Borough of Sewickley, PA General Parking Regulations

Certain public streets in residential areas in the Borough have become unduly congested with commuter traffic and parking, which congestion poses a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of those areas as well as an adverse impact upon the residential character of those areas so affected.

RESIDENTIAL AREA OR DISTRICT

Such undue congestion is the result of the existence of various facilities within or in close proximity to residential areas, including commercial, institutional and public transportation facilities. The purpose of this section, therefore, is to restrict the flow of commuter traffic and parking in residential areas that are or may become adversely affected by such traffic and parking; to reduce hazardous traffic conditions resulting from the use of streets within areas zoned for residential uses for the parking of vehicles by persons using districts zoned for commercial or industrial uses; to protect those residential areas from polluted air, excessive noise and trash and refuse caused by the entry of commuter vehicles; to protect the residents of those areas from unreasonable burdens in gaining access to their residences; to preserve the character of those areas as residential districts; to promote efficiency in the maintenance of those streets in a clean and safe condition; to preserve the value of the property in those areas; and to preserve the safety of children and other pedestrian and traffic safety; and to preserve the peace, good order, comfort, convenience and welfare of the inhabitants of the Borough.

Parking permit required. No person shall park in a designated residential parking permit area without a residential parking permit applicable to that area during restricted periods.

Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings as set forth:

BLOCK FACE

All properties on either side of a given street existing between two consecutive intersecting streets.

CERTIFIED RESIDENT

A property owner having title to and residing in a dwelling unit or a renter who has a valid lease and is residing in a dwelling unit.

COMMUTER VEHICLE

A vehicle parking in a residential area in which it is not registered, owned, leased or under the continuous possession and control of a certified resident.

COUNCIL

The Council of the Borough.

HOUSEHOLD

All persons occupying a dwelling unit.

INFLUENCE AREA

The area surrounding a facility (including commercial areas, commercial, institutional and public transportation facilities) in which it could reasonably be expected that nonresident motor vehicle owners or operators using the facility would seek parking spaces.

LEASE

A person pays rent or other remuneration for use of a parcel of real property as his residence or place of business.

MOTOR VEHICLE

Includes an automobile, truck, motorcycle or other motor-driven form of transportation not in excess of 6,000 pounds of gross weight.

OWN

A person has at least 1/4 interest in a parcel of real estate within a residential parking area.

PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN

A method specifically designed to address the identified parking needs of a clearly defined area through the use of such techniques as a residential parking permit program, parking time restrictions, special meter zones and one-way street patterns.

PARKING PERMIT OFFICER

The Borough Manager.

RESIDENT VEHICLE

A motor vehicle parked in a residential area in which it is owned, leased or under the continuous possession and control of a certified resident.

A contiguous or nearly contiguous area consisting of one or more block faces containing public streets and highways or parts thereof primarily abutted by residential dwelling units or residential nonbusiness property, including, but not limited to, schools, parks, churches, hospitals and recreation facilities, and within an area zoned as a residential district.

RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING PROGRAM AREA

A residential area designated as herein provided, wherein resident vehicles displaying a valid permit as described herein shall be exempt from parking time restrictions established pursuant to this section.

Designation of residential parking permit areas.

If the criteria in Subsection E are met, a residential parking permit area shall be designated by ordinance. Such ordinance shall also state the applicable time limitations and period of the day for its application.

Areas designated. The following areas are hereby designated as residential parking permit areas:

	Area	Bounded by and Including
	Blackburn Avenue	The east side of Centennial Avenue and Hill Street
	Broad Street	The east side of Centennial Avenue and Hill Street
	Broad Street	The south side of Broad Street and cemetery entrance
	Centennial Avenue	Both sides of Mulberry Street and Broad Street (except for metered spaces)
	Centennial Avenue	Blackburn Road to Grimes Street from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
	Elizabeth Street	The northerly side of the 300 Block
	Hill Street	The west side of Locust Place and Blackburn Road
	Hill Street	The south side of Broad Street and Mulberry Street
	Hopkins Street	The south side of the Cemetery entrance through the 600 Block
	Mulberry Street	The east side of Hill Street and Centennial Avenue
	Mulberry Street	Both sides of Centennial Avenue and Hill Street
	Straight Street	The north side of the 500 Block
	Thorn Street	For 40 feet in front of 526 Thorn Street
	Washington Street	The east side of the 700 Block

Designation criteria.

A residential area shall be deemed eligible for consideration as a residential parking permit area if, based upon surveys and studies prepared by or under the direction of the Parking Permit Officer or his designee, it is established that the residential parking area is impacted by commuter vehicles for extended periods of time during the day or night, on weekends or during holidays.

In determining whether a residential area identified as eligible for residential parking may be designated as residential parking permit area, Council shall take into account factors which include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a)

The extent of the desire or the need of the residents for residential parking and their willingness to bear the administrative cost in connection therewith.

(b)

The extent to which the legal on-street parking spaces are occupied by motor vehicles during the period proposed for parking restrictions.

(c)

The extent to which parking in the area during the period proposed for parking restrictions consists of commuter vehicles rather than resident vehicles.

(d)

The extent to which motor vehicles registered to persons residing in the residential area cannot be accommodated by the number of available off-street parking spaces.

(e)

At least 75% of legal parking spaces are utilized during peak periods, as determined by the parking study.

(f)

At least 25% of legal parking spaces are utilized by commuter vehicles during peak periods.

Designation process.

Upon receipt of a verified petition by Council from a neighborhood group or groups of residents, containing signatures of at least 70% of all households in the residential area, or upon the direction of Council, the Parking Permit Officer shall undertake or cause to be undertaken a parking study, which shall be deemed necessary to determine whether a residential area is eligible for residential permit parking.

After completion of the study, Council shall hold a public hearing on the subject of the eligibility of the residential area under consideration for residential permit parking. Such hearing shall be conducted for the purpose of ascertaining the boundaries of the proposed residential parking area as well as appropriate time limitations on parking in the period of the days for its application. The parking management plan to be considered at these hearings to solve identified parking problems shall define residential parking permit program boundaries and other elements of such a program.

Council action.

At any time following the completion of the hearing or hearings conducted with regard to a particular residential area, Council shall consider, based upon the record of such hearing and the studies performed, whether to designate the residential area under consideration as a residential permit parking area.

Council shall examine the evidence as a result of the surveys, study reports, significant subjects, concerns raised in the public hearing or hearings conducted; the findings relative to designation requirements listed in Subsection E deemed applicable to residential parking areas; and conclusions as to whether the findings justify preferential parking for that particular area; proposed boundaries of the residential parking area; and proposed time limitations in the period of the day for its application.

Council may from time to time review any and all residential parking permit areas to determine whether such designation shall continue. Council shall revoke the designation of any residential parking permit area upon the receipt of a verified petition containing signatures of at least 70% of all households in the residential parking area requesting such revocation.

Issuance of parking permits.

Parking permits shall be issued by the Parking Permit Officer or his designee. No more than one parking permit shall be issued to each motor vehicle for which application is made. The Parking Permit Officer is authorized to issue such rules and regulations not inconsistent with this section governing the manner in which the person shall qualify for parking permits.

Parking permits may be issued to motor vehicles only upon application of the following persons:

(a)

A certified resident of a residential parking permit area who has a motor vehicle registered in his name or has a motor vehicle for his exclusive use and/or under his control.

(b)

A person who owns or leases commercial property and actively engages in a business activity upon such property within a residential parking permit area. However, not more than one parking permit may be issued for each business establishment where a motor vehicle is registered to or under the control of such a person.

Proof of residency or ownership and motor vehicle ownership and control of use in the residential parking area shall be demonstrated in a manner determined by the Parking Permit Officer.

Visitor permits. The Parking Permit Officer shall, upon application, issue parking permits to residents of residential parking permit areas for use by a bona fide transient visitor therein. No more than two such parking permits may be issued for each dwelling unit within the residential parking permit area. Such visitor permits shall have all rights and privileges of a regular permit.

Posting signs indicating restrictions. Upon designation, the Parking Permit Officer shall cause appropriate signs to be erected in the designated area indicating prominently thereon the parking and time limitations, the period of day for its application and penalties for violation.

Display of parking permits. Permits on motor vehicles shall be displayed in a manner to be determined by the Parking Permit Officer.

Permit parking exemption. A resident motor vehicle on which is displayed a valid parking permit as provided for in this section shall be permitted to stand or to be parked in the residential parking permit area for which the permit has been issued without being limited by time restrictions established pursuant to this section. Such resident motor vehicle shall not be exempt from parking restrictions or prohibitions established pursuant to other authority. All other motor vehicles except emergency vehicles parked within a residential area shall be subject to the time restrictions adopted as provided in this section. A residential parking permit shall not guarantee or reserve the holder thereof a designated parking space within the designated residential parking area.

Parking permit term and renewal. Each parking permit issued by the Parking Permit Officer shall be valid on an annual basis from July 1 through June 30. Permits may be renewed annually upon reapplication in the manner required by the Parking Permit Officer.

Parking permit fees and exception. Council, by resolution, may adopt a schedule of fees applicable to resident and/or guest parking permits.

Violation of any provision of this section except Subsection P shall subject the violator to the same penalties as set forth in amended § 318-43 of this Article IV.

[Amended 11-17-2008 by Ord. No. 1273]

Violations.

No person shall falsely represent himself as eligible for a parking permit or furnish false information and application to the Parking Permit Officer.

No person shall hold a valid parking permit issued pursuant hereto or permit the use of display of such permit on a motor vehicle other than that for which the permit is issued.

No person shall produce, copy or otherwise bring into existence a facsimile or counterfeit parking permit, and no person shall use or display the facsimile or counterfeit parking permit in order to evade time limitations on parking applicable in a residential parking permit area.

(4)

No person shall permit the use of or use a visitor parking permit except by a bona fide transient visitor.

(5)

Violation of any provision of this Subsection P shall subject the violator to a fine of not more than $600 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days.

§ 318-43 Violations and penalties.

[Amended 11-17-2008 by Ord. No. 1273; 5-18-2015 by Ord. No. 1333]

Any person who violates any provision of this article, except for persons violating §§ 318-41, 318-42, 318-44 and 318-45, shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $15 and costs. Any person who violates § 318-41, 318-42, 318-44 or 318-45 shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalties set forth in the section violated. It shall be the duty of the police officers and of parking enforcement personnel of the Borough to report to the appropriate official all violations of any provision of this article, indicating in each case: the section violated; the license number of the vehicle involved in the violation; the location where the violation took place; and any other facts that might be necessary in order to secure a clear understanding of the circumstances attending the violation. The police officer or other person making the report shall also attach to or place upon every such vehicle a notice stating that the vehicle was parked in violation of this article. The notice attached to or placed upon any vehicle involved in the violation of any provision of this article, except for 318-41, 318-42, 318-44 or 318-45, shall contain instructions to the owner or driver of the vehicle that, if he will report to the office of the Chief of Police and pay the sum of $5 within 72 hours after the time of the notice in any of the special parking fine boxes installed at various locations within the Borough, that act will save the violator from prosecution and from payment of the fine and costs prescribed in the first sentence of this section.

§ 318-44 Parking for handicapped persons or severely disabled veterans.

[Amended 10-21-1996 by Res. No. 96-22; 1-19-1998 by Res. No. 98-3; 4-20-1998 by Res. No. 98-11; 11-16-1998 by Res. No. 98-23; 1-17-2000 by Res. No. 2000-05; 10-15-2001 by Res. No. 2001-10; 8-19-2002 by Res. No. 2002-12; 9-16-2002 by Res. No. 2002-15; 5-17-2004 by Res. No. 2004-006]

The following are established as parking spaces for handicapped persons or severely disabled veterans, and it shall be unlawful for any person to park who is not a handicapped person or severely disabled veteran to park a vehicle or allow it to remain parked in the following specified areas:

Street	Side	Location
Beaver Street [Added 2-21-2011 by Res. No. 2011-003]	—	Meter No. 42
522 Beaver Street [Added 8-15-2016 by Res. No. 2016-018]	—	—
112 Broad Street [Added 10-17-2016 by Res. No. 2016-023]	—	—
133 Centennial Avenue [Added 2-20-2017 by Res. No. 2017-005; repealed 6-12-2018 by Res. No. 2018-006]
301 Centennial Avenue [Added 4-18-2011 by Res. No. 2011-007; repealed 6-12-2018 by Res. No. 2018-006]
518 Centennial Avenue [Added 12-19-2011 by Res. No. 2011-016]	—	—
530 Centennial Avenue [Added 3-17-2014 by Res. No. 2014-002]	—	—
601 Centennial Avenue [Repealed by 5-11-2021 by Res. No. 2021-012]
705 Centennial Avenue	—	—
818 Centennial Avenue [Added 6-20-2016 by Res. No. 2016-010; repealed 3-10-2020 by Res. No. 2020-003]
20 Chadwick Street [Added 12-21-2009 by Res. No. 2009-023]	—	—
227 Chestnut Street [Added 6-12-2018 by Res. No. 2018-007]	—	—
346 Chestnut Street	West	—
974 Farren Street	—	—
325 Ferry Street [Added 8-15-2011 by Res. No. 2011-013]	—	—
630 Fountain Street [Added 8-15-2016 by Res. No. 2016-019]	—	—
201 Frederick Avenue [Repealed 6-12-2018 by Res. No. 2018-006]
202 Frederick Avenue [Added 4-19-2010 by Res. No. 2010-004; repealed 6-12-2018 by Res. No. 2018-006]
522 Grove Street	—	—
304 Henry Avenue	—	—
548 Hill Street	—	—
708 Hill Street	—	—
511 Locust Place [Repealed 6-12-2018 by Res. No. 2018-006]
Mulberry Street [Added 8-17-2015 by Res. No. 2015-014]	—	—
605 Mulberry Street	—	—
707 Nevin Avenue	—	—
729 Nevin Avenue	Northwest
400 Ohio River Boulevard [Added 2-20-2012 by Res. No. 2012-005]	—	—
870 Thorn Street [Repealed 6-12-2018 by Res. No. 2018-006]
Walnut Street [Added 7-14-2015 by Res. No. 2015-012]	—	Permit parking area
Walnut Street	West	Near Rose Alley
709 Washington Street	—	—
721 Washington Street [Added 5-15-2011 by Res. No. 2011-009; repealed by 5-11-2021 by Res. No. 2021-012]

Except for persons parking vehicles lawfully bearing a handicapped or severely disabled veteran registration plate or displaying a handicapped or severely disabled veteran parking placard, when such vehicles are being operated by or for the transportation of a handicapped person or a severely disabled veteran, any person parking in violation of Subsection A for such space or spaces designated as being reserved for handicapped persons or severely disabled veterans shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200.

§ 318-45 Commercial parking permit.

[Added 5-18-2015 by Ord. No. 1333]

Purpose. Parking along the public streets in the C-1 Zoning District has become unduly congested. Such undue congestion is in part the result of use of the metered parking spaces in the C-1 Zoning District by the employees and/or owners of the businesses located within said district. The purpose of this section, therefore, is to provide long-term weekday parking spaces outside of the C-1 Zoning District in a designated commercial parking permit area for the employees and/or owners of the businesses in the C-1 Zoning District and to enhance the availability of parking in the C-1 Zoning District for customers and visitors to the businesses within the C-1 Zoning District.

Commercial parking permit required. No person shall park in the designated commercial parking permit area without a commercial parking permit for that area during the restricted periods.

Issuance of commercial parking permits. Commercial parking permits shall be issued by the Commercial Parking Permit Officer, who shall be the Borough Manager or his designee. No more than one commercial parking permit shall be issued to any person making application therefor. Only a certified employee or owner of a business located within the C-1 Zoning District, who has a motor vehicle registered in his name or has a motor vehicle for his exclusive use and/or under his control, may be issued a commercial parking permit. The Commercial Parking Permit Officer is authorized to issue such rules and regulations not inconsistent with this section governing the manner in which a person shall qualify for a commercial parking permit, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations relating to proof of employment at or ownership of a business within the C-1 Zoning District and to proof of ownership or exclusive use or control of a motor vehicle.

Designation of commercial parking permit area. By resolution, the Borough Council may from time to time designate which of the 47 marked parking spaces on both sides of Walnut Street between Henry Avenue and Bank Street are to constitute the commercial parking permit area wherein only persons having a commercial parking permit are permitted to park between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday.

Posting signs indicating restrictions. The Commercial Parking Permit Officer shall cause appropriate signs to be erected in the designated commercial parking permit area indicating prominently thereon the parking, time and day limitations for the commercial parking permit area.

Display of commercial parking permits. Permits in or on motor vehicles shall be displayed in a manner to be determined by the Commercial Parking Permit Officer.

Commercial parking permit exemption. A motor vehicle on which is displayed a valid commercial parking permit as provided for in this section shall be permitted to stand or to be parked in the commercial parking permit area without being limited by time restrictions established pursuant to this section. Such motor vehicle shall not be exempt from parking restrictions or prohibitions established pursuant to other authority. All other motor vehicles except emergency vehicles parked within a commercial parking permit area shall be subject to the time restrictions adopted as provided in this section. A commercial parking permit shall not guarantee or reserve the holder thereof a designated parking space within the designated commercial parking permit area.

Commercial parking permit term and renewal. Each commercial parking permit issued by the Commercial Parking Permit Officer upon payment of the required fees shall be valid on an annual basis from July 1 through June 30. Permits may be renewed annually upon reapplication and payment of the required fees in the manner required by the Commercial Parking Permit Officer.

Commercial parking permit fees and exception. Council, by resolution, may adopt a schedule of fees applicable to commercial parking permits.

Penalty. Violation of any provision of this section except Subsection K shall subject the violator to a fine of not more than $25.

Violations.

No person shall falsely represent himself as eligible for a commercial parking permit or furnish false information in an application to the Commercial Parking Permit Officer.

No person shall use a valid commercial parking permit issued pursuant hereto or permit the use or display of such permit on a motor vehicle not registered in the name of, used exclusively by, or under the control of an employee and/or owner of a business in the C-1 Zoning District.