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Passaic council approves clergy‑parking ordinance allowing limited reserved spaces for houses of worship
Summary
Ordinance 25-04-25 adds clergy‑parking permits to the traffic code, setting application requirements, signage and limited time windows; council clarified that off‑street parking adequacy will be a consideration and that enforcement follows standard traffic procedures.
The Passaic City Council on Nov. 10 approved Ordinance 25-04-25 to add clergy‑parking permits to chapter 295 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the municipal code.
The ordinance establishes an application process requiring proof of vehicle registration and a valid driver’s license; it permits designation of a limited number of reserved spaces (the ordinance notes two spots as an example) and requires signage that identifies the restrictions, hours and penalties. Administration and council members emphasized that each application will consider adequacy of existing off‑street parking at the house of worship rather than categorically limiting permits to institutions lacking off‑site parking.
Council members raised practical concerns about funerals, variable service times and how signage and posted hours will function in irregular circumstances. The administration said the sign must indicate "clergy parking only," the days and hours the restriction applies and the penalty for violations. Enforcement would follow standard traffic‑violation procedures and the city could remove reserved parking privileges if repeated abuse is documented.
The council was told many houses of worship in Passaic could qualify — the administration estimated the number of eligible institutions could be in excess of 100 — and the administration described the measure as consistent with practices used in other municipalities. After deliberation the council closed public comment and approved the ordinance by roll call.
What happens next: the ordinance becomes part of the vehicles and traffic code; applications will be processed by the department designated in the ordinance and permit approvals may include time windows and signage conditions to limit neighborhood impacts.
