Seattle revisits 72-hour parking rule on city streets
SEATTLE – A parking policy in Seattle that says vehicles cannot park in the same spot on a city street for more than 72 hours is currently under review.
The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped enforcement of the rule, but the city had previously announced that it would reinstate the ordinance on April 1, 2021. Now the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), which oversees all parking enforcement in the city, is reviewing that plan.
“The City of Seattle is currently reviewing the 72-hour enforcement process in light of current state guidelines. We are working to develop an approach to enforcement that balances the reality of changing travel patterns and current needs as public health guidelines change due to the Delta variant, “SDOT said in an email Explanation.
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The update was news to West Seattle resident Conrad Cipoletti, who believed the 72-hour parking control had been back in place since April.
“I just want a schedule and good communication from SDOT and the relevant city authorities about what’s going on here,” said Cipoletti.
Cipoletti said he recently purchased an electric bike as a primary mode of transportation when the West Seattle Bridge closed for construction.
On his daily route, he has to cross part of Marginal Way S. to reach the Duwamish Trail to ride a bike.
Cipoletti said several vehicles, including RVs, have been parked in the same spot on Marginal Way since February. He said the vehicles block his view of the road and pose a safety issue.
“I can’t see if other bikers are coming and when I come back here I can’t see if cars are coming here,” said Cipoletti.
In Capitol Hill, a local resident who lives in the neighborhood pointed to a car that had been on the street for at least several weeks, if not months. Several old parking tickets were placed on the dashboard of the car, but the car did not move.
Cipoletti said he noticed the same problem at Capitol Hill.
“There are vehicles there that have not moved since the pandemic began,” said Cipoletti.
The implementation of the 72-hour regulation was temporarily suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic and the subsequent regulation to stay at home. Despite the temporary lockdown, SDOT said parking officials are and will continue to enforce parking zones with specific time limits such as 2-hour parking and paid parking. SDOT also enforces violations if vehicles block a fire hydrant or driveway.
Anyone who observes such parking violations can report them directly to SDOT at 206-684-ROAD or email the city at [email protected].
In August, the city approved a move to convert park attendance from the Seattle Police Department to SDOT.