Belgrade police chief proposes 12-hour notice for downtown special-event parking

Police Chief Dustin Lensing told the Belgrade City Council workshop he reviewed the city's parking ordinance at the request of the administration and council and is proposing shorter notice periods for downtown special-event parking. "Is that we just provide 12 hours notice for event parking downtown," he said, arguing that codifying a 12-hour posting period would give enforcement "some teeth" to relocate or tow vehicles for parades and other events.

Lensing said the change is aimed at reducing confusion for business customers who currently see three-day notices and that the ordinance will include a narrow life-safety exemption allowing towing without notice in declared emergencies. He also said the proposed language will be reviewed by the city attorney before being finalized. City staff said they would work with public works on concise signage and would post notices 12 hours before affected areas become no-parking zones.