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Noblesville council reviews plan to simplify downtown parking, propose 3-hour limits and new signage
Summary
City staff presented a plan to standardize downtown parking rules, recommend 3-hour limits on street and garage parking, simplify the downtown parking map and update signage; the ordinance second reading is scheduled for April 14.
City staff presented a package of changes to downtown parking rules aimed at simplifying signage, increasing turnover and giving businesses more predictable parking for customers.
Aaron Head, the city's community engagement manager, told the council the plan would "make that more clear and consistent" for visitors by reducing the downtown map and signage complexity and matching parking limits to typical visitor behavior. The proposal would make street parking a 3-hour limit running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., change free garage parking to three hours before charging $2 per hour, and standardize limits across surface lots and garages. Head said the changes are meant to encourage turnover for short visits and to keep people downtown longer to support local businesses.
The presentation identified particular surface lots by color names in the draft map ("Orange," "Gold" and "Teal" lots) and noted that the Gold lot is county-owned and leased to the city; planned county building work could affect that lot and the ordinance language is intended to align with future county improvements. Staff also proposed clearer wayfinding to highlight underused surface lots and temporary flexibility during the city's "Embrace Downtown" construction work so sidewalk access would remain open while nearby parking rules adapt.
Mayor Jensen and other council members framed the package as a response to business-owner and visitor feedback. Head said staff would follow up by updating signage, publishing an updated parking map on the city's website and coordinating with the street department on sign replacements. He told the council second reading of the parking ordinance has been scheduled for April 14 and that staff would roll out signage and communication to businesses and the public afterward.
No final council vote on the ordinance was recorded during the presentation; the council was asked to review the draft and expected materials ahead of the April 14 second reading.
