City provides new info site on downtown parking system

Kiosks and permit system rolling out by the summer

By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff

After more than a year of planning, deliberation and consultation, the city of Sandpoint took the final step toward implementing a new parking management system for downtown. 

In a 3-2 vote on March 4, city councilors approved working with IPS Group to install 43 kiosks in the two-hour parking zones downtown and at select city-owned lots, where motorists will pay to park their vehicles based on an hourly fee schedule. In addition, a range of permits will be available for residents for extended time limits and options in various locations, while visitors will pay hourly.

Councilors Joel Aispuro, Joshua Torrez and Council President Deb Ruehle voted in favor, with Councilors Pam Duquette and Kyle Schreiber opposed. Councilor Joe Tate was absent.

Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm called the vote “momentous,” though Duquette and Schreiber worried that full-scale implementation of the plan would overwhelm residents, preferring a phased rollout.

Following the March 4 decision, the city unveiled a new page on sandpointidaho.gov devoted to the parking plan, including a map of the zones, detailed instructions and information on how to use the new system, frequently asked questions and an informational video posted to the city’s YouTube channel.

According to the site, on-street parking will remain free up to the posted time limits in the two-, three- and four-hour zones — “a key priority expressed by local businesses and residents during the planning process.” However, under the new system, which is expected to be in place around July 4, those parking in the two-hour downtown street zones will check in at the nearest kiosk by entering their license plate number. They can also check in via text-to-pay or by using the ParkSmarter mobile app.

Once checked in, the initial two hours are free. If more time is needed, users can extend their time either at the kiosk, by text message or through the app and pay an hourly rate established by City Council.

“This approach maintains free customer parking while providing flexibility for those who need to stay longer,” the city stated.

The two-hour parking zone encompasses 275 spaces in the immediate downtown core on First and Second avenues, and portions of Cedar and Main streets, where no permits will be valid for overstaying the limit. Outside of those areas, a variety of permits will be available to provide longer-term parking.  

City residents can pay $15 and county residents pay $30 for an annual permit to park for eight hours a day in publicly owned lots at City Beach, Sand Creek, Dock and Bridge streets, the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, and the city lot at Third Avenue and Church Street. Non-permit holders will pay the established hourly rate. Those lots cover 505 spaces.

The three- and four-hour parking zones will remain free up to the posted time limits and enforced as they have been in the past. However, for $40 per month, street parking permit holders will be given 24-hour parking at downtown city lots and in the three- and four-hour street zones (encompassing 490 spaces). Street parking permits will also be valid for use in the public waterfront lots, but not overnight.

“The city appreciates that not all downtown business employees can afford the monthly street parking permit; therefore, the city or county resident permit — at just $15 or $30 per year — is an option for those who are willing to walk from a city parking lot to their place of employment,” the city stated. “The street parking permit — $40 per month — provides anyone who wishes to park all day on downtown streets the ability to do so without fear of getting ticketed or towed.”

Finally, Windbag Marina slip-holder permits will be available for $100 a year, granting unlimited parking — overnight and multi-day — at the City Beach and Dock Street lots. 

No time limits will be in place on 279 spaces in the outlying downtown area. 

Permits will be purchased, renewed and managed online, where applicants’ residency and permit eligibility will be verified. Once that’s done, a window sticker will be mailed to permit holders’ homes to be displayed in the windshield of their vehicle. With a displayed, valid permit, drivers will not need to check in at a kiosk in city lots.

All permits will be linked directly to a vehicle’s license plate and verified electronically for enforcement. Those who wish to cover multiple vehicles will need to purchase a permit for each.

“The guiding principle of the new system is simple: Locals first. Convenient options for residents, downtown workers and downtown residents, while ensuring parking remains available for customers and visitors,” the city stated.

To learn more about the system, go to bit.ly/ParkingPlanInfo. Find the instructional video at youtube.com/@CityofSandpoint.

CORRECTION: This article as been amended to clarify that kiosks will only be used for street parking in the two-hour downtown zone. Three- and four-hour parking zones will remain free up to their posted time limits and enforced as they have been in the past. In addition, street parking permits will be valid in the public waterfront lots, but not overnight. Finally, in the final management plan, the city eliminated the downtown resident permit.