Implications of Permitting Front Yard Parking

Where There are More Permit Parking Spaces Available

than Permits Issued, on the Side of the Street Where Permit

Parking is Authorized (All Wards in the Former City of Toronto)

The Toronto Community Council recommends that:

(1)with respect to Davenport, North Toronto and East Toronto, Municipal Code Chapter 400, Traffic and Parking, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, be amended to permit front yard parking on the same side as permit parking, where there are more spaces than permits issued; and

(2)with respect to Trinity-Niagara, Municipal Code Chapter 400, Traffic and Parking, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, not be amended to permit front yard parking on the same side as permit parking, notwithstanding that there may be more spaces than permits issued, except where there is no other on-site parking.

The Toronto Community Council submits the following report (February 2, 1999) from the Manager of Right of Way Management, Transportation Services, District 1, Works and Emergency Services:

Purpose:

To report on the implications of permitting front yard parking where there are more permit parking spaces available than permits issued, on the side of the street where permit parking is authorized. As this is a matter of public interest, this report is scheduled as a deputation item.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Not applicable.

Recommendation:

That City Council not consider amending Municipal Code Chapter 400, Traffic and Parking, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code, to permit front yard parking on the same side of the street as permit parking, notwithstanding that there may be more spaces than permits issued.

Background:

The Toronto Community Council, at its meeting of October 14, 1998, had before it our report (September 8, 1998), respecting Ward Councillors' Views on Local Options for Front Yard Parking and Changes to the Current By-law and requested the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services to report to the Toronto Community Council on the implications of permitting front yard parking where there are more permit parking spaces available than permits issued, on the side of the street where permit parking is authorized.

Comments:

General Information About Permit Parking:

The objective of the permit parking program is to provide a rational allocation of the on-street parking supply to residents in need of parking because of lack of on-site parking.

Permit parking was implemented in 1961 to respond to the needs of residents who did not have on-site parking available. Special legislation was obtained from the Province to allow the City to establish periods of time when only permit holders can park on the street. During non-permit parking times, permit holders can still park on the street, but parking is also available to the general public. Permit holders are also exempted from limited duration parking periods, such as one hour parking, and from paying fees at parking meters.

Currently, approximately 70 percent of the streets in Wards 19 through 26 are licensed for permit parking, with a total of 60,302 legal on-street permit parking spaces, of which, 52,602 legal on-street parking spaces are allocated in 70 permit parking areas and 7,700 legal on-street parking spaces are allocated on 174 streets authorized for permit parking.

An on-street permit parking space is considered a parking space when it is listed in the former City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 400, Traffic and Parking, as the maximum number of available spaces to be issued on a street or portion of a street (average length of a space 5.5 metres).

Adequacy of Parking Supply:

At the end of the November 30, 1998 renewal term, there were 53,131 permit holders recorded on the permit holders file representing 88.1 percent space allocation in Wards 19 through 26 (the former City of Toronto). In addition, 1493 people were on the permit parking wait list for an on-street parking permit. Details of the space allocation is provided below:

The availability of on-street parking has almost reached its full capacity. There are currently 47 unique combinations of permit parking operating hours which were developed over time, in consultation with area Councillors and community representatives in response to specific concerns from resident permit holders of their inability to park on their street because of transient parkers, visitors, tradespeople etc.

Impact of Front Yard Parking on Permit Parking:

As indicated earlier, the availability of on-street parking almost reached its full capacity. Permitting front yard parking on the side of the street where permit parking is authorized further reduces the already congested streets/areas for resident permit holders. This Department already receives complaints from residents with on-street parking permits having to compete for parking with visitors, transient parkers, tradespeople etc. The 47 Schedules of permit parking hours is a reflection of the communities' needs.

Front yard parking is for the exclusive use of the homeowner whereas permit parking on-street is used by any resident of the street/area and the general public.

Permitting front yard parking on the same side of the street as permit parking would further burden these permit holders and it is not advisable.

Conclusions:

The amendments in 1996 to the former City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 400, Traffic and Parking, preserved the Permit Parking Program as a public asset and the desirability of maintaining attractive streetscapes by having landscaped open space and trees. To preserve on-street parking spaces and to recognize the importance of maintaining the public parking supply, it is recommended that front yard parking not be permitted on the same side of the street as permit parking notwithstanding that there may be more spaces than permits issued.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Angie Antoniou, 392-1525

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The Toronto Community Council reports, for the information of Council, having also had before it during consideration of the foregoing matter, the following communications, and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk:

-(February 14, 1999) from Mr. David Vallance;

-(February 15, 1999) from Ms. Diane B. Mitchell;

-(February 15, 1999) from Mr. Storm McGregor;

-(February 15, 1999) from Mr. Mark Gane; and

-(February 16, 1999) from Ms. Gladys Kirk.

Mr. Mark Gane appeared before the Toronto Community Council in connection with the foregoing matter.

Councillor Miller read a statement from Ms. Gladys Kirk respecting this matter.