The Provo Municipal Council heard another presentation during its Tuesday work session on what can be done with on-street parking in different areas of Provo.

Over the past several months, the city has been discussing and asking residents what needs to be done with parking and if they are willing to pay for it.

The current city code is the framework for on-street parking permits, according to Javin Weaver who was presenting information from the staff. Additional sub-headings, however, would be needed for specific locations to gain approval for permit parking.

For more than three years, Provo’s parking committee, headed by Councilman David Harding, has had a parking plan under analysis. They have worked long and tedious hours, according to Harding, to try and get it market savvy and simple.

Parking issues have been a thorn in the side of students, homeowners and developers for generations.

What has been the redeeming factor in the parking issues is that now new technology has been developed that can help alleviate parking problems through a payment program, way finding and parking options and more all provided on new parking apps.

The goals of the new on-street parking plan include:

• Reducing frustrations and improving the quality of life for residents.
• Have some predictability; encourage efficient use of off-street parking.
• Stop encouraging more cars.
• Stop discouraging redevelopment of dwelling units to provide adequate parking.

Options brought to the council Tuesday have be narrowed down to either having paid time parking, using meters, a paid by permit option or some combination of the two.

Weaver noted it is suggested that the Community and Neighborhood Services Department oversees the program.

A permit would be good for one year with two permits allowed per property. The cost of the permits have yet to be determined.

The city is allowing residents to answer questions and give their opinions on its Open Town Hall survey site at http://provo.org.

The survey shows that when asked if they support the concept of paid parking, 75% said no. On Tuesday, there were 2,117 respondents. The survey is open to the public through Sunday.

In respondent comments they ask for clear signage, ease of payment, permits or property owners and resident input.

“The 9.90 (code) is creating a new toolbox with a couple of tools inside,” Harding said.

Weaver added that the program is flexible and can expand and grow.

For now, the council is waiting for more information, and for the online survey to be completed, to see what the next steps will be.

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