By MADDY VITALE
Sea Isle City Council will vote on amending a parking permit ordinance at its Tuesday meeting that officials say will make enforcement go smoother.
Seasonal parking permits cost $250 and allow drivers to park in the metered spaces from May 15 through Labor Day.
They save motorists from the headache of fumbling for loose change to plug the meters and from the worry of getting a ticket.
But currently, the seasonal permits are transferable and have been for a couple of years. That allows motorists to lend them to their friends or family or use them in their other vehicles. Weekly parking permit rentals are nontransferable, however.
Police Chief Tom McQuillen said that the city is looking to make the parking permits uniform once again.
He noted that since the seasonal passes have been transferable, it has at sometimes caused confusion.
“It is about being consistent with weekly rentals. Each car has a permit issued to it, it is very clear to distinguish between the vehicles,” McQuillen said. “Even if they forgot to display the permit at the time that their car is parked, it would make the verification process so much easier for us.”
According to city regulations, the permits must be hung on the rear-view mirror. They allow drivers to park continuously, including overnight, in any metered space or at any metered city parking lot. The city forbids the parking permits from being resold.
There will be 400 seasonal parking permits available for sale beginning in April, explained City Clerk Shannon Romano.
“They will go on sale on April 1,” Romano said. “The city is closed on April 2 and we will resume sales on Monday, April 5.”
Anyone interested in purchases the permits may visit the city’s website for further information at www.seaislecitynj.us.
Romano said many people take advantage of the parking permits because they offer convenience. People don’t have to wait in line to pay for parking at the kiosks or fiddle for change for the metered parking.
“They are a very popular item, especially for residents. We are limited to 400 and over the past few years we have been selling out,” she said.
The weekly permits are another choice.
“The weekly permits are unlimited. That is a nice option if someone is not looking for a whole season permit,” Romano said. “They are $50 for seven consecutive days.”
