Residents call for winter parking changes

SANDPOINT — A number of area residents are asking Sandpoint city staff to rethink a winter parking policy within city limits — especially since the roads remain dry and there is no snow in the forecast.

According to the city’s parking regulations, “winter parking restrictions are in effect Dec. 1 through March 1,” regardless of whether there is snow on the roads or not. Between these dates, street parking is only permitted on the “even sides” of the street, meaning the side of the road where addresses end in an even number.

“Where signed or delineated by markings, parking on the street is prohibited on either side of any street designated as an "Emergency Snow Route," as established by resolution of the city council,” the policy states.

If cars are found parked on the odd side of the road, they will be given a warning and eventually a $50 citation.

However, many residents are unhappy about this as many businesses already struggle with limited parking availability. Additionally, with no snow plows in action due to the lack of snow, residents are wondering why the policy is still being enforced.

“[Half of] the parking at my workplace has been eliminated … for nearly a month, and they haven't plowed even once,” said Jeniffer Alderman-Brown in a Facebook comment. “Like others, the side allowed for parking has mailboxes, which limits parking even more so. Waiting to ticket and/or tow until it's actually needed would be a kind and appreciated gesture.”

Another resident who received a ticket voiced their displeasure at the minimal window they had to pay the ticket off without receiving an extra fine. While most tickets have a 30-day payment window, this one only gave 14 days, they said, or they’d receive another $25 fine.

Although the alleged payment period for these citations is short, any tickets that are appealed will have a hold placed on them so the late fee does not accrue, should anyone want to contest their fine.

Despite unhappiness with the citations, even with the lack of snow, some Sandpoint councilmembers said these citations are necessary to ensure the city’s right-of-ways are maintained and kept clear.

“Along with the plow crews, [thanks] to the community resource officers who spent their weekend and the first couple days of this week out there issuing warnings and eventually citations to people who either willfully or unwillingly ignored the parking signs that have been placed out,” said councilmember Jason Welker.

Welker said the city has put out hundreds of additional “no parking” signs on the odd side of streets to remind the community that parking is not permitted until March.

The beginning of winter is a learning experience for all of the people who have either forgotten about the policy or are new to the area. The councilmember said the resource officers try to extend grace to residents as much as possible during the first few snow episodes until everyone becomes familiar with the city’s policies.

“We have a really thoughtful and caring community resource officer team here,” Welker said. “They’re doing a great job in the face of a lot of frustration from some people.”

In addition, the winter parking policy states that all vehicles parked on a street within city limits must be cleared of snow within 24 hours from the time of a “snow event.” Any vehicles left covered may receive a fine.