Parking director cautions against flat annual resident permit without stronger enforcement tools

Chair Alex Fernandez introduced a proposal to explore an annual flat‑fee resident on‑street parking permit intended to simplify short errands for residents. Will McDonald, the city’s director of parking, told the committee the idea reflects an important convenience goal but warned existing curb‑management technology and enforcement practices could enable long‑term curb dwell and administrative burdens.

McDonald said a continuous permit could be misused to occupy prime curbside spaces for long periods and would require significantly more frequent enforcement and different time‑marking procedures to ensure geographic enforcement. "A permit of this nature could possibly cause the ability... to take the most convenient parking in the city for one low rate and sit there for hours on end," he said, cautioning that administrative disputes and enforcement workload would likely increase.

Commissioners raised concerns about pilot design, affordability, and enforcement. Commissioner Laura Dominguez noted past issues with vehicles left for days in pilot areas; Commissioner Monica Mateus Salinas questioned who could afford an annual fee if it were set too high. Staff discussed mechanisms such as limited per‑session caps (e.g., 3–4 hours) and geographic/time restrictions, but said more study is required to understand enforcement costs and bond covenant implications for parking revenue.

Outcome: The committee did not adopt a program. Staff were asked to study feasibility, enforcement requirements, equity impacts, and rate structures before returning with options.