Title
Review of Parking Permit Program (B)
This is a request for the City Commission to hear a presentation regarding improvements to the City’s residential parking program.
Explanation
The City has had a Controlled Vehicular Parking Program since 1981. The program was initially created to prevent commuter parking in the residential neighborhoods surrounding the University of Florida. As redevelopment activities have occurred in these neighborhoods and the character in some areas has transitioned to multifamily and mixed use development, demand for parking by eligible residents has increased faster than on- or off-street supplies. Property owners in the neighborhood have noted that permits may be obtained fradulently through the current purchasing process which is further increasing demand.
A staff committee comprised of representatives from Public Works, Planning and Development Services, Code Enforcement, Budget and Finance, and GPD was formed to review the parking program and make recommendations for improvement. The committee met with stakeholders in September 2012. Below is a summary of the committee’s findings and recommendations:
1) The current system does not successfully prevent fraud during the purchasing process. Distribution of parking permits directly to third party property owners or managers circumvents appropriate review of documentation confirming residency and eligibility to participate in the permit program. City staff should resume distribution of permits directly to applicants, ensuring that the necessary paperwork to confirm eligibility is provided before a permit is distributed. Online purchases would remain as an option but in-person pick-up would be required.
2) Permit pricing is too low. Stakeholders and staff feel the low price does not reflect the cost or value of the parking permit to the user. A 2008 study of City fees recommended a cost of $45 per semester (Fall/Spring/SummerA/B) at a minimum to recoup program admis...
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