Parking lot signage in Delray Beach, FL, Jan. 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
Delray Beach city commissioners this week voted to introduce a new ordinance that would require clear signage to be displayed at private parking lots indicating that the facilities are not city-owned, and subject to private regulations. Further, parking rates must be clearly stated on a uniform-style sign posted in the facility.
“We’ve had a lot of complaints from our residents saying they are a little bit surprised about getting parking tickets in private lots,” said Anthea Gianniotes, head of the city’s Development Services department. “They are mistaking them for city lots, and this ordinance puts visual standards in place.”
The issue is one that Mayor Tom Carney said is brought up frequently by both visitors to town from elsewhere and residents themselves who are confused about parking facilities in the downtown area. According to a memo prepared by city staff, there have also been “numerous reports of non-transparent and sometimes predatory practices employed by certain operators, as well as the possibility for patrons to inadvertently commit violations because of insufficient signage.”
Parking lot signage in Delray Beach, FL, Jan. 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
Parking lot signage in Delray Beach, FL, Jan. 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
If the ordinance is approved after a second reading and public hearing, each private parking lot will be required to display one sign at each entrance specifically stating, “Not A City-Owned Lot.” Rates and operator information must also be present on the sign, and payment kiosks must be co-located with the required rate and operator signage. Wheel stops may also be painted to read “Not a City-Owned Lot.”
The use of city logos at private lots will be prohibited, and in scenarios where two private parking lots are adjacent, signage must “clearly indicate the spaces associated with each lot operator.” Private lots may not raise prices to a level higher than what is displayed on the official sign, and a monitored phone number and email address for the operator or vendor enforcing payments, towing or other measures must also appear on the sign. Violations could result in fines or other administrative penalties for parking lot operators.
Parking lot signage in Delray Beach, FL, Jan. 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)
“It’s designed so the existing signs can be retrofitted,” said Gianniotes. “It has to clearly identify the rates so people will not be surprised when they visit the city or come downtown.”
The city’s Downtown Development Authority, Planning and Zoning Board, plus the Historic Preservation Commission all unanimously voted in favor of the ordinance before it reached the governing body.
The second reading is expected to occur at the Feb. 18 commission meeting. New private parking lots would be subject to the regulations immediately, however existing lots would have six months to install the sign and come into compliance with the ordinance.
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