New residential parking program in Old Town
By KONK Life News Staff
Beginning October 1, the City of Key West will begin a new residential parking program in Old Town aimed at ensuring marked residential parking spaces are reserved for residents.
The new green residential permits cost just $10 a year. They will be available, beginning in October, at the Monroe County Tax Assessor’s office at the Harvey Government Center. Applicants will need to show proof of residency in Key West as well as a driver’s license and vehicle registration in order to obtain the residential parking permit.
Old Town has over 1000 parking spaces marked as residential. Eligible vehicles will have exclusive rights to these spaces. The permits are available to residents, real estate property owners, military personnel stationed in Key West, seasonal residents who reside within the city for over four months of the year, and business vehicles affiliated with a business licensed in the city.
Enforcement of the new residential permit parking will begin in October. City parking officers will be warning violators of the new program and using that month as a period of education regarding the new permits. However, in November they will begin issuing tickets for unauthorized vehicles that park in marked residential spaces.
The new parking permit does not affect in any way the 750 unmarked spaces or the 60 handicapped parking spaces. Downtown workers who are not eligible for the permits are encouraged to explore the special $25 a month permit at the Park N Ride on Caroline Street.
Permits will need to be renewed every October. All other parking regulations remain unaffected by this permit program. For example, no boat, trailer, RV, or vehicle over 20 feet in length is allowed to park on-street or in municipal lots. Additionally, City code requires that all vehicles parked on the street must be moved every 72 hours.
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I have a question to pose to the city regarding the policy on handicapped parking after hours in designated spaces on city property, namely Old City Hall. My handicapped wife parked there with her placard displayed during business hours and was towed within 15 minutes after closing time. She can park anywhere in the city for free as long as it’s not at a city facility after closing? The city is actually towing handicapped people’s cars leaving them totally stranded? WTF?
Since we taxpayers are carrying so many new burdens on our annual tab, I suggest a free permit for the people who pay for all of the ill-advised and ridiculous expenditures by the local confederacy of dunces.
All a taxpayer need do is show proof of ownership and residency to receive a FREE pass on residential parking. Fair is fair. We deserve a break.
I don’t have a car but I have a slip at city marina. Why should I have to pay for my slip if people don’t have to pay to park? Fair is fair.