Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Don’t say you weren’t warned.

The Rochester City Council recently approved changes to the ordinance dealing with parking in the downtown. The revision affects overtime parking violations - parking beyond the time allowed in limited time zones. While it has always been a violation to remain parked beyond posted time limits, sections of the ordinance were less known and others were in need of clarification. The city’s “meter maids” will give one-time courtesy notices to violators through the end of the month.

A notice from the city says:

“A common misconception is that parkers can be in compliance with the parking rules by purchasing additional time on parking meters. But remaining parked past the time limit is a violation, regardless of whether or not the meter is expired. The new language clarifies how far a vehicle must be moved.

According to the ordinance, “Vehicles parked on the street, whether at a meter or other posted time-restricted area, are considered to have remained parked if “found parked on either side of the same street or road between two intersecting roads ... at any time within a four hour period.”

For example, after paying for a 90-minute session at a 90-minute meter you must move your car at least one block once that session has expired. If you remain parked within that block—even if you purchase additional time—you will be cited for overtime parking.

The city says meters in the downtown have a shorter time limit to accomodate more people. “ Time limits create turnover which provides opportunity for more people to access street parking, an important factor for many downtown businesses who rely on customer traffic.”

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