Councils approve significant parking rate hikes, tax increases

Beaumont City Council recently amended its land use bylaw to address residential parking concerns, responding to resident feedback about congestion and limited street parking. Key changes include reducing the maximum number of dwelling units on a residential lot and modifying the minimum parking requirement for new developments. Meanwhile, Ipswich Borough Council is set to increase parking charges in its car parks, aiming to generate an additional £307,000 annually, despite some council members expressing concerns over the impact on foot traffic. In a separate move, San Diego's City Council approved a significant hike in parking meter rates from $1.25 to $2.50 per hour to address a $250 million budget shortfall, which is expected to generate $9.6 million annually. These adjustments reflect broader trends among municipalities aiming to manage parking and budgetary challenges while balancing community needs. Each council emphasizes that these changes are part of efforts to improve urban livability and financial sustainability.