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Traverse City Today
By the People, for the People
Traverse City Proposes Parking Code Updates with Mobile Pay and Higher Fines
Proposed changes aim to modernize parking enforcement and management in the city.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:23pm
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Traverse City's proposed parking code updates aim to modernize the city's parking management through mobile payment options and increased fines.Traverse City TodayThe Traverse City City Commission is considering amendments to the municipal traffic code that would formalize mobile payment technologies for parking and increase several parking-related fines, including raising the base fine for parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant from $15 to $40. The proposed revisions are intended to reflect the evolution of parking technology and provide the city with more flexibility in managing parking meter hours and operations.
Why it matters
As cities adapt to changing mobility trends and technologies, Traverse City's proposed parking code updates demonstrate how local governments are working to modernize their parking systems and enforcement practices. The changes aim to improve convenience for drivers while also generating more revenue to support parking infrastructure and management.
The details
The proposed amendments would formally recognize three types of parking systems used in Traverse City: single-space meters, multi-space pay stations, and mobile application sessions. The updates would also remove specific activation times from the city code, allowing the Parking Services Division more flexibility to adjust operational practices. Additionally, the monthly rate ceiling for surface parking permits would increase from $75 to $100 per month.
- The proposed changes are scheduled for possible enactment on April 20, 2026.
- The updated meter violation fines would be implemented on July 1, 2026, alongside other scheduled rate increases.
The players
Benjamin Marentette
The Traverse City City Manager.
Nicole VanNess
The Traverse City Parking and Mobility Director, who authored the memorandum outlining the proposed parking code revisions.
What they’re saying
“Establishing this ceiling now provides the flexibility to plan for future adjustments and allows adequate time to provide public notice should the monthly rate need to exceed the currently published three-year increase.”
— Nicole VanNess, Parking and Mobility Director
What’s next
The proposed parking code amendments are scheduled to be introduced and considered for possible enactment by the Traverse City City Commission on April 20, 2026.
The takeaway
Traverse City's proposed parking code updates demonstrate how cities are modernizing their parking systems to keep pace with evolving technologies and mobility trends. By formalizing mobile payment options and providing more flexibility in managing parking operations, the city aims to improve convenience for drivers while also generating revenue to support its parking infrastructure.
