Ordinance 2396-99 - Laserfiche WebLink

ellP, vittr"? ORDINANCE NO. 2396-99 An Ordinance Amending the City's Vehicle Impoundment Regulations, Amending Section 1 of Ordinance No. 1531-88 (EMC 46.10.010) WHEREAS, the City Council finds that parking on the public right-of-way is regulated to promote traffic safety, enhance the smooth flow of traffic and, in certain areas of high demand for parking such as the central business district, to fairly allocate parking spaces among the public by limiting parking time. Parking is also limited in business districts to facilitate commerce by promoting frequent turnover for shopping, those visiting downtown to conduct business or receive services rather than commuter, employee or long-term parking. Although the majority of those receiving parking tickets respond appropriately, some vehicles are repeatedly ticketed for uncontested parking violations which are then not paid. Not only do such repeated violations defeat the purposes of the parking regulations, but they also deprive the City of significant revenue. The magnitude and intractability of this parking scofflaw problem has made it a local situation calling for a solution that will remove these vehicles from the public right-of- way to allow others to make lawful use of available parking spaces. Because a substantial number of parking violations are accrued by chronic offenders whose violations remain delinquent despite efforts by the City to collect fines, it is necessary to authorize impoundment of illegally parked vehicles with multiple outstanding delinquent tickets in order to effectively enforce the City's parking regulations. The problems identified above create concerns for the City and businesses by preventing the natural turnover of parking spaces thereby limiting the availability of parking spaces for individuals wishing to use the businesses and services provided by the City's central business district; and WHEREAS, revisions have been in State law concerning impounds that need to be reflected in the City's impound regulations; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF EVERETT DOES ORDAIN: SECTION 1: Section 1 of Ordinance No. 1531-88 (EMC 46.10.010)which reads as follows: A. Impoundments. Any police officer may take custody of a vehicle and provide for its prompt removal to a place of safety under any of the following circumstances: 1. Whenever any police officer finds a vehicle stopped or parked upon the roadway, whether attended or unattended, the officer is authorized to provide for the removal of the vehicle or