Iowa City considering permit parking for mopeds, motorcycles

IOWA CITY – The City Council is scheduled to vote July 5 on an ordinance that would require permits for moped and motorcycle parking.

Moped drivers currently are allowed to park their vehicles alongside bicycles at racks, but some city officials and members of  the public have complained about mopeds being on sidewalks and blocking racks.

City staff is recommending a permit system be established for mopeds and motorcycles. Permits would cost $50 a year, or $25 for a semi-annual one. Staff have identified 14 locations in the downtown area were permit parking would be available, creating 93 spaces. (See the map on pg. 89 here.)

Mopeds and motorcycles would still be allowed in metered spaces and in parking ramps, but the free parking in ramps would be converted to permit parking, with the areas expanded.

A public hearing and the first of three votes needed to pass the ordinance is scheduled to be held at the council's July 5 meeting.