90% OF DOWNTOWN SURFACE PARKING LOTS OPERATE WITHOUT PERMITS
There are hundreds of surface parking lots in thew downtown core and the majority of them operate without valid permits. Many of these lots are in disrepair, appear unsightly and unattractive, lack maintenance, lighting and landscaping. Rather than investing in the needed repairs and improvements lots owners seem to be waiting until the properties can be sold for redevelopment.City officials say bringing the unpermitted lots into the same compliance as permitted lots would be difficult & costly. The city could apply existent rules, bylaws and fines and reinvest that money.