Ogden council reviews two-option managed parking plan amid concerns about data and small businesses

The Ogden City Council on May 5 reviewed a proposed managed parking ordinance that would establish paid and permitted parking in parts of downtown and set a framework for future expansions.

Robert Fair, a consultant with Kimley‑Horn, told the council that the ordinance should be tied to measurable performance indicators — notably block utilization, turnover, compliance and payment method adoption. "Once we get above 80% utilization on street, that's when you start hearing customer complaints," Fair said, recommending a 6‑ to 12‑month stabilization period after initial implementation to collect data and make adjustments.

Council members pressed staff and the consultant on two central questions: whether implementing paid parking would hurt downtown businesses and how much administrative authority to give the mayor to adjust rates and expand zones without returning to council. Fair said jurisdictions typically see an adjustment period followed…