Council adopts valet‑parking ordinance that prohibits storing valet‑serviced cars on public streets

Council members adopted Ordinance No. 6228 to establish a licensing and regulatory framework for valet‑parking services in Elizabeth. The ordinance requires operators to apply to the Chief License Inspector, carry specified liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence), carry "garage keepers" coverage ($500,000 per location), maintain driver records, and secure off‑street parking for stored vehicles. The license term is one year, nontransferable, and may only be issued after review by city departments and a subsequent City Council resolution.

The ordinance prohibits the use of public streets for storing valet‑serviced vehicles and limits the sidewalk ramping zone for vehicle turnaround to 10 minutes. It includes application fees ($500 standard; $250 for existing open‑air parking station operators), bond/insurance requirements, and procedures for suspension or revocation for safety, noncompliance, or false statements. Councilman Kevin Kiniery thanked the Police Department for following through on the stop‑sign request tied to traffic enforcement in the area during the discussion of traffic/parking ordinances.

The chapter also sets operational standards for signage, claim tickets, key control, and employee conduct, and authorizes enforcement by the Chief License Inspector and the Police Department. The ordinance includes an automatic expiration date (Dec. 31, 2026) unless the governing body acts to extend it.