YAKIMA, Wash.- An ordinance changing the parking system in downtown continues to move through the Yakima City Council.
On April 9, the Council listened to the draft ordinance read by City Attorney Sara Watkins. The new rules would include changes to time limits, parking permits and violation fees.
Council members asked to include specifications on the time limits be written into the ordinance.
If parked in a city-owned lot, cars can remain for three hours before having to move. The City of Yakima says it plans to utilize QR codes that can be used to pay for parking beyond three hours, instead of using kiosks that would require you to be in the parking lot.
The proposals come after months of discussions with downtown business owners and employees.
Mayor Patricia Byers says the original parking moratorium was put into place to allow the City to come up with a solution that works for all.
“We really wanted to give it adequate time to hear all the voices and also for council to weigh in for the city’s consideration,” says Mayor Byers. “We spent a good deal of time on this. I think council feels very comfortable. I hope that that our residents as well.”
If the Council passes the ordinance, the current parking moratorium would be extended to the same date as when the new rules go into place.
Mayor Byers says the Council plans to vote on the ordinance on April 16.
