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Sandpoint council removes on-street parking kiosks, keeps off-street paid lots
Summary
After weeks of public outcry and two weeks of pilot data, Sandpoint's council voted to remove on-street parking kiosks downtown while permitting paid extensions via app or text for those who need longer stays; off-street lots and beach parking remain paid for now.
The Sandpoint City Council voted Aug. 5 to remove on-street parking kiosks from the downtown 2-hour zone and to administer curbside parking as a strict two-hour limit unless a visitor purchases additional time via the city's text or mobile app. Council also directed staff to continue paid parking at the City Beach and the city parking lot.
Director Jason Welker told the council staff had recorded 4,186 parking sessions during 12 days of kiosk operation and that 89% of those sessions were free two-hour visits while 11% bought paid extensions. "Those 468 paid extensions generated $1,290 in revenue over 2 weeks," Welker said, noting the kiosks enabled customers who valued more time to buy it. Council debate centered on rollout confusion, impacts on downtown businesses and the user experience for older residents.
Councilor Kyle Schreiber's motion to remove the downtown kiosks and preserve app/text extension options passed after members discussed education, a proposed parking committee and permit programs for residents. The council also asked staff to return with plans for free resident parking permits beginning in 2027 and a hardship pass program for some Bonner County residents. The council's action aligns the on-street enforcement model with a signage-first approach while keeping digital payment options available for those who need extra time.
