Resolution 2024-33156 RESOLUTION NO. 2024-33156
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE,AT ITS FEBRUARY 23,
2024 MEETING, AND APPROVING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CITYWIDE
RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT DECAL PILOT PROGRAM, FOR A 12-
MONTH DURATION, IN ADDITION TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE
CURRENT VIRTUAL RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT PROGRAM; SAID
PILOT PROGRAM WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $306,000, SUBJECT TO
CITY COMMISSION APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR
2024/2025 BUDGET, WHICH INCLUDES AN OPERATING ENHANCEMENT TO
FUND THIS PILOT PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, since its inception, the Residential Parking Permit Program utilized a permit
decal system consisting of a permit number, vehicle license plate number, and the expiration date,
affixed to the front windshield of a vehicle to identify valid permit holders; and
WHEREAS, the management of the paper decal system presented various challenges
from a customer service, operational, and enforcement perspective; and
WHEREAS, while the Residential Parking Permit Decal Program allowed residents to
visually identify permitted and unpermitted vehicles, the implementation of such a program did
not include permitted visitor vehicles (approximately 70,000 visitor permits are issued annually by
the City); and
WHEREAS, given the challenges with the Residential Parking Permit Decal Program, in
2016, the City Administration transitioned from the residential parking permit decal system to a
paperless/virtual residential parking permit system based on vehicle license plate registrations
which improved efficiency and accountability, and kept in pace with technology, innovations and
best practices in the parking industry; and
WHEREAS,the virtual residential parking permits are enforced by the Parking Department
through the use of electronic License Plate Reader("LPR") systems; and
WHEREAS, the Virtual Residential Parking Permit Program enables residents to quickly
obtain and renew residential parking permits and purchase virtual visitor parking permits online,
and in real-time; and
WHEREAS, the Virtual Residential Parking Permit Program also simplified the
enforcement of residential zones since it only requires that the parking enforcement officers scan
the license plates, after the correct zone is selected on the officers' tablets, to verify possession
of a valid residential zone permit, significantly reducing the possibility of human error leading to
invalid citations and tows; and
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2023, at the request of Commissioner David Suarez and
Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the City Commission referred item C4 E to the Finance and
Economic Resiliency Committee("FERC" or"Committee")to discuss the potential reinstitution of
residential parking permit decals to identify vehicles permitted to park within a specific residential
parking zone in lieu of, or in conjunction with, the current Virtual Residential Parking Permit
-r
Program which exclusively validates residential parking zone status based on a scan of a vehicle's
license plate; and
WHEREAS, at the February 23, 2024 FERC meeting, the Committee discussed the
potential reinstitution of parking decals in residential zones and unanimously agreed to forward
the item to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation, citing the benefit of community
policing (i.e. enabling residents to visually check for parking permits on vehicles parked in their
respective residential zones); and
WHEREAS, the proposed 12-month pilot program would consist of administering both a
residential parking permit decal, which would require residents to affix a paper decal to the front
windshield of their vehicle, as well as the continuation of the current Virtual Residential Parking
Permit Program to maintain the integrity of the current virtual residential parking permit system;
and
WHEREAS, the implementation of the Residential Parking Permit Decal Pilot Program
requires additional staffing resources at the City's Customer Service Center as well as additional
funds for the purchase and mailing of the parking decals; and
WHEREAS, the estimated annual fiscal impact is approximately $306,000 which includes
the additional staffing resources in the amount of $236,000, and $70,000 for the printing and
mailing of parking decals, subject to City Commission approval of the proposed Fiscal Year
2024/2025 budget, which includes an operating enhancement to fund this Pilot Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA,that the Mayor and City Commission
accept the recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, at its February
23, 2024 meeting and approve the implementation of a Citywide Residential Parking Permit Decal
Pilot Program (the "Pilot Program")for a 12-month duration, in addition to the continuation of the
current Virtual Residential Parking Permit Program; said Pilot Program with an estimated annual
cost of $306,000, subject to City Commission approval of the proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025
budget, which includes an operating enhancement to fund thisth? Pilot Program.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this as day of „/Nt7G 2024.
ATTEST:
7\61 I j r,
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk ven Meiner, Mayor
I
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
(oiro)ALE
,ty A omey Date
Agenda Item Rtr
Date 4 2b-0
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Rickelle Williams, Interim City Manager �t m[�
DATE: June 26, 2024
SUBJECT: DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL REINSTITUTION OF RESIDENTIAL PARKING
PERMIT DECALS IN LIEU OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM WHICH VALIDATES
RESIDENTIAL PARKING ZONE PERMITS BASED SOLELY UPON LICENSE
PLATE SCANS.
•
• RECOMMENDATION
The City Administration ("Administration") has concerns with the potential reinstitution of
residential parking permit decals(either on a mandatory or hybrid/dual basis) in lieu of the current
virtual permit system and recommends that the Mayor and City Commission ("City Commission")
provide input and direction on this item. Should the City Commission direct the Administration to
move forward with a parking permit decal program in residential zones, the Administration
recommends continuing to require residents to register their vehicle license plates for
enforcement purposes and to maintain the integrity of the permit program for the reasons
delineated in the Analysis section of this Commission Memorandum.
• BACKGROUND
• On December 13, 2023, at the request of Commissioner David Suarez and Commissioner Alex
Fernandez, the City Commission referred item C4 E to the Finance and Economic Resiliency
Committee ("FERC" or "Committee") to discuss the potential reinstitution of residential parking
permit decals to identify vehicles permitted to park within a specific residential parking zone in
lieu of, or in conjunction with, the current virtual permit system which exclusively validates
residential parking zone status based on a scan of a vehicle's license plate.
This matter was discussed at the February 12, 2024 Transportation, Parking and Bicycle-
Pedestrian Facilities Committee("TPBPFC") meeting. The TPBPFC passed a motion expressing
it opposition to the reinstitution of residential parking permit decals and advocated for the
continuation of the current virtual permit system, which relies on vehicle identification via
• tags/license plate numbers. The TPBPFC cited the drawback of placing decals on vehicles and
the benefit of applying for a permit remotely. The TPBPFC's motion was transmitted to the City
Commission via Letter to Commission ("LTC") No. 062-2024 dated February 16, 2024
• (Attachment A).
At the February 23,2024 FERC meeting, the Committee discussed the reinstitution of the parking
permit decal program in residential zones and unanimously agreed to forward the item to the City
Commission with a favorable recommendation, citing the benefit of community policing (i.e.
enabling residents to visually check for parking permits on vehicles parked in their respective
residential zones). During the FERC meeting, the Committee members discussed the potential
implementation of either a mandatory paper decal program in lieu of the current virtual parking
permit system which would require all registered residential parking permit holders to purchase
and display a paper decal on their vehicle; or a hybrid/dual program which would maintain the
virtual residential parking permit system and give residents the option to purchase and display a
paper decal on their vehicle.
On June 7, 2024, the TPBPFC discussed this item a second time and passed a motion -
transmitted via LTC No. 233-2024 dated June 7, 2024 (Attachment B) - reaffirming its lack of
support for the reinstitution of residential parking permit decals in lieu of the current virtual permit
system. The TPBPFC motion states"The City Commission, shouldthey opt to reintroduce decals
in lieu of the current system, is
strongly advised by this body to pursue a comprehensive and streamlined approach. This entails
harnessing technology-driven and automated solutions alongside the proposed reinstatement of
decals to register and authenticate residential parking permits. Such an initiative aims to
streamline the registration process for residents and verification of current residential parking
permits by Parking Enforcement, enhancing overall efficiency and convenience for all."
ANALYSIS
Prior Residential Parking Permit Decal System
Prior to 2016, the City of Miami Beach ("City) utilized a residential parking permit decal system
and a visitor scratch-hang tag system which required residents or visitors to scratch-off the correct
date on the hang tag and display the visitor permit in the rear-view mirror of the visitor's vehicle.
However, the Administration identified various concerns and challenges associated with the
decal/scratch tag residential parking permit program, from a customer service, operational, and
enforcement perspective, and ultimately moved toward a virtuaUpaperiess and automated parking
permit system. Some of the Administration's concerns with the residential parking permit
decal/scratch-hang tag system are further described below.
The issuance of paper decals for residents and scratch-hang tags for visitors required residents
to either pay for and retrieve the decals/scratch tags in person at the City's Customer Service
Center or mail a payment and receive the decals/scratch tags by mail. Furthermore, additional
City staff time was required to handle the influx of customers and the processing of mail orders.
Mailing the decals and/or scratch tags presented issues with delays; reports of lost, damaged, or
stolen decals;and residents neglecting to affix the new decal on their vehicle prior to the expiration
date of the old decal, and consequently, being towed. Similarly, there were numerous issues with
scratch tags not properly scratched by visitors or hung on the visitors' vehicles, thereby resulting
in invalid citations or unnecessary tows.
Additionally, the visitor scratch-hang tag system resulted in some fraudulent activities. For
example, the City staff discovered that some residents would purchase scratch tags (at a cost of
$3 each)in advance and re-sell them on the internet at a much higher rate, especially during high
impact periods and major special events in the City.
With regard to enforcement, the paper decaVscratch tag system required parking enforcement
officers to conduct a visual inspection of the zone number, matching license plate number, and
decal or scratch tag expiration date. This visual inspection required by parking enforcement
officers was prone to human error that led to the issuance of numerous invalid citations and
unnecessarily towed vehicles.
In some instances, residential parking permits would be revoked by the City, which required a
notification to parking enforcement officers with the permit numbers and/or scratch tag numbers
in order to identify the unauthorized decals and/or scratch tags and tow the vehicle(s) as
necessary.
Current Virtual Residential Parking Permit System
In 2016, to improve efficiency, increase transparency and accountability, and keep pace with
technology, innovations and best practices in the parking industry, the Administration transitioned
from a residential parking permit decal and visitor scratch-hang tag system to a paperless/virtual
and automated parking permit system (XParking)based on vehicle license plate tags. The virtual
permits are enforced by the Parking Department through the use of License Plate Reader("LPR")
systems. In addition to utilizing new technology and improving convenience for our residents and
visitors, the current X Parking virtual parking permit system addressed a number of issues that
existed with the prior residential parking decal and visitor scratch-hang tag system.
XParking enables residents to quickly obtain and renew parking permits from the comfort of their
homes or any other location. Additionally, XParking allows residents to remotely purchase virtual
visitor parking permits online and in real-time - a significant improvement over the prior visitor
scratch-hang tag system. The current virtual parking permit system simplified both the purchase
and enforcement of residential zone permits and consequently reduced the number of authorized
vehicles being towed.
The current virtual parking permit system requires that parking enforcement officers scan the
license plates, after the correct zone is selected on the officers' tablets, to verify possession of a
residential zone permit. This system automatically determines whether the vehicle has a valid
parking permit. Furthermore, the current virtual parking permit system allows for the immediate
cancellation of permits online,facilitates enforcement through the use of technology, and reduces
human error.
Additional Enforcement Benefits of the Current Virtual Parking Permit Program in Residential
Zones
• Virtual permits require the scanning of vehicle license plates which creates a database that
can be queried for Police-related matters.
• Scanning of license plates provides a measure of employee productivity and accountability as
the number of scans by parking enforcement officers is currently tracked and monitored by
Parking Department staff to evaluate employee performance.
• While scanning vehicle tags, the Miami-Dade County database is simultaneously checked
identifying scofflaws (individuals who have accumulated large debt in unpaid parking
citations). Once scofflaws are identified, the City receives the entirety of the scofflaw revenue,
regardless of where the citations were originally issued. During the first two (2) months of
calendar year 2024, City parking enforcement officers identified 84 scofflaws. Of these, 82
individuals ultimately paid outstanding fines totaling $36,509. For calendar year 2023, 589
scofflaws were identified, and of these, 524 individuals paid outstanding fines in the amount
of$239,873.
The FERC expressed a desire for residents to be able to visually enforce residential parking in
their neighborhoods. While a residential parking decal program would allow residents to visually
identify permitted and unpermitted vehicles, the implementation of such a program would not
include permitted visitor vehicles(approximately 70,000 visitor permits are issued annually by the
City) unless a visitor decal program is implemented in conjunction with a residential decal
program. It is worth noting that the current virtual parking permit system allows registered
residents to electronically verify - via the City's virtual permit application system on their
smartphone- if a vehicle(residential or visitor)is legally permitted to park in a residential zone.
Mandatory vs Hybrid/Dual Residential Parking Permit Decal Program
As discussed under the Background section of this Commission Memorandum, the FERC
discussed the potential of implementing a hybrid/dual program which would maintain the virtual
residential parking permit system and give residents the option to purchase and display a paper
decal on their vehicle. Below is a table summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of a
mandatory residential parking permit decal program and a hybrid/dual residential parking permit
decal program.
Mandatory Residential Parking Permit Decal Program
Advantages Disadvantages
Residents would be able to enforce parking in Inconvenience to residents — requires
residential zones by visually inspecting residents to either pick-up their decal in person
parked vehicles for decals without having to or have their decal mailed, and to affix the
log-in to their virtual parking permit accounts decal to their vehicle.
(note: this excludes visitor permits).
Affects parking enforcement supervisors'
• ability to track officers' enforcement
efforts/productivity.
Increase in annual operating expenses of
$306,000 in year 1 and $352,000 in year 2.
Hybrid/Dual Residential Parking Permit Decal Program
Advantages Disadvantages
Residents would be able to enforce parking in Inconvenience to residents - requires
residential zones by visually inspecting parked residents to either pick-up their decal in person
vehicles for decals without having to log-in to or have their decal mailed, and to affix the
their virtual parking permit accounts(note:this decal to their vehicle.
excludes visitor permits).
Residents would have the option to opt-out of Fewer registered vehicles would display
the decal program and continue to use the decals and, thus, not visually enforceable by
current virtual permit parking system. residents.
Increase in annual operating expenses of
$228,000 in year 1 and $263,000 in year 2.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Based on discussions with the Finance Department, both residential parking permit decal program
options (mandatory and hybrid/dual) would require additional staffing at the City's Customer
Service Center as well as additional funds for the purchase and mailing of the paper decals. The
estimated annual fiscal impact for each program is as follows:
1. Mandatory Decal Program-$306,000 in year one(1): includes three(3)full-time Customer
Service Representatives at a total cost (salary plus benefits) of $236,000; plus $70,000
for issuance of parking decals in year one(1).
2. Hybrid/Dual Program - $228,000 in year one (1) (includes two (2) full-time Customer
Service Representatives at a total cost (salary plus benefits) of $158,000; plus $70,000
for issuance of parking decals in year one (1).
Note the cost estimates provided above are based on issuing decals to all current virtual
residential parking permit holders in the City(approximately 10,000 permittees). It does not reflect
the number of residents that might opt-out of the decal program (under the hybrid/dual program)
nor does it reflect the cost for the implementation of a decal program for the proposed North
Beach Restricted Residential Parking Permit ("RRPP") zones, if approved by the City
Commission.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
The Business Impact Estimate (BIE)was published on . See BIE at:
https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meetinq-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Should the City Commission direct the Administration to move forward with the implementation of
a residential parking decal permit program, either mandatory or hybrid/dual, approval of an
operating budget enhancement would be required as part of the ongoing Fiscal Year 2023/2024
budget process to fund the operating costs associated with such program.
CONCLUSION
Since 2016, the City has been utilizing a virtual parking permit system, including in residential
zones, based on license plate registrations and LPRs for enforcement. The value of a virtual
parking permit system is that it increases expediency, improves customer service, and helps to
maintain staff productivity and the integrity of residential permitted zones,
The Administration believes that a residential parking permit decal program would decrease
efficiency, limit transparency,and increase administrative costs. The Administration recommends
that the potential reinstitution of a residential parking permit decal program, whether on a
mandatory or hybrid/dual basis, should be discussed by the City Commission for input and
direction.
Should the City Commission direct the Administration to move forward with a residential parking
permit decal program, the Administration recommends a hybrid/dual program which would
continue to require residents to register their vehicle license plates for enforcement purposes and
to maintain the integrity of the permit program, white giving residents the option to obtain a
residential parking decal permit.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Project?
Yes No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which,as defined in Code Sec.2-481
includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): N/A
Department
Parking
Sponsor(si
Commissioner David Suarez
Co-sponsor(si
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
DocuSin Envelope ID'CO8F3758-3CE9-4F6F-e5CE-06A49R11C122 Attachment A
9
eJ ,A I vAi [ i_ Aga F i
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NO.LTC# 062-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION
To. Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commissio
FRoMfOrRafael Granado, City Clerk REGIS BARBOU�
DATE February 16,2024
SUBJECT. TPBPF Committee Motion—Citywide Limit to Total of Residential Parking Permits
per Household&Continuation of Virtual Permits
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide you with correspondence received
rr from the Transportation, Parking & Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee.
DB
l l
RW/MB
C: Eric Carpenter, Deputy City Manager
Mark Ta1ds, Assistant City Manager
Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager
Monica Beltran, Parking Director
Jose Gonzalez, Transportation and Mobility Director
DucaSign Envelope ID.CDBF3759-3CE9-4F6F.135CE-06A49AI1C122
5raimpartalien,y�Y�arding 4' /efq c&-fedeaGYian
�rR'C[�ifieA Low ptYeG
TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Marcia Ouprat Leona,Chair
Linda xviko,Vice-Chair FROM: Transportation,Parking&Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee
DATE: February 16,2024
Members:
Patricia Henao SUBJECT:Citywide Limit to Total of Residential Parking Permits per Household&
Joe Saunders Eva Dias Continuation of Virtual Permits
Esteban Procelli
Amy Rabin Members Present Marcia Dupm(Leport,Linda Kalka;Cynthia Esquivel;Amy Fabin;
Harvey Burstein Po[nnaNmoo,Esteban Pvrttlli;Harvey Bvrsrein;Joe Saunders;Eva Dies;Lll'rana Martinez;Akil Lester&
Cynthia Esquivel Peter Matos
Lilian Martinez
Akll Lester
Peter Maros Dear Honorable Mayor and City Commission:
The Transportation,Parking and Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee(TPBPFC)held its
hybrid meeting on Monday,February 12,2024,and passed the below motion:
Citywide limit to Total of Residential Parking Permits per Household&Continuation of
Virtual Permits
The Transportation,Parking,and Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee passed a motion
supporting the proposal below,with the following conditions:
• Limit the total number of Residential Parking Permits to(2)per household for residents
that reside in eligible properties within a permitted residential zone.
• Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis and aresubjectto review and approval
by the Parking Director.
• Continue use of Virtual Permits"instead of issuance of decals. Perrnitholder vehicles
would continue to be identified by their tag/license plate numbers.
As an advisory Committee,we urge the Mayor and City Commission to support this motion.
Sincerely,
Transportation,Parking&Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee
Attachment B
I ra1 .�1� , �
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NO. LTC# 233-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO. Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and of the City Commission
FRONT. Granado,City Clerk
DATE June 7, 2024
SUBJECT: TPBPF Committee Motion—Reinstitution of Residential Parking Permit Decals
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide you with correspondence received
from the Transportation, Parking & Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee.
os
ry
l .' DM/JRG
C. Eric Carpenter, Deputy City Manager
Mark Taxis, Assistant City Manager
David Martinez, Interim Assistant City Manager
Jose R. Gonzalez, Transportation &Mobility Director/Interim Parking Director
ilaanaperxtafiorg fading cC SicycEe-i°edek1ria t
sa Lunn flee
TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Eva Dias,Chair
Linda Kolko,Vice-Chair FROM: Transportation,Parking&Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee
DATE: June 7,2024
Members:
Patricia Henan SUBJECT:Reinstitution of Residential Parking Permit Decals
Joe Saunders
Esteban Procelll Members Present Undo Kalko,Amy Rabin.Esteban Porrelli,Harvey Burstein.Joe Saunders,Eva Dias.Peter
Amy Rabin Matos,Akil Lester,and Peter Ballas Boerad
Harvey Burstein
Akil tester Members Absent Patricia Henna(attended virtually)
Peter Mhos
Peter Ballas-Bograd
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Commission:
The Transportation,Parking,and Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee(TPBPFC)held its
hybrid meeting on Monday,May 13,2024,and passed the below motion:
Reinstitution of Residential Parking Permit Decals
The Transportation,Parking,and Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee passed a motion
regarding the City Commission's potential approval of reinstating the use of Residential
Parking Permit Decals.
In a letter addressed to the Commission on February 16, 2024 (ref. LTC 062-2024), the
Committee voiced its opposition to this proposal and advocated for the continuation of
the current"Virtual Permits'system,which relies on vehicle identification via tags/license
plate numbers.
The City Commission,should they opt to reintroduce decals in lieu of the current system,
is strongly advised by this body to pursue a comprehensive and streamlined approach.This
entails harnessing technology-driven and automated solutions alongside the proposed
reinstatement of decals to register and authenticate residential parking permits.Such an
initiative aims to streamline the registration process for residents and verification of
current residential parking permits by Parking Enforcement,enhancing overall efficiency
and convenience for all.
As an advisory Committee,we urge the Mayor and City Commission to support this motion.
Sincerely,
Transportation,Parking&Bicycle-Pedestrian Facilities Committee