To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
Through: David L. Corliss, Town Manager
From: Daniel Sailer, PE, Director of Public Works
Matt Gohl, Special Projects Manager
Title Discussion/Direction: Neighborhood Parking Permit Program
Body
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Executive Summary
Staff is seeking Town Council direction related to a proposed Neighborhood Parking Permit Program (NPPP). Town Council received an overview of similar programs offered by other area municipalities (ATTACHMENT A) at the February 7, 2023 Town Council meeting. Based on input received at that meeting and additional research, staff has prepared a proposed permit program for Council consideration. The proposed NPPP is available in ATTACHMENT B and is summarized in the following discussion. Following additional Town Council direction, staff will finalize the NPPP and prepare necessary Municipal Code changes for final adoption at a future Council meeting.
Discussion
Town Council previously requested that staff research options for residential parking permit programs. Accordingly, Council was provided with an overview of similar programs in other municipalities along with several considerations related to developing a program. Following Council direction in February, staff has prepared a proposed Neighborhood Parking Permit Program (NPPP) that is available for review in ATTACHMENT B for consideration.
This program is intended to be used as a “last resort” solution to address parking issues in a specified area. Applicants requesting a NPPP should first explore alternatives offered as part of the existing on-street parking policy. The objectives of this program are to:
• Provide for a “neighborhood driven” process to address concerns about limited parking availability in residential areas.
• Improve neighborhood livability by reducing the impact to parking in residential areas that are adjacent to high-density areas including park, school and multi-family developments.
• Limit on-street parking along public streets within a defined boundary to address parking issues for properties located within the boundary.
Any individual, neighborhood group or HOA that believes there is a parking issue in a specific area can apply for the NPPP. After receipt of an application, Town staff will coordinate with the point of contact on neighborhood outreach and plan development. Staff will define the boundaries of the NPPP area and the point of contact will be responsible for gathering signatures from residents in the specified area. In order to qualify for the NPPP, the following criteria must be met or exceeded:
• At least 75% of the residential units in the project area must sign a petition supporting the permit request. When comparing existing peer programs, this was a fairly common percentage.
• Parking availability must be less than 25% of the available parking spaces during the study period. This is also a typical percentage within existing peer programs.
• The proposed program area must be solely residential. Commercial, industrial, mixed use, and other non-residential areas are not eligible.
• On-street parking areas directly adjacent to parks and recreation destinations are not eligible in order to provide all citizens equal access to public amenities. As an example, if a particular street has a park on one side and residential housing on the other, only the residential side of the street would be eligible for the NPPP.
Following the study period and verification of meeting minimum requirements, staff will present findings to Town Council for approval/denial. Should Town Council approve the NPPP request, a 45-day implementation period would begin to allow staff to create and install necessary signage and to allow residents sufficient time to request and receive permits.
Each residence within the approved area would qualify for two (2) resident parking permits and two (2) visitor permits provided for no cost. Replacement permits can be requested for a cost of $15 per permit - residents will not be allowed to purchase additional permits. However, individuals in the approved area will be able to request one-day event permits to accommodate periodic parties, gatherings, etc. All permits would expire at the end of the calendar year, with the renewal process managed through the Public Works Department.
Parking permit enforcement in approved NPPP areas will be performed by the Castle Rock Police Department. Vehicles within the designated area that do not display a valid parking permit will be subject to warnings and/or citations as defined in the Town of Castle Rock Municipal Code. Note that Code amendments will be provided for Council consideration once staff is directed to finalize the program. Vehicle owners are responsible for all citations.
Budget Impact
Implementation of any approved permit programs will result in use of staff time and costs for issuing permits, installing signage and enforcement activities. Exact costs are unknown at this time and are planned to be absorbed within current budget authority. If necessary, staff will request additional expenditure authority through the annual budget development or budget amendment process.
Proposed Motion
“I move to direct staff to prepare a resolution and corresponding Municipal Code changes to adopt the Neighborhood Parking Permit Program as presented.”
Alternate Motions
“I move to direct staff to prepare a resolution and corresponding Municipal Code changes to adopt the Neighborhood Parking Permit Program with the following conditions: (list conditions).”
“I move to continue this item to the Town Council meeting on ___date to allow additional time to (list information needed).”
Attachments
Attachment A: February 7, 2023 Staff Report
Attachment B: Draft Neighborhood Parking Permit Program Policy