SANDPOINT — Sandpoint is set to launch its paid parking program on July 1, according to a press release sent out Tuesday. 

In preparation for the launch of the city’s paid parking program, permits will be available for sale on an online portal at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 8. 

Permits will be available for all city residents at $20 a year or $35 a year for a county resident. City staff said that permits allow for eight hours of parking in all city lots and waterfront areas, including the City Beach and Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail parking lot. 

Those without a permit will have to pay an hourly fee, which will not exceed $3 an hour. On-street parking will remain free for the allotted time frame, but there will be an option to overstay in the two-hour parking zones for a fee of up to $5 an hour. 

“The reality is that many of these facilities have suffered from decades of deferred maintenance and underinvestment, while visitor use has continued to increase,” Mayor Jeremy Grimm said in the release. “This program helps ensure that the people who benefit from our parking lots, waterfront facilities, boat launches and beaches contribute to their upkeep while keeping access affordable for local residents.” 

Also on July 1, the city will require seasonal boat launch permits, which can be purchased at the same online portal. Those launching their boat without a permit will be required to pay a $10 daily launch fee, according to the release. 

City staff said in the press release that revenue generated from the program will partly go toward improving city-owned parking facilities and infrastructure, including City Beach. Grimm added that state laws handicap city revenue and force cities to find other ways to maintain the public services that residents expect. 

“State law limits annual property tax budget growth to three percent per year, while costs for healthcare, public safety, construction materials, equipment and infrastructure maintenance continue to rise well beyond that rate,” Grimm said. “This program creates a dedicated user-supported revenue source that helps preserve critical community infrastructure without placing the full burden on local taxpayers.” 

Permits can be purchased starting Monday, June 8, at sandpoint.thepermitportal.com. More information about the paid parking can be found on the city’s website, sandpointidaho.gov/parking.