ban parking would be permitted. He emphasized the change was intended to increase compliance, not generate revenue, and noted the Ocean Gateway impound lot is closing, which affects operational capacity.

"This is not about revenue generation," Warkas said. "The goal of this is to increase compliance." He also stressed a communications campaign in multiple languages and channels to reduce surprises for residents.

Councilor Regina Phillips moved an amendment to lower the proposed citation to $130. Members raised equity concerns: Councilor Pelletier said quadrupling fines would disproportionately affect lower‑income neighborhoods, and Councilor Sykes argued for a grace period and broader outreach rather than a large immediate penalty, saying an abrupt increase could harm renters who lack driveways.

Mike Murray, the public works department director, described operational impacts of improperly parked cars, including difficulty for emergency vehicles and snow‑removal equipment.

The council voted to adopt the amendment to set the citation at $130 (roll call on the amendment recorded) and then approved the main motion as amended; the final roll call recorded one‑no vote from Councilor Sykes and the remainder in favor.

What’s next: The code amendment will be implemented with a communications campaign and additional permitted snow‑ban parking locations intended to improve compliance and operational effectiveness.