Howell Schedules Workshops on Overnight Parking Permit Ordinance

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Township will host two public workshop meetings to discuss a proposed ordinance establishing a residential parking permit program for overnight, on-street parking, the township announced.

The ordinance, which was introduced Jan. 20, would ban overnight parking on residential streets from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. without a permit. Residents who want to park vehicles on the street would have to apply for permits for those vehicles. The number of permits allowed would be based on the number of bedrooms in the home, and they could only be used by vehicles connected to the specific address.

The permits would be free, and the ordinance makes a provision for residents to notify police when they have temporary overnight guests, such as people who stay following a party. Violations of the ordinance would incur $50 tickets.

The proposed ordinance says in part that it is a response to "excessive and persistent overcrowding of residential streets, including long term and overnight parking," which it said "creates unsafe conditions, reduces emergency vehicle access, interferes with snow removal and refuse collection, diminishes the quality of life for residents, and contributes to noise, litter, and other nuisances."

Howell officials announced the plan for the public meetings when the ordinance was introduced, to give residents time to ask questions and give feedback.

The first workshop meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. and the second is set for 7 p.m. on March 3. Both sessions will be held at the Municipal Building, 4567 Route 9 North in Howell, in the 2nd Floor Main Meeting Room.

No formal action will be taken by the council at either workshop.

Residents interested in the proposed parking permit program are encouraged to attend to understand the details and provide their perspectives.