Overnight parking rules change in downtown DeKalb

Anna Vogt | Northern Star New parking regulations in downtown DeKalb will allow drivers to remain in city lots overnight. Changes to parking on the street, such as Lincoln Highway, will remain a no parking zone from 2-6 a.m.

By Thomas Verschelde

New changes in downtown DeKalb’s parking system will allow residents to park in city lots for up to 24 hours so long as they have a permit.

The permits cost $10 a month and will be available to anyone who can prove residency in downtown DeKalb, said Police Chief Bill Feithen. Permits will be available at the DeKalb municipal building, 400 S. Fourth St.

The lots allowing overnight parking will alternate depending on the night of the week. Lots alternate nightly for snow removal in the winter and for cleaning in the summer, Feithen said.

Overnight parking will not be allowed in city lots 1, 3 and 5 from 2 to 6 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, no overnight parking will be permitted in lots 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Overnight parking will not be allowed in lots 2, 4, and 11, Feithen said.

“We tried to pick lots that were most convenient for the tenants,” Feithen said. “If one lot does not allow parking on a particular night there will be a lot nearby that does.”

Mayor Kris Povlsen said this is a good solution to the issue of parking.

“It is unreasonable to expect people to get up at 2 a.m. to move their cars,” Povlsen said. “It won’t get in the way of customer parking and at the same time it is more convenient for the residents.”

Feithen said the cost of the changes to the city was less than $400, most of which was used for new signs.

“I think that it is a good thing to allow flexibility to our residents,” said Jennifer Groce, executive director of Re:New Dekalb. “I am pleased to see that the city is being accommodating.”

Povlsen said the ordinance has been passed but the permits are not yet for sale.

The date that the permits will go on sale is currently unknown but it is expected to be sometime this month.