Gainesville residents hoping to sell Game-Day parking will have to pay close attention to an ordinance the city plans to enforce more rigidly this year.
Over the weekend, officials from Gainesville's code enforcement division reminded property owners that selling spaces on their lawn for parking requires a permit and a fee.
"It's really an education process at this point," Gainesville spokesman Bob Woods said.
Later this season, unlicensed lawn parking will result in fines.
Violators will face punishment ranging from warnings to $500 fines and court appearances for repeat offenders.
Woods said the ordinance has been in effect since last year, and the number of applications for permits has doubled since then.
A parking permit for lots in business zones costs $26.25, and private lots are charged $52.50 for up to 25 spaces - after 25, the permit costs $157.50.
"This is really an attempt just to observe the extent of the yard parking that was taking place," Woods said. "Our concern is not to fine property owners; our concern is to gain compliance."
According to Woods, homeowners - not those who rent the houses - will be held responsible for infractions.
Woods said the city intends to have officials out and about for the next few weekends. Any property owners found without a permit will be asked to apply for one.
"At some point, and I don't want to say exactly when that point will be, the city will begin to actively enforce the ordinance, after an appropriate number of exception days have passed," Woods said.
The funds gained from the permit fees and possible future fines will be put toward the city's general fund, such as the fire department, Woods said.
He said those wishing to obtain a parking permit will go through a simple process. Applicants can fill out a request online and pay a fee, and the documentation will be sent to the property owner.
