Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Charlestown council adopts revised parking ordinance after public input
Summary
On March 2, 2026, Charlestown Common Council adopted Ordinance 20261 on second and final reading to revise street-parking rules: new warning-first fine structure, a 72-hour exemption for events, and a 12-foot emergency passage requirement verified with the fire department.
CHARLESTOWN — The Charlestown Common Council on Tuesday approved a revised parking ordinance (Ordinance 20261) on its second and final reading, enacting a set of changes city staff said reflect public feedback and safety checks with emergency services.
The ordinance replaces the previous fine schedule with a warning on first offense, a written notice on a second offense, then fines described in the ordinance of $25 and $50 for subsequent violations; it also establishes a 72-hour exemption for temporary events such as yard sales and parties. Staff explained the ordinance now requires vehicles not block more than 12 feet of roadway so emergency vehicles can pass — a width verified by the fire department as necessary to accommodate the largest apparatus.
Tommy Jackson, presenting the revisions, said the list of specifically restricted streets was pared back after consultation with the police and fire departments. "We verified with the fire department that that is the width that they would need to get through and that has the largest apparatus," Jackson said, describing why the 12-foot clearance was adopted. The ordinance clarifies setback measurements near intersections, preserves alleyway rules, and adds a nuisance test for parking on lawns — parking that causes deep ruts, mosquito-breeding beds, or excessive oil leaks may be found to be a nuisance.
Public commenter Tina Davenport, who identified herself as living at 103 Chris Court, urged the council not to restrict parking on her small street. "I've been in mine since '88. There's not been a problem with parking out there," Davenport said during public comment, noting previous emergency responses to nearby house fires had not been impeded.
Council members discussed two narrow streets — Chris Court and Danny Drive — which staff said had been historically problematic for fire access. Council said the ordinance attempts to balance neighborhood use with public-safety needs and directs staff to apply the new nuisance standard and the 12-foot rule cooperatively, offering assistance when residents have mitigating circumstances.
On a motion moved by Shannon Elder and seconded as recorded on the floor, the council approved Ordinance 20261. The motion passed with all members present saying "I"; the transcript records a unanimous voice vote but does not publish a roll-call tally.
The ordinance takes effect as specified in the city's codification process; staff will post the updated text and the amended list of restricted streets on the city website and will continue outreach to affected neighborhoods.
