Residential Overnight Parking Law Introduced

The Chatham Borough Council unanimously passed the first reading of a new ordinance that could allow overnight parking permits for borough residents.

"I think we all know this has been an issue for some time," Councilman Gerald Helfrich said as he proposed the ordinance.

As currently drafted, the ordinance allows only those living in one- or two-family residences to apply for the permit. Residents would have to fill out an application for review by the borough clerk and engineer justifying their need for an on-street parking permit.

There would be a maximum two annual parking permits issued per address, and each permit would be registered to specific vehicles with specific license plates and will be non-transferable to other vehicles.

The permits will likely be color-coded and could be designed to dangle from rear-view mirrors, making them easy to spot for law enforcement.

County and state roads, such as Main Street and Watchung Avenue, will not be included in the on-street parking plan.

Council President Len Resto recommended making the fee $250 for the annual on-street parking permit, though the actual fee will be passed by a separate resolution, Mayor Bruce Harris said. The rate, along with refunds if the permit is surrendered before the end of the year, may be pro-rated.

The ordinance also includes temporary overnight parking permits for people visiting Chatham Borough residents. These permits will be eligible for two-week increments with only three such permits issued per address per year.

The public hearing will be held on Monday, May 13.