The Columbia City Council has made changes to the proposed parking rate ordinance and has approved it on the first reading.
City leadership has adjusted the ordinance to change certain rates in the parking system following public feedback and extensive discussions during the meeting, as stated in a news release.
The changes include:
- Reduced owner-occupant residential permits from $120 to $30 per vehicle (24-month period);
- Reduced owner-occupant visitor permit from $48 to $24 per vehicle (24-month period);
- No enforcement on Saturdays in the Main Street District and The Vista from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and
- Increased the fire lane initial fine from $200 to $500.
Other notable mentions in the proposed ordinance include:
- First hour free in all City of Columbia parking decks;
- Reduced on-street parking rate from $2 to $1.50;
- No proposed changes to hospitality rooftop-only parking; $35/month; and
- City-wide on-street parking enforcement from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday-Saturday).
The city plans to raise parking rates to reinvest the revenue back into the parking system and improve the customer experience, according to the announcement. The city plans to prioritize infrastructure, maintenance, and repairs essential for enhancing the quality and use of parking decks across the system. Funds will be allocated to enhance operations, systems, innovation, and design. Several projects are set to begin right away, while others are planned for the coming years.
The City Council will hold the second reading of the proposed parking rate ordinance on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. in City Hall, located at 1737 Main St. The planned ordinance is set to take effect on January 1.