THE City of Vancouver is asking for public input on changes to residential parking regulations which would see the introduction of permit parking in all residential neighbourhoods.

Permit programs help the city better manage parking and street space by encouraging more people to park off-street, freeing up road space for those who need it while making provisions for visitors and service providers. The proposed city-wide program is intended to:

* Make it easier for residents, visitors, and service providers to find parking on the street

* Protect neighbourhoods from future parking issues that might otherwise be caused by development, commuting patterns, or other local conditions

* Improve the customer experience in existing and future permit areas by making permits and passes easier to get, with simple online options (while still maintaining in-person options for those who need them)

The proposed program would also support goals under the Climate Emergency Action Plan and goals related to sustainable transportation, public space, and water management. It is intended to:

* Support safer streets and cleaner air by reducing driving in circles looking for parking

* Encourage zero-emissions vehicles for people buying new ones through a carbon surcharge for newer, higher-priced vehicles that burn gas and diesel

* Enable space to be converted to other uses (e.g., green infrastructure, wider sidewalks, public spaces)

Any specific details regarding permit costs will be considered by Council after the city engages with the public and develops a detailed program.

Existing fees will remain the same for neighbourhoods that already have permit regulations. The new permit system will only apply to neighbourhoods that do not have permit parking regulations. For older or lower-priced vehicles, the city does not expect the cost of new parking permits in those neighbourhoods would be more than the cheapest residential parking permit that it sells today (currently $45.45 per year).

Until February 28, people can share their feedback on residential parking to help the city shape the program. Using this feedback, the city will develop and share a detailed proposal with the public this spring for further feedback before going to Council for approval in July.

Residents can take the survey at shapeyourcity.ca/parking.