Pittsburgh City Council tweaks proposed parking code changes

Pittsburgh City Council on Wednesday tweaked proposed amendments to the city’s parking code, including a provision that would allow for new types of non-resident parking permits.

The proposed legislation, introduced by Councilman Bobby Wilson in October, would allow people to get a non-resident permit if they are administering medical care or end-of-life care, if they are contractors performing city-permitted work or if they’re providing daytime childcare.

Landlords also could get permits.

During a public hearing on the proposed amendments in early November, the most hotly debated aspect of the proposed changes appeared to be the inclusion of a permit for landlords, an issue multiple council members said has left them fielding complaints from residents.

“The one sticking point for me really is the rental owners,” Councilman Bruce Kraus said, questioning why council would make an effort to help landlords find parking at their units after many have vehemently opposed their efforts to institute a rental registry.

Under the proposed legislation, landlords would be able to receive no more than four parking permits per area where they own properties. Those permits, available to landowners or managers, would be available only to landlords who did not have off-street parking at their properties, said Andrew Dash, director of city planning.

The proposal previously did not cap how many non-resident permits a landlord could have.

Offering some spots for landlords could make it easier for them to work on their properties, something they should be encouraged to do, Councilwoman Erika Strassburger said, highlighting the fact that her district has some landlords who are often actively engaged on the properties they manage.

“I do think it’s necessary,” she said.

Wilson also said the measure “makes sense” to him.

Also included in the amendment approved Wednesday was a measure to create a permit for short-term renters, which was meant to address Airbnb properties and other similar situations, Wilson said. Concerns about how to handle Airbnb-style situations had been voiced during the public hearing.

The amendment also eliminated a requirement that a doctor must provide license plate numbers for caregivers seeking non-resident permits at homes where they provide medical care.

“Doctors don’t know the license plate numbers,” Gross said, calling in an “undue burden.”

After approving the changes, Wilson held the measure for an additional week to give council time to address continuing concerns. If City Council advances the legislation next week, it could be ready for a final vote a week later.