COUNCIL TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING ON PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT CHANGES

Friday, March 6, 2026

Parking Program Changes Aims to Modernize Permit Program

NEWPORT, R.I. (FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026) – Following a first reading during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 11th, City Councilors will be meeting in a special session on Thursday, March 12th at 7 p.m. at City Hall for the sole purpose of taking up on second reading a proposal to amend the City’s Residential Parking Permit program.

If adopted, the proposal would go into effect for the upcoming parking season, which begins in May.

Under the new proposal, the City would establish two categories of residential permits, with priority given to year-round Newport residents and active-duty military stationed locally.

If adopted, each full-time Newport resident would be entitled to three free residential parking permits. Meanwhile, individual non-resident property owners, along with tenants with leases of more than seven months but less than twelve months would be entitled to no more than one parking permit per residential property owner or lessee; and properties owned by limited liability companies or trusts would be permitted no more than two permits per address. Permit fees —if any — in this category would be determined by the City Council.

If passed, any Newport resident interested in securing a permit will be required to provide updated documentation on an annual basis—either by internet or in-person application—in order to verify residency, property ownership or lease status, and provide valid vehicle registration. Additional information about the program is available on the City’s website at www.CityofNewport.com/ResidentParking.

In addition to qualifying for on-street parking in designated residential neighborhoods, permit holders would also be provided free access to Easton’s Beach throughout the summer and three free hours of parking in any metered space across the City or municipal lot.

Once issued, permits would be tied to specific vehicle registrations and verified by Police traffic aids and electronic license plate readers. As always, the meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.