Council approves no‑parking rule to protect Freedom Plaza farmers market, subject to city attorney resolution

The Twentynine Palms City Council approved a staff proposal to establish enforceable no‑parking/towing for the Freedom Plaza area on Saturdays to protect the long‑running farmers market.

City Manager Stone James described repeated incidents in which vehicles parked overnight occupied vendor spaces and created safety risks during market setup. “If someone parks their car there overnight … when the market sets up, those booth spaces are taken up,” James said, explaining the rationale for a posted no‑parking period and permanent signage.

Roger Thomas, the market operator, told the council that a 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday restriction would be ideal to avoid interfering with nearby businesses and to give vendors time to set up and clear out. “If we can go from 4AM to 3PM, those are the ideal hours to not impede anyone else’s business,” Thomas said.

Councilmembers discussed start/end times, towing protocol and sign wording; staff said signs must include standard towing language and be permanently mounted to avoid predatory towing practices. The council approved a motion to proceed with wording and implementation and to present a final resolution drafted by the city attorney; the recorded vote was 4‑0 in favor (one member was absent from that recorded vote).

What’s next: Staff will coordinate sign design, confirm towing procedures with the sheriff’s office and tow providers, and return the final resolution for ratification; temporary signage can be used while the resolution is finalized.