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Portsmouth council reviews draft downtown parking rules; members press for event‑parking plan and clearer signage
Summary
City staff summarized a draft parking ordinance proposing weekday paid parking on High Street (6 a.m. start), two free hours then $2 per hour for lots, and a 90‑day acclimation period before enforcement; council members urged a plan for event parking, clearer signage and towing information.
Portsmouth City Council reviewed a draft parking ordinance that would formalize downtown paid parking, introduce multi‑hour rates and launch a 90‑day public‑education period before enforcement.
City Engineer Mr. Wright summarized the draft: parking on High Street would begin at 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, with the first two hours free and a $3 fee after that; surface lots and garages would offer two free hours and $2 per hour thereafter. "Earlier this week, the city manager sent out to you a draft of the ordinance for your review," Wright said, listing the core provisions and noting that valet parking is not included and the ordinance applies only to existing parking facilities.
Wright said staff recommends a 90‑day acclimation and education period (July 1–Sept. 30) during which the city will issue warnings; enforcement would begin Oct. 1. The period, Wright said, allows staff to gather information, provide notices to patrons, and work out operational issues with kiosks and QR‑code systems.
Council members focused on several practical issues. Councilman Thomas said he does not agree with a blanket ban on event parking and warned that failing to accommodate events could cost the city revenue and make downtown less welcoming to visitors; he urged staff to develop a specific plan for event parking. Vice Mayor Moody and other members asked how towing practices and the location of towed vehicles will be communicated; Wright said towing rotates among vendors so tow locations cannot be fixed on signs but that non‑emergency police numbers will be posted in public places and on wayfinding signs where feasible.
Councilwoman Bryant recommended a broader public‑education campaign — including a short instructional video and targeted outreach to civic leagues and older residents — to help residents learn how to use QR codes and kiosks. Several members asked staff for the report back on contractual parking arrangements (for example, the Renaissance lot and the lot behind Quads); Wright said those details and the Renaissance agreement are included in the report back delivered earlier in the day.
No vote was taken on the ordinance at the work session; staff said they will return with revised language and continued engagement with the parking authority and stakeholders before presenting the finalized ordinance for action.
