Council eyes parking restrictions, permits for First Street
By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News
In an effort to support local businesses, the La Conner Town Council is preparing to establish parking restrictions on First Street that would kick off in 2027.
As emerged from previous council meetings, Town officials have heard numerous complaints about several vehicles becoming a permanent fixture on the main commercial strip, as well as accounts of visitors driving away from town because they could not find a parking spot.
“It’s amazing to me that it almost begins the minute stores start opening, before the stores start opening,” Mayor Marna Hanneman said last week. “First Street is full, and nobody can find parking.”
Walking around town, one may notice that many, if not most of the people shopping and dining downtown, are seniors. While there are spots available at the Town’s for-pay gravel lot on Moore Street, the walk up and down the hill may not be feasible or safe for visitors with limited mobility, making parking on First Street a necessity for some.
The proposed changes, presented by Town Administrator Scott Thomas, would restrict drivers from keeping their vehicles parked on First Street — between Morris and Commercial streets — for longer than four hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Those living in the affected area may apply for a residential parking permit as long as they can provide proof of residence at that address, as well as proof of ownership or legal control of the vehicle the permit is for — which has to weigh under 10,000 pounds. This means a permit couldn’t be transferred to the new vehicle owner, to the address’ new resident, or to the applicant’s new vehicle.
If a resident wishes to host guests, they may submit a visitor’s permit application once per year that is valid for multiple guests and can only be used for visitor vehicles.
Both permits would allow parking in the restricted areas for up to 24 consecutive hours and include free and unlimited parking at the Town’s gravel parking lot.
Council members had different opinions on what would be an appropriate amount to charge for application fees. On one hand, the fee should reflect the administrative time that goes into each application. On the other hand, a higher charge may discourage compliance. As of last Tuesday, the council agreed on a tentative price of $15 per application.
Once an applicant gets approval, they would receive a pass to display in their vehicle. The council has yet to decide whether the pass should come in the form of a sticker or a hang tag. Possession of a pass wouldn’t guarantee a parking space nor authorize parking in no parking zones, loading zones or fire zones, according to the draft ordinance.
Residential and visitor permits would expire on Jan. 1 after the permit is issued. The restrictions would start Jan. 1 to give the Town enough time to prepare signs and prepare residents for the change.
Service parking permits would be issued to allow landlords or contractors to conduct building improvements, or workers who serve a residence or business in a restricted parking zone. These permits would be issued for up to 30 days unless the Town determines a longer period is warranted.
Thomas will present the amended ordinance draft at the next meeting.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter at La Conner Community News.
