Council approves first passage of tour-bus parking ordinance amid debate over fees and definitions

Councilors on April 23 approved first passage of an ordinance that amends traffic rules defining bus stops and tour-bus parking and moved an associated order on a $50 per-visit parking permit fee into committee for further scrutiny.

The matter drew public comment from Biff Michaud of the Salem Witch Museum, who described long-standing coordination with public-safety officials to centralize bus parking "out of the neighborhoods" and estimated the city now sees roughly 2,000 buses a year, or about "20 to 25 buses a day." Michaud urged clearly designated downtown parking and consistent enforcement to protect neighborhood streets.

Council discussion focused on practical enforcement and on language that some members said needs clarification. "What is a school bus?" Councilor Smith asked, noting the draft ordinance does not define whether buses used for tours with children would be treated as school buses exempt from fees. Several councilors recommended sending the language to committee to refine definitions and enforcement mechanisms before second passage. Councilor Prozniewski said the council "owes" an opportunity for affected operators to weigh in, noting that some local businesses bring more buses to Salem than others.

Supporters framed the fee as modest and compatible with administrative enforcement: Councilor Turofsky said the passport app could be used by drivers to update permits while parked, and estimated that on a 55‑passenger tour bus the $50 fee amounts to roughly "91¢ per passenger per ticket." Some councilors, including Councilor Halapa, suggested the city could charge more during peak October season.

The ordinance was adopted for first passage as amended and referred to the Committee on Ordinances, Licenses, and Legal Affairs (co‑posted with the Committee of the Whole). Separately, the order setting a $50 per-visit parking permit fee was moved to the same committee. The council took no final second‑passage vote on the fee tonight.

Next steps: the committee will review definitions and enforcement language before a scheduled second passage vote; members of the public and business operators can submit feedback in the interim.