The Portland City Council voted Monday night to raise the penalty for parking during a snow ban from $40 to $130, approving an amendment intended to keep streets clear for plows and emergency vehicles while easing the financial burden from an initially proposed higher fine.
The measure updates Chapter 28 of the Portland City Code, expanding snow-ban enforcement areas and clarifying penalties for vehicles parked in restricted zones during winter storms. The goal, councilors said, is to make snow removal faster and safer for residents, pedestrians and emergency responders navigating the city’s narrow streets.
“It’s so important for our snow removal vehicles to be able to get through all of our very narrow streets so also our sidewalk vehicles can get through to remove the snow,” Councilor April Fournier said. “That’s where all of our workers and students are walking to try and get to school safely and not walk on the road.”
The original proposal from city staff would have raised the fine to $175, but Councilor Regina Phillips introduced an amendment lowering it to $130. The amendment passed 8–1, with Councilor Kate Sykes voting no.
“I don’t see this being a winning solution,” Sykes said, warning that the higher cost could hit renters on the peninsula hardest. “This could be the difference of them being able to pay their rent or not.”
Mayor Mark Dion supported the higher $175 fine, arguing that a steeper penalty would encourage compliance and protect access for emergency services. Other councilors agreed with the mayor’s public-safety goals but said the adopted amount was a more balanced approach.
The ordinance also creates six new snow-parking areas, primarily on the peninsula, to give residents additional off-street options during parking bans. Councilor Sarah Michniewicz said those locations will make compliance easier.
In the past, some Portland resident have complained about the difficulties and inconvenience posed by re-parking their vehicles in limited spaces in often far-away lots. City officials hope these new areas might ease those concerns.
“It’s not strictly increasing the fees for the citation; it’s giving people the greater opportunity to park in a place that could be more convenient for them,” Michniewicz said.
City staff and council members emphasized that the public needs to be aware of the impacts of failing to move vehicles during snow bans. Illegally parked cars can block plows and emergency vehicles, slowing snow removal and creating safety hazards.
Councilors also called for a broader public-information campaign to ensure residents know when bans are declared and where they can park. City-owned and partner lots will be available on the peninsula, and alerts will continue through city channels ahead of major storms.
The updated ordinance takes effect before the start of the winter season. Councilors said the new policy aims to balance public safety with fairness while reminding residents that moving cars ahead of a snowstorm is a community responsibility.
