PARKING: West Seattle Junction RPZ signs about to go up

Back in September, SDOT said the signage for the new Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) in the West Seattle Junction would go up “in the first two weeks of November.” So now that we’re halfway through the first week, asked a reader, what’s the plan? We took the question to SDOT today. The reply via spokesperson Dawn Schellenberg: Installation will start “as soon as tomorrow.” (Please let us know if/when you see the crews/signs!) People who live on the RPZ-signed blocks can buy permits for exemption from the new restrictions – but the permits do not guarantee parking, they just guarantee that the restrictions don’t apply to you if you find a space. If you live in the area, you should have received mail from the city explaining how to get a permit

WSEA November 5, 2019 (6:51 pm)

I’m believe there is more 2 hour parking around 37/38 and Alaska which is not listed on the map. I.e. around YMCA and other stores. I find it ironic that we don’t provide parking garages for public transit but push people to use public transit. Catch 22 or at least its what I’ve experienced. I’ll just keep biking into work until its worked out.

Jon Wright November 5, 2019 (7:31 pm)

Parking garages are a terrible value proposition. There is the high cost to build them, the opportunity cost of what you could have used that land and money for, and they create a big black hole of lifelessness in the neighborhood.

WSEA November 6, 2019 (8:58 am)

I agree with your statement on cost but I think you’re looking too narrow. We need someone to think out of the box to allow car access via garages. What about partnering with apartment building to allow tenets to uses them during the evening and commuters during the day. In my sisters community (outside Seattle), they allow companies to use the structure after commute times (I,e. outdoor bootcamps), or farmers markets, fairs, etc.. Parking issues is only going to get worse so we need some real thinkers to figure out to get make parking attainable. Heck, I cant even drive to the junction anymore unless I leave early in the afternoon (senior hours) for dinner.
- Jon Wright November 7, 2019 (4:39 pm)
  
  Utilizing existing residential parking is entirely different than razing a city block and building a ginormous parking garage on prime real estate. Here is a Seattle Times article about a startup that is trying to facilitate what you suggest.

Eric November 5, 2019 (8:03 pm)

I was told there was a way for employees of the Junction to get a pass from WSDOT. Is this true? Please provide a link if possible. Thanks!

KBear November 6, 2019 (9:10 am)

No, permits are only for residents and their guests.
https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/SDOT/ParkingProgram/rpz/DS_Final_WSeattle_RPZ_Proposal_FAQ_Flyer.pdf

MK November 5, 2019 (8:07 pm)

Hope the city hired more PEOs. People don’t obey signs in large numbers from what I’ve noticed.

Sue H November 5, 2019 (8:55 pm)

I used to be able to park all day in that area (on the rare occasion I needed to) with a handicapped placard. Now that they’re putting in this zone, is it safe to assume that I can no longer do that? I will not have an RPZ permit, just a handicap placard.

Sue H November 6, 2019 (10:53 am)

I actually found an answer to my question on the city’s FAQ website, if anyone else was wondering:Q: I am disabled with a disabled parking placard (or license
plate). Do I need an RPZ sticker too?

A: No. A valid disabled parking permit allows you to park in
Restricted Parking Zones up to the citywide 72-hour limit. https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/parking-program/restricted-parking-zone-program/rpz-faq

NW November 5, 2019 (9:07 pm)

How many feet from either side of my driveway along the curb am I able to paint to deter people from parking too close to it?

Rick November 5, 2019 (9:28 pm)

I believe it is 5 feet from the radius of the curb.
TSurly November 5, 2019 (9:33 pm)

Five feet https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/parking-program/parking-regulations/driveway-markings
Seriously? November 5, 2019 (9:41 pm)

@NW – as I understand it, you must have a 5ft clearance in front of or behind a car when parking near driveways.
Happyimoved November 5, 2019 (10:24 pm)

Unfortunately people will park within the 5ft anyway, even with the yellow paint.
- West Seattle Guy November 6, 2019 (12:50 pm)
  
  I had a crazy (unfamiliar) neighbor yell at me for respecting the painted curb saying I didn’t have to pay attention to it (he was worried I was wasting curb space. And was otherwise a little nutty.).About to buy a car again thanks to the loss of lime pods and reachnow. One more spot bites the dust.

Happyimoved November 5, 2019 (10:05 pm)

NW you can paint 5ft out. It’s also enforceable, I’ve had to have people towed because they think people dont need to turn as they’re backing out of the driveway. I’ve always had parking enforcement out within an hour.

NW November 6, 2019 (11:02 am)

I have traffic paint a few pails on hand will most likely start at either end of my alley.

Mj November 5, 2019 (10:34 pm)

The City should monetize the street parking. This would be a very equitable way to raise money.

carole November 6, 2019 (1:19 am)

The city should also paint the curbs red for 30 feet from a stop sign, because too many people part way too close to stop signs.

Arthur Lund November 6, 2019 (6:08 am)

Every week I call traffic enforcement because my well marked driveway on Delridge is blocked by ignorant or indifferent parkers. I have been asked by ticketed drivers “what give a you the right?”! I am guessing that they forgot that part of the test when applying for a license. State and local law give me that right. Now I learn that 80 new units are coming to the neighborhood that have no parking provisions. Brilliant plan! :(

LK November 6, 2019 (7:54 am)

This is going to be a real bummer for folks like myself who live within block or two of the new zone, but most difficult for our visiting friends and family. Expect the available parking on my narrow street to get eaten up early in the day. Hopefully it’ll be less congested in the evening and weekends. Glad I have a garage.

JD November 11, 2019 (1:16 pm)

No signs nearly a week later.

Sarah McCaghren November 18, 2019 (2:08 pm)

Does anyone know when the City will start ticketing if we don’t have permits?The RPZ signs went up at Dakota & 42nd this morning.

WSB November 18, 2019 (2:58 pm)

Thanks for mentioning! We’ll go out for a pic. Meantime, technically they CAN enforce immediately this report from another neighborhood last year indicates there COULD be a grace period, but I wouldn’t count on it. I’ll ask for the official response, though.
https://www.wallyhood.org/2018/12/rpz-parking-enforcement-begins/#gsc.tab=0

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