In a move that signals a shift towards modernizing parking enforcement, the Tacoma City Council is set to finalize considerations on Ordinance 28974. Slated for its final reading during the council meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 5:00 P.M., this ordinance represents a bid to alleviate some of the current parking "stressors" faced by Tacoma residents and visitors alike. As reported by KING5, the updates include provisions for electronic payment options, the creation of permit-only parking zones, and bolstered enforcement measures for parking infringements in bike lanes and paths.
The existing parking code, which has not kept pace with technological advancements, currently requires that drivers must display physical proof of payment on their windows. This dated protocol is set to change, as the ordinance would modify city code to make updates for people who pay for parking electronically, resulting in a new system where the driver’s license plate would act as the credential for a paid parking session. This information was detailed in an interview with the city's official, which was conducted by The News Tribune. The move towards a mobile app-based system aims to clarify and streamline how parking is managed and paid for in the city.
In a statement obtained by The News Tribune, the specific case of Cedar Street was exemplified, noting that it has historically seen parking complications due to large vehicles like RVs parking inappropriately. In response, the area was previously designated as a no-park zone. Now, local businesses are lobbying for a permit parking zone that would allow for employee and daily user parking while still restricting oversized vehicles.
With just seven parking enforcement officers on its roster, Tacoma is looking to optimize the management of its parking infrastructure. Fines collected from parking violations are intended to funnel into the city’s Parking Enterprise Fund, contributing to the costs of enforcement operations. This ordinance is reflective of Tacoma's endeavor to be efficient stewards of the right of way, according to a statement by a city official to The News Tribune. The overarching goal is to ensure the safety of residents by actively managing access to and use of this finite resource.
