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Grass Valley council approves residential permit parking for lower Mill Street lot
Summary
The Grass Valley City Council approved an ordinance and resolution to create a residential permit parking program for the city’s lower Mill Street lot, setting eligibility, limits and fees and directing staff to implement the program after a second reading.
Grass Valley’s City Council on Tuesday approved a residential permit parking ordinance and accompanying resolution creating a limited permit program for the lower Mill Street municipal lot.
Chief Alex Gamelgaard told the council the proposal responds to neighborhood requests and is designed to balance resident needs with public access. “The parking lot at 309 Mill Street…is adjacent to a residential neighborhood,” Gamelgaard said, describing staff’s recommendation to reserve eight of the 19 lower spaces for residential permit holders and set eligibility at properties within 200 feet of a lot line.
Staff recommended the permit fee match the city’s existing business parking permit rate: $55 per quarter, with a discounted annual purchase price of $200. Gamelgaard said the ordinance would allow permitted vehicles to remain in the municipal lot up to 72 hours, consistent with the city’s on-street parking rules, and noted the ordinance would take effect 30 days after the second reading.
Council members asked about distribution and affordability. One council member asked if permits would be issued through an application or other criteria; Gamelgaard replied the program will begin with a short, first-come, first-served process for the initial roll-out and staff would evaluate lottery or proximity-based approaches if demand exceeds supply. He also suggested existing assistance programs could be used to target fee discounts for qualifying residents.
Residents who spoke in public comment generally supported the program while urging attention to affordability. Chad Dyer, a Mill Street resident, said charging a fee can limit demand and help residents obtain needed spaces; Robin Galvin Davies of the Greater Grass Valley Chamber pointed to regional comparisons and called the proposed fee “reasonable.”
After public comment, the council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance and resolution by voice vote. The council did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting audio; the ordinance is scheduled for a second reading before it becomes effective.
