Richmond to let drivers park closer to stop signs
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Richmond drivers can now park closer to some stop signs after City Council voted Monday to ease the city's parking restrictions.
Why it matters: Increased enforcement of the little-known parking rule triggered a nearly 280% surge in tickets this year, almost entirely in the 2nd District that includes the Fan, Jackson Ward and Scott's Addition.
Driving the news: City Council approved a change to the city's ban on parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, despite previous concerns from transportation officials that the change could make intersections less safe.
- The new rule generally prohibits parking within 20 feet of a street corner, which supporters say brings Richmond closer to the standard used by neighboring counties and elsewhere in Virginia.
- The city can still establish larger no-parking zones where needed, as long as they're visibly marked.
Friction point: Residents were split during public comment, with some calling the city's ticketing practices confusing and unfair and others warning the new rule could create safety hazards.
- At Park Avenue and Rowland Street, one resident complained about surprise tickets while another said parked cars obscured a stop sign so badly he nearly ran it.
The other side: Richmond transportation director Andy Boenau previously told Axios that the extra 10 feet gave drivers more time to see and react to stop signs.
- He also said the city already allows parking closer to some corners where engineers determine it's safe, such as on one-way streets.
What's next: The new rule takes effect immediately, but City Council is requiring public works officials to submit an implementation plan within 60 days and a follow-up report within six months.
- Those reports must address enforcement changes, intersections needing larger no-parking zones and any resulting safety concerns.