(a) Each merchant operating a business within a two-hour parking zone may apply in writing to the clerk of the city municipal court to receive a stamp which may be used to verify that an individual parking within the zone in excess of two hours and who receives a citation for overtime parking, has been a customer of that business for the entire period of time alleged on the citation. The stamped citation that has been fully and correctly completed by the downtown merchant shall constitute a motion for dismissal of the citation to the city municipal court and shall be considered a defense to the offense of overtime parking if submitted to the court clerk within three business days of issuance.
(b) No merchant possessing a stamp issued by the city municipal court as provided in subsection (a) above may stamp more than two citations which were issued to the same individual within any 30 day period.
(c) No merchant possessing a stamp issued by the city municipal court as provided in subsection (a) above may stamp more than two citations which were issued to the same vehicle within any 30 day period.
(d) Each stamp issued to a merchant pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section will be sequentially numbered and will be issued to the owner or manager of the business. Once issued, the stamp will be the sole responsibility of the owner or the manager of the business and must be securely maintained by the owner or manager at all times. Each stamped citation must clearly display the stamp's number for the court to consider dismissal.
(e) Each merchant submitting an application for a stamp as described in subsection (a) above shall pay a non-refundable, annual fee. Said fee shall be set by resolution of the City Council.
(f) Every person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1.00 nor more than $500.00.
(g) Upon a third violation of this section by a merchant possessing a stamp issued by the city municipal court, the stamp issued to the merchant by the city municipal court shall be returned to said court and the merchant shall not be permitted to stamp and present subsequent citations to said court for dismissal.
(h) It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with, molest, hinder or obstruct a parking enforcement officer or other officer responsible for enforcement of this section, in the discharge of their duties.
(Ord. No. 3140, § 3, 8-8-02; Ord No. 3656 § 7, 9-10-09)
Division 2.
Parking Meters
Parking Meters