By Zach Hagadone
Reader Staff
Sandpoint City Hall is inviting downtown merchants and building owners to attend a meeting Monday, Sept. 8 to hear a presentation and ask questions about proposed paid parking policies on the busiest blocks of the business district.
Scheduled for 8:30 a.m. at Marigold Bistro (located in the Sandpoint Financial Center at 414 Church St.), the meeting will include city staff walking attendees through the idea of installing parking meters next year on sections of the downtown core, as well as new downtown employee parking passes — both of which are part of the city’s ongoing effort to develop a downtown parking management plan.
The meters could be put in place between Pine and Cedar streets on First Avenue, as well as Pine to Alder Street on Second Avenue, Church to Main streets between First and Second, and Cedar from First to Third Avenue.
According to a flyer circulated by the city, more than 850 parking spaces will remain free throughout downtown, with fewer than 200 considered for paid parking. Hourly rates would apply during peak hours, with a goal of keeping parking stall occupancy “at or just below 85%,” the city stated.
The downtown employee parking passes are included in the city’s new fee schedule, available for $40 per month and valid in all city-owned parking lots, as well as three- and four-hour curbside stalls, with unlimited daily use. All-day free parking would remain available without a permit at the lots between Fifth and Sixth avenues that are owned by the Idaho Transportation Department.
City Hall stated that the employee passes and meters wouldn’t go live until 2026, following approval by the City Council.
“Currently, city taxpayers foot the bill for parking maintenance — more than $85 per household annually,” the city stated. “Paid parking ensures non-residents and visitors contribute their fair share.”
In addition, city officials wrote that paid parking would encourage turnover in downtown stalls and make finding spaces easier for customers.
For more information, visit sandpointidaho.gov/parking.
