Question: Should we change the current parking rules?
Our current neighborhood parking rules are:
"No Parking 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM & Permit Parking only at Other Times.
Violators will be cited."
There is a desire that the parking rules be modified so that overnight parking will be allowed with permit. Each home is allowed 2 permits, but the current rules do not allow any parking after 12:30 AM, even with a permit. There is a petition going around for owners who want to make this change. If there is enough interest, we will have to do a formal vote within the HOA. If we reach a 2/3rds majority in favor of the change, then the final step will be to take it to the city. In an attempt to present a fair view for those making the decision of whether or not we change the current parking situation, we present here a “Pro and Con” list for this decision.
CONS
(reasons why one might be against changing current parking rules):
#1: One of the biggest worries about our neighborhood, especially at the beginning, was that it would be turned into a neighborhood of BYU student housing, much like the neighborhoods west of us. In allowing permit parking overnight, it would make it so much easier for these homes to be rented out to a large group of students who can park an additional 2 cars on the street.
#2: If overnight permit is allowed, it would also allow people the option of parking large RVs, or work trucks/trailers, or “junk” cars that not only take up a large portion of the street but could even extend into their neighbor’s curb as well. These large vehicles represent a dangerous obstacle as it makes it difficult for cars pulling out onto the street to see children playing or to see approaching cars. Additionally, it creates unsightly views for those living around it.
#3: Another concern is that once we allow cars to park on the street with permits, there will be people who will try to “blend” in with the permitted cars as we are so close to student housing. In the summer, it can also allow people to “blend” in to avoid paying for parking at Seven Peaks Water Park. The fact is, Provo Police are not going to be patrolling 24/7, and it makes it much harder for them to spot cars with no permits after dark. Right now, as long as they see a car parked after 12:30 AM, it’s automatically ticketed; if we have permits, they would have to pick out specific cars parked with no permits and we cannot guarantee that they will be able to do a thorough job.
#4: Currently, the city allows homes 18 visitors’ passes per year. If someone wishes to hold a party, they can apply for these visitor permits that will allow extra cars to park on the street. They also allow one 7-day permit per household per year as well to allow a visitor to park during the day for 7 days. In addition, the city lists certain holidays as “free” days when anyone can park because there will not be patrols out.
PROS
(reasons one might be in favor of changing current parking rules):
#1: In order for a household to get 2 permits, we have to pay a fee each year. If we have to pay for these permits, it’s only reasonable that we should be able to park our cars in the street overnight. For those of us who live closer to student housing, even after the 12:30 PM curfew, there is still a constant stream of students and visitors who will park illegally because Provo Police only comes through once in a while.
#2: It's not that we don't want a parking system; the change we want to make is for overnight parking to be available for those with a PERMIT. We just want to adjust it to fit our lifestyles better (ie. family occasion like blessings, baptisms, and showers, etc.) We could also entertain other options such as:
a) Not paying for permits or paying less.
b) Instead of having to pay for the $2/ day parking permits and only being allowed 18 per year; maybe get the city to have some sort of online application or something to apply for special events easier and without having to pay. (The city is closed on Fridays, and it is so hard when we host showers or ward activities.)
c) No Sunday during the day enforcement.
We just want to see some adjustments that allow us to host family friendly events without having to stress about parking.
#3: There are some of us without the garage capacity to hold multiple cars. It would be nice to be able to park our cars in front of our own homes without the nighttime limitations. It is also difficult for families with children drivers and for those visiting. This is not a free-for-all; each household can only have TWO permits and so only 2 vehicles would be allowed to be parked on the street.
HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD? SOMETHING TO SAY?
After reading the above arguments, please use the comments section to add anything you feel would be important for everyone to understand before reaching their decision. We understand this is a sensitive issue, but please be respectful and courteous when making your points. Thank you.
