MOORPARK : Council to Study Permit-Parking Law

The Moorpark City Council tonight will consider adopting a permit-only parking ordinance intended to fight overcrowding in residential neighborhoods downtown, a proposal that some say would be a costly and ineffective way to address the problem.

Under terms of the ordinance, the council would consider imposing permit-only parking restrictions in specific neighborhoods if asked to do so by a homeowners association or at least 10% of the residents.

In either case, the council would then send notices to residents in the area and hold a public hearing to decide whether or not the restrictions are necessary.

“I think that what we’ve come up with is probably the best option that we’re ever going to have,” said Councilman John Wozniak of the local law he drafted with Councilman Pat Hunter. “I think it’s reasonable.”

But Mayor Paul Lawrason said he has concerns with the law as currently proposed. He said he would like a higher percentage of the neighborhood to voice support for permit parking before the council considered it.

“It promotes, in effect, an expensive process on the part of the city to look at the viability of this if a small percentage of the homeowners say it’s something they want,” Lawrason said. “If the people feel strongly about it and they get out and lobby and get a higher percentage of people involved, then there might be more validity to it.”

If the ordinance were activated in a neighborhood, up to two street-parking permits could be issued to each home at a cost of $25.

On-street parking would be illegal in the areas between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m.--except to vehicles issued permits.

The proposed permit-parking program was prompted by requests from residents who want the city to crack down on problems caused by overcrowded homes in the city, which are particularly prevalent in its older, downtown area.

The council will consider the proposed law at its 7 p.m. meeting in City Hall, 799 Moorpark Ave.