Council committee amends, then approves broader parking ordinance after heated debate over cameras and tandem spots

The Budget & Finance Committee on Sept. 28 adopted an amended parking ordinance intended to tighten safety requirements on parking lots and garages while preserving certain existing arrangements for operators. The committee first passed the narrower "c" version of the ordinance (item 12) on a 5–4 roll call and later approved the amended, broader ordinance (item 13) after adding explicit language protecting tandem spaces.

Supporters said the ordinances strike a necessary balance between public safety and business concerns. Council Member Evan Nolan said the change to permit tandem spaces "preserves parking capacity" while allowing safety measures. Council Member Kramerding and others emphasized that better lighting, barriers and a security plan can reduce opportunities for thefts from vehicles.

Parking operators and their counsel repeatedly warned the council that the initial drafts could impose heavy costs and take away usable spaces. "The practical impact of this ordinance is going to physically remove a significant number of parking spaces that have been existing in the urban core for years," said JP Burley, an attorney representing Chavez Properties during public comment. Operator Joe Levine said of a long-held lot, "If we are to put fences around that lot, we will lose 50% of our parking."

Law clarified the drafting differences: the "c" version expressly permits tandem spaces and removes a universal camera mandate that appeared in earlier drafts; the B version had been silent on tandem spaces. Council then approved an amendment to insert the c-version's tandem-space language into the broader ordinance before final passage.

The final roll call on the amended item 13 showed broad support across council: the amended ordinance passed with eight votes in favor and one opposed. Chair closed the agenda items by noting that if both versions became law, the more comprehensive measure would supersede the narrower one going forward.

What happens next: The ordinance will take effect according to the code timeline and the administration said it expects to return with implementation details, including timelines for city-owned facilities to meet the new standards and vendor procurement where upgrades are required.