Title
Approval of an Ordinance Amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapters 10.16,10.20 and 4.60. Relating to Parking
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, the Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapters 10.16, 10.20 and 4.60 relating to Parking.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, the Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapters 10.16, 10.20 and 4.60 relating to Parking.
Staff Contact:
Chelsea Baker van Drood, Program Specialist, Public Works General Services, 360-753-3781
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The proposed changes to OMC Chapters 10.16,10.20 and 4.60 update references related to the transition from the Community Planning and Economic Development Department to the Public Works Department. These revisions address administrative updates and clarify existing language.
The proposal also includes an adjustment to parking citation fees. The parking services program has maintained a high level of service without increasing parking rates or citation fees since March 2020. However, with fees unchanged for five years, operational costs have begun to outpace revenue. Adjusting citation fees will help restore balance and support the long-term sustainability of the program, ensuring it can continue delivering reliable services to the community.
Climate Analysis:
The proposed citation fee increase is not expected to directly affect greenhouse gas emissions. However, by supporting the operations of the parking services program, it may indirectly help reduce vehicle idling, improve traffic flow, and encourage alternative transportation options such as biking, walking, and transit. These outcomes align with the City’s broader sustainability and climate action goals.
Equity Analysis:
The citation fee increase keeps Olympia’s fines among the most affordable in the region, while ensuring that everyone who uses the system and violates the rules helps cover its costs. It also provides funding to support program operations, education, and outreach efforts.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The community is generally supportive of maintaining well-managed parking, though some residents and visitors may have concerns about the modest increase in citation fees.
Financial Impact:
The proposed citation fee increases are projected to generate approximately $143,000 in additional annual revenue. This increase will enable the program to better align with operational costs, reduce dependence on the General Fund, and free up resources for other essential City services.
Options:
1. Move to approve on first reading, and forward to second reading, the Ordinance amending Olympia Municipal Code Chapters 10.16, 10.20 and 4.60 relating to Parking.
2. Do not approve the Ordinance. The Parking Services Program will not generate sufficient revenue to cover its operational costs. Expenses have continued to rise while citation fees have remained unchanged since 2020, creating a growing funding gap. Without the proposed adjustments, the program would need to rely on the City’s General Fund to maintain current service levels, placing additional pressure on limited resources. Approval of the ordinance is necessary to support the program’s financial stability and ongoing service delivery.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Ordinance