City Council Adopted Ordinance 24C-14 at First Reading

The Mercer Island City Council adopted Ordinance 24C-14 at first reading at its regular hybrid meeting on September 17, 2024. In short, Ordinance 24C-14 increases the citation fee for parking infractions from $20.00 to $54.00, and sunsets the Town Center Commuter Parking Permit Program.

The parking citation fee increase will become effective January 1, 2025. The Mercer Island Police Department will provide an education-first approach to improve compliance with parking regulations by initially providing non-fee warning notices, at the discretion of the Police Chief.

All existing Town Center Commuter Parking Permits will expire on December 31, 2024, effectively ending the program. It is important to note that the North Mercer Restricted Parking District (RPD) will not be affected by this change and staff will continue to monitor the RPD program.

To note, at the July 16, 2024, City Council meeting, City Council directed staff to implement an on-street parking system where a motorist would register their vehicle for two hours of free parking and have the option to extend this parking up to four hours for a paid fee. Staff work on this new parking program is underway and anticipated to be presented to the City Council for further review and consideration no later than Q1 2025.