Atlantic Beach has approved a pilot paid parking program that calls for no parking in the city’s public spaces between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.
The limit on the early morning parking was just one element of the plan that sets fees for use of public parking spaces in the area. The plan is being done in concert with neighboring Neptune Beach, but the 3 to 5 a.m. ban on parking will not apply to Neptune Beach.
Some officials questioned whether limiting the wee hours parking would prompt drunks to drive home after bars close rather than leaving their vehicle parked in violation of the city code.
City officials said if a parking violation is issued during this time frame the person can contact the parking manager and explain the situation and the ticket will be voided.
The situation was discussed at length over several meetings, and the commissioners agreed they did not want to penalize anyone for doing the right thing by not drinking and driving.
At the same time, commissioners said they wanted to eliminate people using the on-street parking as an all night parking option rather than utilizing paid parking at a nearby resort or elsewhere.
As passed Sept. 23, those parking on Atlantic Beach streets will pay $1 per half hour, with registered residents charged half price. Parking will be for a maximum of three hours between 11 a.m. and midnight. Parking is free the rest of the time and prohibited from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Persons who hold and display a valid disabled permit may park in any Atlantic Beach public space for up to four hours. at no cost.
A ticket for parking violation (non-ADA or illegal parking) will receive a one-time courtesy "notice." Subsequent violations will be $12 for the "notice" if paid by the close of business the next day. Failure to pay the $12 will result in a $10 admin fee. They will have 30 days to pay this fee. If not paid within 30 days it will become a formal parking citation and be turned over to the police department.
City officials said they will have a fact sheet available soon and information will be available on line for residents to register their vehicles.
The Beaches Town Center Agency has been working with the cities for more than a decade to implement paid parking. The current pilot program is set to continue until Sept. 30, 2021, but may be discontinued with notice.
