Residents air objections to parking law changes

Restriction would limit overnight street stays

Two residents, addressing the Mt. Lebanon Board of Commissioners during a public hearing held via Zoom last week, expressed opposition to changes to the community’s overnight parking ordinance.

Currently, parking on public streets is prohibited overnight from 2 to 6 a.m., subject to certain exceptions.

The proposed changes to the ordinance would adjust the exceptions to allow each vehicle license plate 20 overnight parking requests per calendar year.

After 20 exceptions are reached, the resident would need to follow an existing process to obtain a permit for an overnight parking zone or a new process to establish and obtain a permit for a special parking space.

The ordinance also adds language stating that residents living more than one- tenth of a mile from available overnight parking can request a special permit for $150 for six months or $300 for a year.

Mt. Lebanon officials have stated that overnight parking exceptions are intended to be used infrequently; however the number of overnight requests often exceeds 300 per night.

Resident Richard Culbertson said he was against the ordinance, stating it was “bad policy.”

“I think it should be rescinded and not modified,” he said, adding that he did not think the changes to the ordinance solved any problems.

Commission President Mindy Ranney said, “The streets are public rights of ways, and we are looking at who owns that public right of way, and I see it personally as a shared community asset that not one resident or individual owns.”

Ms. Ranney added that roads are not just for vehicles but also for pedestrians and bicycles as well.

Resident Claire King sent comments in writing that were read during the hearing.

“My husband and I do not have a driveway in front of our house. We have a steep backyard with a parking pad,” she wrote.

Ms. King said she was against the ordinance changes because it would cause her and her husband to not be able to park in front of their home, which she said is a safety issue.

“We feel our rights are being taken away from us as long-term homeowners in the community of Mt. Lebanon,” Ms. King stated.

Ms. King said she and her husband are older and by parking in front of their home, “our safety is assured because we can use our steps, well-lit porch and railing instead of going through a dark and dangerous yard.”

“Hopefully, you will reconsider. This just doesn’t seem right,” she said.

If commissioners approve the changes to the ordinance, it would go into effect Oct. 1.

Those not purchasing permits or who have used up their 20 exceptions and continue to park on the street overnight will receive warnings until Jan. 1, 2022. After that, police will start issuing fines.

The cost of the ticket will be $20 — the same as the current fine.