Earlier this month, the Oakdale City Council voted unanimously, 5-0, to introduce and waive the first reading of a proposed ordinance aimed at modernizing downtown parking regulations. The action marks the next phase in a year-long effort to improve parking access and enforcement in the central traffic district.
The ordinance amends Articles IV, V, and VIII of Chapter 18 of the Oakdale Municipal Code. Key goals include aligning local parking policy with state law, updating curb-use regulations, and preparing for future needs such as employee and residential parking permits.
Interim City Manager Jerry Ramar emphasized that the changes were developed following extensive public input and a detailed Parking Utilization Study conducted by Dixon Resources Unlimited.
“This is not a City Council thing. It is strictly coming from you guys and after doing the work,” said Mayor Cherilyn Bairos, referring to the data-driven recommendations in the ordinance.
Among the notable updates:
· Time Limits & Curb Use: The Public Works Director will have expanded authority to designate varied time limits (e.g., 30-minute, 2-hour, 4-hour zones). Curb markings for yellow (loading/unloading) and green (short-term parking) zones will also be clarified.
· Employee Permits: A framework is in place to implement an employee parking permit program in response to stakeholder feedback. According to city data, 88 percent of downtown employees currently rely on public parking.
· Paid Parking Language: Though included in the ordinance, city officials reiterated that there is no intention to implement paid parking. Ramar confirmed, “City staff has no intention of bringing paid parking downtown. Zero interest in it.” He noted that maintaining Oakdale’s operational efficiency and avoiding unmanageable enforcement burdens were top priorities.
· Oversized Vehicle Restrictions: Tighter rules will limit oversized vehicle parking on public streets beyond two hours, unless actively loading/unloading or otherwise permitted.
· Updated Enforcement: The ordinance supports better alignment between posted and enforced hours (currently 9 a.m.–6 p.m. vs. enforced 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Saturday), along with updated fine structures and use of data-driven enforcement tools.
The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading on June 2, 2025, and would go into effect 30 days thereafter if approved.
According to staff, implementation costs for new signage and markings are estimated between $2,500 and $5,000 and will be covered under the existing Public Works budget.
