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Staff proposes two resident categories, affidavit-based enrollment and caps on stickers
Summary
Finance staff recommended defining Resident Category 1 (primary residents and active-duty military) and Category 2 (shorter-term renters and certain nonresident owners), shifting entitlement from household/ownership to individuals with affidavit-backed claims and clearer required documentation.
City finance staff outlined proposed eligibility rules intended to reduce abuse and simplify administration.
Jim Nolan said the working group recommends two categories: Resident Category 1 for individuals whose primary residence is in Newport (the majority of the year) and active-duty military assigned to Newport, and Resident Category 2 for tenants with leases longer than 30 days but under one year and certain nonresident owners. "The definition of that primary residence… is the primary residence, also known as a principal residence," Nolan said, explaining that the group sought to capture people who actually live on a street rather than properties used principally for transient rental income.
Under the recommendations, initial enrollment would require documentation (vehicle registration, application and proof such as a Newport license, tax bill, utility bill or deed) and an affidavit attesting to residency; renewals could be simplified. Staff also proposed limiting sticker counts by capping per individual and tying entitlement to a registered vehicle rather than to commercial addresses. Councilors asked whether the residency threshold should be specified as six months and a day or seven months; staff said the council could choose a stricter number but favored simple, inclusive language tied to proof and affidavit.
