City Council passes amendment prohibiting resale of parking permits for more than original purchase amount

On Monday, Sept. 16, the Columbia City Council passed an ordinance related to the resale of parking permits. The ordinance makes it unlawful for an individual, business or agency charging for the use of permitted parking spaces to sell parking permits purchased from the City for more than the original permit purchase amount. It will also require that anyone reselling a parking permit prorate the amount charged per the actual months still available for use on the permit.  

In addition to being subject to other penalties provided by the City Code, if the Parking Utility becomes aware of an individual, business or agency that is selling permits at a higher price than charged by the City, the parking permit(s) and all related parking privileges will be revoked, and any necessary refunds to the culpable party or parties will be provided.

This amendment was first recommended by the Parking and Traffic Management Task Force in February 2017. The Parking Advisory Commission unanimously supported the recommendation in May 2019.