Duarte council reverts $5 overnight parking increase after broad public outcry; sends policy to Public Safety Commission

Duarte City Council voted to revert a recently adopted $5 temporary overnight parking fee back to $1 and directed the city’s Public Safety Commission to review overnight‑parking policy, fee structure and permit qualifications following extensive public comment and council discussion.

The move followed a staff presentation of the user‑fee study and the city manager’s explanation that the $5 rate was part of a phased increase intended to reduce an operating subsidy; staff said even at $5 the city was still heavily subsidizing the program. Dozens of residents argued the increase—effectively $1 to $5 per night—would become a significant annual expense for households that rely on street parking. Several speakers said notice was inadequate and urged a pause or a fuller study.

Residents across the affected neighborhoods described the increase as unaffordable for multi‑car households, families who rent rooms, students and older residents who rely on street parking. “At $5 a night, this is over $1,800 a year to park a car outside that may not fit in our lots,” said David Villegas, who helped collect a petition. Amanda Villegas, a graduate student living with her parents, asked the council to consider a discounted annual option or monthly pass and to improve direct notification.

City staff explained the ordinance creating the restricted 3 a.m.–6 a.m. zones dated to the 1970s and that recent enforcement and application processes require a vehicle to be registered to the residence and demonstrable driveway/garage capacity for annual permits. The city manager said the user‑fee study showed a large gap between the administrative cost per permit (staff time, enforcement and processing) and current permit prices; staff noted the $5 temporary fee remained a substantial subsidy compared with full cost allocation.

Council members acknowledged the public’s concerns about notice, equity and permit eligibility. Several members urged sending the item to the Public Safety Commission to examine options including a) clearer public notice practices, b) alternatives such as monthly or discounted annual passes, c) revising eligibility criteria (proof of residency, driveway restrictions), and d) an opt‑in/opt‑out process for affected streets. Councilmember Finley urged study of whether increased enforcement was producing the intended public‑safety benefits in the impacted neighborhoods.

The city attorney drafted replacement resolution language on the dais that directed staff to revert the temporary overnight parking fee to $1 effective immediately and to forward the matter to the Public Safety Commission for further review. The council approved the motion by voice vote and the resolution was adopted.

What happens next: staff will provide the Public Safety Commission with the fee‑study backup materials, a breakdown of costs and the list of affected streets. The commission is expected to take public input and return recommendations to council; the council will consider any changes at a subsequent meeting.

Provenance: Topic introduced in staff report and public‑comment period beginning with the business items presentation at SEG 2025; extensive public testimony recorded between SEG 2636–3510; council motion and vote recorded near SEG 3768–3771.